An interview with an IronDude
After the initial Buxton triathlon, Craig and James took the training and challenges to whole new levels, I had decided that the sprint triathlon was the perfect distance for me and I should let them both carry on without me. With the increased distances they took on, my admiration for them grew. From Olympic distance to half-iron man I knew there was only one more step to complete and at some point they would be crazy enough to sign up for the prestigious event.
That day came after James received an email from Scope, and both competitors had a little too much Pernod.
Our family was out in force supporting Craig and James on their incredible journey and seeing both of them cross the line, in style, was one of the proudest days of my life.
From training to crossing the line, my brother's full race report can be found here: it is a great read full of emotion, pain and pride.
I was intrigued from a training point of view how you prepare for a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, so sent Craig a few questions to find out....
1) Every story has a beginning, when did you start competing in triathlon's and why? what was the instigator in this journey?
My first triathlon was in Buxton in June 2011. It still remains to be the hardest triathlon I have ever done. I started Triathlon as it just looked so much fun. I was a sports photographer at the time and whilst shooting an event, I realised that I wanted to be on the other side of the camera. After retiring from rugby in 2005, I had climbed to a hefty 15 stone and didn’t like the lack of activity. Triathlon offers so much variety when it comes to training. I wouldn’t have the motivation to concentrate on a single discipline.
2) Do you feel that there is a particular personality that is driven to the Ironman, if so, how does your personality fit?
Yes. Incredibly motivated and focussed to the point of being selfish. It becomes your main priority and is all encompassing. Family, friends and employers have to be very patient with Ironman triathletes. I am very goal driven. If I say I’m going to do something, then I do it.
3) Which is the more difficult aspect of the event, the physical or mental side? or are the equally difficult?
If you train your body to exercise for long periods of time, then physically, it becomes less of a challenge. With the mental side, again, if you’ve trained properly, then your brain is used to long periods “alone with your thoughts”. The mental element is alleviated on the day by the fantastic crowds. Particularly in Bolton. The most difficult aspect of the event is coping with risk. Things happen along the way and you have to adjust. For me, it was time management and even simple maths calculations were hard to perform in the final hours.
4) Which is your strongest part of the event, has this changed in training or since your first triathlon?
According to the stats, it’s the swim. I’ve been working hard on this and had superb coaching from Raphael Sanelli and 10th Place Ironman UK finisher, Simon Brierley. Followed closely by the bike leg. I enjoy this so much, that it doesn’t feel like a tough part of the course. And finally, the run is so tough for me. I haven’t really sussed out why yet, but will be developing this over the next 12 months.
The main changes in training have been swim technique, which has been totally altered for an incredibly efficient stroke and my bike has been modified to become and aero-machine.
5) Which is your weakest part? and has this changed?
The run. No. My run has always been the weakest element.
6) Preparation is key, what has been your training regime?
10 hours per week for 9 months. Mainly focussed on Swim-Bike-Run although there has been an element of Yoga, Thai Chi, Gym Work along the way. All training is conducted in Zone 1 or 2 (low intensity) and my heart rate monitored to gauge improvement and measure new goals.
7) How did you fit the training in with life? Family? Career?
I finished full time employment and set up my own business. Even though this was part of the plan anyway, without this, I may not have been able to achieve it. Family have been patient. It’s tough.
8) Where there times during training or even the Ironman when you thought, "Why am I doing this?"
No. At no point has negativity been part of my preparation and has been blanked out without exception.
9) Did you use any training supplements? How do you feel this added to your training preparation?
I have been sponsored by Synergy Worldwide throughout the training and the results have been obvious. Their ProArgi9+ product improves circulation through natural generation of nitric oxide in the arteries and helps produce a lower heart rate. Synergy E9 has been used before and during exercise to provide the stimulation and amino acids required for continuous long exercise. Again, with great results. I also use Zero tablets to replace lost electrolytes (mainly on the bike leg). And post-exercise, I take a protein shake.
10) Did you have support on the event/before the event? Did it give you a push/boost you needed? Anything stand out?
This was integral to completion. On the swim leg, I had family members there to help get over initial nerves and support during the half time swim exit. On the bike leg, I was lucky enough to have friends and family dotted along the course. Each of them were the next target. All the other supporters on the day were hugely beneficial and you didn’t have to travel far without getting a boost. The run course was like an arena. I’ve never experienced anything like it and the people of Bolton were astonishing.
11) Was crossing the line worth all the pain and effort and months of training? (I know the answer to this, but would love to hear how you felt crossing the line)
Yes. It was the biggest achievement of my sporting life. Crossing the line seems a little vague. I wanted to really relish the moment, but it all went by so quickly.
Yes. It was the biggest achievement of my sporting life. Crossing the line seems a little vague. I wanted to really relish the moment, but it all went by so quickly.
12) How do you feel now it is a couple of days after the Ironman?
A little lost. Without 10 hours of training a week, that’s a lot of time to gain back. It will take me a couple of weeks to get into a regular routine. Physically, I’m absolutely 100%.
13) What is next?
I’ll be focussing on my business and having a great summer holiday with my two kids.
14) Would you advise anyone to do a Triathlon?
Absolutely anyone. When you speak to people, they come up with a reason why they can’t do a triathlon. But, everyone is capable. Swimming, riding and running are natural human traits.
15) Would you advise anyone to do an Ironman?
Not anyone. It needs to be taken very seriously and is not something for the faint-hearted. It is a lifestyle choice and not a single event. You do a lot of soul searching and before you do it, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the challenge.
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