Events

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Sunday 5th March 2006

Team Run Training Day Royden Park

As winter training picks up pace the tri-4-life team enjoy the snow covered woodland tracks on their regular training routes.

Strength, endurance and flexibility are being developed through a combination of resistance circuit training, sprints and hill reps.

The team will continue their build up in preparation for the event whilst looking ahead to the more favorable conditions of the spring and summer months

19th February 2006

Llanberis 50 mile Training Loop

With snow still on the ground the tri-4-life team headed to the long steady climbs of the Snowdonia National Park as part of there winter training programme. The day was a great success with some good team riding.

5th & 6th August 2005

Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon

The Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon was a fantastic success for the tri-4-life Event. Team sponsors Asics had planned a fantastic itinerary of PR meetings to promote our event in 2006.

The team met up with Asics UK Managing Director Ryoji Sekito for an update briefing on how our plans were going. The team also got a chance to catch up with world ranking pro triathletes and fellow Asics sponsored athletes Tim Don and Liz Blatchford, to share their triathlon experiences leading upto the London Event.

A meeting with Charlotte Biddle of the London based corporate fundraisers for our International Charity WaterAid gave an ideal opportunity to discuss plans for their involvement in the tri-4-life event. We look forward to raising the much needed funds required to help towards the developing world's water needs.

Niomi Hissey from the London Triathlon Company introduced the team to BBC TV sports presenter Craig Doyle for an Interview to be screened as part of the event on National BBC Sports television.

Following on from all the interviews, meetings and publicity at the EXPO on the Saturday , it was down to business on the Sunday as the team took part in the Olympic distance age group championships.

In all it was a great event for Ryan our youngest team member, Tim, Paul, Bryan, Chris, Liam, Sean, Ian, Bill and dedicated veteran Ray, Who all completed the event in style towards the European Challenge next year.

Our thanks go to Rebecca Jones of our Sponsors Asics for a great itinerary, the London Triathlon Company for making us so welcome and to Tim Don for his inspiration, motivation and support for the tri-4-life Event.

24th July 2005

Longest Day Triathlon

Congratulations to Ray and Kieren on completing the ORCA Longest Day Triathlon on Sunday 24th July in the worst weather conditions on record.

23rd July 2005

Llyn Padarn Open Water Swimming Championships

27th June 2005

Night Swimming West Kirby Marina

As Tim and Paul catch the last of the sun the team thoughts turn to the task in hand, Night Swimming.

In preparation for the Channel relay attempt in 2006 the team simulate the 4am start conditions by swimming in the dark.

At least six of the team will have to swim in such conditions enduring cooler air and water temperatures as well as the associated navigation difficulties.

As per the relay swim rules, the team takes time out of the water before continuing with another grueling session.

19th June 2005

Asics Blackpool Marathon

Due to a number of team commitments, Bryan Cullen was the only tri-4-life team entry in this years Blackpool Marathon.

Having just returned from Ironman Lanzarote Bryan soon found his marathon pace. In a lot of pain he managed to complete the course in a time of 3hrs 38mins to close another fantastic tri-4-life day.

28th May 2005

Ivan Percival Memorial Championships

The Ivan Percival open water Swim at the Albert Dock went with a chilling splash. Well done to Ray, Rob, Sean, Liam, Bryan, Paul, Tim & Ryan for taking the plunge.

21st May 2005

IRONMAN LANZAROTE TRIATHLON

To have watched this bunch of ordinary guys from Merseytri, four years ago, taking part in their first sprint distance Swim, Bike and Run triathlon fund-raising event, you would have been hard pushed to place them anywhere near the toughest IRONMAN triathlon event in the world, yet alone competing in it. In truth, the past four years have been a roller coaster journey of emotion, excitement and self-belief for each of them. Year on year the guys have increased their race distances in order to develop their physical, technical and mental abilities in preparation to complete their very own dream event. The first ever tri-4-life European Challenge taking place in 2006 incorporating a fund-raising and awareness raising road show. Two teams of seven will cycle a none stop relay 958 miles from John O'Groats to Lands End, Swim 23 miles across the English Channel and then Run 150 miles from Calais to the European capital Brussels.

