Ironman? DONE!

Yep, after a 9-month build-up, I have managed to complete an Ironman triathlon in Almere, The Netherlands on 27-Aug 2011!

Bondy crossing the finish line, figuring out exactly where he was going to collapse

It was a windy and rainy day which didn't help much 3.8km swim and 180km cycling stages, but at least the temperature was ok - 17-19 degrees. I finished the swim in 1:20 which was my target time.

Bondy keeping those wheels spinning

The cycling stage also went very well. I tried to keep above 30km/hr the whole way, but with the wind I came in just under 30km/hr for my average speed. I finished the cycle stage in 6:09.

I felt good in the first of 3 (14km) laps in the marathon, but at the start of the second lap I ground to a halt. No petrol in the tank. At the next drink station I had a banana and a sultana roll as well as a few drinks and then I saw Claire, Jake and Rik there to spur me on. I was back on track!!!

Bondy heading for the finish line

Soon after Mikey B and Willem arrived and they had both done the Austrian Ironman in 2010, so knew how I was feeling.

Bondy relying on his eyebrows to get him there

I managed to finish the marathon run (42.2km) in 5:24, giving a total time of 12:53 - 7 minutes ahead of my target finishing time!

So surprised and relieved to have completed it. NEVER AGAIN!!!!

Ironman, here I come!

OK, high and lowlights from the last 18 months are as follows:

- Claire gave birth to a bonny bouncing boy. Jake is 15 months old now and figured out how to walk

- 2010 Amsterdam marathon 2nd attempt - finished in 4:18:03

- Made it into the Dutch national touch rugby team for the 2011 world cup

- Injured my ankle 2 days before departing for the world cup, so couldn't even go as a spectator

- 03-Jul-2011 - Nuenen 1/8 triathlon - 500m swim (10:20), 20km bike (44:15) 10km run (pulled out as my ankle was not 100% [at which point I was in position 46/92]

- 16-Jul-2011 - Klazienaveen Olympic distance tri - 1.5km swim (29:05), 43km bike (1:21:03) and 10km run (54:09) giving a total time of 2:47:50 [my target was 2:50]

Photos from Klazienaveen:

The swim was in a canal that was 'cleaned out' the previous day

Note the reverse panda eyes thanks to the crap in the canal water

Grinding it out for the finish line!

Hopeful Highlights to come this year:

- 07-August - 1/2 Ironman triathlon (1.9km swim, 90km bike, half marathon)

- 27-August - Full Ironman (3.8km swim, 180km bike, marathon)

- 18-Sep - Dam 2 Dam run (10 mile)

- 16-Oct - Amsterdam marathon