Legendary former Irish and Lions hooker tries his hand at Adventure Racing Shane Bryne, legendary Irish and Lions rugby player is currently trying his hand at Adventure Racing. A multi-disciplined sports across rough terrain and sometimes against the elements, it’s not for the faint hearted. But then again Shane Byrne never did take the easy route…
Our roving reporter Vicki Guy caught up with Shane whilst taking some Stand Up Paddling lessons at Surf Dock.. Viki Guy: So Shane, what made you decide to take up Adventure Racing?
Shane Byrne: Having retired from professional rugby a few years ago relative injury free, I’ve been looking around for something to do. Retirement leaves a big hole in your life and I needed something to fill it. I miss that sense of achievement, the challenge, being part of a team. I tried everything mini marathons, boxing, cycling, standard triathlons to name a few but always went back to rugby, playing a bit for my local club, Arklow, when I could. But at 41 and 21 years of 1st team competition and the knocks and bangs that that entails under my belt I should really be finding another outlet! In my mind Adventure Racing fits the bill, each event is challenging in its own right which give you a great buzz when finishing and I’ve always found that the people who take part in these events are great fun and there is a fantastic family atmosphere, everyone is there to support one another.
VG: How often do you train?
SB: When I’m good, I’d like to get out most weekday mornings to do something, a run or cycle but unfortunately loosing the excuse of being pro and having a very easily twisted arm, I go out at the weekend and completely undo any good that I did during the week!!
VG: What is your least favourite discipline?
SB: Uphill’s in any discipline, I’m exceptional at going downhill!!
VG: What is your AR bug bear?
SB: Knowing that I’ve never done enough training to do what I’d like to do!
VG: What is your next event?
SB: Moxie Republic have their own in house sadist, Gareth! And it’s him whose taken up the challenge of getting this 17 stone frame whipped into shape to become a AR Adonis (his words!). So as he does most events I’m sure you’ll see me very frequently over the next 10 weeks, as I get ready for the Lanzarote challenge in October. So if you see a very mean blond hair chap shouting at a poor, bedraggled long hair man half way up a mountain somewhere, have some sympathy!
VG: What advice would give a beginner?
SB: ENJOY! The battle is with yourself not the 8 stone gazelle who just floated passed you under no pressure at all! AR is all about personal challenges. You do what you can and judge your own improvements that way, this will give you a much greater sense ofachievement at the finish line and remember…ENJOY!!
VG: What do you think makes a good adventure racer?
SB: A good adventure racer is not just the person who finishes first, its someone who likes to get out there and do it. Who looks forward to an event, always ready to share a smile and have the crack with their fellow AR’s, is ready to lend a hand when needed and encouraging no matter how knackered they themselves feel! And that’s what I see all the time from the Adventure Racing family.
