An Ironman

Before the dawn: before the sun,

While chill still holds her sway,

We rise: A league of Strength and Will

To face this challenged day.

From miles away we’ve gathered:

Internationals we greet

At the greatest starting gate

Of ocean, saddle, feet.

Each to our own we enter zones:

Our pre-race superstitions met,

Trust the training, breaths in deep-

Soon cannon gets us wet.

Whitewash surges from the bay:

A comet in reverse,

Leaders fly before the fray: 

Amberger has the thirst!

Under forty-eight is gone,

Three/eight has floated past,

There was no Aussie exit:

This swim was super-fast!

In T1 now the leaders group:

It’s helmets, socks, away!

Squeeze a gel and take a sip:

Set off to meet Queen K.

It’s time to hit that sonic speed:

Full discs begin their whirr,

Riding to their numbers

We spectate a coloured blur.

One-eighty almost finished-

Sweat is rising in a mist,

Forty-two point two is last

In this unholy tryst.

T2 drops the helmet: 

Ditlev’s ridden through his zone,

Shoes and sunnies, heads out first-

Yet he’s not quite alone.

The Energy Lab at eight point six

Calls Strength of nerve and will,

Keeping that nutrition up

Toward the final ‘hill’.

A heartbeat near its limit now,

Each step the muscles cramp,

Exhaustion to elation

As he sees the black/red ramp!

Still graceful strides at this long hour:

Black sash a lover’s embrace,

Jan Frodeno gives a bow

As King of this great race.

Close behind come others,

Lionel Sanders looks unkempt 😊

With love we honour those who race:

‘There’s Beauty in the Attempt’!

Terence 

05th June 2024