Claire Smith, you are a star !!I got a telephone call in late January I think from my friend Claire. Claire did her first Ironman in 2007 at Sherborne. I spent the day supporting her... I have never seen anyone so scared before she entered the water. When she came out, she was freezing cold. I thought she had DNF'd in transition but she re-emerged after about 20mins of getting warm. On the bike she pulled through and then on the run she kept a consistent pace to finish in around 14hours 20min. It wasn't he fastest IM that day but it was quite moving and inspirational to watch. It had an effect on me. Some people really do have 'grit'.
So, back to the call in January. Claire announced to me that she had entered the 'Double Ironman' for August.
I wasn't very supportive as I felt that she stood a great risk of really injuring herself. I didn't doubt she could do it!! I knew she had the 'grit' to push.... but at what consequence to her health would doing a Double do?
We agreed to disagree. Once she made her mind up I obviously wanted her to do well, cross the line and be healthy. She got on with her training and in the latter stages we discussed some options to break the distance down. She adapted what we discussed and approached the Double with a strategy.
The Double took place over the weekend, the 2nd and 3rd. Claire crossed the line in around 32 hours 30mins. It;s not been confirmed yet. BUT she did it. I am so proud of her achievement. I haven't had chance to talk to her yet but it's going to be interesting to get the low down on a race I plan to do next year...
I have one regret. I was going to help crew for Claire during the night but due to family commitments, I couldn't go. I am really gutted about that. I wanted to be there.... Just so YOU know Claire, our thoughts where with you the whole time.
WELL DONE !!! AWESOME
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