As a benchmark of readiness for this challenge seven of the tri-4-life team entered Ironman Lanzarote 2005, the toughest race of its kind in the world. A 2.4 mile swim in the open water of Puerto Del Carman is followed by a 112 mile bike circuit of the Island taking in the early climbs of Timantaya 'Fire Mountain' across the lava fields before the long steep climbs of Hiria and Mirador del Rio. The fast section back from Teguise allows just enough time to prepare for the 26.2 mile marathon to finish.

Following months of dedicated preparation the seven were finally there at daybreak 21st May on the start line. Although each recall's the day with various differences they all remember the struggle and sacrifice required to even get to the start line. The strength-sapping struggle of each stroke of the swim, being in constant contact with the other eight hundred competitors kicking and punched in attempts to find clear water, loosing goggles and choking on waterlogged breaths. The Panic and excitement of the transition area being smothered in a thick white coat of total sun block before sliding onto the bike.

Here the nutrition plan kicks in, water, electrolyte and carbohydrate. As the legs push 70-80 revolutions per minute, you drink 1000 ml and consume 60g of carbs per hour. The constant blustering headwind becomes a welcome enemy in the almost instant 100-degree unshaded sunlight. As the glycogen stores deplete on the strategically placed climbs and the stomach begins to question your diet, the exposed skin is red, dry and sore, the transition beckons for the final time. With the wind now behind you and the encouraging roar of a thousand spectators camped out in the bars and cafes of the beachfront strip your doubting spirit is lifted towards the marathon course.

Leaving transition to run 26.2 mile looking and feeling like you should have just finished leads to some of the deepest soul searching moments of the whole Ironman experience. The legs that could run just will not work, the lungs no longer expand the chest and the stomach becomes a sloshing liquidiser. As slowly and painfully you drink and drip away the miles in the unrelenting microwave heat, the muscles begin to tighten, joints begin to lock, blisters begin to burst, the run becomes a jog, then a jog/walk.

Eventually the walk becomes a major test of strength and coordination. At certain points you are lifted by the music, the crowd and the atmosphere. On the early laps you can straighten your back and jog adoringly past yelling, 'Get one on the bar for me mate.' By leg seven and eight you do well to raise your head in thankful appreciation. Then finally in almost disbelief you hear the music and commentary from the finish area. You count the lap bands on your wrist. A stirring deep within searches for every last drop of adrenaline and a door of emotion that has been kept locked away all day suddenly opens and once again your running.

You are directed to the left into the final 300 meter Finnish area. The crowds are seated and standing in a purpose built stadia raking back from the road cheering and waving in a vibrant multi coloured mass bordered by palm trees, and endless blue of sea and sky. I am floating, high five's with multi racial words of congratulation, I raise my arms in anticipation of this one moment, I am there, IRONMAN.

Of the eight hundred starters, only seven hundred completed the event. The 2005 event will be noted for the toughest bike and run temperature conditions. Of the seven hundred competitors who actually finished, seven were a group of average guys from Merseyside brought together through friendship towards the tri-4life European Challenge 2006. The team would like thanks their family, friends and all at Merseytri for their assistance in making this happen.

24th April 2005

Lake District Challenge, 180km ride 4,800 meters of climbs.

28th November 2004

Sefton Park Liverpool Team Training Day.

10th October 2004

The tri-4-life girls really warmed things up at the L1310K race by 'Reaching Out Reaching You' raising awareness for local charity Liverpool Heartbeat. Rachel, Carol, Debbie, Alice and friends completed the 10K race to a rousing applause.

Ian Simnor arrived home in a 10K PB course record. Tim Barrett stormed through the Half Marathon distance to finish just outside the top twenty. Bryan Cullen headed the rest of the team home, in under one hour thirty, followed by Liam, Rob, Kieren, Sean, Dave, Paul, Ryan, Chris and Ray.

The teams Public Relations expedience with Asics at the start of the race set the tone for a fantastic day. The tri-4-life team in the elite area of the city's biggest race, hosted by our main sponsors Asics, heading a field of seven thousand runners epitomized the dream that is tri-4-life!. The team would like to thank Alan Rothwell, Robin Baynes and Asics for another tri-4-life success.

