A fast and fit Forth Valley College Facilities Fix-it team member is training hard to take on one of the toughest endurance races to be held in Scotland.
Raymond Evenden (46) from Falkirk is gearing up for the ‘Celtman Challenge’ triathlon around Torridon, in the Northwest Highlands on Saturday 17 June, 2017. It comprises a 3.4km open-water loch swim, a 202km cycle and a 42km run (both with a 2000m of climb).
And with a long list of events already under his belt including the Ben Nevis challenge and running the 95 miles of the West Highland Way in 27 hours, Grangemouth Triathlon Club member Raymond, is looking forward to his six month training regime and the challenge itself… well most of it.
He said:
“During the events I don’t enjoy it at the time, but it is a great feeling when you have achieved and completed it. You have to do the training though and it is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. The body can take a lot more than what you think.”
Raymond currently trains two times a day and he is delighted that when he is at work at the college he can always fit in a session in the Stirling Campus gym around his work hours.
He went on:
“Lauren and Susie who run the gym in Stirling are brilliant and they are forever helping me with new circuit programmes, cardio-vascular and strength exercises and conditioning, which is a great help to me. Last year every race I entered I achieved a personal best time, which just goes to show how their training is helping me.
“I would really recommend that my colleagues in the college should come to the gym and find out how they can help you get fit. The facilities are great and they will sort out a plan that will fit your needs.”
Raymond is aiming for a time of 14 or 15 hours for the Celtman Challenge, which will start at 5am on Saturday 17 June.
He added:
“I am looking forward to it and the big commitment to the training, but I think I will be putting in for a holiday on Monday 19 June!”