Alpe D'Huez Long Course Triathlon

1000 warriors, 100 friends, 10 pounds, 1 tribe Raising £1,000,000 for charity together

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Sometime during my late twenties I managed to drag my overweight self off the couch and plodded round a marathon, my body complaining at every step. But for some reason I didn't stop there, and thought "hey, triathlon, that looks cool". Since then I've competed in 3 Ironmans, countless shorter triathlons, 6 more marathons, and even represented Great Britain in the European Long Distance Age Group championships.

However I anticipate this to be my toughest challenge yet. Not just because of the infamous climb up Alpe D'Huez, and the subsequent 22km all at altitude, but also because we are expecting our first child in May! I therefore expect to be taking part in the race having not slept for weeks, not done any training, and possibly slightly deaf!

On Wednesday 25th July I'll be taking part in the Alpe D'Huez Long Course Triathlon, consisting of:

• 2.2km swim
• 115km bike
• 22km run

The bike course includes three cols: l’Alpe du Grand Serre (1375 m) and le col d’Ornon (1 371 m), finishing with the climb up the famous 21 bends of l’Alpe d’Huez.

The 22km run is then all at altitude! About the Charity I am supporting:

Arms Around a Child

16.6 million AIDS orphans and counting…
AIDS has ravaged Sub Saharan Africa to such a degree that the majority of AIDS orphans live there. In Asia the total number of orphans orphaned for many reasons including AIDS exceeds 73 million. Are we going to stand by and let this happen?
AIDS orphans are affected by many factors. Shame, fear, rejection, denial of basic education and health care, denial of inheritance and property, discrimination with a likelihood of damaging future prospects and the worst of all, stigma. AIDS orphans suffer with depression, anxiety, neglect, emotional trauma with little or no support and this often results in exploitation and abuse. The future can be very bleak for these gorgeous children. Arms Around The Child aims to advance awareness of this horror and through Global media and campaigning we will engage the public and translate that engagement into action.
You are the answer.

Arms Around The Child Objectives.
To provide a loving home, HIV treatment, protection and respect for their spirit and soul. Education for children who are vulnerable, often infected with HIV and orphaned having lost one parent or both. We also intend to provide a sense of community and safety.
We will advocate for the needs of these children so that they may be the last generation that experiences the trauma of losing their parents from a preventable, treatable disease.
Arms Around The Child will help to educate the general public concerning the causes and effects of distress, hardship and life as an orphan infected or affected by HIV through our direct engagement with the public through events and major campaigns.
We believe in a future for these kids and intend to do everything we can to make it a bright one.
NOW.