This weekend saw me down at Rutland water in the pouring rain, watching my son compete in a half Iron Man distance Triathlon. The race comprises a 1.2 mile (1.9km) swim, a 56 mile bike ride (90km) and a 13.1 mile run (21.1km).
There were over 1000 entries to the race from male and female athletes, and a huge range of ages participating. Some were there in a competitive capacity, others just to say they had completed it. My son started his swim at 6.30am, and by the time I arrived the race was in full swing, with many of the men already out on the roads biking. If you haven’t been to Rutland, let me just say, it is hilly! The 56 miles is gruelling, especially in torrential rain. Attending the event is extremely exciting. There is always a great atmosphere and seeing both men and women pushing themselves to the limit physically is awe inspiring. Ben completed the race in 5 hours 2 mins and took 198th place. Not half bad out of 1000+ people, and it is only his 2nd year of competing.
When I was his age, I really can’t remember these sort of events taking place, and if they did, it was seriously uncool to be taking part, How times change! Its amazing to see the range of sporting activities available, and not just to the young. Road cycling, and the cost of a decent road bike, has made this a seriously expensive hobby, and one that is very appealing to the more mature competitor.
If Triathlon sounds too hard ( it does to me!) then there are so many other activities you can get involved in. Sport and being fit, is suddenly VERY cool!
VERY cool!