Ironman UK 2007 Race Report - Shane Robinson   Well I finally managed to execute a well planned IM race, and I couldn't be more happier. Conditions for race day were pretty poor, very cold and windy, but at least the rain held off for the majority of the day. It was typical of this current English summer, but you could tell on the faces of most competitors that the temperature wasn't doing much for their motivation levels. Since not having competed in a triathlon since IM UK Aug 2005, and having coached, and trained by myself leading up to this race, there were alot of pre race nerves and questions running through my head. Funnily enough, Kelsi claims that it was the calmest she has ever seen me pre race. The swim went better then expected. The water was chilly, around 16 deg., but it didn't really matter once the gun went off. The plan was to swim smoothly, and keep it at a relatively easy pace. I managed to find the feet of another guy who was swimming at a steady pace after around 400m, and let him do the work for almost the entire swim. I knew my swim was going well when we passed quite a few of the pro females and a couple of pro males wearing their different coloured caps. With around 500m to go I think the guy who was dragging me around the swim finally got the shits with me sitting on his feet, and literally stopped in the water to let me pass. He sat behind me for a short distance but after numerous slaps on my feet it was time to drop him and head for T1. SWIM: 00:54:25 The bike consisted of a 3 lap loop course, and is bloody tough. I knew the course after travelling out here a month previous for a training weekend. Apart from being quite a hilly ride, race day threw in the wind as well....great. I had to pop on sleeves in T1, and also had toe covers for my bike shoes, for it was still a bit chilly, but at least the overcast conditions would prevent the normally harsh sunburn on my precious fair skin! The bike plan went well, and after riding the first loop at a steady aerobic pace, whilst others went flashing past, the second and third loops seemed relatively easy, and I managed to pass many other competitors. Racing with a HR monitor for the first time was essential in my plan, and really kept me in control during a tough bike. BIKE: 5:29 Starting the run I knew that I if I managed a 4 hr marathon then I was on target for around 10:30hrs, which I would regard as a solid time for this course. However, with that in the back of my mind the pressure was off, and it was time to concentrate on my HR, run technique, and focus for the marathon ahead. At the half way mark my watch split showed 1:46, and I was then aware that I was on target for a good day. I had paced myself well during the run, and towards the back end of the race even managed to pass some other guys, an experience I've rarely encountered. Running through the town with around 2 miles to go my legs were smashed, and my quads hardly wanted to bend, but the crowds were fantastic with their cheering which really helped. After seeing the number of competitors going in the opposite direction, even cheering me on, as well as the fact I couldn't really see anyone else in front or behind me, I realised then that I must of been well placed. However, with the lack of timing facilities at transitions I didn't really know where I was, and thought I was heading for a time of around 10:20hrs, which I was feeling over the moon about! It was only approaching the finishing shoot, when the announcer was getting the awaiting crowd fired up to bring me home under 10hrs that I saw the timing clock, and couldn't believe it! RUN: 3:30 Couldn't have hoped for a better day, and I'm still on a high as I write this, even though I can barely walk, it was all worth it! TOTAL: 9:59:50 ( 54th overall / 6th age group ) Thanks to everyone for the good luck wishes, and support. Thanks to Ian Wright at pyreneesmultisport.com for a fantastic training camp in June. Thanks to Trav, for although congratulating me, was quick to point out that he has an IM PB of 9:59:48. Thanks mate! Smithy, for your info, I believe I was second ginga home. The other was some pro male. Rads, yes it is possible to complete an entire IM and not get sun burnt..............................well in England. To the Pollards of Sherborne, thanks for the many cheers out on the course, especially Dom and Maddie....my ears are still recovering from your whistling and cheering. Kelsi, who trekked all over the course to support me, only to miss my finish by a couple of minutes due to me coming in well before the predicted times I'd supplied her with! And Dad, for staying up the entire night following the race on ironmanlive, and informing Kelsi from the other side of the world that I had indeed finished and should find me!