A long distance triathlete from Lancashire is setting out to complete 10 IRONMAN triathlons in 10 days for NHS Charities Together.
Joe Duckworth, who is himself a key worker as an airport firefighter supporting the distribution of supplies and personnel, is taking on this 10 in 10 challenge starting on Friday 1 May.
The challenge ahead of Duckworth is no small feat, a 60-minute row (his estimated swim time for the 2.4 mile swim), followed by a 112 mile indoor bike leg and 26.2 mile run on a treadmill every day for 10 days.
“This is my small way of showing my respect and gratitude as they [NHS staff and volunteers] work tirelessly in the face of the virus,” commented Duckworth. “My challenge will be over in 10 days, theirs will be going on for many months.”
As a triathlete, Duckworth has represented the Great Britain Age-Group Team at European Long Course Championships, coming home with a gold and silver medal.
“It’s going to be a long 10 days for myself and my family, but I really do think it’s worth it,” said Duckworth.
“It’s for an unbelievable cause as the guys on the frontline are going through something we can’t even imaging.”
After completing the row, Duckworth will be starting his bike leg each day at 08:15 and you can join him at that time on Zwift for either the whole or part of the distance.
“I’d love for people to join me on the cycle each morning,” added Duckworth. “You’ll need to search for and friend ‘Joe Duckworth (Limitless)’ on Zwift and I’ll be the rider with the marker over his head.”
To help fuel himself through the challenge, Duckworth will keeping a high protein and high carb diet throughout the 10 days.
“My daughters are going to prepare a nice cold ice bath at the end of each day,” mentioned Duckworth. “It’ll be a case of bath, food and early to bed each night to get ready for the following day.”
You can follow his progress on the dedicated Facebook page and donate to his fundraising total via the buttons below.
