VIEW FROM THE BACK

I’m halfway through the first part of the run, at the top of the route’s mammoth ascent. Next is the downhill, and I like downhills. But as soon as I start to run I get stomach cramps, something I’ve never had before. Generally speaking I have the constitution of an ox, so it’s a bit of a surprise. I try running again but to no avail; the cramps are debilitating. I’m in disbelief. Here I am, immobile, with time ebbing away and vomiting every time I try to run.

I’m Dave, and I’m not your average extreme triathlete. I’m a smidgeon under six foot tall but weigh in at 100kg, and that makes me obese. But I’m proving that large people can do these events, too. This is my fourth Celtman and I already have one blue finisher’s T-shirt (awarded for completing the high-level mountain route) and two white (low-level route).

My mission is to show that anyone can do an extreme race. Yes, you have to train,