This Autumn Revd (Capt) Teare and Lance Bombardier Hennan from 106th (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery travelled to Italy to compete in Ironman 70.3 as a part of the Army Triathlon Association’s Team.
After two days acclimatising and an evening of carb loading, event day arrived. The morning allowed time for sorting transition bags, tweaking bikes and nutrition prep. It was then down to the start line along with 3,000 other participants. After donning wetsuits, the Padre and LBdr Hennan launched into the warm Adriatic sea for the swim – both posted good times. With a huge crowd cheering them on, it was time to transition to the bike. The route was stunning, mostly flat but with one brutally steep hill at mile 28 forcing many competitors to a near stand-still at times. Cycle complete, bikes racked, next came the run and the clock was ticking. The supporters were fantastic at this stage and encouraged both LBdr Hennan and the Padre mile-by-mile to the end of the course, along the goosebump-inducing finish line red carpet and through the famous Iron Man Italy finish-arch. It was a truly special experience and all the more of an honour completing it in Army tri-kit.
