TWO Stratford Triathlon Club members decided to try something a little different by competing in the inaugural, and rather less high profile, Isoman event held at Arrow Valley Country Park in Redditch, writes Victoria Jeffs.
The history of the first iron distance triathlon suggests it was created out of a desire to see who was the fittest across the disciplines of swimming, cycling and running.
They did this by bolting together three individual long distance events that existed on a particular island in the Pacific Ocean. They produced an amazing endurance event, but never achieved their original goal!
Isoman is a triathlon in which the distances of the three disciplines have been adjusted to try and equalise the time each takes to complete. This results in the swim being longer than normal and the bike section shorter.
As an additional twist, a fixed time of five minutes is allowed for each transition, meaning that a lightning quick exit from your wetsuit is no longer a prerequisite!
Indeed, you are penalised if you do not take the full five minutes. In the same way, if you take any longer, the extra time is added to your overall time.
In near perfect conditions, Brian Weetman competed in the quarter distance event and did himself proud by finishing 18th in a field of 45 starters.
Meanwhile, Andrew Speechly took part in the half Isoman and finished 11th out of 53 competitors.
After the event Andrew said: “The changes in distances for each discipline added to the challenge and interest, requiring adjustment to pacing and nutrition strategies.
“As with any new event, a few ‘wrinkles’ need to be ironed out before next year’s event, but Arrow Valley Park proved a great venue for the event.
“Whilst the finish didn’t have the celebratory atmosphere that Ironman achieves, the low-key approach and friendly atmosphere made for an enjoyable day’s racing.”
Isoman Triathlon results: Isoman Half (3.5-mile swim, 30.6-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) – Andrew Speechly (swim 1:41:26, T1 1:25, bike 1:35:10, T2 0:53, run 1:48:19 – total 5:07:13, 11th overall).
Isoman Quarter (1.75-mile swim, 15.3-mile bike, 6.55-mile run) – Brian Weetman (swim 55:00, T1 0:00, bike 50:49, T2 0:37, run 58:01 – total 2:44:27, 18th overall).
