‘Rusty Lady’ takes on Ironman
Just about anyone can swim, cycle or run but to do over 200 kilometres of all three disciplines in one stretch requires stamina of a different kind.
While even some of the strongest men and women say “not a chance” to Ironman, there are some brave enough to be put to the test.
One of those is Charmaine Hand, who owns the Rusty Lady Deli Bistro in Kensington with her husband Peter.
Although faced with a harsh battle against the wind and heat, Hand finished the Ironman South Africa challenge, held in Port Elizabeth last weekend, before the 17-hour cut off with a smile.
Hand, a Bedfordview resident, was one of 33 Bedfordview Athletics Club members who competed in this endurance challenge.
Hand finished the triathlon, which included a 3,8 kilometre swim, 180,2 kilometre bike race and 42,2 kilometre marathon, in 16:25.
“It was difficult at the beginning. It was hot and windy. When I started the marathon though, it was great. While I was on my bike, I was stressed and thought I would not finish. When I started the marathon however, I was positive I was going to finish before the cut off,” said Hand.
This is the fourth Ironman challenge Hand has competed in.
She finished the last race she participated in, during 2012, in 16:30. “My first race was great. I became sick in my second and the third was difficult. About 600 people did not finish the 2012 race due to the harsh weather. I did not compete last year because we had opened the Rusty Lady,” said Hand.
In an interview with the NEWS/EXPRESS prior to last weekend’s race, Hand said it was going to be an emotional day.
“It is every time I participate. When I pass my husband, I have a lump in my throat because of the excitement and I push on,” she said. Her husband was with her every step of the way, standing on the side lines and keeping that smile on her face. Hand said Ironman is like a personal challenge for her.
“I never like doing the easy things. Ironman is challenging and so far, has been a new journey every time. It is like a drug to me. As I ran onto the red carpet a man shouted to say that I am an Ironman. I just thought to myself ‘this is why I participated’. It is such a tough challenge. All that pain is worth it in the end. If you can succeed in Ironman, you can succeed in anything. This is what I believe. It is a challenge that changes your mind-set and helps you in everyday life,” she said.
She congratulated all the Bedfordview Athletics Club members who competed.
“It is a great club and I am proud of everyone who competed,” she said.
