The Northumbrians IRONMAN Copenhagen
I will be honest (I being the author Jules) am not sure how this all came about. All I know is that I am now part of a YOP team dubbed ‘The Northumbrian’s’ by fellow athletes on a recent training camp in Lanzarote.
We are 6 YOPPERS with varying degrees of triathlon experience but we have all signed up, and paid for, entry into the 2023 IRONMAN in Copenhagen, Denmark. From the time of entry in November 2022 until the big day we had 9 months to get race ready. We now have less than 6 months…and it keeps getting less!!
So I hereby introduce The Northumbrians IMCPH23!
Name: Kate
Age: 49
Triathlon Experience:
My first experience of triathlon was connecting with Alan Copland, who was the chair of our local tri club on our return to the UK in 2009. I joined in the latter part of 2009 after the birth of our daughter Liv. I have participated in several triathlons from Sprint to Middle distance/70.3. I also coach kids and adults which is very rewarding.
Reason for Competing:
I am more suited to longer distance events, having completed ultra and multi distance events. I am also asthmatic, so I don’t like the top end stuff, but I can keep going.
My husband Keith has done a number of longer distance races, and I have always wanted to see if I could do it too!
I think it was Iain’s fault though...it usually is! It was his idea!
I have said I want to do three. The first to know I can do it, the second to learn how to do it and the third to do it to the best of my ability. Whether I get past one… ask me in September!
Why now? I have a great training group around me, which is super important to keep me motivated and IRONMAN did the Flex90...
Tattoo?:
Maybe! If Iain does, then defo! We are the only two without tats!
Name: Keith
Age: 49
Triathlon Experience:
I came to triathlon after Kate had joined One Life and after about a year was racing at the National Team Relays in Nottingham. I was supporting her and the then club chair Alan Copland asked why I didn't do tri too.
KC: "I swim like a brick"
AC: "We'll show you how to do it properly"
KC: "Oh b*gger. No excuse any more."
Later that year I did my first sprint at Woodhorn. The following year I did standard distances and the year after Kate and I did the Vitruvian middle distance. That's when I knew the longer and slower stuff was for me.
Since then I've done 4 Iron distance events including Outlaw x2, Challenge Almere and Ironman Barcelona and quite a few (mainly Outlaw branded) 70.3.
Reason for Competing:
I love the challenge of trying to complete an event that's so long it's bonkers! I'm really looking forward to doing it with fellow Yoppers too, it'll be great!
Tattoo?:
Got one. Brilliant conversation starter (in summer when I'm wearing shorts!) with fellow Outlaws/Ironman finishers.
Name: Craig
Age: 61
Triathlon Experience:
Started triathlon back in 2012 as a lot of my running club were also triathletes and it sounded cool. I have completed one full distance Ironman so far in Vichy back in 2017 and it was incredibly hard but so wonderful to finish it.
Reason for Competing:
Absolutely peer pressure!! My race goals are to better my previous time if only by a minute, not to get lapped by the pros on the bike, and get a decent finish photo this time without a grimace.
Tattoo?:
Definitely, need another to add to my collection.
Name: Stew
Age: A spit off 50
Triathlon Experience:
My 30’s and early 40’s were pretty sedentary and having attended YOP a few years ago for just a bit of physio I somehow ended up doing my first duathlon in 2021. The bug bit and in early 2022 I learnt to swim front crawl, did a Go Tri and, with the encouragement of my wife and my fellow 7am YOPPERS, I embarked on a couple of standard triathlons, and then in summer 2022 completed the Kielder 70.3.
Reason for Competing:
Having vowed never to do anything as silly again, I was peer pressured in to doing the full 140.6 in Copenhagen with the rest of the nutters. I like a reason and motivation to keep fit, I know this is a bit extreme but I do like being outside of my comfort zone. The 140.6 teaches you to focus on technique, the less energy expended the better. I am surrounded by some good experience and the advice has been fantastic.
Tattoo?:
Definitely, to go with my tri tattoo.
Name: Iain
Age: 53 - I know, unbelievable. I’m a man that moisturises.
Triathlon Experience:
Over 30 years on and off, where I have fluctuated between fat and thin, injured or not. Currently on the fatter side so hills are tough and I’m injured so not running (I’m not worried). I’ve done all distances at the middle or the back of the field. I know my place.
Reason for Competing:
I retired and thought okay big boy, get on with it. It’s been 12 years since my one and only 140.6. Also the process is good, I’ve got a lovely group around me to keep me going, although I’ve got very weak ankles. I keep going limp but that’s another story.
Tattoo?: Probably not, I’m a bit boring there. I’m sure the experience will be emblazoned on my memory for ever. Hang on, what day is it? Who am I?
Name: Jules
Age: 51
Triathlon Experience:
I have raced two sprint triathlons (Alnwick and Skipton) both back in 2012. Beyond that I am a complete novice.
I have run two marathons. I don’t need arm bands or stabilisers anymore but swim and bike need work!
Reason for Competing:
Originally to keep my running buddy (Kate) company as she trained for the Ironman run…but now I am totally onboard. I want to be fitter and stronger and to be honest I chase the ever elusive high that testing yourself brings. I keep telling myself, and other people, that it’s all about the journey. If I am fit enough to make it to the start line I will give it my best.
Tattoo?: Hell yeah, just got to decide where…and finish 140.6
Watch this space and Social Media for The Northumbrians IMCPH23 updates!