Ironman China 2010 was an intimate race that allowed athletes to get acquainted with competitors from all over the world. Bonds formed early in the week during group shopping trips to the multi-level grocery store, where we teamed up to help one another “read” Chinese food labels and take turns using the shopping carts that slid sideways and magnetically locked into place on the escalators.
It was quite the adventure!
Later, EST clients took a bike course tour, stopping along the way for photo ops with water buffalo, and to stroll through a village while snacking on local flavors. Children even came out of their school to smile for photos and see the large group of non-natives walking down the streets!
One afternoon we were dropped off in the city and took a guided tour of the area. Starting in People’s Park, we noticed much activity - locals were engaged in games of ping-pong, badminton, croquet and were practicing tai chi. We then hit the streets and saw “old China”; window shopping the many stores that lined the streets. When it was time to head back we partnered up, jumped on the back seat of rickshaw bicycles and raced each other back. Looking around, everyone wore smiles from ear to ear.
After relaxing came the time to race. Ironman China was a challenging event due to currents in the water, a warm temperature, and wind on the bike and run. It was a tough day for most but waves and cheers encouraged many EST athletes to cross the finish line. It’s amazing how friendships formed in just a few days can shine through just when you need it!
Congratulations to all for making it to the start line and a special “well done” to the following EST athletes and staff!
- 70.3 Podium placements: Ken Glah 1st, Stacy Hadac 3rd , Tiffany Morey 3rd , Gayle Tsien 1st.
- Foster Grant World Championship: Stacy Hadac, Simon Moore, Gayle Tsien.
- Ironman Podium placements: Mary Goodacre 1st, Carol Hassell 1st, Bernard Girold 1st, Brigette Bollschweiler 3rd, Chantal Leferve 2nd.
- Ford Ironman World Championship: Paul Duffy, Mary Goodacre, Carol Hassell, Bernard Girold.
The six night, three city after-race Tour of China was enjoyed by a lucky group of EST clients, and from the emails we’ve received, fun was had by all. Highlights of the tour included the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xi'an, the Jade Buddhism Temple in Shanghai and Tiananmen Square in Beijing and the Great Wall of China.
We would like to thank everyone that allowed us to help them with their 2010 trip to Ironman China and look forward to helping many others to this event in 2011.
