Nerves of steel to take Anthony to Ironman

THE World Triathlon Series stage in Auckland last week may have drawn the curtain on an epic season of endurance racing, and athletes could be forgiven for turning their attentions to some R&R ahead of the festive season.

But for Magherafelt� athlete, Ironman and personal trainer Anthony McKenna, it’s a time to prove his �practice what you preach� philosophy.

When his 2013 calendar is pinned to the wall on January 1, the first date to be marked will be May 18. Below it will read �Lanzarote Ironman�.

Just as well calendars don�t leave room for small print.

The event motto says it all... �Normal limits do not apply�. A 3.8 km swim, followed by 180.2 km on a bike before a 42.2 km run, in a race designed to test strength, character and mind-body excellence in an �unrivalled manner�.

Daunting for most, but for Anthony and his Awen Sport fitness company, it’s a chance to show his clients that setting goals is the way to achieve success in the world of fitness. His impressive sporting background includes ironman triathlon, triathlon marathons, adventure racing, mountain biking, cycling, rugby and surfing. He is also a sports massage therapist and has worked and trained with rescue teams, which require top performance levels at short notice.�

Pretty impressive, but when it comes to making the trip to Lanzarote, he’ll be in good company.

The Magherafelt man will team up with up to 10 Mid-Ulster endurance athletes, including the �deca�impressive Bob Davison, from Cookstown.