Box battles the elements

Local Frontrunners member Jim Box has been named World Champion Triathlete in the over 60-years category after completing a gruelling marathon in Vancouver last week.

Box managed to complete a course featuring a kilometre of swimming, 21km of cycling and a 5.2km run in just under an hour and a half.

Atrocious conditions on the day added to the challenge faced by Box as he took on the gargantuan challenge. The continual rain on the day was the least of Box’s problems, with air temperatures at 8˚C and the water at an only slightly warmer 11.8˚C.

My hands were almost non-functioning so it took me over four minutes to make the first transfer and then I forgot to put my cycle gloves on, Box said.

The cycle course was technical and challenging. I wore a cycle spray jacket so my upper body was OK, but it took two laps before my legs warmed up.

My hands were very cold though and I couldn’t release my helmet strap so I had to run in the helmet.

Box said by the end of the race he did manage to enjoy the 5.2km run.

He sent his thanks to the people who sent him well wishes before and after his victory, and said he was looking forward to returning to Sydney and its warmer weather.

The Sydney Frontrunners have a varied calendar of walks and runs most days of the week. More details at http://sydneyfrontrunners.org.