Matt Dewhurst - Triathlon & Running Coach

What a day! Ironman Bolton 70.3 yesterday was the place to be 🔥

A day of juggling giving out splits, encouragement and then also tracking other athletes I had out at Warsaw 70.3 & Cotswolds 113, many would of thought the fomo was going to be high not being amongst it racing wise!

But being on the sidelines supporting the athletes I’ve coached for this race this year, mates who I train with on a weekly basis to some epic results was nothing more than inspiring! Especially when so many got the podiums and personal bests they deserved 👊🏻

Well done to everyone who was out there, who finished and whether you had the day you were after, or you’re disappointed this morning. Remember one singular day isn’t what you should judge yourself on!

Couldn’t be more pumped heading into a race week for myself this time 💪

Cheers to the beginning of round 35 🍻🥳

Just the same lofty ambitions, with plenty of flat whites to be drank, thousands of km’s to venture off with most importantly plenty of laughs and good company along the way that look at you the same way as does 😂

Triathletes will have spotted the new age group 😬

Thanks for the messages I’ve already had 🙏

2026 😍

I’ll start by saying this is an absolute must for anyone who loves cycling. This was my second time doing it after first riding it in 2023, and for me, the combination of the Lake District at its absolute best + some of the hardest climbs you can imagine = possibly the most enjoyable day I’ve ever had on a bike (which I don’t say lightly!).

The atmosphere from the locals, volunteers and spectators is mega 👏

This year started with a cold, frosty morning 🥶 but things soon heated up as we hit ‘The Struggle’ within the first 10–15 minutes 😅

Official time: 6:24:57 ⏱️
(Not the “Strava time” some people are posting that conveniently leaves out 30+ minutes at aid stations 😏)

Managed to get into a few groups before Honister Pass, although I was on the front for most of it just to keep warm 🥶 After Honister, it was pretty much a solo effort all the way back.

The bibs and jersey were the perfect combo for an event like this. The double rear pockets meant I could carry all the fuel I needed, plus essentials like a long sleeve layer (event requirement), electric pump and phone — and still have space to stash gloves and arm warmers once things warmed up 👌

100% going to try and get a spot again next year… who’s in for a sub-6-hour attempt?! 😬

April 2026

4/12 ✅

Horwich Triathlon — “The Kona of the North”

I’d been looking forward to this—my first time racing it in 10 years. It’s local, on roads and paths I train on every week, and I got to share it with friends and five athletes I coach.

Swim:
The only part I wasn’t excited about was the pool swim. It’s easy to get boxed in, and over 500m that can cost you. Luckily, there were just two of us in the lane, so we kept to one side. I went hard for the first 100m, then settled into threshold. I faded a bit between 300–450m, finishing in 6:44 (1:20/100m), slower than my 6:30 target.

Bike:
This course hits hard straight away, up Cote de Horwich to Curley’s, so you have to find your legs fast (not my strength). I dropped to 4th early, but once onto Scout Road I found some rhythm. I pushed the climbs, stayed aero where I could, and attacked the descents. Riding with others helped, as we worked together and began reeling in 1st and 2nd in the later stages, getting into T2 within a minute of them.
37km / 600m elevation — 1:02:04 (36kph, 302NP)

Run:
I felt optimistic starting out, and the first couple of km’s were solid. I closed to within seconds of 2nd. Then Gingham Brow hit, and my quads just switched off. It felt like running through sand. I slipped back to 4th, and the next climb up to George’s Road felt the same. Once up to the Pike, I just pushed hard on the descent to the finish to limit losses.
8.8km / 270m elevation — 40:26

Mixed feelings—happy with parts, but I’d have loved a local podium. The others simply had better legs on the day 👏🏻

The last two seasons didn’t go how I planned.

More setbacks than results, and a lot of time spent figuring things out, whilst accepting the things in and out of my control.

But I stayed consistent. Kept showing up, kept building, even when things weren’t clicking.

I love training. I love the long days. I love the dopamine feeling post exercise. I love chasing that daily improvement.

Next week starts a new season and admittedly enjoying the process again.

Ready to trust the work and see what happens 💪

Race Calendar:
• Horwich Tri
• Slateman Legend (70.3)
• Felixstowe Olympic Distance
• Bassenthwaite Olympic Distance
• Ironman Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
🫡

Supported by the following for 2026
• Lancashire Brick & Tiles
• Rockfield Payroll
• LB Physiotherapy