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The
Dream Team has helped me become a better coach and kept me fit at
the same time! I came home in an honest 10 hours, 36 minutes
(50th) slower than my last Ironman in Hawaii but then I am seven
years older-and with a lot more responsibilities.
During
the week following the race I asked the Dream Team members for
their impressions of the Lanzarote Ironman.
BRIAN
BOWER
Swim:
1.17.20. Bike: 7.41.33. Run: 4.16.13.
Standing
in the dimly lit transition area at 5-30am in Lanzarote, I
couldn't believe I had made it. I was actually standing there
waiting for the beginning of the longest day in my sporting life.
Maybe
it was the fact that I knew that I had done the required training
or maybe it was the fact that I was surrounded by my fellow mates
in the 'Dream Team'-whatever-I was aware that I was feeling
strangely calm about what was about to take place. My one
remaining fear was the swim; but I knew that when it came down to
it, it was going to be mind over matter that would make the
difference. A strong mind, Rick had shown us, would get us through
all the low points of the day. He also compared the day to a long
day at the office with some overtime. He said: "You guys are
used to that. Take each stage as it comes and deal with it just as
you would do at work." I am an early morning person-1 get to
work early in order to tackle the tasks I don't like doing first,
then my day gets better as it goes on. That's how the Ironman
worked out for me as well. The swim was the thing I disliked the
most. The bike was going to be a long hard grind, one which I
hadn't got a tremendous amount of years' experience behind me;
then my passion event, the run, finishes the day.
Therefore,
as time passed, I knew my day would get better.
Finally
the moment had arrived. 7am, a loud klaxon, and we were off. My
heart rate was over 180 and I was shaking with anticipation. Once
in the swim though, I was amazed at how quickly I found my rhythm.
The equipment was superb; goggles remained in place and no
steaming (thanks TYR). The wet suit gave me such buoyancy that I
was actually enjoying the sensation of gliding through the water,
as I had never done before. I was out on the beach in 1 hour, 15
minutes, a clear 24 minutes ahead of our calculations-wow!!
A
hectic transition, then out on the bike. With all the excitement,
it's easy to get carried away and ride off too hard. I reminded
myself that today is all about energy management. I check my Idass
heart rate monitor and bring it down to 140bpm and start eating
carbs and drinking Leppin. In Lanzarote, the bike course is made
up of heartbreaking steep climbs, head on winds and fast descents.
I am sure there are easier stages, but I find it difficult to
recall them. As the day goes on, the heat becomes more intense. I
desperately try to add more sun block to my now burning arms and
legs. I'm drinking a full size water bottle every 30 minutes and
consuming Leppin squeezies at the same rate. After 7 hours, 30
minutes, I reach Puerto Del Carmen, quads and calves bursting! A
transition of 5 minutes, and it's out on the run. At last, all the
mechanical and technical bits are over, now it's just me-my mind
and body. At first it's really tough on the legs, they just don't
want to get into a rhythm. It's just a hard grind for the first
six miles. I continue drinking whilst my pace is disturbed.
Eventually things get easier. Although extremely tired, I start to
move smoothly. The heart monitor was only 150bpm-20 beats below my
normal running heart rate. Was this an indication of muscle
fatigue?
Just
after half way-I'm still moving efficiently but it's really
hurting now. It's at this point that friends and loved ones start
to get you through. They were superb. Their day had in many ways
been just as traumatic. They wanted their man to achieve his
dream, and they were giving all they had to push us all onward.
4
miles to go and I start to cramp up in my hamstrings and calf
muscles. "Come on, don't give in, nearly there!"
Over
the brow of the hill and the tannoy calls my name. People cheer,
friends are there. Sarah's going ballistic, there's Rick looking
fresh, and Sinead, even baby Molly's waving. My eyes fill with
tears and from nowhere my heart finds some extra beats, my monitor
starts to climb-amazing what emotions can do for your body.
Over
the line 13 hours 15 minutes and wow-a four hour marathon. I just
can't take it all in.
Kenneth
Gasque, race director greets us all with a handshake. Thanks-it
was a unique and wonderful event. No race has ever done this to me
before. I just want to hug the World, anybody that's near. This is
it, I have achieved my dream. Thanks Rick, guys and loved ones,
you made it happen for me.
As
I lie in the recovery tent with an IV drip in my arm, I play with
my Ironman Timex watch and look at my splits, I have a quiet
moment to myself to reflect and look to the future.
Now
what? A few key races this summer over shorter distances and maybe
a trip to the Roth Ironman next year' To get a credible age group
time in my 45th year!
ANDY
CRUMP
Swim:
1.19.21. Bike:8.17.58. Run: 4.27.49.
All
the preparations done, bags packed, bike ready, no more talking
about the Ironman it's SHOW TIME!
It
was good running into the sea, to actually get started on the race
that we had dreamed of for so long.
