Athenry AC member recently took on the challenge of one of the most difficult triathlons in the country which is organised by Limerick Triathlon Club, namely, 'The Hell of the West'. Where have we heard that name before?

Ruth had a fantastic race and tells her story below.

Normally the report starts at the race, but I have to start with registration for two reasons, first there was projected photos of last years race which scared me to death as I queued to register…the doubt set in ….. Am I right in the head for doing this!!! Second reason is the great goody bag, including a woman’s wicking t-shirt no less!!! I thought ‘Classy race this. Scary - but classy!!’

The morning of June 28th dawned dry and blustery in Kilkee and the weather was to stay like that for the day, with the sun occasionally peeking through to cheer us up during the race, but the talk of the day would be the wind…. Such wind!

Transition was well set-up with spaces allocated by name, and easy access to the beach for the start. It was an amusing sight on the resort beach, 600 people in neoprene with green and pink heads making their way to the shore. The first wave started out fast and I got my first taste of Kilkee bay! The start of the second wave came quite quickly, and then I was off…out to sea! The sea was choppy so sighting was a challenge. Particularly on the way back to shore, but eventually I managed to just swim straight and got back to transition in good shape. I was ready for in infamous ‘bike’.

The first thing I noticed was the hill, and the second was the downhill on the other side, which did not give me any joy as I quickly realised I would have to come back up that, with the wind in my face at the 40k mark. So I decided to conserve energy for the last few km’s and took it relatively easy. It was a good decision, the places I lost on the way out I won back on the last 10km and a few more to boot!! Following my hydration strategy I finished my Lucozade with 10k to go, put my head down into the wind and fought my way home!

T2 was just great! I’d like to give a special mention to the juniors and families for such great support…I forgot all about my legs, and felt totally exhilarated leaving transition for the run. Ah, endorphins …I love endorphins!

Had a bit of a gummy bear party while climbing the first few km’s of the race to the enjoyment of anyone running beside me. The first 3km is hard uphill, but made easier by seeing the leaders run down past you, knowing that will be you in a half hour. At the top of the hill I was rewarded by stunning views of the cliffs and sea, ‘time to take it easy for a while’.

Picked up pace for the turnaround and loved the run down. Soon spectators were back sight and the descent into Kilkee was really great. I decided the give it a bit more for the last few yards and realised with a laugh that I was just too wrecked…the legs said ‘no way…just get over the line!!!’

Great day, great race!

Ruth Kilcawley

3.00.14

Hell of The West