Quebec - 8th and 9th July 2005
5 mile swim / 224 mile bike / 52 mile run
by Arthur Puckrin
I had a few days to rest and recover from the “Jet Lag” and managed to have a guided tour around No.1 Fort, which was built by the British Army in 1871 to protect Canada from attack by the newly independent USA. Just as well it was never put to the test, I thought, as it was doubtful if it could have withstood a determined attack.
Later in the week it became very windy and as I looked at the huge waves in the St. Lawrence river in which we were to swim I thought it doubtful if canoes could survive in it, never mind swimmers.
Race day soon arrived and we were up early for a trip to set up the bike transition and then to the swim start which was 8 miles up river. The wind had dropped and the water was very calm and smooth as we set out promptly at 9.45am. We quickly eased down river and were warned by the race referee to keep to the side as the current was very strong and if we missed the turning buoy it would not be possible to swim back against the current. I did as advised and kept close to the shore to hopefully find a slight back eddy, which would help my swim to the exit point. At last I was out, and then a long run to the bike transition for a drink and something to eat before the long, hard ride ahead. 2 hours 5 minutes for the swim.
Onto the bike. The sun was very hot now and I found it impossible to ride at more than 15mph. What had happened? I must have tired myself out during the swim. Were my brakes binding on? A quick look – no, they seemed to be ok. It must be me. I kept going for 25 miles, still slowly. At last, when one or two of the slower riders overtook me I decided something must be done. A pit stop and change to my spare wheel. Immediately I was up to 20mph, now I could make up some time ( a later inspection showed that my tyre had shredded on the inside and must have been catching on the forks ).
I kept going and the hours and miles passed. It was very hot and at about 80 miles I started to feel extremely hungry. I was so hungry I decided to stop and have something to eat although it was very early in the proceedings. I must eat. I stopped and had 2 tins of pears and a box of Ritz crackers. That felt better.
The trouble is that when you stop you want to stop again and I was constantly tempted to stop and eat. However, I resisted, telling myself that every time I stopped I was making the ride last longer, so I kept going. Eventually the completed miles mounted up and the journey became smaller. I had completed 150 miles when it became completely dark. One side of the track was new and smooth but the other, along a main road was very rough with many sunken manholes which were difficult to avoid in the dark. I avoided any further mishap and eventually the end came. I was in 7th place, 13 hours 15 minutes for the bike. Slow for me but at least I was off the bike. Now for something to eat and drink, a change of clothes, and off onto the run.
It was about 1.30am and to my surprise the running track was lined with spectators cheering us on. Although, as it was completely dark and they could not see anyone clearly, the applause was muted. When it became light at about 4am most of the spectators had fallen asleep. I ran steadily, stopping each lap to eat and drink. It was cloudy and I hoped it would not become too hot otherwise we would suffer as soon as the sun rose.
My feet were starting to feel very sore so just before half-way I changed to my thick-soled walking boots to protect my feet. Daylight came and it started to rain, at least it would be reasonably cool. The miles fell steadily behind me, I was going to reach the finish well within the time limit. The rain became heavier and heavier after each lap. The water level on the track started to rise, this was becoming too much of a good thing!
Once daylight came my support crew increased to about 6 or 7. They took turns to do a lap with me to keep me going and this way we did maintain a fair speed. Although the water level was rising and I was getting colder I saw no point in changing my clothes and getting everything else wet. As long as I kept moving I was not too cold. Eventually the last lap arrived. I finished in 30 hours 24 minutes having taken 14 hours 35 minutes for the run. A sit down and a cup of tea equals happiness after 30 hours on the go!
Thanks to Mary and Geoffrey my support crew without whose assistance I would not have survived and to my canoe guide and to Jean-Pierre Morin and his team who organised a superb event.
Results.
| 01 | Didier Wolosyn | France | 21.48.42 | |||
| 02 | Sergio Cordeiro | Brazil | 22.35.32 | |||
| 03 | Guy Rossi | France | 24.17.28 | |||
| 04 | Rene Sergerie | Canada | 25.07.12 | |||
| 05 | Tony Fisher | Great Britain | 26.34.53 | |||
| 06 | Gerry Fassett | Canada | 26.35.10 | |||
| 07 | Yves Beauchamp | Canada | 27.41.19 | |||
| 08 | Vincenzo Catalano | Italy | 30.08.43 | |||
| 09 | Arthur Puckrin | Great Britain | 30.24.43 | |||
| 10 | Astrid Benohr | Germany | 30.41.49 |