12/06/2026
Where do I start… it’s taken a couple days to process. But here we go…
On Sunday 7th June, I finally crossed the finish line completing Bolton 70.3 Ironman.
That was the overall challenge, but personally it was finishing the swim, and going onto the cycling stage.
Swimming is so far out of my comfort zone anyway, let alone in a pond, at 615 am in the cold 😂
Last year, my journey ended when I came out of the water, and was too cold to continue. All the training for my race, for it to end so quickly. I still wanted to tick the box, so signed up again.
Weather for training was not kind, and the pond was not heating up. Life also got in the way… Training was less than last year, and my fear of water was ever present…
The few swims I did do in the pond, didn’t go well, and the week of Bolton I was going to pull out.
But after wise words from my friends, and giving myself a good talking to, I said I’d give it one more bash, and I was going to honour that.
I’m so glad I did. That’s me though,
open water swimming is not for me,
I’m at my happiest when I’m running.
I cannot thank George enough for making this happen. He has been our driver, our bike mechanic, our voice of reason.
He taught me to swim, and I tested his patience more than once🤣
I would never have got into the pond without his and Sandra’s help.
As for Sandra, just amazing. Like me, her journey came to an end last year when someone crashed into her on the cycle and she broke her collarbone. They told her it would take ages to heal, and she would have to behave. They really didn’t know her at all. In half the time she was back on her bike, back in the pool and strength training.
On Sunday she crossed the finish line, and got her medal, and got to wear the hoodie that was never to be worn until she had done the 70.3.
She is not finished. She will do more as her limit has not been reached 💪🏽
Thank you Gavin for putting up with me through this journey.
To my friends who have always been there good bad, and have kicked my arse when required.
My clients who have given me support, and the one who reminded me andforgetandnomore🤣
Ironman 70.3. Done ✔️
