Dear All,

As I stood on the beach at 7am, I did wonder why I was actually doing this. As soon as the horn went there was total carnage. A mass start of 600 people straight into the sea. I held back not wanting to get kicked in the head, (people actually just swim over the top of you!) I made the it out of the water in 40mins and then headed out on to the bike course.

I was surprised at the amount of casualties just 3 k out into the course as the 600m climb began.  It was long and relentless not levelling out for nearly 17k. After 24 k I finally caught up with Marc Herreman. In 2001 Marc had come 6^th in Ironman Hawai but broke his back in 2002. Paralysed from his toes up to his chest this guy now competes in his wheel chair. A total hero, we exchanged a few words of encouragement and the pain I had been experiencing disappeared instantly. I completed the bike in 4:03.  

The run took part on 80% of the F-1 Grand Prix circuit such as the “Mirabeau turn” and “the tunnel” then along the Harbor where yacht after yacht are moored with gray haired men and very young women sipping champagne. I finished the run in 1:55 slightly quicker than I thought, maybe cause I knew the car park fee was going to be massive…

 

 

 Over 80 people didn’t finish. Ive got a shiny medal and thanks to you, the charity ‘Just for Kids’ is nearly £1000 better off…

 Finish Time 6hr 49min 07secs

 

 

 Well done to Richard Francis who guessed nearest at 6:45 and wins 1st Prize, 2 x Tom Jones tickets and Two Nights accommodation

 

 And well done to runner up, Michelle Cattigan. With a guess of 6:43.12. Trainers and running kit  are coming your way.

 A few Thankyou's to the people that donated prizes…  

The lovely Debbie at Jurys Inn Newcastle for donating accommodation Thanks to my ood friend Neil Tillot at Runners World magazine for donating kit A big thank you to  Joanne at Just for Kids  and Metro FM For the tickets & for the press release 

 http://www.monaco-ironman.com