Challenge 2009 – race schedule

To upstage what I did in 2008 I have decided to set myself an even greater challenge.

The race schedule listed here will be a serious test of both mental and physical stamina. As a side note I can say that many ultra specialists say you should leave your body at least 6-10 weeks rest after an ultra race to allow the body to recover.

In total I will race 805km split over five races, during five months, in three disciplines. Broken down by discipline I will:

  • Swim 6km
  • Cycle 270km
  • Run 529 km

Total distance: 805km

April, 2009 – Namibia 24hr ultramarathon: This is a gruesome 126km self reliant race through the Namib desert. The temperature ranges from +40c in the day and as low as 0c during the night.

June, 2009 – UK Ironman 70.3: This half-Ironman distance is described as one of the toughest half-Ironman competitions in the world. 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21km run.

July, 2009 – Al Andalus Ultra Trail marathon: 2009 is the inaugural year of this new ultra marathon. 250km over 5 days through the Andalucian country side in heat up to +45c.

August, 2009 – Ironman UK: This is a full distance Ironman. 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and finally 42km run.

Sept, 2009 – London to Brighton run: I have just entered the London to Brighton run, which is a 90km ultra run over paths and fields from London to Brighton.

At the outset of my 2009 challenge I had planned to do the Fellsman race in 2009. In the end this didn’t work out with my other plans, so I had to add the UK London to Brighton run in September.