1^st August 2010

This was the inaugural event in Regensburg and my 4^th IM start. Regensburg is a historical city, a UNESCO heritage site, set on the Danube river.

We arrived on the Monday still in celebratory mood following Jimmy’s great race in Antwerp the day before.

The week was spent doing the usual taper sessions, sussing the lake, bike route and good pre race eaterys (I have mentioned before that food is always a priority!).

The organisation of the race was superb and it was good to know we were in the hands of German efficiency.

The weather had been very mixed during the week but the forecast for race day was hot and sunny and it proved correct.

We drove up to the lake on race morning and I felt quite calm as I set out my transition area. I had my race plan and had decided that in this event I was going to do everything I needed to be safe and comfortable during my race, a lesson learnt from Kona.

As we were herded to the beach I became aware of just how big this event was….an estimated 2000 or so competitors were lining up for the beach start along with me. It was great having Jim and Karl at the start too, a comforting thought that two team mates would be doing this Ironman too and I started to feel the buzz as we all wished each other well just before the gun went off!

It was a beach start so the first few metres were a scrum but I soon found relatively clear water and settled into my stroke for the 3.8km, one loop swim.As we swam along the first long straight I  stayed wide of the field and out of trouble. The swim seemed to be over before I knew it and I was amazed at the noise the crowds were making, they were shouting and encouraging us all as we ran up the beach and into T1. I glanced at my watch…56 mins!!!This was going to be a good day!

Got to my bike and methodically ran through my transition. I took time to smother my shoulders in sun screen. As I said earlier, I intended to stay safe on this event. Got everything I needed for the bike section, unracked my lovely TT bike, gave Mum, Dad and Jimmy a big grin before I set off. I was delighted to see them there at T1.

The bike route was a two loop course with two very distinct sections; the first 25km of the loop was climbing and the second half of the loop was much flatter but more technical as it wound through lots of villages.The support was great as we climbed up to the high point of the course and the marshalling was fantastic. Mum, Dad and Jimmy had stationed themselves at a point about 45 km into the loop which was perfect – was brilliant to see them and gave them a wave as I pedalled past. My nutrition strategy was working well and I felt good.

The first loop seemed to fly past and I was soon back at the lake ready to start the second loop. The second time up the climbs felt a lot harder than the first time!! At the top of the course Jim came past me with his usual “ hello mate!”. Had a brief chat before he disappeared off ahead, looking very strong indeed!

The second loop was slower but with 60km to go I did my sums and worked out that if I maintained a certain average speed through the villages I could get pretty close to 6 hours. Felt abit emotional at this point as I realised I was having the race of my life!  Gave the support team a wave as I went past them a second time and  pushed on for the final section and came to T2 very pleased to get off  my bike(as much as I love it) but jubilant with my time so far.

Once again just took my time in T2 making sure I did everything I needed to to feel as comfortable as possible. I have regretted not putting vaselene around the armholes before a long run before and did not want to get sore arms from rubbing seams at this point…so half a tub went round my armpits!

Shoes on, hat on and off I trotted onto the run course….it was awesome, the crowds were in party mood and I heard my name being called over and over(we had our names on our numbers).The support all around the 10km loop was fantastic, it is difficult to describe but it really does carry you,keeps you strong and fills you with emotion. Heard my brilliant support crew yelling to me and went over to have a quick word with them, letting them know I was feeling ok. Off I set on the loop which took us through the city centre on cobbles and into a park which undulated up and down on a gravel type path.It was a challenging loop and certainly not flat. The aid stations were excellent and situated at approximately 2km intervals. This made the loop manageable as I knew that water, electrolytes, ice and sponges were never too far away.

I ran the first 20km well and my plan was to run the first 26km then see how I felt(26km was my longest training run). Unfortunately I could start to feel knee pain as I approached 25km and had to adopt a run/walk/ice/stretch strategy. I felt very frustrated but did not fall apart and simply re adjusted my finishing goal time.

As I went past Mum, Dad and Jimmy the fourth time I explained what was happening but gave them all a hug and grinned as I knew I was nearing the end of an epic day and even with having to walk/run I was going to smash my previous best time.

I cannot put into words what I felt as I came round the end of that fourth run loop into the finishers chute. All I  can say is that all the pain and tiredness falls away for those few moments and pure elation carries you across the finish line.

Apparently I had a huge smile on my face!

My finish time was 11:54, a time I am delighted with!

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who sent such lovely messages before and after the race, and to my Mum, Dad and Jimmy for their immense support always.

I also want to say a massive well done to Jim and Karl, who both completed their first IM events –  brilliant the both of them!

Three days later I am starting to walk normally again……