The
swim was really exciting, 500 plus people all thrashing in the
same direction with shoals of fish swimming past I actually
started to enjoy myself. For so long I had imagined the gun going,
everyone swimming off at great speed and me left splashing around
hardly moving as everyone disappeared. But to my surprise, I found
I could keep up with many people, and I couldn't believe it when I
emerged from the sea in 1 hour 18 minutes feeling fresh. I was
expecting to take 1 hour, 40 minutes, to be knackered and have a
mouth like a halibut from swallowing the seawater. So things were
looking up. It's amazing the buoyancy and comfort gained form a
wet suit.
A
quick shower down to get the salt off, a quick pee and then on to
the bike for what seemed the rest of the day. All I can remember
about the ride was the hills, wind and more hills with a bit more
wind. I managed to eat my way round the bike leg. I had never
cycled 112 miles before so I did not know what to expect. It was
tough, but what a feeling of riding into the transition area with
rock music blasting out! I finished the bike leg without any
punctures or technical problems-Eureka!
The
only delay I had was in the transition when I couldn't get my foot
into my running shoe as my one-year-old-daughter, Molly, had
hidden one of her toys in there. It made me smile.
Now
the fun started. After 8 hours plus of cycling, I was delighted
with my attitude. All I was focused on was to catch all those
buggers who had cycled past me. Everyone I passed gave me energy
to push on harder.
The
run was simple; just keep going and when you feel good go quicker,
when you feel rough slow down but don't walk!
The
highlight of the race was running along the finishing mile in
darkness, crowds cheering, the emotion and fatigue of the day
mixing to give that adrenaline buzz as the hairs on the back of my
neck stood on end.
As
I approached the finish the sound of Free's All Right Now blasted
out-and it certainly was!
I
must give tribute to my partner, Lisa, and daughter, Molly, for
their fantastic support. I was still passing people to the end. To
Rick and the team for being a team and for all of the support crew
as well as the Race Organiser for making it HAPPEN.
When
I look back to what was such a long race it seems to be over in
minutes!
STEVE
LAMB
Swim:
1.12.09. Bike: 7.49.56. Run: 5.09.16.
"Aargh!
That's great-oh yeah-oohh!"
My
aching body was being expertly massaged by a beautiful young
Spanish lady. Her angelic hands squeezing and pummeling areas of
my body that I hadn't realised could hurt or feel pain before
today. I had just endured fourteen hours of intense strain and
concerted effort, pushing myself to the extreme in an attempt to
conquer the elements of this windswept volcanic mass that was
Lanzarote-success was mine-1 had become an Ironman!
I
looked over at my friend and fellow team member Andy Crump, who
lay beside me with a masseuse on each aching leg!
"Well," I thought, "he did deserve it." He
completed the marathon leg in around four hours.
My
mind was active and alive with the thoughts and images of what we
had just accomplished, even if my body felt as dormant as the
volcanic rock that formed the heart of Lanzarote. My mind drifted
and reflected on the events of the day as well as remembering
where it had all started some eight months previously.
Five
ordinary hard working guys, each had a vision to emulate the
achievements of our Ironman heroes. We had started as individuals
with a specific goal and had united in the pursuit of pushing
ourselves to the edge, stretching and testing our physical and
mental capabilities beyond what we thought we could. The bond that
had formed from this experience was unbreakable, and although we
had started as associates we had finished as lifelong friends.
I
remembered the start vividly. It was 6-50am, a warm Saturday
morning, ten minutes prior to the start. There was the final word
of encouragement from our tremendous supporters (we had brought
wives, girlfriends, children and friends) followed by the
obligatory group photo. Last minute checks to our wet suits
preceded the jostling for the right position at the front of the
beach, ready for the short run into the sea. The anticipation was
immense; we had finally arrived at the point that at times seemed
like an eternity away. We shook hands and wished each other good
luck; the moment of truth had arrived.
Buurgh!
The noise from the starter hooter signalled the charge of the 5th
Cavalry as more than 600 rubber-clad athletes ran down the short
beach front, everyone trying to get pole position, before finally
diving into the warm sea.
Friend
or foe? Depending on the current the next hour would answer that
question.
As
I'm a fairly strong swimmer, the 3.8km didn't present too many
problems and in fact proved very enjoyable. As I raced up the
beach and into the transition area to change for the bike leg, I
could feel myself smiling, I was really enjoying myself. The smile
was soon to disappear!
I
am sure Lanzarote is the eighth Wonder of the World. Wherever you
ride on the island-and we nearly covered all of it-it always seems
to be UPHILL!
Hills
and wind-they were the main features of my seven and a half hour
bike ride. This toughest of bike courses was made slightly easier
when my fellow team member, Brian, caught me at La Santa after
about 50 miles. I concentrated on trying not to lose sight of him.
Climbing the really steep hills into Haira and Mirador del Rio I
could see him in the distance, which made me even more determined
to drop my heels and dig in-I would not be beaten!
Seven
and a half hours is a long time to be out on a bike, so the change
around to marathon was almost refreshing. During the transition,
the enthusiastic helpers proceeded to make you look like a true
Brit on holiday, as they literally covered our tired exposed limbs
with high factor sun cream. The heat was intense, but I started
the marathon with renewed vigour-the end was in sight.
