Hardman 2015

Seanie_H

Hi folks, considering doing this next year.

Seems to be very low key which is fine but keen to get some feedback on the long distance event.

All opinion etc. very welcome, particularly on 2014/15. Finding it difficult to get much info on it.

griffin100

I've done it 3 times - 2011; 2012 and 2014. It's very low key like you say and about as far from a continental IM as you can get. Swim is nice; bike is on open and at times busy roads on at times poor surfaces (it is Kerry!) and the run is a nice looped course in the national park.

Swim is in a fantastic lake and usually starts as the sun rises. Water is cold and dark! Course is really well marked out.

Bike is ROK in reverse. There are aid stations on the bike but it's very much a self sufficient ride. You can leave a feed bag to be collected at the halfway point. You have to be conscious of traffic in one or two spots. No mechanical support to speak of.

Run is on a mix of tar, concrete and sections of gravel in and around the national park (it's been a different route each year I've done it). Loads of aid stations and you can leave a feed bag to be passed a few times during the run. As it's laps allows your kids / supporters to see you a number of times and lots to keep kids busy in the park whilst waiting on you to finish.

If you've any questions pm me.

Mr Tony Stark

I did it at the weekend and its a fantastic race. Low Key. But its Hard.

trainerman

Mr Tony Stark wrote: »

I did it at the weekend and its a fantastic race. Low Key. But its Hard.

totally agree - my 2nd time doing it this year and it's a great race. Depends what you want from it really - this is lower key, about 100 participants, relaxed and laid back feel, quiet but beautiful bike course - you may only see a handful of other participants on the bike, open roads, some traffic in later villages, lovely 3 lap run in the national park. I'd definitely recommend it.

Mr Tony Stark

I have a race report done up. its long like the race. I will post it later when I get it straightened up a bit.

Mr Tony Stark

So here is the race report with some more details, I suppose I am revealing my name etc , so be it.

Please don't judge the writing style as I don't really write at all. This report was done to keep the memories fresh of a great race. I was asked to publish it so here you are.

Bambaata

Many thanks Mr Tony Stark...if that is your real name!! ;-)

Ceepo

Mr Tony Stark wrote: »

So here is the race report with some more details, I suppose I am revealing my name etc , so be it.

Please don't judge the writing style as I don't really write at all. This report was done to keep the memories fresh of a great race. I was asked to publish it so here you are.

A great read. Well done on getting there. It really shows the highs and lows you go through. It really is a roll a coaster of a day from start to finish.
So the big question is when are you doing the next one ?

Oryx

Great report. I still think its mad how you kept going ya Hard bastid

Seanie_H

Fair play Tony! Great read, sounds like an epic fight. Well done again.

trainerman

Mr Tony Stark wrote: »

So here is the race report with some more details, I suppose I am revealing my name etc , so be it.

Please don't judge the writing style as I don't really write at all. This report was done to keep the memories fresh of a great race. I was asked to publish it so here you are.

Great read - well done - it was a tough day down there. Remember seeing the Wexford tri suit on the run! Will you do it again!

trainerman

Mr Tony Stark wrote: »

So here is the race report with some more details, I suppose I am revealing my name etc , so be it.

Please don't judge the writing style as I don't really write at all. This report was done to keep the memories fresh of a great race. I was asked to publish it so here you are.

Great read - well done - it was a tough day down there. Remember seeing the Wexford tri suit on the run! Will you do it again!

Podge83

Mr Tony Stark wrote: »

So here is the race report with some more details, I suppose I am revealing my name etc , so be it.

Please don't judge the writing style as I don't really write at all. This report was done to keep the memories fresh of a great race. I was asked to publish it so here you are.

Nice one Tony. I'm having a look at this for next year. Was to be this year, but I went down the road of sh1te courses instead - mistake. I need a project!!!

Great read and puts my reports to shame. The swim at Killarney (I did the Olympic there a few years ago) is fantastic. Must do it before my age tells me what age I really am!!

Pmaldini

Great read Mr Stark, really enjoyed that, you showed that convincing your head that you can keep going and dismiss the demons is just as important as the training, obviously doing a little more training would have helped but kudos on getting it done. I was thinking of writing up a report on last weekends challenge almere; after reading your report I might just go and do it!

Mr Tony Stark wrote: »

So here is the race report with some more details, I suppose I am revealing my name etc , so be it.

Please don't judge the writing style as I don't really write at all. This report was done to keep the memories fresh of a great race. I was asked to publish it so here you are.

interested

Great account of a great journey ! Very very well done !

mossym

kudos MTS, well done on both getting it done and in that style

Mr Tony Stark

I will leave it at this post as the thread is about the Hardman Race. I think a report something good to do, as even now the rose tinted glasses are over looking the pain and lows of the race. This I think leads to a nostalgic look at some races. I believe now to write it down as soon as possible. You can the look back honestly at what you did, and then appreciate your efforts better. Even if its a try a tri or an Deca Iron.

I am up for a challenge some time next year but I will do the Hardman again maybe in a couple of years.

The Hardman race I would really recommend. Its organised well by nice people. It is tough, but sure if it wasn't, everyone would be at it. Thanks for the comments .

BennyMul

sorry late to the party Mr. Stark
great report and kudos for not stopping and finishing.

brickysession

Inspirational stuff Brendan.

Maybe Coach Kelly could share her coaching secrets for a sub 12 or even a sub 15 would do me

Seanie_H

Just registered for 2016 on the back of all the good feedback above and value pricing.

Nothing like a new goal. Right, I'll be in the pool until then.

Steroo

Mr Tony Stark wrote: »

I did it at the weekend and its a fantastic race. Low Key. But its Hard.

Just read that report - excellent. Thinking of doing it this year. Thanks