2017 Race Update 4

James enjoying the red carpet in Copenhagen

James Tugwell

came to us for coaching early in December of last year with the goal of completing his first IRONMAN. James was hoping to finish below 11 hours. In his fourth triathlon ever (and his first IRONMAN) James finished IRONMAN Copenhagen in an outstanding time of 9hr43mins to take 9th in his age group and 127th of 2625 starters. A well deserved result from a highly committed and diligent athlete!

Graham Poole

also raced in Copenhagen and after visiting us in Portugal for a Holiday at the very end of April started coaching a month later in early June, just 11 weeks before race day. Grahams goals were "Short Term for 2017 is to set PBs at each of the events I have signed up for which I have completed annually in the past - London, Salford, UK Ultimate Half" having knocked all these goals over Graham moved onto the "Main goal for 2017, to complete IM Copenhagen in under 15 hours". Graham finished yesterday in 13hr48 a huge leap forward and just reward for his focus and commitment not only over the last eleven weeks but also all the work he did independently early in 2017.

Colin with his trophy!

Andy Cowen

toed the startline and tackled his first ever long course triathlon at IRONMAN Copenhagen. Andy has been being coached by Coach James this season and finished the event in an impressive 12:25.

This weekend also saw

Colin Teevan

race his way to 3rd in his age group at IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin. This was enough to qualify for the 70.3 Worlds in South Africa in 2018. Congratulations Colin, great work!

Elaine ran to victory with her compass and map!

Elaine Garvican

continued her winning streak this weekend. Elaine finished first overall woman at the Wensleydale full triathlon and 10th overall in what was a truly beautiful event. She is the happy winner of some Wensleydale Cheese!

Belinda exiting the water

Belinda Vohra

took part in the Race New Forest standard distance. This is a local race for Belinda and it was lovely to race in a familiar environment almost on the doorstop. The race involves a 1.1km swim in Ellingham Lake, a 1 mile T1 (yes you read that correctly: 1 mile!....), a 20 mile cycle around the Forest roads and a very hilly 5.5 mile run. After a very busy few weeks, Bel raced really strongly over all three disciplines to finish in 2 hours 54 for 6th in age category. This was a great performance in the build up to Belinda's main event for the season which is Weymouth 70.3 in 4 weeks time.

Kurt Winship

's results have been well-publicised on our Facebook account but they are also well worth another mention:

Kurt Winship is a longtime friend of TTH, attending a number of training holidays in Portugal and being coached by Philip Hatzis. Kurt has always dreamed of one day completing a full distance IRONMAN event. He may well have even shared this dream already with you personally!

Last year Kurt had his first bite at the cherry. He competed in IRONMAN Florida and unfortunately his dreams were shattered halfway into the run when he was picked up by the medical team at the side of the road after running himself to exhaustion, whilst also being very dehydrated.

Within weeks of Florida Kurt was looking onwards and upwards. The fire in his belly was still alive. He wanted to be an IRONMAN.

Yesterday in Denmark, Kurt took to the start line of IRONMAN Copenhagen with one goal - to run down that red carpet.

Playing out his race strategy to perfection, fourteen hours and fifty minutes later Kurt achieved his goal.

Kurt's dedication and commitment to fulfilling his dreams has been unquestionable and we could not think of a more deserving person and athlete.

Congratulations Kurt, we are proud to have played a part in your achievements!!

Time to put your feet up and take a well earned rest!

Nick PillingAugust 23, 2017AG, News, Racing, TriathlonComment

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2017 Race Update 4

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