Chamber chief John proves he is a proper Iron Man

For Kilkee businessman John Redmond, it was a challenge to beat the mother of all challenges – to start and complete the gruelling Barcelona Maresme Iron Man Triathlon 2010.
Even though John had been training for the past year with colleagues Cillian Murphy and Martin Busher in the Limerick Triathlon Club for the event that comprised a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run, he really didn’t know if his body could be pushed to the point of exhaustion and still respond.
Despite all the preparation, only time would tell. But it was mission accomplished when John crossed the finishing line 12 hours 15 minutes and 46 seconds after having set off. He finished 27 minutes behind Cillian and 27 minutes in front of Martin.
“As you can imagine, we have been training throughout the last year for this epic event. We have been taking part in triathlons for almost five years now and it has always been our goal to race in a full Iron Man event,” John explains.
On the day of the event, the three triathletes had an early rise, up at 5am, for breakfast. Then it was off to the race start imbued with great expectations.
“The weather conditions were perfect, well at least at 7am before the swim start, with the water temp at 19 degrees celsius. But as the day went on the sun got up and temperatures rose to 27 degrees, which made things a little difficult and hydration was essential.
“The swim and the bike were long but I can tell you that when we got to the second half of the run, the mind started to play games and every signal that your brain sends you is to give up and stop.
“That’s the time that the battle to the finish line really kicks in. Your legs and feet are sore, your body needs fuel but you stomach has tightened up so much and just cant take any more from all the energy gels that you have been throwing into it all day. All the months of planning are gone out the window and now it’s about survival,” John reflects.
Having put so much into his preparation, John wasn’t about to give up or give in to near exhaustion.
“The heat, the humidity and the crowds urging you on to the end – it’s amazing that with about 5km to go you hear the music and see the lights of the finish line. From somewhere you get an energy that gets you home to collect your ultimate prize, the tshirt and the medal,” he said.
He completed his swim in 1.22.20, the bike ride in 6.05.48 and the run in 4.47.38.
John, who is president of the Kilkee Chamber of Commerce and runs The Strand Restaurant and Guesthouse added, “It’s all about that tshirt because not too many people have one of these.”