The wind was up on Saturday, the day before this year’s Ironman 70.3 in Weymouth, making the packing and repacking of transition bags a little more nerve-wracking and stressful. Eventually I got my bags and bike into the transition tent, and there was nothing left to do but lie in bed pretending I was going to get some sleep before the morning start.
I woke to a flat, calm bay, sun shining, nerves pumping. A quick swim to test the water, then I lined up for the rolling start with the voice of Joanne Murphy pumping up the crowd. Music blaring, a quick fist pump from Joanne and everyone around me, the nerves settled and I was in the water. What a swim — so clear and flat that the distance and time, although a bit of a slog, flew by. I was just delighted to have gotten this far.
Out of the water and off to T1, a quick change, then onto the bike as the day heated up. No matter what way you look at it, the bike leg is going to be long, and I just enjoyed my time, slogging it out until I faced the one really big hill I knew was coming. Low in the gears, watching everyone work hard, I got over it, and the last aid station came into sight. Knowing the worst of the bike was behind me, I forced myself into T2 and onto the run.
The run was two and a half loops of the prom, sun beaming in what felt like 30 degrees — it was fantastic. Crowds and music pumping, great refreshments at the aid stations, it was all about enjoying the day. Not to say it was easy — I found myself in the trenches, cramping, having to walk — but it was all worth it when you see that red carpet and get the lift to cross the line. Huge thanks again to Joanne, who met me over the line and got that great picture.
I couldn’t have done it without the support of the whole club — on each of those Saturday-long runs, I was asking loads of questions and banking every answer. I also want to thank my wife Rebecca, daughter Grace (2.5 years) and son Tom (7 weeks) for putting up with me these last few months, and my sister Helena for doing the support on the day.
Would highly recommend Ironman 70.3 to anyone thinking of doing one.
