Sensei Geoff completes Ironman Germany

At 7am on the 5th July 2009 Sensei Geoff embarked on his biggest challange ever, a full Ironman! This event comprises of a 3.8 km (2.4 mile) swim, a 180 km (112 mile) cycle followed by running a full marathon of 42.2 km (26.2 miles), no easy challenge.

The swim started with a cannon shot and fireworks and gradually 2,500 athletes made their way around the first 2.3 km loop, after a short run at the end of the lap and checking my watch to see that I was on schedule to finish before the 2 hour cut-off, I started out on the second 1.5 km lap.

Getting out of the water I was very pleased to have finished the swim in 1:34, faster than I had hoped for.

I ran into transition and made my way to my bike to get out of my wetsuit, apply suncream, get crash helmet and cycling shoes on and head out for the cycle, my transition had taken just under 8 minutes, with some welcome encouragement from Sensei Libby.
exiting the swim
out on the cycle
 Next was out onto the bike, a short (12 km) cycle along a straight German motorway took me from the lake to the start of two 84 km laps.

The crowds on parts of the bike course were amazing with scenes similar to that of the Tour de France and it really helped keep you going on the long 112 mile route.

I managed to catch a glimpse of Sensei Libby as I finished my first lap, just before the leader of the race completed his entire cycle!

Lap 2 actually seemed easier as I knew what to expect and the second 3 hours seemed to zoom past. I finished the entire cycle ride in 6:03 (slightly over my target time of just under 6 hours...) and headed into my second transition which involved getting out of cycle kit and get my running shoes and cap on and applied more suncream (which took about 6 minutes).
The run consisted of four 10.5 km laps in an ever increasing heat (it eventually maxed out at 36 degrees according to the announcer at the finish).

I kept to my game plan and ran at a steady pace, aiming for an hour a lap taking on as much ice, drink and energy gels as I could without upsetting my stomach.

I managed to keep running at my target pace, slowing down slightly at most of the food stations to make sure my drinks didn't just go all over my face!

I was really pleased to complete the entire marathon in just over 4 hours (4:00:45), despite the pain coming from my legs and knees for the entire last lap.

I was even happier when I found out that during the cycle and run I had managed to overtake over 850 other competitors!

Crossing the finishing line was an amazing experience that will be tough to match, or just until the next race...
running the marathon
coming to the finish
Heading towards the finsih up the final hill
Finished!
All finished! In total 11:53:27, a very tired and pleased Sensei Geoff!

 

 

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