and invincible!Do it, you will never forget it.Thank you Pirates.Visit our forums for more Pirate IM France race reports and lots more photos too.Have you got what it takes? The next Pirate summer outing is already being planned, a trip to Zurich for Ironman

else got in my photo! The amount of stuff I’ve learnt over the past few months is mind-blowing. My training is completely different to how it would have been before. I have proper structure and I’ve even discovered I quite like running at threshold. I

. There are also two wet-washcloth stations, at Miles 17 and 23, perfect for cleaning up for your finish-line photo. Three party zones set up along the way with free food, prize giveaways, and noisemakers for spectators and family means lots of enthusiastic

! and seren nos and find out how they got on in Zurich.Visit the forum for more IM Switzerland race reports and links to stacks more photos. arctic lady's forum profile Arctic lady, 11:46.00It still feels so surreal

Bridge (and even a short walk, I confess) was the highlight. The crowds cheered even louder on the bridge.Things I would do differently - much as I love them, I wouldn't stop to hug my supporters and pose for photo calls - my muscles tightened even

gameplan it was simple: try to run consistent 10-minute miles - certainly avoid going faster, and try hard not to slow down. My splits suggest this strategy was almost maintained, and I finished with just enough gas in the tank to smile and pose for a photo

, and as mile 17 approached I knew I'd get a huge cheer. I came up to them and was greeted with hugs, dark chocolate Mars Bars (thank you!) and a photo opportunity. They were fantastic.At mile 20 I thought I was on course for a sub-5 hour finish. But little can

,000th runner had just gone through and telling us all to cheer, and I literally raced over the finishing line. I promptly burst into tears, to the startled surprise of the chap next to me. I was so overcome that I had actually done it. I had my photo

the feeling of waiting amongst 15,000 other runners waiting for the gun to go off. Runners, young and old with varying backgrounds all attempting this giant feat for very personal reasons... the excitement was amazing. Many had photos on their running kit

on what fantastic support I had in hospital, from my wife and kids, family, friends and colleagues. What a race! Thanks to Flora and everybody involved in arranging such a great event. CdK, 5:47Photo: www.richk.co.ukThe day had dawned! Like many thousands