Respect has to be earned. Respect is not something automatically received.
Almost three weeks ago the culmination of almost a year's training came to fruition for 28 triathlon club mates when they took to the start of the Challenge Roth triathlon in Germany.
I know a good number of them and have watched their training throughout the year as they've toiled for hour after hour, week after week to simply get to the starting line. Now let me say that I wasn't involved in ANY of the training in any way shape or form but chatting to colleagues and seeing various social media and online discussions I was well aware of the effort, commitment and sacrifices being made for this training.
Long cycles. Long runs. Recovery swims (which would be longer than a 'normal' training session). All par for the course. All the norm.
Disk wheel. Tubs. Clinchers. Gels. Nutrition plan. Walk-run strategy. The lingo, discussions and debates were all brought to a new level...(just don't ask how much anyone's bike cost!)
On the day followed the progress of as many of the guys and girls as possible as often as possible throughout the day online through their swim (3.8km), cycle (180km) and run (42.2km). Any time lags between time splits had my mind racing about what might have happened. The chat across Twitter and FB amongst us homebird Piranhas frenetic but also great to see. At least I wasn't the only one wondering about the splits. Willing everyone across the line. All 28 completed the race which was a fantastic feat in itself.
That no-one was fully happy with their times (seriously Will?) also goes to show the thorough preparation and subsequent expectation everyone had put on their shoulders.
After hearing various war stories and reading the raw emotion of the race reports to date - all inspiring - it is very clear everyone's heart and soul was poured into preparing for and equally, completing the race / event on the day.
I have a much better understanding of what is needed to complete an Ironman race. My admiration for those who have completed has increased.
Respect earned by each and every one of you. Total and utter respect.
