And now Mansfield Triathlon Club member Neil Kirk (44) is reaping the benefits of all his hours spent training after he jetted off to Hawaii on Friday to take part in the World Championship Ironman competition.

The gruelling event –– which takes place on Saturday –– is a real test of endurance as competitors tackle a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and then a full marathon.

Neil will face stiff competition from 2,000 other competitors from across the globe, but it may be the weather that proves to be the biggest test.

"Obviously I'd like to go as quick as possible, but it is going to depend on the conditions," Neil told Chad. "It's going to be very hot and humid and it can be quite windy, which can cause a few problems on the bike stage.

"I've not set myself a time target and I'd still be happy if I was half an hour slower than my last race –– I really just want to go and enjoy the fact I have got there."

Training

Neil will spend a week in Hawaii acclimatising to the conditions and is hoping his 20 hours of training a week will pay off on the big day.

He has been training for the event all year, but only qualified in August after clocking a time of nine hours, 52 minutes and 53 seconds –– which placed him third in his age group –– at Ironman UK held at Sherbourne in Dorset.

And Neil believes the Shape Up Notts! campaign has been a useful tool in keeping him and others motivated enough to reach their targets.

"It's definitely a good idea as it gives people that extra incentive to get out there and exercise," he said. "I have friends who also use the website and they say they're always checking the leaderboard to see who is around them and how much they need to do to climb the table."

And after he completes the draining event, Neil is going to take the opportunity to have a well earned rest and do a spot of sightseeing.

"I'm going to stay in Hawaii for a few days and then I'm going to San Francisco and then New York. I've never been to America before so this is a good opportunity to see a few places –– I just hope my legs won't be too tired to walk around."

LINK: Ironman World Championship website.