From

This must be the ultimate actuelle race report and multi-participant deca blog!

Based on Chris Morgan's emails to Chester Tri e-group during his stint as Mad Dog

Rob Holmes' soigneur extraordinaire at Deca-Ironman in Hawaii 2004 .. fabulous!

You can't read this without feeling it ... ...

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Thu Nov 4, 2004 7:23 pm
Subject: The Deca-Ironman in Hawaii

...for those of you with a smidgen of morbid curiosity or just want
to wish our very own Rob Holmes all the best and follow him in his
quest for immortality, log on to:

http://www.decahawaii.com/

We fly out on Saturday morning and the 'event' itself starts at noon
on Saturday 13th November with the official race cut off exactly 2
weeks later.
I will try to provide regular updates of the trip, there is e-mail
facility on site plus I might even be tempted to send some picture
messages.

passepartout morgan

Message 3440 of 3730 | Previous | Next [ Up Thread ] Message Index Msg #

From: "Jon Endeacott" <jon.endeacott@l...>

Date: Thu Nov 4, 2004 8:23 pm

Subject: RE: [chestertri] The Deca-Ironman in Hawaii

Best of luck Rob . . . you fool!

1,520 (25m) lengths I can imagine coping with (maybe), but cycling from our

house to Chester 56 times and running to London is a pretty daunting

prospect.

Much respect for entering . . . phenomenal respect WHEN you finish.

Jon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "shona turrell" <shona.turrell@U...>
Date: Fri Nov 5, 2004 8:05 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] The Deca-Ironman in Hawaii

Chris & Rob,

Have a good trip and best of luck to both of you in the next few weeks.
Look forward to hearing the progress

Shona

From: "Swaz" <fraserk@b...>
Date: Fri Nov 5, 2004 12:28 pm
Subject: The Deca-Ironman +pirate support in Hawaii

A - Haaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrggghhhhh....

So, don't be boarding any strange ships out there Cap'n - and no
mutineering now - old peg leg Holmes needs all the help he can get !

(Have you done your BTA 101 Psychology module yet ?)

ALL THE VERY BEST ROB (YOU NUTTER)... YOU CAAAANNNN DOOOOO EEEEET

Stateside-soon-Swaz

From: "Chris Loney" <chriscgj1@m...>
Date: Fri Nov 5, 2004 8:11 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] The Deca-Ironman in Hawaii

I think your mad Rob but all the best, it will be interesting to see the reports of how your doing.

Hope you both have a great, safe trip. See you in a few weeks

Chris

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Mon Nov 8, 2004 12:06 am
Subject: Deca update part 1

...aloha everybody, 85c, Waikiki beach, palm trees, pacific ocean -
need we say any more!!!
Got here after the flights from hell - 20 hours of flying, god knows
how many time zone changes - 10 hours back!!! Got here 10pm Saturday
local time but actually 8am Sunday your time.
Highlight so far sitting in bar at LAX waiting for connecting flight
to honolulu listening to Eagles(not live) doing Hotel California!!How
cool is that?
We're in hotel til thursday then tent city for the next 2 weeks
Ta from Rob for the card - will spur him on!!!
Touristy bit to pearl harbour tomorrow and have threatened to have a
surfing lesson before we come back!!!
Will sign in again soon
Chris/Rob

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 8, 2004 10:13 am
Subject: Re: Deca update part 1

.....nice splittie Mr M! Next goal....splittie with surfboard on the
top....in fact why not go the whole hog....splittie with surfboard on
the top...with Rob on the surfboard!!!!

OK it's Monday morning....what do you expect??

Napkin

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Tue Nov 9, 2004 3:51 am
Subject: Deca update part 2

...what a day - just got in from a full day at Pearl Harbor - notice
the spelling!! - unbelievable experience - very moving - we even did
a tour of USS Missouri - battleship the peace with Japan was signed
on - had a climb over and through a WW2 submarine - the Arizona visit
was enough to bring a tear to the eye. Seems the preparation for the
Deca is going well then? Had an easy jog last night at sunset - now
that's an experience in itself - sunset at Waikiki - the whole world
is out running in this tropical setting (including us!!) Just about
got the travelling out of our bodies - managed a good night's sleep
at last. More people arrived at hotel last night to do Deca - one
chap was a Lanzarote finisher from this year.
Tomorrow(Tuesday) could be interesting - it might be our first
surfing lesson!!!!
That's all for now - aloha from paradise!!

From: "Brian Burnett" <brian@s...>
Date: Tue Nov 9, 2004 2:12 pm
Subject: Re: Deca update part 2

Just read your latest missive at Heathrow on my way back to Toronto.
great stuff Chris almost feel I'm there. Maybe you found a new career
as a travel writer, suggest you best put your pro tri career on hold.
Best of luck to Rob all you'v got to do is believe.

Brian Burnett

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:38 am
Subject: 2 new surf dudes on the planet!!!!

...had the promised surf lesson from Cap'n Clay on Waikiki beach
today then let loose in the Pacific on our own!!!! There cannot be
many better things in life that actually catching a wave on Waikiki
and standing up on the board and actually staying standing up all the
way in - and we did it - and more than once!!!! Going back tomorrow
for more - this Deca preparation is tough!!!
Message from Rob to Andy - can you circulate via e-mail weekly
bulletin - a sweep of guessing the closest finishing time for his
Deca - the closest to the actual finishing time will receive a
limited edition Deca-Ironman t-shirt. Race starts this Saturday and
cut off is 2 weeks later. Current world best is 8 days 9 hours.
Distances 24 mile swim/1120 miles bike/262 miles run.
More competitors have arrived at the hotel in the last day or so -
they look so normal??!!!
That's all for today - off to try on my Hawaiian shirt and shorts!!!
Chris and Rob

From: "chris marshall" <marshallini67@y...>
Date: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:24 am
Subject: Re: 2 new surf dudes on the planet!!!!

Here's my estimated finish time for Rob's Deca; "9 days 14 hours", I
wish him all the very best and good luck on this ultra-ultra
challenge.

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Wed Nov 10, 2004 8:34 pm
Subject: Deca update part2a

...just a quickie(as all the best are!!)..breakfasted(again)scrambled
eggs, jimmy dean sausages, hash browns, 3 gallons of coffee, pancakes
etc...off to see if we can repeat our surfin' achievements of
yesterday, ate at Planet Hollywood last night, could be Hard Rock
cafe tonight, race atmosphere starting to kick in with the
competitors now - has now become main topic of conversation at meal
times - Rob even had 10 hours sleep last night!!!
Chris and Rob
p.s Come on Chris Marshall - 9 hours???? That was the last world
record before the present one!!!

From: "chris marshall" <marshallini67@y...>
Date: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:38 pm
Subject: Re: Deca update part2a

I spent ages working that out and I reckon it's do-able. How much
sleep do you want anyway?

I guess I wont be getting the t-shirt, but I'll leave it up as
something for Rob to aim for.

More good luck,

Chris.

From: "Rose, Nicholas" <nicholas.rose@g...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:48 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: 2 new surf dudes on the planet!!!!

Mine is 9 days 18 hours.

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:56 am
Subject: Waikiki Surf Dudes

Just put a couple of photies into the deca file! Hope Mr M is going
to wear that shirt at the Deva Tri next year!! It's decidedly
brighter than Mr B's......

Nappers

From: ymsgr:sendIM?tynetronPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
ymsgr:sendIM?tynetron"tynetron" <tynetron@y...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:16 am
Subject: Re: Waikiki Surf Dudes

They certainly look two very happy bunnies don't they?

