Roth Ironman Challenge
28/07/2010
Roth Ironman Challenge
It’s hard to know where to begin when writing the story of one man’s efforts over the past year and a half or more of planning and dedication to training to take part in one race. The preparation was vital, however, as Robin Guy of Newport and District Running Club and also Stafford Tri Club had entered the Roth Ironman Challenge near Nurenburgh in Germany – something that most normal human beings can only wonder at.
Just take in the statistics – a 2.4 mile swim in open water. No nice warm swimming pools with showers afterwards. This was followed immediately afterwards by a cycle ride of 112 miles and if that wasn’t enough to make him sore then a full 26 mile marathon had to be run to complete the event, and remember that this was a race, not just a steady pace to be completed in their own time.
Robin knew that he was doing something special when at the airport a lady asked him if he was doing the race. He replied that he was and asked if she was too. “No” she replied, “but my daughter Chrissie is”. For those who don’t know, Chrissie Wellington is the female world record holder for the Ironman Triathlon and for Robin; it was like talking to the Queen Mother!
The day of the race came round and Robin entered the water at 7.10am in a wave of around 200 others. As the cannon sounded to start the race, Robin said it was like being in a washing machine full of thrashing arms and legs, but he managed to avoid trouble by swimming behind another athlete to conserve energy and completed the first discipline in 1hr 05min.
Onto the bike and out along the scenic roads on the edge of the Bavarian forests where the Germans in the villages were having parties and shouting encouragement to the riders. Robin was so busy waving to one set of supporters that he missed the turn and had to turn round. One of the hills in the bike stage was the Solarberg and the crowds were like a mountain stage on the Tour de France. At times there was only room for riders in single file, but there were also some fast downhill sections with some exciting descents down winding roads. The bike section was completed in 5hrs 33min.
Once off the bike and into the marathon the temperature began to climb, but fortunately there were plenty of water and sponge stations to help keep him cool. At around the halfway point in the run it was beginning to hurt, but by breaking the remaining distance into sections, he managed to get a second wind at about the 20 mile mark. Before he knew it he had only 3K to go and there were big crowds through the town of Roth to encourage the athletes to the finish line. Robin completed the marathon in 3hrs 46min to give a total time for the whole event of 10hr 24min.
The competitors were presented with a nice medal and a handshake and a very large beer at the finish. Only in Germany! Robin should be proud of his efforts and appreciates that he has had a fantastic experience in a brilliantly organised event.
