Benali is at it again! - Francis Benali announces IronFran challenge

He's doing it again! Franny has set himself a new challenge.

He's going to do an Ironman Triathlon (2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles on a bike and then a full 26-mile marathon) every day for seven consecutive days.

His reason for doing another challenge is that he promised Cancer Research UK that he would raise £1m, but he hasn't got to the total yet. So he's still going until he gets there.

Fair play, the guy is fit as a fiddle for 50 years old. What an inspirational person and what a privilege that he's one of ours.

Donate or find out more here: https://www.ironfran.co.uk/

 

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I think it is wonderful what he is trying to do, but I do worry for him. That must damage your body and put you at risk.

 

Probably doesn’t damage your body or put you at risk any more than the sedentary lifestyle many of us lead. Too much exercise is probably better than too little, and he’s an inspiration to old gits like me to maybe get the running shoes out again (I might even put them on this time).

 

Exercise is good for you, but excessive exercise isn't...makes you prone to arthritis because of damage to joints (I have joints like a new born babe *) and can damage your immune system. All a matter of balance...I think doing an triathlon on seven consecutive days when you are no spring chicken and all the practice you have to do beforehand before even attempting it is a big risk. TBF the main risk is failure and how rotten he will feel if he has to pull out. Good luck to him though.

*I bound around at my heart club gym classes like a good 'un....my lack of exercise may have contributed to my heart problems (though unlikely as it was hereditary). but also probably contributed to my healthy joints. Win some, lose some.

 

That is an absolutely incredible and actually quite dangerous challenge.

When completing an Ironman, an athlete will burn around 8000 calories (a normal adult male should take on 2,500 per day) Franny will have to find a way to take on enough calories whilst working out for 14 hours per day, sleep and recovery time will also be very important, but by day 3 he will struggle to sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time because he will be woken by ravenous and debilitating hunger pains.
He will sweat a lot & will need to take on SO much water over the 7 days that he will struggle with low blood sodium levels. He will breakdown his muscle protein for energy when his carbohydrate stores run low and he will put himself at risk of a heart condition called myocardial fibrosis.

He will, of course by properly supported, but the dangers and effort involved should not be underplayed.

 

He’ll be alright, he’s invincible

 

No challenge could be bigger than pulling off a Freddie Mercury-style moustache for the whole of the 90's.

 

Legend! Deserves to be main story on back page of all pictorial papers. Unfortunately, not very likely.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47959743

Getting some coverage on the BBC today.

 

Do we know how much he's raised so far with his previous adventures?

 

top right: https://www.ironfran.co.uk/

That includes what he raised so far in this one but i believe its cumulative with his previous efforts.

 

I fear for him...I really do. Your body can only take so much....exercise is good for you....excessive exercise isn't always.

 

I think his website name is a Thatcheresque name for our very own @fran-MLs little camera

 

It was being talked about at work today ( I was just listening ) ALL the fit people ( quite a few of them ) echoed your concerns Fran .

 

FairPlay ...rivalry between us should be put to one side.....

 

Just donated....though I don't mind if Franny doesn't finish...just don't want him to injure himself.
Can also donate and enter a draw for a car.

 

Good Luck Sir Francis of Benali, you super human being you!

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Franny had a near miss when a car jumped a red traffic light...am worried about Benali overdoing it, but didn't think about other hazards. Go, Franny.

 

It's a tall order I know......but he looks knackered(quite rightly so) will he be able to do another 6 days of this.