CCC News

A huge field takes to the water

It was July 2006 when I entered Ironman Germany (a long course triathlon) which was to take place on the 1st July 2007 in Frankfurt. I had a year to focus training for the distances required to complete an Ironman race. The race includes a 3.8k swim, straight onto your bike for 180km, then finish with a run the distance of a full marathon. To prepare for this I planned my training carefully and ensured enough rest in between work and training.

In the few days leading up to the race I flew over to Frankfurt to allow enough time to register and familiarise myself with the course.

Race morning I was extremely nervous. As the 2500 athletes poured into the water to get their positions at the line for a mass start, the crowd lining the lake were making so much noise it was difficult to hear the race referee. After a 5 minute count down the whistle went. With everyone high on adrenaline the start was quite frantic with arms and legs flying everywhere and people swimming over the top of each other in an attempt to get a good position. The course followed the perimeter of the lake with a short beach run about half way through. Finishing the swim with a run up the bank of the lake and into the first transition to get ready to jump on the bike.

Louise is the one in the green cap

The 3.8km Swim

Team Meyer

The cycle route started with a 12 mile stretch back up to Frankfurt followed by two 50 mile loops out into the surrounding villages. It was on completely closed roads and all the villages were filled with spectators lining the roads and shouting words of encouragement. The course was fairly flat except for a few hills, known as "the beast", "heartbreak hill", and "the hell". On heartbreak hill the supporters line the street so close that you can only squeeze one bike through at a time as you pass through a deafening tunnel of shouting and clackers. A huge encouragement to get to the top of the hill.

A ride along the German cobbles

Encouragement on Heartbreak Hill

The return to Frankfurt

After the 180k bike and back into Frankfurt for the second transition for the run phase. The run course followed the banks of the river Main and consisted of 4 loops. I felt reasonably fresh on the first 2 laps, but by the time I hit the 3rd lap I was stuggling to take on more fuel and could only face sipping water at the aid stations along the route. By the end of the 3rd lap my legs had started to seize and I had developed a sore right knee. I still had over 6 miles to go. Stubborn determination stopped me from giving up there and then. I had already come so far. The last lap was horrendous. I am so grateful to my friends and family that came along to support. They had prepared t-shirts with "GO LOU!!" printed on them and every time I passed them on the route they brightened up my spirits and gave me the incentive to carry on. I finally reached the finish chute which was an absolutely amazing atmosphere with hundreds of people willing you to the line. I ran down the carpet with my arms outstretched tagging peoples hands all the way. I was so elated to have finished.

Still time to smile for the camera:

Elation

My official finish time was 14 hours 59 minutes and 39 seconds

I am so proud to have finished an Ironman triathlon, my only problem now is what's next!

Lousie Meyer's Frankfurt Ironman, July 2007

After a year of preparation, Louise Meyer faced one of the toughest challenges for an athlete. Here is her personal report on just how tough it really is to swim, ride and run for almost 15 hours.