This journey started way back in May 2023 when I did my first triathlon and set myself the target of doing a 70.3 in 2024 and full distance in 2025.
True to my word in November 23 I booked Ironman Weymouth 70.3 having never done the distance previously and wanted to take part in an IM branded event. It meant I’d have the longest time to train and an opportunity to test myself along the way.
July 24 I did my first 70.3 and set a time of 07:47:15, having done a 10k PB attempt the day before I knew I could do better, and most of all, knew I would be inside the IM cut off times.
The week leading up to race day, I’d tapered and prepped myself. I was being asked how I was feeling and can honestly say I meant every word when I said I was buzzing! I had no nerves, just pure excitement.
The weekend was perfect, the weather was amazing and I went to weymouth with my closest friend and our families. We were joined on Saturday by the Weymouth Warrior who added so much joy to the weekend experience.
From here on in, words really dont describe the experience. From registration which was quick and well organised, to racking our bikes and bags in transition and the notorious weymouth waves which were pancake flat for a change!
The sun shone all weekend and with the TTG crew who made the journey south to support I had the most amazing race day.
Swim – Estimated finish time: 50 minutes
I started two people behind Katie Keates and had managed to get closer to the 40 minute sign opposed to the 50 minutes I had planned to finish the swim in. However, with the calm sea’s and not to much hustle and bustle I was able to get out of the water slightly ahead of time in 47:27.
T1
The slight jog across the road and up in to the transition area was amazing, it gave me a sense of.. imagine what Tenby would be like! The crowds lining the way helped to mask the feeling of your feet being abused by the great British road network! The two bag transition process was new to me and despite my OCD like behaviour, I trusted I had remembered everything! No Lightning speeds, but more importantly no hiccups either!
Bike – Estimated finish time: 3:25:00
The bike was amazing, I knew I wanted to push in this area and true to my race plan of “give it full beans in the saddle” I went hard! My heart rate pushing 175bpm and averaging 150 I knew I was pushing myself. What I hadn’t anticipated was just give much this would take it off my legs, and it resulted in my doing the Sunday morning walk of shame up both Revel’s hill and the hill that some sick #%$¥ thought would be good to conveniently place 5k from transition! Other than these two minor hiccups in the plan, I still ride well, caught people on the decline and even went past people in the aero bars of their TT bikes, while I was riding no handed, stretching out my shoulders… finish time of 3:26:01
T2
Rolling into T2 was another opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the crowd who lined the street. I slipped off my bike shoes, leaving them on my bike and dismounted before the line as instructed. Ditched the Orbea and trundled in to the transition tent… fortunately I had packed a pair of ankle running socks in my run bag, as I hadn’t anticipated the floor still being soaked through from the water exit. So fresh socks and trainers on, it was time to dig deep…
Run – Estimated finish time – 2:45:00
Now hindsight says the time was always ambitious! I started off ok, gave some high fives and kisses as I came out of transition and passed family and friends and headed away from the finish line in the first half lap of the run route.
Things very quickly got hard, my legs were fried. I had clearly not left enough in the tank to execute a consistent run strategy so had to rely on a more run/walk pace with more walking than running and relying in the support of the crowd to pull my through.
Despite the sun beaming down, I went to some dark places. It had laughter, smiles, high fives and tears a plenty. But other than the iconic red carpet finish the clear stand out moment of the run and day in general was a complete stranger walking with his family and literally pushing a kid a push chair. This guy spotted me and said, “you did the Oxford Tri didn’t you?” While doing a U-turn with the push chair and leaving the rest of his family to carry on their way.
“In did indeed Ib blubbered”
“Well, I remember your family” he said as he put his arm around me. “They are all down at the finish line, I’ve seen the orange tops. Remember, why you’re doing this and go and make your kids proud.”
I burst in to tears as he consoled me on my way and so I ambled back into a jog bum as he turned and drifted off with his family. I never did get his name, so if you’re reading this my friend. Thank you!
I did make my kids proud!
I finished in 3:13:31 and a total of 7:40:29 and new PB
Special thanks had to go to my family who travel and support me through everything.
To Aaron who pushes me to challenge myself and go outside of what is comfortable.
To Gary the Weymouth Warrior! Who inspires me, joined our family for the weekend and someone my kids adore dearly!
And to the traveling TTG crew who truly are an amazing community to be part of.
