Challenge Henley-on-Thames 2013

[birdyman]

Thanks for your comments all. I apologise if I came across as underwhelmed. I think I am just a bit dazed.

I think that I am suffering from a dose of post IM blues and have had a bad cold since the race which is far more annoying than achey muscles. Coming back to work yesterday was a blow. I can’t quite believe that an overweight slacker (ie me) has managed to complete an Iron distance race. How did that happen? And the door was briefly opened to a world of possibilities. Where to go from here?

It (tri – not the LD race specifically) has genuinely changed my life. (Both me and my wallet are considerably lighter)! As seems to be the norm, I was on the Ironman website yesterday, searching for places at races for next year. Looks like I have left it a bit late, unless I want to race in Asia or the US, so next year might have to be a mid distance or two, with another Long distance race in 2015. Apparently there is an outing to Roth being planned which rather appeals.

[Tritans]

All aboard for the Roth roadshow.

[IanM]

Disappointing lack of clusters. C minus.

Just kidding, very well done, and a great report!

[CCS]

Great result Guy - really impressive.
A well planned, well executed race!
Has LD addiction set in? What next?
I know what you mean about the Adamo hurting your sit bones - I do find that even a week or two off mean that you have to re-familiarise yourself with it, but it's still the best saddle I have found.

[birdyman]

Has LD addiction set in? What next?

Absolutely. All I can think about is another Long distance event. I spoke to Nirvana on Friday about Frankfurt next year, but need a bit of time to get my head together and clear things with WAT officer. Or I might have a look at Wimbleball or even Luxembourg 70.3 for 2014 and aim for an Ironman in 2015

[Faith]

Sounds amazing - and you sound like you were pretty relaxed about the whole thing! Just shows what sticking to the plan can do! Excellent job - and yes......what next?

[Lead Balloon]

Congratulations on finishing and the decidedly un-BCTTT lack of a cluster

I think the same addiction with regards to MDs has set in with me so I'm screwed when I step the distance. Good effort on playing the Good Samaritan; there are plenty of people who would shout but have no intention of stopping.

[wannabetri]

Well done Guy. Massively impressed. I know this has been a long journey for you.....I think it was three years ago you were asking about half-IMs and IMs. Been a long time coming and it sounds as if you've had the most trouble free IM in BCTTT history. Terrible and shame on you!!!

All comes down to having a plan, keeping the ego in check and executing.

Agree with AndyB in the main part. Maybe you need that Ironman branded race or maybe you just thought it was gonna be harder and longer than it actually was. Either way - goal achieved!

[gingertri]

Good going mate! Conditions didnt look the best either!

[Sir Jibbenstein]

Great race. Not many LD races are so uneventful. Shows you prepared well for it. I am very envious!

Frankfurt is an awesome race, the atmosphere is truly amazing and it is hard not to get into the spirit of the race there.