So, this reflection starts about 18 months ago. I was working in the world of Innovation and received an invite to a company conference with the guest speaker being Dean Jackson – CEO of Huub! Now, Huub are known as being the company to go to if you want to go fast in a triathlon. This was shortly after I had first had my Ironman epiphany, so triathlon and speed was at the front of my mind as I listened to Dean speaking. Two things come to mind as I sat there listening – first, was that this was a seriously innovative company who push technical boundaries and two, I needed a wetsuit and didn’t know what to go for – but at that moment I knew I’d be shopping for Huub!
After the presentation I made a beeline for Dean and introduced myself as a future Ironman (imagine the scene being 22 Stone). I honestly do not know what he thought of me – but he gave me his business card and said to call him when I was ready to start open water swimming. He told me that he had a wetsuit in his office hanging up called the ‘Goliath’ which would fit me. Que 18 months later, nee – 2 weeks ago, I bumped into him 100 yards from my house at the local shops. At first I’m not too sure he recognised be at first; until I mentioned I was the guy wanting the Goliath wetsuit. He said it was amazing how much weight I had lost. We had a chat about the journey I was on and he said to call him. Anyhow – this I did!
I was so nervous of meeting him to talk about my journey, but at the same time I was the most excited man in Derbados (this is a play on Derby and Barbados the name of the famous record breaking Huub cycle team). I even had a conversation with Linda about what to wear – in the end I went in my usual relaxed summer attire. Naturally, me being me I arrived 20 minutes early and Dean instantly welcomed me in. Now, if you have never been to Huub HQ it is hard to describe. It is literally wall-to-wall with the most awesome kit you can buy for Triathlon or Swimming/Cycling or Running. One thing that instantly took my attention was the coolest ‘Beam bike’ I have ever seen. I have only seen this in cyclepedia. Now these guys have one adorning their wall. Sure, it was easy to be impressed by the kit you could buy – but what was pulsing through me excitedly was the fact that the Brownlee boys had also surely been in there and had the same feeling as me. Sure enough, one of their race suits was on the other wall 😊. Inspirational!
Did I mention I was excited or impressed yet? I was given a coffee and Dean and his daughter Ellie sat down with me and asked me to tell them my story. I duly did, some of it was hard to go over – but I think I got the point across that I my journey was simple had a bit of a rough time – Got myself better – In the process of getting better I got out of shape – now I’m on a journey for Ironman glory – well for me 17 hours will be amazing 😊. They were genuinely interested in my story and were really reassuring – I received some tips on cycling gear in the workshop too which was also very ‘wow’. I spoke about how I am working with my coach Zoe and that I would really like some advice on what kit I needed to race and train.
The wetsuit was the piece of kit I was looking forward to most, but how would I pick. Well no fear – I was introduced to David Bishop GBR Athlete! How to notch up the impress-o-meter another level! I was honestly so grateful to be able to get to speak to somebody like David. We spoke at length about the kit basics and what sort of stuff would be suitable for my training and ironman journey. I opted for a Varman wetsuit, because technically it seemed perfect for me. It had a special +43 foam that in its simplest form makes you more buoyant and lifts your legs. Also – I couldn’t help myself and opted for the top of the range Tri-Suit, Winter coat (as you do), visor, pull float, Tri-belt, T-shirt, Buoyancy shorts and Huub Luub (Apparently you apply it around your neck as you use a wetsuit), Derbados Shirt and a sleeveless tri-suit. No excuses now!
As I got talking to David I was trying to absorb as much knowledge as I could from him! We had a conversation about my running and coaching. I am super excited that we are going to have a follow on meeting and will be getting some running coaching from him. All of a sudden I don’t feel on my own. Dean even said he may join me in Venice 😊
Bipolar Ironman 