Osnabrück lawyer Christoph Averdiek-Bolwin crosses the finish line of the Ironman 2022 in Hawaii. / Photo: HLB Klein Mönstermann
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Dr. Christoph Averdiek–Bolwin took part in the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii this year. The tax consultant covered a total distance of 226 kilometers, which begins with a 3.86 km swim on the open sea.
Start and finish at Kailua Kona Pier. After that, the triathletes get on their bikes. From Kailua Pier, the route covers 180.2 kilometers along the coast. In the final run, the participants have to cover a total distance of 42.195 kilometers (marathon) and 307 meters in altitude before they finish on Alii Drive.
The partner of the law firm HLB Klein Mönstermann determined in advance how great the requirements can be. During the high phase of his training program with long cycling and running units and high-intensity interval training, one of his regular corona tests had a positive effect. “A big shock. I had to take a break and when I resumed my performance indicators were below my usual values for a longer period of time,” says Averdiek-Bolwin. Nevertheless, he continued to pursue his goal and finally traveled to Kona in Hawaii.
Island provides additional challenges
But there were additional challenges there too: 40 degrees Celsius and high humidity. The starting shot was fired at 7:35 a.m. on the day of the competition. While the swim went well, the bike was harder to manage due to fierce crosswinds. Averdiek-Bolwin provided first aid to a fallen cyclist. The last part of the triathlon pushed the endurance athlete to his limits.
“The marathon became torture due to stomach problems. I suppressed burgeoning thoughts of giving up and kept visualizing the finish line in my head,” he reports. The triathlete reached the goal following a total of 14 hours and 20 minutes and felt incredible relief and overwhelming emotions. “In terms of sport, things might have gone better,” he regrets. “But I’m grateful to have finished this extreme race. Looking back on this world championship, I realize that the Ironman Hawaii is regarding more than the laurel wreath; it’s regarding personal boundaries.”
