Tim's Solent Triathlon Challenge
Cycle 200 miles around Dorset and through the New Forest, Swim to the Isle of Wight, Run 60 miles around the Isle Of Wight, Swim back and then cycle another 200 miles.
To support Tim's efforts for WaterAid, please visit www.justgiving.com/timschallenge thank you.
Sunday 17th May
Tim's
Monday 18th May
Tim set out early this morning as planned, he managed to cycle the perimeter of Dorset; heading into Wiltshire, in today's extreme blustery conditions! Due to the relentess winds, a total of 160 miles were completed by Tim, a great achievement on day one of his Solent Challenge!!
Thank you to all of Tim's support crew for your dedication!
Tuesday 19th May
Due to bad weather conditions, the coastguard would not allow Tim to swim in the Solent this week. So, time for plan B! Instead Tim swam 5k in the Exbury to Beaulieu river, (completing the same distance as crossing the Solent) which was full of mud and jelly fish!
Tim is feeling good, and is confidently looking forward to his 100k run tomorrow! He wishes to thank everyone for their continued support!
Wednesday 20th May
Today Tim ran 60 miles around the perimeter of The Isle of Wight, completing today's challenge within 14 1/2 hours! It was only made possible by his incredible support team, so thank you all once again!
The run took more out of Tim then he expected, but he is ready for tomorrow!
Thursday 21st May
Once again the coastguard would not allow Tim to swim across the Solent, so he swam 5k in the Beaulieu river- route reversed, which is the equalvent of swimming across the Solent. This time he had the added factor of narrowly escaping an attack from a defensive swan!
Tim managed to complete the swim in 1hr 40 mins. So in addition to the swim, Tim decided to get some miles under his belt, hoping to take some pressure off tomorrow's mammoth bike ride! He rode through the New Forest, clocking up 60 miles within 5 hours, all made possible by Tim's ever encouraging support crew!
Friday 22nd May
To get the challenge finished Tim and his support crew began the days cycling at 5am from Downton Leisure Centre. The winds were no way near as strong as Monday making the 160 miles alot more manageable despite the fatigue accumulated over the previous four days. With fantastic help and support from Richard, Dean, Jeanette, Glyn and Jenny the Tim gradually made his way through the Dorset hills to finish at Poole Park at 8.30pm as planned.
Tim's Final Summary...
What a fantastic experience, only made possible by a wonderful support crew. Having got dissapointing news from the coastguard on Monday with regard impossible swimming conditions for Tuesdays and Thursdays planned solent swims, it appeared that my challenge would be incomplete but with some expert help and quick thinking I was given the chance to complete my solent swims in the River, covering the same distance as I would if I had swam to the Isle of Wight.
The cycling and running in the week were always going to be tough as they were incredibly long days of concentration and effort. Knowing that there was always a support crew near by with help, care, food and water always filled me with confidence to push myself forward. Having someone (or group) complete every part of the challenge with me was essential in keeping my legs going.
To see the donations and sponsorship come through as the week went on was a real boost, knowing that I was raising money for those without water.
Thank you all for your support and generous sponsorship making this challenge a success!
Tim