These events have taken me to beautiful locations, motivated me to improve my fitness, I’ve learnt new skills, it’s provided me lifelong friendships and given me an antidote to everyday life. I’ve met some amazing people and I now appreciate the role of volunteers, who always have an encouraging word when your legs are telling you that they’ve had enough! Events are becoming more popular and it is great to see so much interest in fitness and enjoyment of the great outdoors. My first Ironman was in the Forest of Dean and my training over nine months had gone well. The quarry swim and first part of the bike ride had also gone well but the forecasted rain arrived early and it was extremely heavy and cold rain. I was under-dressed with just a trisuit on, not having considered that arm and leg warmers or a spare top would be necessary in August. Although I completed the ride, the severe effects of the cold meant that I was directed towards the St John’s Ambulance by the marshals rather than the run section, and that was the end of my race. Getting a DNF (Did Not Finish) is always disappointing and especially when you have travelled 1200 miles and taken four days to compete in such a big challenge. So, I banked the training, followed the same programme and completed the same event in glorious sunshine the following year. The sense of achievement was multiplied many times over the feeling of my first marathon and the camaraderie with other competitors and volunteers was life enriching. From my once sedentary life to my first attempted Ironman took seven years, and the motivation and stimulation have remained. Over the last twenty years I have completed multiple Ironman’s, Middle Distance triathlons, Ultra, Trail and Road Marathons, along with shorter distance running and triathlon events. abingdon.org.uk/sports-and-leisure 7 Activities are run by Abingdon School Enterprises Limited on behalf of Abingdon School. Company No.04442429
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