“Better to light a few candles than complain about the dark”

NEWS ITEM / TOM HARPER RAISING FUNDS

Tom Harper raised £1000 for Taste For Adventure and Brockhampton Cricket club

 Read Toms report;



 
On Sunday 13th July, 2400 people with a penchant for self harm descended on Zurich to complete the 140.6 miles of the Switzerland Ironman, I was one of those idiots. 
 
The Ironman is an ultra distance triathlon, comprising of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and rounded off with a 26.2 mile marathon. 
  
The forecast for race day was mid 30’s.  Waking up on the race morning to monsoonal rain and a sub 10 degree temperature was not in the race plan.  Looking suitably sorry for myself I donned my wetsuit, and walked down the promenade to the beautiful lake Zurich. 
 
After a few words of wisdom and my 1st of many RedBull’s it was time to get in the water.  With 2400 people splashing their way round it can be best described as a washing machine.  I came out in 1.02hrs and was really happy with my “warm up”. 
 
The Bike winds its way round lake Zurich and up into the Alps for a scenic 2 loop course.  Having only cycled for 6 months prior the event I was a tad undercooked, needless to say the uber Europeans who grew up battling proper hills made me look a tad stupid.  With strong winds, torrential rain and only my two piece man-kini to keep me warm, it is fair to say I was feeling a tad sorry for myself.  Especially when the Spedo say’s 98miles to go and you are shivering on the saddle.  Over 300 people dropped out on the bike, many with mild hypothermia. After 6.30 hrs, 1500m climbing, 1 puncture, 12 energy gels, 3 cliff bars, a malt loaf and 6 litres of Gatorade it was over.
 
I had spent the last 6 hours looking forward to the marathon, a very odd sensation.  The 4 lap course winds through Zurich and is lined with spectators, aid stations and those horrible plastic rattlers.  The first lap was highly enjoyable, I felt really good and was moving freely.  After about 8 miles the wheels unfortunately came off, I hit what is known as “the wall” and my body started to shut down.  The remaining 18 miles still remain a bit of a blur, my only memories being of people queuing to get medical attention and hearing “Eye of the Tiger” on repeat around the course.  After 3.55 hr marathon it was over and the job was done.
 
My final time was 11hrs 33mins (including transitions) placing me 14th in my age group.

 
After a prolonged period of walking like John Wayne and refusing to take of my finishers T-shirt I vowed to never race an Ironman again. It is finally time to put my running shoes away and try to rediscover my drinking legs….. well at least for a while.
 
I manage to raise over £1000 for two charities by completing the race  a big thank you to all those who made donations. 


http://www.justgiving.com/tomharperironmanswitzerland