The
course was an out and back 2-lap route, where we would cross the
finish line for the first time before heading out again on the
second lap. The first half of the marathon was relatively pain
free. I carried on with the same philosophy as I had on the bike,
which was to eat and drink as much as I could at each feed
station.
As
soon as I turned around for the second lap my legs seemed to lose
all their strength, and the thought of running another 13 miles
seemed almost too much. By this time though, all our supporters
had gathered near the finish and were shouting and screaming words
of encouragement. The vocal support was electrifying, and I knew I
just had to keep going. My wife appeared beside me smiling and
saying how proud of me she was. Then she said something that would
get me through the rest of the race: "Not far now darling,
you're doing great! You're going to be an Ironman!" That
thought spurred me on, and I dragged my weary sunburnt leathery
body along the streets of Puerto del Carmen with that image in my
mind.
I
eventually caught Gareth in a similar state of pain at 20 miles,
and we decided to run together and help each other to the finish.
The final 6 miles was tough. The fact that Gareth was with me was
immensely satisfying and although Andy passed us with 2 miles to
go, we stuck to our game plan and kept the pace constant. The
finish was simply amazing, and no amount of words can accurately
describe the atmosphere surrounding the finish line and the
feeling of satisfaction that started to well up inside me. As
Gareth and I ran over the brow of the hill with 200 metres to go,
we were greeted by a sight that will remain with me forever. Both
sides of the road were crammed with supporters whistling, clapping
and shouting. The noise was eerie and I couldn't help smiling and
thinking: "I bet this is how Mark Alien feels every time he
wins."
Amidst
the sound of the supporters, the warm evening air was punctuated
with the anthemic sound of Huey Leweys & the New's The Power
of Love resounding from the finish line. I was deliriously happy
as Gareth and I ran side by side through this tunnel of
appreciation and applause-this moment of delight was made even
sweeter by finishing with a fellow Dream Team member.
"Aargh!
That's great - oh year - oohh!"
The
masseuse slapped my thighs, a signal that she had finished, and
smiled as she went off to help the next Ironman. I wondered how
many more times I would feel that sensation, my aching body being
given renewed life after a day spent conquering the elements.
Lanzarote
had made me an Ironman - What next? Hawaii!
GARETH
WILLIAMS
Swim:
1.07.19. Bike: 7.11.38. Run: 5.52.24.
For
me, Ironman Lanzarote hardly seemed real throughout the months of
preparation and training. Even at 4am on the race morning, there
was a feeling of suspended animation as all the competitors had
their own ways of preparing for the days ahead.
Reality,
for me, was the starting pistol, when all of the nerves
disappeared.
Feelings
turned to excitement, and almost disbelief that the race was
finally under way. The swim was over in a flash-or 1 hour, 7
minutes to be exact-and after a good transition, I could hardly
believe that I was actually starting the bike ride. Three hours
into the bike, at around the half way mark, the scale of the
challenge really started to dawn on me, although at that stage I
had no idea that I sill had almost 10 hours to go before the
finish!
As
the bike course became more severe and the headwind sapped
strength and self belief , the real personal battle began to rage
and I found myself searching for strength beyond any physical
capabilities which I may have developed through training. I
finally reached the end of the bike course in just over 7 hours,
and after a long transition I headed out onto the marathon which
was to last for some five and a half hours. A feeling of sickness
which had began half way through the bike did not go away, and
unfortunately I was hardly able to eat or drink for the whole
marathon.
I
really struggled on the run, feeling drained and pretty sick, but
at no stage did I ever consider not finishing. Seeing all the
other guys at various stages along the course was a real boost,
and particularly seeing Rick as he started his second half
marathon. I was so relieved to finally see Steve as he caught up
with me with around 7 miles to go. I will never forget his
encouragement to stay with him as he ran past me, and to finish
together with identical times after such a long day was a bonus
which I could not have imagined.
The
experience and the memories of completing the Lanzarote Ironman
will stay with me forever as one of the most awesome and
significant achievements of my life. Looking back, however, the
race itself was really only the reward for the effort and
dedication which we all had put in over the 9 months or so leading
up to the event. We each had relied upon the support and guidance
of each other, the encouragement and understanding of partners and
families, and the interest and enthusiasm of countless friends,
for the Ironman actually began nine months earlier when the Dream
Team was born. I am proud to be one of a group of people who chose
Ironman as their mountain to conquer.
You
too can achieve your goals.
Mankind
has an unbreakable spirit.
Many
people have asked me why no women? I would love to coach a Women's
Dream Team!, I would love to coach a Children's Dream Team and I
would love to coach a Disabled Dream Team.
Can
you believe that there was a blind participant in the Lanzarote
Ironman?
YOUR
DREAM COULD BECOME REALITY
If
you have your own athletic, fitness or sporting dream and would
like to know more about what Rick Kiddle's
Coaching
Programme
can offer, call him or write for full detail.
'The
Dream Team, Rick Kiddle's
Coaching
Programme',
NSCR
P.O. Box 610,
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP10 0RE
Tel. 07770 391966 e-mail:
rkiddle@internet-spinoffs.com |
