SportsAid

Posted on 16 Sep 2008

Inspired by the likes of this month’s rising star Rebecca Eaton, Lloyds TSB Cardnet Triathlon Team (made up of Ron White, Gary Wootton and Bernie Hollywood) successfully completed the London Triathlon at Excel on Saturday 9th August. Despite having two members of the Team that were Triathlon virgins they entered the toughest of the three events on offer which involved a 1500m swim, 40k cycle and 10k run. As well as taking up the personal challenge of competing the trio also raised at least £2,300 for SportsAid.

Ron’s Story
“I had the first leg of the three disciplines and whilst waiting to be sent outside to the dock I was trying to stay calm and wondering if I had trained enough. The answer was soon apparent as the seasoned triathletes and a handful of first timers charged down the stairs towards the Royal Victoria Dock. The enormity of the task hit me as I hit the water which was freezing and far colder than I had been expecting. The organisers must have had a wicked streak as we had to swim across to the far side of the dock to reach the start point where they kept us waiting for ages before the horn sounded and the water was turned to foam. I and a few others had hung back to let the pro’s fight it out at the front, we had two laps of the dock to complete and I soon realised that I hadn’t trained enough for the conditions that we were now all facing. My two laps were one of the hardest physical challenges I have ever had to endure. Within the first lap I had cramped up twice in one leg and during the second, lap not to be left out, my other leg decided to join in as well. I was getting fantastic support from my family and other spectators as well as the support team on the water and I managed to make it to the end of the course where I handed over to Gary who had been patiently waiting for me to appear.”

Gary’s Story
“Waiting anxiously in the transition area for Ron to return from what most consider to be the toughest discipline, the swim, we were getting reports of the weather turning really bad, but as I nervously jumped onto the bike I was not prepared for the howling winds and rain that greeted me.  Not a kind welcome for a novice athlete!   But, it was the same for everyone, so it was head down and go for it - except my legs had other ideas!  The butterflies in my stomach had moved into my legs and made it hard to channel any strength through the pedals at first, but that soon wore off and I started to make some progress passing other riders.  The roads were very slippy and there were some tight bends on the course which claimed many victims who were pushing too hard. 
The support from the crowd was fantastic and I could hear my wife, Samantha, urging me on which was worth several seconds per lap!  Towards the end I got locked into a race with another rider of similar ability (no stabilisers though!) and the highlight for me was beating him to the finish line.  I was a little disappointed with my time which equated to an average speed of just over 30kph, but I can't wait to do it again!”

Bernie’s Story
"I waited with Ron in the Excel Hall for a rain soaked Gary to appear from his epic 40k cycle race, as he appeared wind swept but with a huge smile on his face we switched number and electronic tag. I then picked up the third discipline of the triathlon the 10k (6.2 miles) run, four laps of the Excel grounds in wet weather and driving winds. Not ideal conditions but hey it was the same for all competitors. I was looking for a strong run and to make some time up. We had great support on the day and Lewis my son cheered me on for all four laps.
Feeling strong I pushed myself as hard as I could and sped past a number of runners who were finding things a little tough. As I hit my fourth lap I was on scheduled to achieve a personal best time and went for it in the last 2k. I sprinted into the final straight with huge crowds urging me on and produced a new personal best time of 45 minutes, what a feeling! Our team had completed the London Triathlon in such testing conditions and raised £2,300 for Sports Aid - job done!"