5th September 2004

In long awaited anticipation the Liverpool Triathlon lived up to all expectations. The race conditions, routes and organisation were fantastic.

Emerging from the 1500m swim the team were soon on their way.

Alan........Sean ....Chris ....Ian .......Ray ....Liam ....Rob...... Tim .....Paul .....Bryan .......Dave

Once off the bike it was plain sailing through the 10K run to the finish.

This show case event allowed the team some excellent opportunities to promote the tri-4-life Challenge with the British Triathlon Association and local press and media. Eleven tri-4-life team members completed the race in good form with many claiming their personal bests.

In yet another premier event the team claim victory towards their goal in 2006. Well done to all the team and their families and supporters for their effort in promoting our tri-4-life European Challenge in our home city of Liverpool.

18th July 2004

On his recent return from Austria, Ironman Bryan Cullen finds the perfect way to stretch those tired muscles, by taking part in the Longest Day Triathlon in Wolverhampton. Congratulations Bryan on your back to back Ironman double success. tri-4-life team member Bryan now plans to build on these performances ready for the next up and comings challenges of the Across Mersey Swim, Liverpool Triathlon, L1310K and Sherbourne Half Ironman.

04th July 2004

20th June 2004

Bryan Cullen clocks up more miles in preparation for Ironman Austria and Ray Hanlon breaks his Marathon VooDoo at Blackpool. Well done to both tri-4-life team members on their great performances.

29th May 2004

Liverpool Swimming Club Ivan Percival Long Distance Swimming Championships.

Ten members of the tri-4-life team took part in the Ivan Percival open water swim in Liverpool Albert Dock. The weather was overcast and the temp was 56 degrees, so the team were in for a very cold swim.

Cold water swim training is vital for the team as you cannot wear wetsuits when swimming the english channel under Channel Swimming Association Rules.

The team braved the swim with just a pair of trunks, swim cap,and goggles in what proved to be a tough two mile swim. When Nick 'Robbo' started cold water swimming the first thing he was taught from other swimmers was that if you make it to the end fit and well then you have achieved what you set out to do. this was certanily the case for the team as they each completed the swim.

In this event the team were not competing against one another, but against the cold of the water and the strengh of the team pulled everyone through to the end. Thanks to Dave Parry and his team for arranging it all. Some great news following the event with Commonwealth Silver Medalist Steve Parry endorsing tri-4-life with a pledge to do some fundraising.

3rd May 2004

tri-4-life star Bryan Cullen continues his international preparation by Completing the Belfast Marathon in 3 hours 37 mins.

Chirk Tiathlon 25th April 2004

Chirk triathlon was held on Sunday 25th April and the day dawned dry and bright. Richard Avery was first off managing to get a reserve list place at the last minute. Robbo and Becky Keatley were last to go with another 11 members in between. The swim caused the organisers some problems with counting/timing errors and the water was on the warm side.

The cycle route was very scenic riding along the river through wooded areas in an out and back course. The ride out was a slow uphill ride so we could all get a good speed up for the return leg. The run had a steep uphill as soon as you left transition but the route was quiet and included some challenging hills. It was a brilliant day and the club did well providing a good atmosphere and lots of support.

Well done to the following Merseytri and tri-4-life competitiors: Colin Walker 1:10:15 83rd, Tim Barret 1:12:02 108th, Andrew Sixsmith 1:12:31 114th, Mike Lisle 1:12:38 115th, Matt Aldridge 1:14:16 150th, Richard Avery 1;14:58 160th, Ian Simnor 1:15:48 174th, Paul Platt 1:17:54 205th, Alan Kirkham 1:19:49 227th, Joe Kearns 1:22:06 264th, Nick 'Robbo' 1:22:12 265th, Alan Fletcher 1:22:40 270th, John Peel 1:26:29 314th, Becky Keatley 1:27:40 319th, Liz Kirkham 1:30:00 337th

03rd May 2004

Waterloo 15k Race. Listed in U.K. and Great Britain Best Race Listings.

