*** New Update: Link to Race Photos Below*** http://www.flickr.com/photos/28240061@N08/sets/72157605969132756/detail/

Yes, I managed to complete Ironman France in 14hrs 18mins last Sunday. Split times as follows:

3.8 km / 2.4 mile swim: 1.09.04

Transition 1: 0.06.51

180 km / 112 mile bike: 6.56.31

Transition 2: 0.08.09

42 km / 26 mile run: 5.58.15

I really enjoyed the swim & bike sessions (setting new personal bests in both in the process). Conditions for the swim were perfect - no wind, and the sun rising over the Bay halfway through the swim made for an unforgettable atmosphere. The bike circuit is one of the most picturesque on the Ironman circuit. The climbs are intense, but the payback is worth it - the downhills were long & fast.

I knew I probably hadn't left enough reserve for the marathon, and that became clear even during the first lap, but with temperatures around 35 degrees, it was always going to be really tough going. In the end, I was glad to just finish (500 out of 2500 didn't make it).   

It's been my first Ironman, and probably not the last. At times the race was incredible & at times it was properly tough. For sure it's a unique experience. And if that's the only reason to do it, then its easily worth it.

Thanks again for all your generous support for my fundraising which has taken the total to over £2000, which is excellent!

Here's an extract from an email I received on 25th June from Debbie O'Dowd from the DEC, '... On behalf of the member agencies of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), I would like to thank you for electing to fundraise for the DEC by participating in the Ironman Triathlon in France. Your funds have been earmarked for our current appeal, DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal. Cyclone Nargis struck on May 3rd 2008 leaving devastation in its trail and over two million people homeless. Your donation is helping to provide vital shelter, clean water and life-saving food to the survivors, as well as emergency items such as water purification tablets, blankets and clothing. It is also enabling medical teams to provide ongoing care to the men, women and children affected by this awful tragedy. There is still much to be done and thanks to your efforts our member organisations will be able to continue working tirelessly to improve the situation in the region over the coming months...'

Cheers

Charles

Race & Charity Info: At just after 6:30am on June 22nd I'll be taking to the water for the start of the Ironman France. The race begins with a 3.8 km sea swim, followed by a 180 km bike section that starts and ends in Nice and passes through St Laurent, Gattières, Vence, Gourdon and Gréolières. Back in Nice, the final section is a 42 km marathon (run over 4 laps of the Promenade des Anglais).

I'm raising money for the DEC's Myanmar Cyclone Appeal. The DEC is an umbrella organisation of 13 of the largest UK-registered humanitarian charities (incl. British Red Cross, Care, Oxfam, ActionAid & World Vision). The DEC's role is to coordinate the UK's fundraising response for overseas emergencies, by maximising funds raised and ensuring they are spent in an effective and fully accountable way. Donations to the DEC are dispersed amongst member charities depending on which charities are best placed to deliver effective and timely relief to people most in need.

So please help me to raise some much needed funds for the people of Burma affected by Cyclone Nargis, by sponsoring my race! 

Cheers,

Charles
 

More info about the race at www.ironmanfrance.com

More info about the DEC at www.dec.org.uk