The Magnificent Seven

By Les Irving

Half Ironman, Llamberis 2002.

"In 15 or 16 years time do you think Sean will be mad like us?" asked Julie - referring to Chapman junior. I didn't have an immediate answer but have since pondered the issue.

If he takes after his Dad he will spend many hours studying the 'dark side' and the ways of the Jedi. Sensible? If he tries to emulate his Uncle Col (G) he will have a propensity not so much to make mountains out of mole hills but towering infernos out of barbecues. Not normal behavior, just ask the neighbors.

If, like the good doctor, he produces a thesis to suggest the slowest triathletes are in fact the best (I could win something here!), black is white and vice versa (only to be knocked over at the next zebra crossing © Douglas Adams) he would certainly be accused of being at least eccentric. Then he could consider Madders his role model. Oh, God. Of course he could turn out to be utterly sensible like me.

I think what Julie might have been driving at was will Sean want to spend £120.00 of his hard earned pocket money to take part in an event in wildest nowhere which entailed getting up at 4.30 in the morning only to chuck himself in a freezing lake, climb the peaks of Snowdonia (on his new Trek) & do a half marathon akin to reaching camp 1 on Everest - in the pouring rain.... for a T-shirt?

At least 7 of us, at some point, either though it was a good idea or else were so blithering - and unable to speak - thought we were putting our names down for another round of drinks and a kebab.

So how did the 'Magnificent Seven' fare? pretty damn well I'd say. Madders, Big E and myself have been here before.

Madders ran a magnificent race - start to finish - considering all his experience & race fitness.

Big E, whilst playing mentor to No.2 son Gary, still had to keep up with him! No mean Feat.

Gary, at 17, is as young as you can get to do one of these things. He performed like a seasoned pro - struggling just isn't in his dictionary. Should this end up being his sport of choice he will be awesome.

Col G was another 'first timer' and had an excellent swim and bike. However, the aid stations on the run were sadly lacking in '3-in-1' for his bionic knee. Whilst in some discomfort on the run he still finished in a very creditable overall time (and a thirst for Stella & a good burn-up).

Darren's a dark horse - and almost fast as one. From now on, when he doubts his ability I will slap him. Brilliant performance with loads more to come. He could have gone round again - and possibly again after that (so long as he remembered to blow his tyres up, take drinks etc - perhaps put some strings on his cycling mitts and attach them to his cycling top so he doesn't lose them).

Little Claire - not so little I'd argue. The club's first Half Iron Lady (but don't ask me which half) and third in her age group. After the finish whilst the majority of the tears were hers there were plenty more people with, perhaps just something in their eye.

Me? Mmm. I took many lessons away with me from that race - and another t-shirt (sadly though I took many bellies with me to the race).

Organizationally I had a number of gripes. No mile markers on the run or bike, no water on the bike aid stations, no drinks available in bidons at the bike aid stations, too few run aid stations, no sponges at the aid stations, a ridiculous system of finding your bike at the end of the race...the list goes on. Considering the organization (I use the term loosely) I expected better. Regardless of the organization I expect more if I'm shelling out £120.00. Nice t-shirt though (Ryton red!).

Well done. Really - well done. A while back I mooted that the club might have a small few long distance athletes. It's obvious the club has way, way more potential in it's ranks. Speaking as someone who prefers the longer stuff I'm truly inspired to see such a large proportion of the club having a go - and succeeding.

As ever - the 'je ne sais what' that makes competing in these sort of events possible are the supporters - to whom we're all really grateful. Personally, it was also nice to spend (albeit too little) time with such a great bunch in Llamberis.

In answer to your question, Julie - I hope so.