11 days 9 hours for me

From: "Fraser, Keith (KT)" <fraserk@b...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:42 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: 2 new surf dudes on the planet!!!!

10 days - exactly

Swaz
"It was eleven more than necessary." -- Jacques Anquetil, 5x Tour winner, after winning a bike race by twelve seconds

From: <nicholas.2.campbell@b...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:01 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: 2 new surf dudes on the planet!!!!

Have a bit of extra rest on me mate - 12 days , good luck Rob

From: "Sarah Bennett" <sarah.e.bennett@b...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:41 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: Waikiki Surf Dudes

I went surfing in Waikiki 20 years ago, and for some reason never did it again until this summer when I got totally hooked on it, but have to make do with Cornwall these days. All those wasted years...!

anyway, I guess 10 days 23 hours.

From: "Sian" <sianybags@h...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:31 am
Subject: Aloha Hawaii

HELLO Hawaii!!!!

Pleased to see that it's all surf and play over there - no mention
of hula hula girls yet though I notice.

The shopping is obviously good Cap'n - you look ready to hula the
night away.

Have you met any of the other competitors yet - and are they as mad
as our Rob?

My guess completely uninformed and so don't worry about getting an
extra small t-shirt is 11days 11hours (an honourable number on an
honourable and memorable day)

Hugs and kisses as only I would leave....

From: "Rose, Nicholas" <nicholas.rose@g...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:38 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Aloha Hawaii

$hit, I was going on the working week and thinking that 2 weeks was 10 days. I would like to change mine to 13 days 2 hours please.

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:48 am
Subject: Aloha Hawaii

At current calculations.....which could change depending on how much
time I get and which numbers I press....11 days 7 hours and 25
minutes.

Sal

From: "Swaz" <fraserk@b...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 1:12 pm
Subject: Re: Aloha Hawaii

Wot ? don't you get weekends off ?!!

Does the clock really still run while you change out of your wetsuit
and get into your cycle gear ?

Come off it, Rosey - where have you been ?

McSwaz

From: "Fraser, Keith (KT)" <fraserk@b...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 1:26 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Deca update

Chris,

Look out for a Slovak ski instructor called Palo. Apparently he is visiting Hawaii as we speak (as it were...so to speak... you know what I mean...)

His email: palo_razus(at)hotmail.com

Just don't take him up on an offer to drink....

Swaz
"To prepare for a race there is nothing better than a good pheasant, some champagne and a woman." -- Jacques Anquetil, 5x Tour winner

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:39 pm
Subject: Deca update 3

...aloha to you all, just going over the road to Denny's diner for
brekkie, the cornerstone of the nutritous american breakfast(for
those of you pulp fiction fans). Bank holiday here today - Veterans
day.
..another surf session yesterday, very hot but surf a bit quiet(for
us experts)- won't go in the ocean now until after the race. Most of
the competitors are here now and much scribbling on bits of paper
from rob with bike schedules and the like - did the Niketown run last
night with about 100 others - it's a weekly run from the Niketown
store at 6pm 3,4,5 miles choice of run all free, they even supply
free shoes for you to test out for them and reflective bibs and food
and drinks at the finish - talk about being clued up!!!
Tell Nigel I've got his OCC t-shirt.
We're leaving the luxury of the Hotel Olanu Waikiki West hotel
tomorrow a.m for the Ewa beach and the race site. They say internet
access is available so fingers crossed.
Nice to see the phone camera of THE SHIRT made is onto the e-group -
the SHORTS were used y'day on the surf. For all you fashion freaks
out there - you should see the price of Billabong stuff and the like -
1/2 the price of home shops!!
Speak to y'all again soon. Mahala and aloha!!

Rob and Chris
p.s keep the guesses coming - rob's going pale at some of the
expectations!!!! So far one of you is close to his personal target!!!!
If you need advice ask tony fisher.

From: "ken davenport" <kendavenport748@m...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:00 pm
Subject: deca times

hi all

i will go with

11 days 14 hours 12mins and 22 seconds for robs mad race

good luck mate

ken

From: "Chris Loney" <chriscgj1@m...>
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:13 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] deca times

Heres my guess. 11 days 15 hours 35 minutes.

Good luck Rob, hope Chris is looking after you ok and not just enjoying the life out there.

How jealous am I.

Chris

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Fri Nov 12, 2004 9:26 am
Subject: Flowery Shorts & Binnies

More photies....and it's binnies as in bin men but I somehow don't
think they're Richie's Biffa crowd!!

Well you've seen the shirt......now take a look at the shorts -
heaven help us if Mr M puts the whole ensemble together!! Sunglasses
at the ready if that's the case!

And if the pair of them get photied together wearing flowery
gear....well.....I'm saying nothing!

Good luck guys!! We'll be glued to the Deca website to see how
you're getting on.

Napkin

From: "Peter Cobb" <mail@p...>
Date: Fri Nov 12, 2004 11:59 am
Subject: Re: deca times

My guess is 13 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds.....only
kidding.

Will go for 12 days exactly.

Good luck Rob.
Peter.

From: <nicholas.2.campbell@b...>
Date: Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:17 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: deca times

Greatest of minds thinking alike, I have already posted the 12 day slot but we
could always time share the T-shirt if we win I suppose. Is the offer of a lift
to the Pen fell race still on, I had this mad idea to cycle there and back but
have now dismissed such lunatic thoughts. I will be at swim tonight, you can
discus there if you like.
Cheers
Nick C

From: "ANTHONY FISHER" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Sat Nov 13, 2004 2:25 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Tony ... Re: deca times

Dear All

I shall post my time estimate after Mad Dog gets underway. At the moment, I am so nervous on his behalf and can't help feeling a guilty that I am not on that starting line with him ... but it is going to be just so bl**dy hard isn't it?

Best wishes Tony

PS cryptic message to Rob ... "Candyfloss to Mad Dog: go partner go!"

From: "Brian Burnett" <brian@s...>
Date: Sat Nov 13, 2004 3:27 pm
Subject: deca time

My guess is 12 days 2hrs and eight minutes

From: "ANTHONY FISHER" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:35 am
Subject: Deca: live-ish udpates

Dear All

Out hero Mad Dog Holmes can be followed, stoke-by-stroke at URL:

http://www.decahawaii.com/Results.htm

At this time (here Sunday morning 11:00, he's having a good swim: ~13 miles @ 9/25. Fellow Brits from Canada 2xIM are ...

Arthur Puckrin is struggling at 4 miles @ 25/25 (won't stop him smiling .. he's going to go a storm on the bike if he gets there) and Suraya Oliver at 9 miles @22/25 (probably already dreading the bike).

Wow!

Best wihes Tony

From: "ANTHONY FISHER" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Sun Nov 14, 2004 7:47 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] deca time

13 days 16 hours

BW Tony

From: "tommobarker" <tommobarker@b...>
Date: Sun Nov 14, 2004 8:14 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Deca: live-ish udpates

Hi All,

Just had a text from Captain Morgan and Rob has finished his swim in 18 hours and is now having a well earned sleep!! However the conditions in the camp are not great apparantly - in the words of Chris "prisoners in Guantanamo Bay are treated better"

Tom.

From: "ANTHONY FISHER" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Sun Nov 14, 2004 9:09 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Deca: live-ish udpates

Dear Tom

Well done Mad Dog! Does Chris not have access to the Internet?

BW Tony

From: "tommobarker" <tommobarker@b...>
Date: Sun Nov 14, 2004 9:15 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Deca: live-ish udpates

Tony,

He said he was waiting for it to be re-connected so should hear from him soon. Rob told me he wanted to do the swim in 24 hrs so he's already six hours ahead of his schedule! AWESOME!!

