Iron Maidens

Two determined Londoners have set their sights on victory at one the world's most gruelling challenges, the Ironman

Featured June 08

Two determined Londoners have set their sights on victory at one the world's most gruelling challenges, the Ironman

WORDS BY TRACEY DAVIES

22nd June
Nice, France
www.ironman.com/france

Ironman; even the name suggests something mightier than the human force. Envisage muscle-bound superheroes swathed in Lycra conquering incredible feats and you wouldn't be far wrong. The world famous triathlon is a gruelling test of endurance attracting 30,000 athletes each year.

Whatever the scenery, whatever the weather this formidable feat is the same; a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle ride and finally a 42km marathon, to be completed consecutively and within a 17 hour time limit. Although ridiculously arduous, this test of physical courage has not fazed first-time competitors, Nicole Mathison and Karen Berry. What started off as a drunken challenge has turned into a life-changing personal mission. "Before we started training, living and working in London meant we spent more nights in the pub than on the race track," says Nicole, an information manager. "Now, as well as the physical improvements, I actually feel more alive; the mental and physical changes are amazing."

"I used to run a lot when I was younger," says company MD Karen. "But these days a 10k run just doesn't hold the same thrill for me, Ironman is an extreme goal, a ridiculous goal. But you've only got one life to live."

"I'm very nervous, which is a good sign," says Nicole. "I'm not stupid enough to think that completing is a matter of luck, it's all in the preparation." So, after eighteen months of training, how confident do they feel? "We've always believed that Ironman success is attainable, but for us it's all about completion, the actual endurance is the challenge not the time," says Karen determinedly.

It's every man (and every woman) for themselves with this race. "I've had to acquire new skills, like bike mechanics," says Karen. "If you break down during the cycling section, there's no big strong man out there that is going to stop and sacrifice his personal best to help you refit your inner tube!"

Ironman is definitely for the fit, but not necessarily the young. Sister Madonna Buder completed the 2006 course in Hawaii aged 76 finishing with just 50 seconds to spare, double the time of world record holder, Belgian Luc Van Lierde, whose time of seven hours 50 minutes set in Germany 1997, which has yet to be beaten.

"It's important to believe in yourself," says Chrissie Wellington, the 2007 Women's World Champion. "Dream a little and always try and push that bar a little bit higher. Setting yourself some realistic, but nevertheless ambitious goals is a great means of focusing your efforts. It's vital for success at the Ironman."

On race day, Karen and Nicole also have to contend with sunburn, cramp and fatigue, not to mention answering the inevitable call of nature. "One of the disadvantages of being female is waiting for the loo' says Nicole. "Men can just zip behind a tree!"

Ironman heats:
6th July - Frankfurt
13th July - Klagenfurt
13th July - Zurich
7th Sept - Sherborne