Thanks to the CSSC Triathlon Subsidy Scheme, Ryan Tomlinson was able to receive financial backing at the 2007 Ironman World Championships in Florida.
Ryan took advantage of the scheme that entitles a reduction to members wishing to take part in any credited Triathlon event, both home and abroad.
And after qualifying via a similar event in Switzerland, he jumped at the opportunity to mix with some of the best Triathletes in the world in the 70.3K challenge, including Britain's latest Ironman phenomenon, Chrissie Wellington.
In total, there were 1,624 competitors from 52 countries that registered for the highly acclaimed race which consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike and a 13.1 mile run.
"For such a big race everything was very relaxed," Ryan recalls.
"It was very well organised and great fun. Even though I was competing in the amateur section the Americans make you feel very special and the support at the race start and throughout was awesome."
So too was Ryan's finish time of 4:41:29 which saw him come in 96th out of 157 in his age group of 30 to 34 year old males. Girlfriend Holly James and friend Dion Harrison, both non-CSSC Members, also did well in what is such a gruelling event to both body and mind.
Yet despite the almighty test of endurance, the race can still be enjoyed; Ryan claims he felt like 'the Hoff' when running from a beach start as he embarked on the first leg swim and described his stint on the bike as 'a miracle' when seemingly gliding along on what was a very fast course.
That was until reality set in. "Large numbers of riders soon came whistling past," he says.
"They do a great thing at this event whereby they stamp your age on the back of your calf so it was quite an eye opener to see 'W45, W47, M50' ride past me on occasions."
Eye openers certainly seemed to be the theme of the day. Not only did Ryan speed through the water with the thought of "getting bitten on the backside by a big shark" preying on his mind, but he was also accompanied in his field by two of the more 'senior' contestants.
Robert McKeague, 82, from Villa Park, Illinois and 77-year-old Madonna Buder from Spokane, Washington both took part in the race and must be applauded for their efforts.
Ryan, whose rundown of times is below, added. "They deserve maximum respect."
Swim - 32.04
Bike - 2:27.05
Run - 1:37.03
For further information on the Triathlon Subsidy, click here. |
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