This year (and last year thanks to the pandemic) Amy dedicated an awe inspiring level of training to participate and finish her first IRONMAN. The training schedule was gruelling and required an athlete level of commitment to stick to, which she did throughout 2020 and 2021. The first event was moved due to COVID-19 so Amy soldiered on and continued her training through to September 2021. The effort and resilience that takes is what has forged her into one of the most inspirational athletes in our area. 

 

Where did Amy complete the IRONMAN?

She flew to Austria and competed in the IRONMAN KÄRNTEN-KLAGENFURT. It is known for being one of the most beautiful scenic races in the world. It is almost one of the most hilly which is a stark contrast to our flat Lincolnshire county. 

Here is a little glimpse of the track in the official Austria IRONMAN promotional vid:

 

What exactly does an IRONMAN entail?

The IRONMAN is essentially the ultimate triathlon. A combination of a swim, a bike and a run. 

 

The SWIM

The swim is 3.8km in length. One loop in the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Wörthersee is considered one of the most beautiful in all of the IRONMAN circuits on offer throughout the world. Two thirds are completed before a final third sees the athletes enter the narrow Lendkanal in front of mega crowds that line the shores to cheer the swimmers home. 

Cut-off: 2h 20min

Cut-off time: 10:00 CEST

 

The BIKE

A 180.2 km (112 mile) ride. The bike section is not for the faint hearted, boasting all of Austria’s hilly terrain. Amy would likely sum it up in a single word ‘challenging’. It is a one-loop course that starts in the transition area near the University of Klagenfurt and then meanders around the surrounding villages and towns. The athletes then cycle through the world-famous Wörthersee for the second part of the course. If you can take your mind off the leg burn there are some cracking views to behold. 

1490m difference in altitude for 180 km

Cut-off Swim + Bike (180km): 10:10h

 

The RUN

The last leg of the IRONMAN is just as fearsome as the ones that precede it. A two-loop 42.2km (26.2 mile) course that is designed to be flat and fast. You run out of the town of Krumpendorf and then turn around towards the center of Klagenfurt where the streets are full of enthusiastic spectators cheering everyone over the finish line.

118 meters of altitude for 42,2 km

Cut-off: 17h

 

What is next for Amy?

After finishing her first IRONMAN she was initially quite content with having completed one. Most people at this point are ecstatic. Then…her competitive streak kicked in and she believed she could do it faster. An IRONMAN with challenging rolling terrain for the bike section and a very flat Lincolnshire to prepare in meant she didn’t quite achieve her targeted time. Naturally, that has left unfinished business and Amy will once again face the gruelling challenge of a 3.8km swim, a 180.2km bike and a 42.2km run. Like most athletes, and this certainly requires an athletic level of fitness and drive, Amy’s biggest competitor is herself. So we look forward to seeing her face her next IRONMAN course when she is ready to sacrifice her time, sleep and sanity for the next awe inspiring installment. 

 

Do you want to take on your first IRONMAN?

Amy knows what it takes to get over that finish line. So, if you fancy giving it a go (by that we mean contribute many months training) and are not sure where to start then Amy can help. Just fill out the form below and see how Amy can support your journey.