Full Listing of this years events can be viewed online

The Old 240 Route 400km Saturday 22nd May 2004

If any one in the tri-4-life team ever tells you that the old 240 route would be a great training run and a fun day out, run a mile. Two weeks prior to this event we had just finished the Southport/Settle 200km when someone asked that deep soul searching question, 'could you do it all again right now', Of course the head was nodding, but that truthful inner voice already had you packed up and heading home. I knew I should have listened, especially when on Friday night I received the instructions in the post. 'There has been no compromise on route selection or comfort on this route, the hardest 400km UK Audax'. As usual 'TEAM TAIG' were doomed from the start. Sean and Liam were making great time on the drive to the start using the maticulously prepared RAC route planner until they ended up in the middle of a housing estate ten minutes before the start time and fifteen mile away from the start point. Bryan and Chris had spent most of the morning touring west yorkshire trying to find a compatible seat pin for Byans bike that had mysteriously broken en route. Just as Bryan thought there realy was a God they found one! so with no more excuses and an hour delay at the start of we went with a plan to ride 400km in 24 hours. Things went really well for the first 2km then a right turn and a 15km climb.

The combination of climbing and long distance with 6730 metres of climbing compressed into 400 kilometres earns 3 AAApoints, awarded for the total amount of climbing alone, but it isn't just the climbing, the moorland road over to Barnard Castle at night and the early morning ascent of Kidstones can be gruelling. As usual, the weather presented problems to add to those the route offered, and most riders found the cold night temperatures and ground frost difficult to deal with. It was gratifying to see members of the tri-4-life team - Bryan Cullen, Sean Hanlon, Chris Fewtrell and Liam Hanlon finish this testing event. We would like to thank Chris Crossland and his team from the Halifax section of the CTC for putting us through our paces, in readiness for Ironman Austria and the tri-4-life challenge!

Woodchurch North West Region Aquathlon Championships for 8 -16's Sunday 28th March 2004

As the Merseytri crew arrived at Woodchurch Leisure Centre to set up the course a strong wind gusted across the open field and the grey sky threatened rain. As the morning wore on the heavy clouds were pushed southward leaving a warm clear oasis ready for the start of the first race.

With over seventy registered entries on the day the age group categories were filling up to give an exciting prospect for things to come.

Under the watchful eye of the marshals and referee each participant competed gamely and fairly in their chosen event.

The categories included both boys and girls in novice, youth and tristar events. There were a number of outstanding performances from those taking part, a number of whom have represented Great Britain in their chosen sport.

The final race of the day was an unofficial have-a-go for the under eight's. Despite a relaxation of the rules this race was every bit as competitive as the championship itself.

Thanks to Alan Kirkham for organizing the event and Liz and Helen for all their hard work locked in the 'broom cupboard' on registration and results. Thanks to all the marshals, timekeepers and officials for making the whole event a great success whilst promoting MerseyTri and the tri-4-life European Challenge 2006.

14th March 2004

Mersey Tri PIMBO Speed Demon Duathlon Sunday 14th March 2004

Despite the worst weather Pimbo has experienced in recent weeks, a field of almost seventy athletes registered to start the North West Regional Duathlon Championship Race. Following the customary pre race briefing the athletes headed for the start line.

As the weather deteriorated into heavy blustering showers, the whistle blew and they were off on the first finger numbing, nose dripping run section.

The bike section produced an eight lap grueller, with a strong gusting headwind along most of the rising southwest section.

The second run circuit produced some outstanding performances with Mark Laithwaite and Cathy Jones finishing overall first in their respective male and female Championship.

In all, the event was a great success for everyone involved. Mersey Tri organisers would like to thank Alan and Shaun Nicholls of Pactrol Controls for the use of the undercover facilities, St. John Ambulance for the first aid cover, and Piggy's Pantry for the catering. The success of these events would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of the officials, timekeepers and marshals. Liam would like to thank Robin Baines for the use of the transport, Alan Kirkham for his help in organising and overseeing the event as the BTA Referee. Debbie, Chris, Liz and Helen for registration. Bill, Sean, Bryan, Paul and IAN for course setting and Dave, Jerry, Rob, Mike and Scott for timekeeping and Marshaling. Thanks also to the John Moores University Sports Therapists for the pre and post race massage services and their donation to the tri-4-life 'MILLION REASONS TO TRI' campaign.

