When I was in the pool yesterday I completed 3k (1k warm up and 20 x 100m) but tried not to think that tomorrow I was doing a continuous 4k - no stopping for a wee rest to get your breath back! So this morning I convinced myself, what's the big deal just get the pace right. After 1k my coach Gen got in behind me and stuck to my toes so that helped me not to slow down. As a result, I beat my last 4k by minutes coming out in 1 hr 19 minutes, a PB - I was delighted. It makes such a difference to have someone chasing you round the pool but it also shows that the hard work is paying off.
When I got into the car a song I hadn't heard on 20 years came on, H.A.PP.Y by Edwin Star, so I ramped up the volume and sang my way to the office like a happy bunny - got some strange looks from other drives but nothing was going to change my good mood and feeling of achievement.
I'll finish today with a 2hr bike ride and then enjoy a day off tomorrow before my 106 mile bike ride on Sunday. Have a great weekend folks and if you want to smile, find and old song you love and ramp up the volume! Be H.A.PPY :-)
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Lanzarote Ironman was dedicated to my friend Neil who lost his 3rd battle against cancer on 9 December 2011. On returning from his 2nd bout of cancer he rose to the challenge of taking part in a triathlon which he succeeded in doing despite, as it turns out, his cancer having returned. Neil's story is inspirational -you'll be missed my friend.
In 2008 I started this journey started in a boxing ring raising money for Maggie's Centres. 3 Ironmen later, Marathon des Sables, Grand 2 Grand and Tahoe 200. In 2021 I DNF'd in the Ultra Race Romania, a 250km multi-staged self supporting ultra due to stomach issues. I'm returning this year to complete it as it's unfinished business.
About Me
- Derek B Stewart
- United Kingdom
- My name is Derek Stewart and in 2008 I entered my first triathlon to raise money for Maggie's Cancer Centres and it give me a reason to get fit and learn to swim properly. In 2010 I completed my first Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile marathon) and proved to myself what was possible with a focused approach. Since then I have completed another 2 Ironman, numerous ultras, two staged races; the Marathon des Sables (5.5 marathons in 6 days across the Sahara Desert carrying your own equipment and food); Grand 2 Grand 6 marathons in 7 days (again carrying your own gear) and in September 2019, the Tahoe 200. A 205 mile non-stop race, with 40,200 ft of climbing and ascending, which I completed in 85 hours and 16 minutes including 7 hours sleep. It's been a journey of discovery and 2020 is shaping up for more adventures with 3 races in the calendar.
Conquering Lanza Ironman 2012
Neil Sutherland
Lanzarote Ironman was dedicated to my friend Neil who lost his 3rd battle against cancer on 9 December 2011. On returning from his 2nd bout of cancer he rose to the challenge of taking part in a triathlon which he succeeded in doing despite, as it turns out, his cancer having returned. Neil's story is inspirational -you'll be missed my friend.
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