Tom.

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:13 am
Subject: Re: Deca: live-ish udpates

... 1st Update from Mr M in the early hours of this morning....Bike
part underway and Rob ok..but mutiny among race volunteers, of
which hardly any and living conditions appalling. Strong winds blew
a few of the tents away. We are miles from anywhere on a old naval
base.

...2nd Update not long after first..Race halted to sort out lack of
volunteers...what a joke!

Will be in touch as soon as I have any more news....

Mrs M

From: ymsgr:sendIM?tynetronPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
ymsgr:sendIM?tynetron"tynetron" <tynetron@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:27 am
Subject: Re: Deca: live-ish udpates

It's amazing isn't it? To set up something like this in one of the
most idylic settings in the world only to be faced with the usual
penny pinching associated with a typical back street set up. I notice
on the race site that there is one competitor classed as an unofficial
entrant 'cus he's nearly $700 dollars short on his entrants fee. I
hope they get things sorted soon it can't be good for them mentally.
Stiff upper lip guys, sounds like our Rhodes holiday of 99, sort the
bu$$ers out.

gb scouse

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:32 am
Subject: Re: Deca: live-ish udpates

...3rd Update at 7.25am our time...Race is now back up and running
(well biking).

Mrs M

From: "Fraser, Keith (KT)" <fraserk@b...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 9:27 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: Deca: live-ish udpates

Mmm - if that's what you get for $1200, they can keep their stoopid race.

Keep it up Rob - remember YOU are racing the clock - try to forget the rest of their antics....

Swaz
"Those who wish to control their own lives and move beyond existence as mere clients and consumers- those people ride a bike." - Wolfgang Sachs, "For the Love of the Automobile"

From: "Sian" <sianybags@h...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 9:40 am
Subject: Re: Deca: live-ish udpates

I can't believe it!!!!!

They obviously don't have as wonderful volunteers as we have at our
race! I'm sure we could have put a really good team of volunteers
together!

I hope Rob looked at it as an opportunity to rest and stay focused!
What a man! No he must be a machine!

From: "Tony Fisher" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 9:45 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: Deca: live-ish updates

Dear All

The problems at the Deca seem to continue ... The live-updates pages are not being serviced and the email contacts are now being 'refused by the server' (what ever that means).

I hope the athletes can be protected from most of the nonsense and that they can stick to their race plans. Good that our man (Mad Dog) has got Chris with him. Could be that Chris returns from Hawaii almost as knackered as Rob!

Best wishes Tony

From: "Peter Cobb" <mail@p...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 11:32 am
Subject: Re: deca times

Oops, sorry Nick, afraid I missed your contribution.
If it isn't too late, will change my guess to 11 days 23 hours.

From: "ANTHONY FISHER" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 8:02 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Re: Deca: live-ish updates

Dear All

Big problems with the organisation at the Deca I am afraid to have to report.

One of the organisers has emailed me to say that they have been massively let down by one of the partners who was to have provided the volunteer force. Evidently they were hoping to be able to organise things (after the swim) around having a pool of ~ 200 volunteers ... how many did they get? None! At the moment they are struggling to continue with just 2 people running the show

Good that all athletes managed the swim: Mad Dog did a blinder didn't he at 18 hours: now it just gets harder. Go Mad Dog, go!

Best wishes Tony

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 8:11 pm
Subject: Re: Deca: live-ish updates

...Waiting to get another update, but last one was at 12.30pm our
time and Rob had covered over 200 miles on his bike. They are just
managing to keep the recording system going as Tony said with so few
volunteers...

Mrs M.

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 8:25 pm
Subject: Re: Deca: live-ish updates

...Just received this message from chris...Rob still going well,
hot, windy, still total chaos in prison-camp. No internet or
payphones...Not much water for washing...Toilets yeuk...

Mrs M.

p.s Trying not to be too concerned I am sure everthing can only get
better...

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:21 pm
Subject: Deca Update official

...from our overseas correspondant( or is it despondant???)
Just finished digging the tunnel out of camp delta, escaped for the
afternoon to stock up on essential supplies such as oxygen, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen, you know, the air we breathe!! conditions
unbelieveably appalling, in poxy little tents, in hot windy
conditions, smelly portaloos, running water and showers as such,
nearly a mile away. Organisation has collapsed and the crews for the
athletes are running the show with some help from the 2 solitary
organisers, one who is the former athlete and the other a shark of a
business man in a porsche!!! We now look after the computer timing,
cooking, buying food, keeping the generators for power and lighting.
Basically everything. At one point we were told(this is what sparked
it off) that the computer timing would be switched off overnight and
WE would have to hand count the bike and run laps(a mile lap and in
the dark)oh i forgot to mention most of the course was in darkness
at night but we managed to blag some floodlights from somewhere!! We
called all the athletes to stop cycling and held a mass meeting. It
was almost called off!! The fact that the athletes had spent the
last 24 hours swimming 24 miles would have been a dis-service to
them.
I've had about total sleep of 4 hours in last 48.
The race:
Rob and all the others are absolute stars - I've seen some sights of
pain and suffering but nothing was to prepare me for that!!Great
athletes in pain, tears, vomitting all over the place!!I won't go on.
Rob is now well into the bike - about 250miles so far and looking
good. It appears i am the Deca masseur to the stars too.
I will try to get to another internet caff when i can.
Enjoy the read.
Chris(and Rob as I've left him on his bike)

p.s roll on 10 days time or so, then we can get back to Waikiki and
that surf!!

From: ymsgr:sendIM?tynetronPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
ymsgr:sendIM?tynetron"tynetron" <tynetron@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 15, 2004 11:05 pm
Subject: Re: Deca Update official

Chris - log it 'n flog it - rivetting stuff!

jk

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:56 am
Subject: extra update Hawaii

....now dark - 9pm - just going to wake up Rob from a 3 hour kip for
his next stint - should be 3-4 hours.I'm off to bed 'til 2am then
it's look after chip recording equipment til 6am. It's a tough life
(not)on the beach. As you can see we have managed to blag a wireless
connection for a laptop and bingo - some internet access!!!!

From: Steve Eastwood <steve_eastwood01@y...>
Date: Tue Nov 16, 2004 9:45 am
Subject: Re: [chestertri] extra update Hawaii

i'm getting the impression this is the Rourkes Drift
of Ironman racing! Chris - are you Stanley Baker in
disguise!!

Keep the upper lip stiff old boy

From: "Stephen Spall" <stephen@s...>
Date: Tue Nov 16, 2004 7:36 pm
Subject: Re: Deca Update official

...so how much are you and Rob being paid for this...?

Riverting stuff, more gripping than a Tom Clancy novel, though maybe
his novels are slightly more beliveable!!!

Keep it up!

Steve

Ps 11hrs, 15 minutes, 40 seconds (approx)

From: "richie636363" <richie-r@t...>
Date: Tue Nov 16, 2004 7:49 pm
Subject: Re Deca update

Wow I just don't know what to make of it all.It's boardering on the
insane just doing this race, but to surmount these problems, it's
heroic.Truely inspiring, way to go Rob and Chris all the way!!

From: "Barry Frost" <barryfrost@r...>
Date: Wed Nov 17, 2004 1:51 pm
Subject: Re: extra update Hawaii

Frosts here on our jolis in Florida some five hours in front of
Captain Morgan. A kind soul in the apartment block we are staying in
has left his router turned on so like Chris we have blagged a free
internet connection on the lap top.

Sounds like he's having fun. Race organisation sounds like it could
do with a bit of help from Chester Tri. Still having trouble getting
my head around the distances but if anyone can get around the mental
side of it Rob is the man.