29th Feb 2004

Great North West Half Marathon Blackpool Sunday 29th Feb 2004

9th March 2004

tri-4-life European Challenge 2006 team meet with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Councillor's Ron & Tina Gould, at Liverpool Town Hall.

During our brief introduction in the Grand Entrance Hall we noted the magnificent frescoes painted in 1909 by JH Amschewitz depicting important events in Liverpool's history including the granting of the Charter by King John in 1207. We relaxed in the parlour discussing our event with the Lord and Lady Mayoress over a cup of tea, whilst exchanging views and ideas on the whole issue of charity events and their importance in the well being of our communities. It was also inspiring for us all to listen to the Mayor and Mayoress explain about their own involvement in charity appeals.

As ambassadors of our city, involved in an event that will help promote Liverpool as European Capital of Culture in 2008, It is a tremendous honour to receive the Lord and Lady Mayoress's endorsement in taking our own historical message from the Grand Entrance of the Town Hall to the many towns and cities that we will visit. As the team gathered together with the Lord and Lady Mayoress, for a photograph at the base of the Grand Staircase, over looked by a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and a statue of the former Prime Minister George Canning, the words from the inscription around the edge of the grand ceiling dome summed up the purpose for our challenge 'GOD HAS BESTOWED THESE BLESSINGS UPON US'. The Event Director Liam Hanlon would like to thank the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress and all the staff at the Town Hall for taking the time to launch tri-4-life European Challenge 2006 in such a positive and meaningful way.

The Lord Mayors Thoughts on tri-4-life European Challenge 2006

'It's a tremendous idea and I'm really proud and privileged that its going to take hold here in Liverpool and go out right throughout the county and over the channel. Liverpool is famous for many things and its going to be famous yet again for something different, something that everyone can take a pride in, being healthy, being fit, swimming, cycling, running, walking, all the things that many of us try to do and think we do well, but don't, so we can take a great example from what your doing in spreading the message of this right throughout the country, and of course taking the message from Liverpool, your home town. Thank you very much in deed.'

27th February 2004

Team Launch Event at the Bridge Inn Port Sunlight Village

Following a recent appearance on Granada television, Friday 27th February 2004 saw the launch of a unique sporting charity event. Fifteen members from the tri-4-life European Challenge team met for the first time at the Bridge Inn Port Sunlight to discuss their plans with the patrons and trustees of their nominated local, regional, national and international charities. The aim of the challenge is to complete a two team non-stop 863 mile cycle relay from John O'Groats to Land's End, attempt an official 23 mile recorded swim of the English Channel, followed by a 150 mile non-stop run from Calais to the European capital Brussels.

Event Director Liam Hanlon explained that although the challenge is continuous, a promotional road show will be linking a number of national fundraising organisations such as Rotary International and the Lions Association simultaneously en-route. The tri-4-life team will be visiting schools, colleges, youth clubs, shopping centres and public buildings in a massive 'MILLION REASONS TO TRI' fundraising campaign, raising awareness of the local charity Stick 'n' Step, getting the ABILITY out of disability, which is based in Rock Ferry. The British Heart Foundation will be represented in promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle together with an interactive simulated time trial event. Promotion of our sport and the environment will be undertaken whilst highlighting the service provided by the North West Air Ambulance. The event will also incorporate part of the Liverpool Heartbeat National Drug Awareness for Teenagers Campaign. The international charity link is hoped to involve the national network of water companies, fundraising for the world fund, WaterAid.

Team manager Bill Hanlon introduced the team, spanning three generations from 16 years to 60 years old, as a bunch of hardworking lads who have been brought together to enjoy this fantastic event and hopefully make a small difference to those less fortunate. A toast was raised at the end of the evening to the nominated charities and the launch of the official website www.tri-4-life.com. Please log on for further information or contact details.