We are Ironmen

Andy & Denise before the start of the Ironman 70.3 South Africa 2011

We survived the cold, rain and wind to complete our first Ironman 70.3. With close to 2,800 entries this was a record for South Africa in a sport that seems to be gaining popularity very quickly. The conditions were tough on a course that many claim to be one of the hardest in the world. We are hoping that the San Juan Ironman 70.3 we are taking part in on 19th March is a little easier going.

We were both a little disappointed with our times clocking in with totals of 5h41 and 6h34 respectively. Respectable times but a little off the pace we were aiming for and still a far cry from the pros with the winners crossing the finishing line in 4h06 (male) and 4h39 (female). Amazing!

Denise & Andy the day before Half Ironman

Now our focus shifts back on to world tour planning. Flight bookings, hotels, packing lists, travel insurance (ugh!) and plenty of other logistics. Having said that we still need to keep up the training as between now and then we are participating in a number of other races and of course still need to stay fit for our Caribbean Ironman 70.3 début in San Juan whilst on world tour. At least we can do so knowing that we have already earned the title of “Ironman”. Okay, okay – “Half Ironman”.