This year has seen our Lab Rats here at The DM Lab tackle loads of new things for the first time. We’ve always had an interest in health and fitness outside of work, but 2015 saw us step up our game and train toward initially an Ironman 70.3 (half an Ironman distance – 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and a half marathon (13.1 miles) – one after the other!
In order to maintain our motivation (if we needed to that is) we have entered a range of events, running, swimming and cycling – all working on the specific disciplines that make up an Ironman 70.3 event. This year would be focusing on cardio – conditioning our bodies to firstly be able to tackle each element individually and then to bring them all together. This year has been a real eye opener. At no point did we think it would be easy and after training the multiple disciplines – we have massive respect for those who complete and just finish the event, let alone finish with a decent time. The transitions are the most difficult part at the moment.
Anyway, yesterday (Sunday 23rd August) saw us challenge ourselves and enter the standard 72 mile route of the Malvern Mad Hatter – so far our furthest distance we have cycled for an event was 63 miles, so our intentions are to enter sportives that offer around about the 56 mile routes in order for us to comfortably complete the 56 miles required for an Ironman 70.3 in a good time.
The route took us around Malvern and the hills. The morning started off overcast but warm. Just after we tackled the first major climb at around 40 miles – the rain came. At one point it was s o heavy we actually had to stop as conditions were treacherous and it was almost impossible to see through the driving rain. Although it eased, for a good solid few minutes the rain was so heavy it caused areas of the route to flood and any mud on the roads became a real hazard. The rain didn’t let off, easing at times but did not stop. We were cold and wet but kept our spirits up and completed the 72 miles in just over 5 hours.
We’ll post up the event photos once they’re available.
