No the title isn't linked to Easter, it's linked to the fact that today I crossed a mental barrier in relation to my swimming which I have been battling with since coming back from the flu. The session was a 4km swim for those training for Ironman and as I am not doing it this year I wasn't. But I was challenged to swim continuously for 1hr instead. Having set this challenge I prepared my mind for what would be involved including the pace I should go at.
After 500 m I'd normally be happy to take a wee rest but it was easy. In the end I did 3 km in 1hr 12 min and could have continued as I wasn't tired at all. Had you suggested that to me two weeks ago I'd have laughed as I was struggling to do half that distance with rests. The secret was preparing mentally and getting the pace right for the goal. I am now a happy bunny but I am determined to keep up with swimming so that I do not need to go through this pain again. Happy Easter!
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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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