My train arrived dead on time into Zurich (on Saturday, 24 July). I was here to support Aaron in his Iron Man competition and had been in contact with Ange to get directions to the camping ground (yes you are reading right). Found the information center and within a few minutes was off to take a tram. After a few stops got off and jumped on the bus. All nice and easy and thankfully both the tram and the bus announced each stop. Got myself into the camping ground where Ange and Aaron were there to meet me, was great to see them again! I've been very fortunate in seeing them this year, this is the third time in 7 months - a great thing when they live in the UK and I live in....well you know use to live in Hong Kong.
I was shown to the tent where Ange and I were to sleep, thankfully we were on an air bed so slightly more posh than just sleeping on the ground. Aaron's parents had come over from NZ along with his sister and nephew (who live in the UK) to support him. Ange, Aaron and I headed off to the supermarket on their bikes, they had saved this for me as Ange knows how much I love visiting supermarkets. Was great to be out doing some kind of exercise after my train trip.
We had drinks (Wither Hills Chardonnay that I'd brought over from NZ via HK) and snacks in the camper-van before Ange and I went out for dinner with Vanessa (Aaron's sister). We may be camping but we don't need to lower our standards!! For dinner we went to the restaurant on the camping site, it was delicious and so packed. Definitely not camping prices but well worth it.
Decided it was time to hit the hay given were had to be up super early tomorrow to see Aaron in his Iron Man competition. I was in fits of laughter that I was camping, I mean me camping - I remember doing it when I was at school but that was because I had too.
There was a private function at the restaurant we had eaten at which unfortunately was still going when we went to bed - the chit chatter was ok just the music was painful. Who knows how Vanessa is getting on with Henry sleeping.
Sunday I was woken at 4am, there seemed to be special wake up call for those competing in the iron man competition. Then again at 5.30am when Ange got up to see Aaron before the race started. I enjoyed just lying there and trying to think happy thoughts that it wasn't so early. I finally got up at 6.15am and Ange, Aaron's parents and I were walking down to the Iron Man site (30 minute walk) within minutes of me leaving the tent. First event was the swim, we managed to see and hear the start but there was no chance we would see Aaron - there was just a pool of yellow caps. After seeing the start we headed off with everyone else to see if we could get a waters edge spot to try and spot Aaron. Aaron's Dad had hawk eyes and at the end of the first lap spotted Aaron.
Decided it was best now to wait near his bike, this way we would absolutely see him as he transited from his swim to the bike. Luckily for us his bike was two from the end, perfect for being able to speak with him but not good for him as it meant he had to walk more before he could start the bike part. After he had been and gone we headed back to the camping ground, had showers then stood outside the main entrance to cheer him on as he passed on his bike. He like everyone else wizzed by! Saw him a couple of times then back off to the Iron Man village we went, I realised we would be getting good exercise today... although nothing like crazy Aaron.
We then spent the rest of the day at the Iron Man village watching Aaron cycle or run by. We had his times that he was due to pass by so knew when we could come and go - thankfully we didn't need to stand around all day waiting for him to pass.
Aaron came in at 11 hours and 38 minutes - a MASSIVE accomplishment and one I'm super proud of him for even signing up to participate. I know how much training he has done for this and it's definitely paid off! We were all there at the finishing line to scream and yell our support. On walking back to the camping ground we noticed lots of people still running, wow I just couldn't imagine racing for 11 hours and 38 minutes let along more than that!
We had a couple of hours just relaxing and allowing Aaron to get some of "him" back before we went to the restaurant Ange, Vanessa and I had been to do last night.
Monday morning Ange and I were awake early, the rain and light didn't help! Aaron had prepared a yummy breakfast for us, how he had the energy was beyond me!! The 3 of us had a leisurely breakfast in the camper-van. After it was over it was time to shower then pack up our tents. Seemed to take no time at all although putting the tent up would take the time!! Aaron's parents had gone into Zurich earlier so we headed off to collect them, then they were super kind to drop me at
the train station. Even though I'd given Ange some things to take to London for me (winter clothes) my pack was still heavy, so less time with it on my back the better!! Within 10 minutes I'd brought my ticket, a sandwich for the journey and was on the train - all very easy and thankfully there were hardly any people around so it was a run to get on.
Geneva here I come!
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