The Brutal
The Double Brutal, based in Llanberis, North Wales is an extreme triathlon and one of the toughest Ironman events in the UK.
Richard took part in the Double Brutal on 21st and 22nd September 2013. He used the Brutal as the final stage of both his physiological and psychological preparation before his Antarctica Speed Record expedition.
In the Double Brutal athletes complete a 4.8 mile swim taking in 4 laps around Lake Padarn, followed by a 231.92 mile bike section, which passes through the Pen-y-Pass. The Ironman then finishes off with almost two marathons, a 51.1 mile run which begins with an ascent and descent of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
Due to a broken hand Richard took on two of the three elements of the Double Brutal, which saw him cycle 373km and run 82km non-stop for 37 hours. This training event was also filmed by Channel 5 for Richard’s first network television series.
Deprivation training plays a large part in Richard’s preparation for expeditions and this event was the perfect framework to push himself in to the dark recesses of his body and mind.
When: 21st/22nd September 2013
Where: Snowdonia, Wales
Why: Training event for Antarctica Speed Record expedition.
