Connacht's new Defence Coach Mike Forshaw recently completed the UK Ironman, we caught up with him to ask him about the experience.

Hi Mike, you’ve just completed the UK Ironman, how long have you been training for this event and where was it on?
I started training in the middle of November ’09 in the very cold English weather, I had about 9 months of training which varied from bike and swim sessions and long run known as ‘brick sessions’ in the triathlon world! The Ironman event was held in Bolton, England on the 1st August this year.

Was it difficult to fit training around your work schedule?
Schedule is the key, I would usually train at 6am followed by an evening session so in reality I was working out for around 15 hours a week and I didn’t really have a problem with work in the middle!

Your experience as a professional player and coach must have helped with the preparation, was there much of a crossover?
I suppose my background helped me but it’s very hard mentally to get into the pool and swim 3 kilometres, 3-4 times a week I love the bike training and running as I am pretty strong in those areas.

How did you get on in the Ironman?
My time of 12hrs 38mis was pleasing as it was a real tough bike course, not helped by strong winds! My split times were Swim (2.5miles) 1hr 17mins, Bike (115miles) 6hrs 50mins & Run (Marathon 26.3miles) 4hrs 2mins and I came 68th in my category!

Would you do it again? What’s next?
I’m not planning anything at the moment, my focus is on work and helping Connacht be as successful as can be in the Magners’ League. I may at some point do another Ironman, probably abroad in a warmer climate!

Mike Forshaw (right) pictured with Head Coach Eric and Brian Melrose  (C) INPHO Photography