Keep it going Rob and Chris.

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 12:31 am
Subject: Deca Hawaii update

..have lost previously blagged internet connection so having to rely
on shuttle service to nearest cyber caff some several centuries in
the future.
Rob has done more than half the bike distance - we think -
the "official race results service" keeps issuing conflicting
information. First athlete to complete bike expected this pm about 4
0 clock. Found out early this am that the run course doesn't exist
as such apart from in somebody's mind!! Having to design and cone
off suitable safe route outside the bike course. All those years of
Chester Half Marathon race director experience not gone to waste. The
looks on the bikers as we started to build the run, they must have
now started to think of the 260 miles run to come!! Cooked pancakes
with maple syrup, scrambled eggs and bacon for brekkie for
500000000000000people!!!! Hawaii TV turned up today (about time) and
the "official race organisers" hogged the limelight saying all was
running like a well oiled clock!!!!!
Back to Rob - having thought the race clock had added about 50 laps
to everybody - all disappointed to have the number subtracted from
them - this just isn't fair!!!! If a world best goes in this race
there is no way it will be ratified. Rob has settled into a good
bike routine and is eating/resting /cycling very sensibly.
At last we've got access to the 50m pool this am - got to know the
nice lady Hawaiian life guards because the pool is only for service
personnel but our plight must have touched them!!
The atmosphere amongst the whole group of athletes and crews is
strangely wonderful - no-one is worried about finishing times just
to survive. A great bond. Even the Austrians aren't too bad!! French
and English seem to be the main languages - my franglais is working
well still.
That's all for the moment. Jan don't forget to copy Rob's wife Di
with this update.
Aloha, a bientot and goodbye!!

Chris and Rob

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 8:50 am
Subject: Re: Deca Hawaii update

Be careful Mr M! Remember what happened when you helped Wrexham Tri
out at Mold!!!

I see there's an update on the Deca site - gives the total mileage as
at some point yesterday when somebody (there are no names attached)
had done 1053 miles!!

Napkin

From: "Sian" <sianybags@h...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 9:40 am
Subject: Re: Deca Hawaii update

Chris and Rob

Just wanted to let you know we are all hanging on to every word of
your updates - it's the first thing that everybody asks and talks
about when a group of us get together - How is Rob doing and how is
Chris coping - quickly followed by shakes of the head in disbelief
of the magnitude of the whole thing.

It appears the whole club are cheering you on - if you put that
seashell to your ear - you'll be able to hear us.

From: "Rose, Nicholas" <nicholas.rose@g...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 12:08 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: Deca Hawaii update

I’ll echo that, keep up the good work both of you. I am also posting the updates on the tri web so all the country are behind you now !

From: "Tony Fisher" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 12:38 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Tony re ... Deca Hawaii update

That's right Chris: we are following everything here. Any info avidly received. Don't worry about any costs you might run-up: consider them covered.

Best wishes Tony

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 2:31 pm
Subject: Re: Deca Hawaii update

...Brilliant article in the Chester Standard this week - do we know
who put it in???

Mrs M.

From: "Dave Taylor" <dave@t...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 5:32 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Re: Deca Hawaii update

Jan

Are you taking the p...?

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 5:57 pm
Subject: Re: Deca Hawaii update

..Mrs M wouldn't do that.

......Update from Mr M at 5.25pm our time. First runner started at
10pm last night, run course works ok - phew!!! Cooked pancakes,
bacon and eggs at 4am for the world...Rob had minor technical
problem with saddle but quickly sorted.

Thats all for now

Mrs Mr

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 8:49 pm
Subject: ...yet another update - hawaii

..just jumped on the net while doing a food run to the local mall
(even sounding stateside).
Last night Aussie Brock McKinley finished his bike and started the 260
laps of the run. World best on the cards if he holds together - only
a marathon run distance behind him, Austrian Luis Wildpanner began
his run at 4am, as I write they are still the only runners out.
Aussie David Criniti had to drop out yesterday, severe ITB problems
despite excellent attend from world famous massage therapist(!) and
a visiting chiropracter. He completed Kona Ironman on Big Island
only a few weeks ago in 10:00:30 with a run split of 2:46(2nd
fastest) ..now wonder he's knackered.
The people that do these races are the most unbelievably dedicated,
strong mentally(I can hear you laughing now Sir Baz but you have to
be here to see it!! So much respect) Have had to buy more massage
oil, treating about 8 athletes daily as well as cooking and timing
and course designing - thoroughly enjoying myself - could become a
pro crew member(believe me they do exist!!)
Rob is to get a big sleep today - the tiredness is accumulating
rapidly. You can see it in all their faces. True heroes the lot of
them. Rob's bike is OK now after seat pin clamp problems.
Local gossip!!!One of the big, ignorant Austrians guys had a row
with a mother of one of the brit athletes and there was a tussle
which resulted in her falling to the floor!! Nearly a lynching but
diplomatic incident avoided by a whisker and a few calm words.
The president of IUTA said to me last night over a beer that the
next Deca in 2 years time will be 10 individual IM races over 10
days. Think about that BW Fisher!!!!
Anyway must go back to the Alamo!!!
Aloha and see y'all again d'hear!!!
Rob says thanks for all the support and best wishes he certainly
needs it - I'll get him through it - we've got some serious surfing
to catch up on soon.

Chris and Rob

From: "ANTHONY FISHER" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Thu Nov 18, 2004 9:49 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Tony to Chris... our Deca heroes

Dear Chris

Yes: I am up for Deca 2006 if I get thro' 2005 OK. Not too sure about the wisdom of the new format ... swimming after 9 IM's?

Will it stay in Hawaii or return to Mexico?

Pls look after Mad Dog .. he'll be getting tired any day now ... ...

Best wishes Tony

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Fri Nov 19, 2004 6:56 am
Subject: Re: ...yet another update - hawaii

...06:30am (our time) Latest update from our Ace Reporter Chris
Morgan, Rob has completed 770miles on his bike - am I correct in
saying he has 350miles to go!!!!!!

Mrs M

From: "Sian" <sianybags@h...>
Date: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:40 am
Subject: Re: Tony to Chris... our Deca heroes

Tony

Are you MAD!!!! Of course you are - go for it!!! You will of course
need a first class support team and your own crew of volunteers to
take with you...........I'll start saving my pennies now!

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:03 am
Subject: Re: ...yet another update - hawaii

Spot on Mrs M! Keep on pedalling Rob - I can't imagine the thought
of sitting on a bike for that length of time. The longest I've ever
done in one go is 12 hours and that was with loads of cake stops!

Mr M - sounds like you're in your element and positively invaluable
(as always!) - good job you volunteered to be Rob's crew! Decent kip
before the run sounds like a good plan - still can't believe how far
the US guy has got into the run! Awesome.......

Nappers

From: "Peter Cobb" <mail@p...>
Date: Fri Nov 19, 2004 12:27 pm
Subject: Re: ...yet another update - hawaii

Sal,
I've never been on a bike for longer than 3 hours. 12 sounds
horrific, even with the cakes!
5 days+ doesn't even bear thinking about, esp on a 1 mile lap.

I think Chris is due as big a medal as Rob - keep it going guys, as
with everybody else am finding the updates riviting. Who owns the
film rights?
Peter.

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:38 pm
Subject: Re: ...yet another update - hawaii

...Stop Press

Luis Wildpanner race favourite has dropped out....Aussie Brock
McKinley now leads by 45miles, being massaged by yours truly 4 x
daily.

Mrs M

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:54 pm
Subject: Re: ...yet another update - hawaii

....Update No 2

Rob has 150miles to go on his bike and is going like a train...

Mrs M

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Sat Nov 20, 2004 7:30 am
Subject: Re: ...yet another update - hawaii

....Update No 3

Rob has completed 1000miles (Friday 8pm Hawaiian time)and is now
tucking into Bagels, jam and peanut butter to celebrate!

Mrs M

From: "ANTHONY FISHER" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Sat Nov 20, 2004 10:05 am
Subject: Re: [chestertri] to Jan re Decca info

Dear Jan

1. Missed the run unfortunately: hope the cakes went well!

2. Chris's missives are followed by us all, hanging on his every word and drop of info: fantastic ... The BBC are looking for a replacement for Alistair Cook's Letter from America .. maybe they need look no further!

3. Do we know how Brits Arthur and Suraya are doing?

4. Rob will be going out on the run very soon ... wow: just 260 miles to go.

Best wishes Tony

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Sat Nov 20, 2004 4:03 pm
Subject: Re: to Jan re Decca info

Hi Tony

You missed a good run this morning and the snow hills.

Latest news received Saturday 3.30am Hawaiian time from Chris - Rob
taking a 3hr nap before starting his last bike leg which is ONLY
the Ironman distance left to do...

Mrs M

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Sat Nov 20, 2004 10:09 pm
Subject: Saturday 20th Nov Hawaiian update

..11:45am latest news, Brock McKinley Aussie 135 run laps to go with
mexican Mario Rodriguez just 13 laps behind now and looking cool
and strong, Brock has severe swollen calf problesms, we've got him
standing in a dustbin of iced water regularly. He is just about
together mentally but it's only a matter of time. Marititi from
Italy is a further 10 laps behind the mex with Pascal Jolly 30 laps
behind him (each lap is just under a mile long) Latest farce, the run
route was reversed last night as the floodlights were in the runners
eyes, I despair!! Brits report is, Jason Sawyer is now 40 laps into
his run and still cracking jokes - fantastic family support crew!!
Arthur Puckrin(66 years young) has 135 laps of bike to do and Suraya
Oliver brit lady 145 laps of bike to do and again looking strong.
Our Rob is down to just 70 bike laps and cruising - long way to go
but looking good. Looks like I'll have to dust off my running shoes
for the next few days and spend much time accompanying him. I have
never seen so much food be eaten so quickly and so often by these
people - the crew mangage a fair bit too but we are allowed to wash
it down with Budlite and the like. The most amazing thing about the
site is the 24hourness of it. I get up at 2:30 each morning and
there is always somebody out there. Today there were just 5 people
out on the course, 2 bikers and 3 runners, the others resting. As
the day develops more people appear, the queue for pancakes and
scrambled eggs begins about 4am. More athletes appear after 2 hours
rest and it all begins again. Today we actually got music on the
site - a bit like 4077th (M.A.S.H). As the day heats up excuses to
go down the road half a mile to do some washing in the showers(yes
there is no washing machine) The fact there is a 50m pool there is
just a coincidence!!! As the evening approaches a more carnival
atmosphere develops with tikki torches lit(keeps some of the mozzies
at bay) and we sit at the course side encouraging our athletes and
replenishing their food and drinks. Busy time for massage too.
Anyway that's all for now, must get back to Area 51.
Rob is chuffed to bits with all the support but we know a real tough
part of the event is before us.

Chris/Rob

ps The tasteful place we reside is to feature in an unofficial
travel brochure:
such amenities as open plan moveable accommodation(tents), onsite
sports massage, computers(that don't work), close to the airport
(under the flight path to Honolulu Airport therefore noisy,
international cuisine(brits, aussies, austrians, french and italians
do the cooking) nearby laundry serve(you have to wash your clothes
in the swimming pool showers) interesting local wildlife(mozzies,
polecats, ghekkos and general tent invading bugs) The list is
developed each day.

From: "shona turrell" <shona.turrell@U...>
Date: Sat Nov 20, 2004 10:29 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Saturday 20th Nov Hawaiian update

Chris & Rob,

We haven't posted our best wishes on the egroup yet, - but like everyone
else are hanging on the updates and thinking about you guys everyday.
Everything crossed for you both as Rob finishes his bike and heads out
onto the run.

GOOD LUCK
All the best,

Sean & Shona xx

From: "Chris Loney" <chriscgj1@m...>
Date: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:54 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Saturday 20th Nov Hawaiian update

Hi Chris, (Rob), despite all the problems it sounds like Rob is doing well. As others have said we're hanging on every word so keep it up.

Sounds like your in on hell of of a place which ever way you look at it, good, bad!

All respect to Rob and give him a cheer from us.

Chris

From: "Brian Burnett" <brian@s...>
Date: Sun Nov 21, 2004 4:23 pm
Subject: Re: Saturday 20th Nov Hawaiian update

Keep the reports coming Chris, I find myself logging in every couple
of hours for updates. Theres a couple of triathletes in the office in
Toronto who keep asking also. Great one liner from one guy here "
trouble is I suppose this makes an Ironman race sound like a decent
days training, but with catering"

Awesome stuff guys

Brian B

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Sun Nov 21, 2004 8:27 pm
Subject: Re: Saturday 20th Nov Hawaiian update

News Flash

Sunday 4am Hawaiin time - Pascal Jolly from France caught short
cutting run course and Manuela Resnik of Austria caught cycling
without helmet, awaiting decision.

Mrs M

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Sun Nov 21, 2004 8:31 pm
Subject: Re: Saturday 20th Nov Hawaiian update

...Pascal Jolly kicked out for cheating - Official

Mrs M

From: "Dave Taylor" <dave@t...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 7:10 am
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Re: Saturday 20th Nov Hawaiian update

By the 'eck, this is better than Corrie!

Dave T

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:42 am
Subject: Photie!

Just put a photie of Rob finishing the bike in the Deca
file....unfortunately I can't get it the right way up so you'll all
have to crane your necks to one side unless someone (Scouselet??) can
fix it!! Sorry!

Photie arrived at 6.32am our time - Mr M's message with it was that
Rob was 2 marathons into the run!

Look after those knees!

Sal

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:47 am
Subject: ...and another photie!

This one came via Mrs M.....not sure what stage Rob was at but he
certainly looks happy!

Napkin

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:50 am
Subject: Deca 2006 Mexico

If our very own Tony Fisher is aiming to go off to do Deca 2006 - in
Mexico maybe? - maybe we should think about sending out a club
support crew.

With all his experience Mr M could train us up! I'll apply!

Sal

From: "Peter Cobb" <mail@p...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 12:16 pm
Subject: Re: Saturday 20th Nov Hawaiian update

Ridley Scott to direct, I think!

From: "Barry Frost" <barryfrost@r...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 12:58 pm
Subject: Deca report

Dave Taylor's latest press report is now on the web site along with
the pictures of Rob. Thanks to Sally ? for that.
www.chestertri.org.uk

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 1:07 pm
Subject: Re: Photie!

Merci buckets Scouse!

Also forgot to add that Rob completed the bike in 7 days 4 hours and
34 minutes.

Sal

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 8:18 pm
Subject: Hawaiian update Mon 22nd

....this is becoming a joke..where do I begin, after the Pascal
Jolly incident and his subsequent departure(the short cut route now
called Jolly Boulevard)..further accusations were levelled at soon
to be winner Mario Rodriguez and Maratati(Italy) of being spotted
taking a stroll up the bouvelard, cameramen(part of Aussie crew)
posted throughout the night but alas, no further developments. The
run route has been reversed again, apparently to provide max
coverage of the finished banner with some promo blurb by what is
left of the organisers.
Please excuse the random nature of these reports but I keep getting
flash backs to write about.
Rob has of this am completed 3 marathons and with do the 4th by this
evening. Yesterday was a scorcher, we all suffered. I did at least a
dozen laps with various competitors. They are all suffering badly
both physically and mentally, Rob has blisters on blisters on
blisters. John Reidy(OZ) was seen late at night kneeling in front
of a tree talking to it!!! The famous rabbit at the remotest part of
the course(does it even exist??) was allegedly dropped kicked into
touch by Brock McKinley(OZ). They've all got this far away look in
their eyes and the weight is dropping off them. It's funny how
little things become major focus points in desperate situations - the
emptying of the minging portaloos and the ice delivery are points of
major joy and celebration. Just a walk down to the shower block
(sounds very WW2) to stamp on your dirty clothes to try and wash
them. Some local McDonalds heard about our plight and delivered a
crate of doughnuts - whoosh!! gone in 30 seconds.
Massage is know a thing of the past - I find myself mainly keeping
very tight quads and calves stretched - such experience.
Brit girl Suryaya Oliver is still plugging away and if finished with
become No1 in the world!!
When accompanying the athletes the important this is to take their
minds of their plight - talking about anything and everything. I
must remind you all we are seriously down to a walking event now -
the odd jog is a rarity.
A local group of folk came along last night and prepared some
Maitis made up of tequila , rum tec with a pineapple in it - that's
a good idea for athletes and crew who need to keep awake 24 hours a
day!!! mind you the crew do partake of the odd can as beer o'clock
arrives!!
Food, much and often is very important -as each lap is completed
biscuits, power bars, doughnuts even turkey legs are picked up and
the next lap begins!!
Gave Rob a treat yesterday - picked up a big, big steak from
Safeways and a few of us BBQ'd various fare - went down a treat.
Strangely it's the Brits and their colonies that are doing most of
the work, mind you the French aren't too bad (never thought I'd hear
myself saying that) the Italians are always rowing, one was having a
blazing one with his wife each lap!! The Ozzies are just as you
would expect, loud but a laugh and as I keep reminding them, still a
bunch of convicts!!
Irishman Dessie Kiernan has now only his brother left to crew for
him, the 2 other lads with him left 2 days ago - nobody really knows
why!! Eileen Steil is known as Miss congeniality or Miss Texas, large
noisy and brash but a good laugh, she is a hypochondriac and
admitted the other day she was allergic to the race!!!!!
That's all for now, got to go and find some more socks for Rob for a
shop.
Will be in touch soon, Rodriguez has about 10 laps to do to win.

aloha Chris and Rob

ps Holiday brochure inclusion for tourist information - on site
pharmacy!!!!!!!!!(allegedly)

From: ymsgr:sendIM?tynetronPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
ymsgr:sendIM?tynetron"tynetron" <tynetron@y...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:58 pm
Subject: Re: Hawaiian update Mon 22nd

Excellent Cap'n
Funnily enough visions of the programmes Tenko but also Shackleton,
come to mind, though probably not appreciated by the under forties.

A fantastic achievement Rob - stiff upper lip guys. Tell me Chris, do
you have a cane which you carry under your arm as you stroll around,
or is that later?

Tcs

From: "salnapkin" <salnapkin@y...>
Date: Tue Nov 23, 2004 9:23 am
Subject: Re: Hawaiian update Mon 22nd

Said cane was mentioned by Mrs M at swim this morning - say no more!
Unfortunately not too long to find out exact details as had to get on
with swim training.......

Those of you who have read the Bob Brown book Road to Deca - will
remember that he was talking to the trees....Shakespear too I think!

Nappers

From: "Rose, Nicholas" <nicholas.rose@g...>
Date: Tue Nov 23, 2004 12:58 pm
Subject: Deca Stuff

I have been cross posting the emails from Chris on the triathlon discussion group. Some have commented that it would be an idea to collect these and provide a diary with pictures to 220. I am sure this would be better from Rob/Chris so when they get back Mrs M might be worth collating them, updating them and passing them on. I don’t think this is my place; it would be a lot better from them anyway.

Nick

From: Steve Eastwood <steve_eastwood01@y...>
Date: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:15 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Deca Stuff

Anyone out there familiar with the works of Hunter S
Thompson - infamous journalist for Rolling Stone? also
covered alot of sports stuff - Kentucky Derby, Super
Bowl, Mohammed Ali to name a few. hated Richard Nixon
with a passion - and Reagan!! anyhow, he invented
Gonzo journalism and if you read any of his stuff (The
Great Shark Hunt being a good start point) you'll see
some of the similarities with the Decca reporting. the
obvious exception being that Chris is not out of his
tree on LSD - and yet with tales of the tree and the
rabbit who knows!!!

--- "Rose, Nicholas" <nicholas.rose@g..

From: "Barry Frost" <barryfrost@r...>
Date: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:25 pm
Subject: Re: Deca Stuff

Mrs M seems to think Chris will be writing a book when he gets back.
A few titles spring to mind such as the "good the bad the ugly" and
in view of the length of time Rob spent on the bike "blazing
saddles". Wonder how many marathons he has left now ? Mind boggling.
What a mentally tough guy Rob is.

From: "bigglesthebear" <pjtimson@t...>
Date: Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:13 pm
Subject: Re: Deca Stuff

Ah ah! I'd been wondering. Thought the rabbit may have been called
Harvey and that would make Chris or some other James Stewart.

Alternatively, the rabbit didn't have a timepiece by any chance?

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Tue Nov 23, 2004 8:51 pm
Subject: Re: Hawaiian update Mon 22nd

...Update - sorry it's a bit late in the day

Monday 10:30pm Hawaiian time the race is starting to bite. More
athletes suffering but Rob looking one of the strongest, the night
time procession of athletes looks like the land of living dead!

Message for DT not to lose sleep over IM training its a walk in the
park compared to this!!!!! Also Rob asks if Peter Cobb is feeling
better?????

...New update.... Tuesday 11:00am Hawaiian time...by the end of
today he should have completed 5 Marathons with 5 left to go, but
lots of blisters on blisters on blisters but still going well...

Sal what I actually said was the cane comes much later...

Mrs M

Shocked scouse

From: "Peter Cobb" <mail@p...>
Date: Wed Nov 24, 2004 11:05 am
Subject: Re: Hawaiian update Mon 22nd

Talk about a surreal request...

Yes I am much better, thanks for asking.
As with everybody else, suffering for Rob by proxy and now committed
to doing one tenth of his challenge next year, which will be quite
enough for me. He is a complete star.
Peter.

PS - was thinking again about the film version. How about Jack
Nicholson to play Captain Morgan with Keanu (in bald Matrix look) for

Rob???

From: "Tony Fisher" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:45 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Tony ... look now ... Deca results site

Dear All

I have just been sent the URL of a Canadian website (in french) covering their athlete ... look here now (4 have finished)

http://pages.globetrotter.net/ironmbis/

Rob is lying 15th .. Go Mad Dog go!

Suraya and Arthur still out there hoping to beat the cut off.

Best wishes Tony

From: "Dave Taylor" <dave@t...>
Date: Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:00 pm
Subject: Film Version

I heard that big Arnie was thinking of quitting the politics in order to secure a role in the movie

Not sure whether as Chris or Rob though

and

they are thinking of signing Chris up for a new series of McGiver!

dave (this can only get sillier) taylor

From: "Dave Taylor" <dave@t...>
Date: Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:03 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Re: Hawaiian update Mon 22nd

Jan

Absolutely right - what Rob is doing puts our paltry efforts into
perspective!

I suggest another competition - to guess how long Rob keeps his vow "I'm
f...ing never going to do anything like this again!"

Dave

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Wed Nov 24, 2004 9:11 pm
Subject: Aloha from O'ahu

...here we are again, same s##t _ different day!!some official
results(subject to doping results - _ha!!)1.mario rodriguez 9days 2
hours 38mins 2.Giacomo Maritati 9days 13 hours 54mins 3. Brock
McKinley9 days 19hours 19mins
Rob has just started his 7th marathon and still sticking to his
plan, despite him being a pain in the arse, they all are at the
moment!!he's going well, he has lost about 20lbs in weight so I am
stuffing him with as much food as possible, quality of supplies is
poor so quantity will have to do.
The last few days has been oppressive, extremely hot. It was decided
that the crews should have an hour or two off so a few of us took a
truck down to a pacific lagoon down the coast and chilled for a few
hours. Somebody reckoned the shot Gilligan’s Island there, or at
least the Bounty advert(taste of paradise)
Y'day Rob was down in the dumps early on in the day - they all tend
to go thro' this as they start their first session of the day - but
a well timed but expensive phone call to his wife picked him up as
he trudged round the course.
Taco Bell runs are a feature at the moment (excuse the ramblings)
Some of the oz contingent packed up and left after Brock finished
3rd. A bit quieter but we miss them. The usual fight over remaining
supplies and extra tent space. The portaloos last longer now as well.
I understand a web site in Oz has now picked up on the plight of us
all - truly global.
In the middle of the day only a few very brave athletes sneak out
for a few laps, it's mostly dusk and dawn when the march of the
zombies begins. Beer o'clock comes round regularly for the crews
though!!!
Had the 50m outdoor pool to myself yesterday when i went down to do
the washing - tumble turn improving.
Latest goss!!!the obnoxious Austrian called Eric the viking accused
a french athlete of drug taking. What actually happened was
Chantel the nurse with the french/canadian team was using a hypodermic to
drain the chaps blisters and was putting in iodine solution to keep
infection at bay!!
(I see from my notes that they have been tampered with but I will
add the text anyway - the Aussie couple John Reidy and his
crew 'wife' Gina completed conjugal rights yesterday evening(in the
privacy of their tent I must add) but he has no recollection of it
the following day due to extreme fatigue - truly a deca athlete!!!!)
Nice to see the doping controls as advertised by the race website
are being adhered to - a weigh in at the start of the swim - then
zilch!!!!
Cut off time is Saturday noon - about four athletes so far will not
make it - but the list could grow as the race takes its toll. Arthur
is having a bad day today but may pick up, Soraya is going well and
is only about 15 laps behin Rob.
Roll on the final part in Waikiki Saturday night - got to buy some
new clothes for it as all we have is grey and smelly even when
washed!!
Thanksgiving tomorrow so won't get to a keyboard for a few days.
Aloha and happy holidays,

Chris and Rob

From: "Tony Fisher" <tonyfisher100@b...>
Date: Thu Nov 25, 2004 9:46 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] "BW Tony" Deca results

Dear All

The Deca WebSite is now being serviced by the organisers

Go to http://www.decahawaii.com/

Don't be ashamed if you get watery eyes when you see the photos .. it's going to get worse!

Best wishes Tony

PS Go Mad Dog, go!

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Thu Nov 25, 2004 10:45 pm
Subject: Decca Update

Update from Chris at Thursday 07:00am Hawaiian time - Rob has now
only 70miles to go in 55hrs! He's the fittest looking Zombie in the
cemetery! Should finish Friday pm!!!!

Mrs M

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:39 am
Subject: Re: Decca Update

...2nd Update - Thursday 4.30pm Hawaiian time - Rob has only 2
marathons to go. Chris gave him 2hrs beach break today, still on
for Friday finish........

Mrs M

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Fri Nov 26, 2004 8:19 pm
Subject: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

...first brit jason sawyer finished 0930am, very emotional with all
his family with him, crossed the line with his 2 young boys on his
shoulders. go to www.decahawaii.com for up to date finishers photos
(something’s working at last!!)
Rob has now less than one marathon to do and eta is planned for late
afternoon. He and aussie John Reidy are pulling each other thro' to
the end. Suraya is 36miles from end and will finish tomorrow and get
ist lady in the world place!!!! Sadly the conditions have proved too
much for Arthur Puckrin, he will not finish - he got blisters early
on in the run and has not really caught up with his schedule. as i
type he is still out their pluggin away. American Rob Abcug will get
gutsy award for the event - great swimmer but has suffered with
swollen feet for days, I have lost count of the number of shoes i
have seen cut up to accommodate grotesque lumps of blistered and
bleeding flesh. Barry - you will never find a man to do this event
for you!!!!!
Hopefully we are going to a bbq at Pearl harbor tonight - aussies
doing the cooking and we'll look after the drinking!!!!
This type of event is not for the faint hearted but having spent time
here in the conditions we have all had to endure I am so full of
admiration for everyone of them - you can be as physically fit as you
can get but if you cannot survive the mental torment of such an
unforgiving and unpredictable challenge - you're stuffed big style!!
The bond between all of the competitors is incredible!!!!As each
athlete finishes, tears flow, hand shakes, embraces and kisses are
everywhere - truly an emotional rollercoaster of humanity. The long
lonely sessions throughout the night along a dark route with only the
creatures of the night and your own rapidly addled brain for company
can only be experienced first hand.
I will try to keep the site up to date but at the very least I will
txt janet and also try to get a camera phone shot of robs celebratory
momemt later today. We are going to get so hammered tomorrow!!!!!!
Chris and Rob

From: "chris marshall" <marshallini67@y...>
Date: Fri Nov 26, 2004 8:39 pm
Subject: Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

GO ROB!

From: "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 2:58 am
Subject: Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

.........13 Days 4 Hrs 18min 18 sec...

From: "Andy White" <chestertri@c...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:05 am
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

CONGRATULATIONS ROB !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great photo one there web site.

Andy

From: "richie636363" <richie-r@t...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 9:53 am
Subject: Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

Awesome,well done rob, put those feet up you deserve it.A truely
great acheivement. Chris thats possibly the most work you've ever
done!!!! Well done mate

From: "Barry Frost" <barryfrost@r...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:27 am
Subject: Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

What an achievement Rob. The picture is great. Well done and enjoy
the beer. To Chris also well done. Any chance you can be my support
man at the round the walls race.

From: "billyandjanet" <billyandjanet@y...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:23 am
Subject: Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

Fantastic Rob!
You complete nut job, that's a magnificent achievement.
I don't know what I'm going to do next week not being able to log in
and find out what's happening - it's been like an on line reality
show. Chris, I'm not man enough to even be a support person on that
race - respect!
Thank you both for sharing it with us
Bill

From: "Matt Edwards" <matthew.edwards@b...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:04 pm
Subject: Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

Even with Chris's regular, informative and entertaining updates it
is still difficult to grasp the magnitude of Rob's accomplishment:
an example of what the human body is capable of if the mind is able
to push beyond the point at which most people give up.

Inspirational effort Rob, even more so given the organisational
shambles! Sincere congratulations.

And as for our foreign correspondent; Chris, you deserve a medal
yourself for keeping it all together in the face of adversity.
Thanks for keeping us all so well informed.

Enjoy the beers!!

Matt

From: ymsgr:sendIM?tynetronPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
ymsgr:sendIM?tynetron"tynetron" <tynetron@y...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:33 pm
Subject: Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

--- In chestertri@yahoogroups.com, "janmorgan13" <janmorgan13@y...> wrote:
>
> .........13 Days 4 Hrs 18min 18 sec...
>
Excelent news, congratulation. Fancy finishing at beer o'clock! I
drink one with you in spirit, if that's ok

tcs

From: "Andy White" <chestertri@c...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:53 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Aloha Hawaii

Well, by my reckoning Nick is the winner of the sweep - what T-shirt size are you Nick?

Andy

.... and as for Mad Dog? I am just thinking it ... pls excuse me if I don't share it with you at the moment. I will treasure all those photos coming back from Hawaii, but the one with Mad Dog crossing the line in Chester City strip .. brilliant.

.... but now Go Suraya, go! and Come on Arthur!

Best wishes Tony

From: "Dave Taylor" <dave@t...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 5:21 pm
Subject: Hawaii

Congratulations to Decaman Rob who must surely be eligible for joining the X-Men! What a fantastic achievement and an inspiration to us all.

Accolades also to his trusty sidekick Chris who turned organisational adversity into triumph and provided us with such a vivid account of the proceedings.

Cheers lads!

dave and Jan

From: ymsgr:sendIM?bigglesthebearPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
ymsgr:sendIM?bigglesthebear"bigglesthebear" <pjtimson@t...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 6:59 pm
Subject: Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

Truly awesome - both of you!

From: simon mcallister <smnmcallister@y...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 7:16 pm
Subject: Re: [chestertri] Re: Deca

Just got the News, MARVELLOUS, SUPERB,TREMENDOUS,AMAZING,MAGNIFICENT achievement. Well done Rob! and hats off for Capt Morgan. Rob, could not have selected a better team mate. Thanks for the News Reports Chris. Both enjoy the rest of your stay.

Cheers Guys SiMc

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:36 pm
Subject: back in waikiki

...it's finally over - the last evening and this morning at Camp
Groundhog day were truly memorable - rob finished in a blaze of
glory - i ran with him(yes ran!!!) for 9 of the last 10 laps and we
really clogged the pace up - expressions of disbelief on all the
supporters faces as we roared thro'. He ran his final lap alone with
his thoughts and as you see crossed the line in deca style 12th
overall. Every finisher was greeted the same - a winner supreme -
Suraya Oliver came thro with glory to become World Champion and No.1
in the world rankings(not bad for a brummie) we partied late into the
night as other finishers crossed the line. I'm stop now as we have
serious hotel booking in to da, a shower then to the hotel pool,
presentation do tonight then surfing tomorrow!! Speak soon before we
fly back tues am
Rob and chris

From: "Barry Frost" <barryfrost@r...>
Date: Sun Nov 28, 2004 12:20 am
Subject: Re: back in waikiki

As you can see by the reaction of the club Rob and Chris, you may
need an agent when you get back.

On this occaision Chris I will forgive the spalling mistakes.

From: ymsgr:sendIM?bigglesthebearPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT="
ymsgr:sendIM?bigglesthebear"bigglesthebear" <pjtimson@t...>
Date: Sun Nov 28, 2004 2:16 pm
Subject: Photo - Rob's finish

Photo is in the photo section.

From: "Rose, Nicholas" <nicholas.rose@g...>
Date: Sun Nov 28, 2004 11:14 pm
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Aloha Hawaii

Superb, honour to wear it ! Medium please.

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:05 am
Subject: Waikiki update

...this will be the last chapter of the deca experience - it's
sunday night and i'm in a market cyber cafe after spending a few
hours at an aussie barbie. A chap who crewed for one of the ausssies
is stationed at pearl harbor and lives in a plush aussie navy paid
mansion - jenifer lopez has a house just above his overlooking the
ocean. The company was a select anglo aussis mix of basically 4
people who ran the event and 4 people who 'ran' the event!!beer and
steaks by the floodlit swimming pool watching the pacific roll in to
the shore off Diamond Head!!
We had a couple of hours surfing and lazing on the beach late
morning following the traditional us brekkie of steak and eggs. Last
night at the presentation as we expected it was a bit of a damp
squib but all the prizes were awarded, photos took and speeches
made. Rob had a permanent smile on his face clutching the enormous
D-dot shield. Suraya was hailed as the World Ultra Distance Champion
and has been milking it ever since. She cannot go into a bar without
someone coming up to her the shake her hand. Even Arthur who alas
failed to beat the cut off was in high spirits. What a guy?
Tomorrow we will do the packing and last minute pressie buying and
trying to sort out a lift to the airport for 4am Tuesday and the
7:30 flight.
Hope you've enjoyed the ramblings over the last few weeks. I would
not have missed it for the world. I have made some very good friends
from many countries more so having been thrown together in adversity
and suffering. As usual the e-mail exchange list is now considerable
and hopefully we might keep in touch now a close bond has been
formed.
Aloha from Hawaii

Chris and Deca Ironman Rob

From: <nicholas.2.campbell@b...>
Date: Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:33 am
Subject: RE: [chestertri] Re: Deca update Fri am O'ahu time

Ø > Rob - Truly inspirational stuff. You guys ARE the modern day pioneers, enjoy
the partying. Chris you deserve a medal also well done both of you.
Nick C

From: "Sian" <sianybags@h...>
Date: Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:36 am
Subject: Re: Waikiki update

Rob and Chris

Just reading the missives from you Chris, reading the rest of the
clubs words of support and the enormous achievement of Rob (I don't
think I'll ever get my head around it) brings tears to my eyes.

I don't think even I can find enough words to say have wonderful you
both are! Can't wait to hear about it all first hand!
Special Chester Tri Hugs! Sian

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:47 pm
Subject: Capn's log deca date supplemental

...sitting here in the open market place cyber cafe with my head
feeling like paddy gonzalez is living in it - too many guinness with
tequila slammer chasers last night!!!! Breakfasted late at Denny's -
overslept - final bit of shopping then beach finale - see you all in
next few days!!!
Chris and Rob

From: "chris morgan" <chrismorgan@f...>
Date: Thu Dec 2, 2004 3:27 pm
Subject: happy landings!!??

....0400 Tuesday(I think) Olana Waikiki West Hotel, cab rolls up and
takes the 5 weary travellers to Honolulu Airport - we arrive and
spend the next hour watching as the airport opens!! Check in for LA
flight - everything OK so far - get on plane 0700 and start to taxi -
still looks good!! - stop on runway and captain comes on and says
small flap problem, shouldn't be long - 10mins later were are on our
way back to terminal and have to get off. Get given grub vouchers at
regular intervals and 3 HOURS LATER WE BOARD A REPLACEMENT
PLANE!!!!!!Get to LA and guess what?....have missed connecting
flight to Heathrow. Quickly get put on Washington DC flight. Sit
next to very large US lady for 5 hours who insists on asking me ALL
about UK. At DC another 3 hour wait(thank heavens for Starbucks) and
finally get on Heathrow bound flight, as we take off we are told
there is a pretty good chance our luggage isn't with us!! For once
they were right. The 2 bikes in our party make it to UK but the bags
decided to stay a bit longer in LA!!! After much form filling we
crawl to Hertz and get car for home trip. Rob and I manage about 50
miles each of driving and arrive in Chester area 3am Thursday(I
think)
This is definitely the final report. Many thanks Rob for asking me
to crew for you, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I have
travelled further than ever, missed more sleep than ever, been
bitten by more insects than ever, massaged and stretched more people
than ever (in disgusting conditions), cooked for more people than
ever, met amazingly nice people from all over the world, shared
tremendous highs and lows with all of them, ran to the top of
Diamond Head on O'ahu, listened to Hotel California IN CALIFORNIA!!
learned to surf on Waikiki and appreciate a Tequila Sunrise!!!!
C'est complet!!!!