I have been planning to complete the Iron Maiden for a while now after Ben Keene and Giles Dawnay first took on the Iron Man back in August. As Vorovoro Island has been my home for over a year now, I thought it was about time to go for the challenge too! I also wanted to be the first Tribewanted Iron maiden and represent the lewas as well as to do something beneficial and raise money for a very important charity, Survival International.
So what is the Iron Maiden?
The Iron Maiden consisted of two challenges on Vorovoro Island...
Firstly, running (well, jogging!) across and over the 4 peaks including the scramble up to the recently completed dam, then following the mangroves, back on to the beach and finally along to the Tribewanted village to the Volley ball court.
Then...
having a quick slurp on a coconut before grabbing a snorkel and mask, jumping into the sea and swimming the outline of the whole island; around the headland, across to Nakawaqa, along the coastline past the old jetty and Tanoa Park, around the rocks at secret beach, past the waterfall before the final stretch back to the village...phew!
BUT to make the second part even more of a challenge, I left my fins behind and just used arm actions and leg power to get myself around...
So when did the Iron Maiden happen?
Although I was aiming for Thursday 2nd July, due to raging seas, windy weather and heavy down pours, I had to wait until 5th July. However, after grey skies in the morning and a little drizzle, I was determined to do the challenge and set off at 11.30am. The adrenaline kicked in and I was off!
With a lot of determination, sugar and sweat, I finished in 2 hours 12 minutes.
I completed the run in 33.02 minutes...stopped for 2 minutes to change and gulp some water...and did the swim in 1 hour 37 minutes. Wahoo!
The sun's scorching, there are steep rock faces, tangled roots and a maze of wobbly rocks and driftwood, the sea is unpredictable and full of snappy predators...
So why did I do the Iron Maiden and how can you be involved?
The reason why I did this challenge is to raise money for Survival and help indigenous tribes across the world. Survival also supports education projects within tribal communities and funds the training of tribal people as teachers and health workers. Check out www.survival-international.org
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Survival International gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
You can still sponsor me and support Survival....V i n a k a !
