An Exmouth triathlete has claimed a place among the world's elite sportsman after completing one of sport's most gruelling endurance challenges.
Jason Sawyer, 35, of Byron Way, spent just under two weeks tackling the intense Deca Ironman competition, equivalent to ten triathlons.
The challenge included swimming 24 miles followed by a 1,120 mile bicycle ride before a 262 mile run to be finished within 14 days.
Jason was among 27 international muscle men to contest the event on the Pacific paradise island of Hawaii last month.
He completed the course in 12 days, 20 hours and 21 minutes to become one of only 61 people to complete the challenge since it was launched 15 years ago.
Now the Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer has claimed seventh spot among the world's top triathletes after taking 11th place in the Deca Ironman.
Jason, a married father of two, is already ranked as Britain's number one 'Ultra' triathlete.
He hopes to join the world 'Ultra' triathlete circuit in Austria, Germany, Canada and Lithuania later this year.
Jason said: "This year will hopefully see me trying to push my world ranking to the highest level.
Winter will be spent training hard and also trying to gain sponsorship for the coming season, given my new world and British ranking status.
Jason has resumed his fitness campaign back in Britain now but has recalled the endurance needed to complete the excruciating Deca Ironman course.
He said: "Twenty-four miles in a pool is a massive undertaking and after about eight hours the chlorine and constant immersion takes its toll on hands and feet.
"With aching shoulders and feeling very cold I exited the pool in the morning to start the 1,120 bike ride.
"For the next five days I would ride an average of 225 miles in every 24 hours, battling wind, fatigue, afternoon heat in the nineties and only having roughly three hours' sleep a day.
"After 1120 laps it was time to start the 262 mile run.
"I started the run well and for the first 75 miles all was looking good, but then, as for everyone in the race, the hard work starts to take its toll.
"This was now the time when everything was to be called on. Mental and physical strength in equal measures."
Jason's Deca Ironman success comes as he continues to compete in regular events for Exmouth Harriers athletics club.
His support crew during the Deca Ironman were parents Susan and Graham, aunt and uncle Sally and Richard, wife Sarah and children Joseph, six, and Todd, two.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment