Race New Forest

The BIG seven in 7 - Tim Harris

“How about 7 Triathlons in 7 days” says Richard. My immediate reaction to a ridiculous suggestion like this is one of enthusiasm and immediately loved the idea. However it is only a few hours after I have accepted a challenge like this that I begin to realise what I have agreed to do!!

Over the past 5 years I have done a few crazy endurance challenges but usually of a running nature, which is where I have a competitive background. In 2006 I completed 7 Marathons in 7 Weeks in 7 Continents including the Antarctic where I dragged my cold body round an Ultra marathon (100km) too. In 2009 Richard, Joanne and Paul, (the directors of race new forest) all helped me complete a 500 mile challenge including cycling around the Dorset perimeter, swimming from Beaulieu to Exbury and running 60 miles around the Isle of Wight. However, up until now I have done only 3 Triathlons and the prospect of completing 7 in 7 days including the Forest Man is daunting to say the least.

All my challenges in the past have been to raise money for several different charities but over the past year I have been working closely with the Trussell Trust, whose efforts to alleviate poverty in the local area, nationally and in Bulgaria are inspiring. They have built up a network of food banks around the UK, providing food for local people in crisis. Joanne and Richard originally put me in contact with the Trust which ever since we have hosted some cycling challenges for at Downton Leisure Centre and have got involved in raising funds and awareness for the Trust in the local community.

So with the challenge set and the races planned I am looking forward to joining Richard, Kev and Steve on this epic week in August. My training has been intermittent at best, but I am firmly concentrating on the cycling over the next few months as this will be my weakest discipline. The major benefit of training for these races is the fact that the courses are all incredibly scenic and getting out cycling or running some of the routes is an absolute pleasure. I am still new to the sport of triathlon and am learning new lessons every time I head out to train or compete. I have been fortunate to work with Richard over the past couple of years and have therefore been able to benefit from his advice and experience.

I hope to raise as much sponsorship as I can for what is my hardest physical challenge to date and I know what a great cause we are all raising money for. Please see our just giving page link and I would be very grateful for any sponsorship to the Trust.
http://www.justgiving.com/racenewforest7in7

top of page