IRONMAN UK: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

I would be lying if I said I enjoyed the whole 11 hours 16 mins, but apart from mile 16-23 on the marathon, it really was something special. All the more so because of the support from spectators, especially friends and family, who were also out on the course for the best part of the day.
 
After a downpour of biblical proportions in the previous 48 hours, the weather gods smiled upon us and apart from the odd shower, it was cloudy and dry, although a touch on the windy side. The swim started in the semi-dark at 6.30am and after 2.4 miles and 1 hour 5 mins later I was climbing onto the bike for the 112 miles of cycling (the equivalent distance of London to Sherborne!). Most importantly there were no crashes, punctures or mechanical problems, and 6 hours 15 mins, 7 Power Bars, 5 energy gels and 6 bottles of sports drink later I was pulling on the running shoes. The marathon was half across country (very muddy) and half through the town of Sherborne (very posh). Apart from tripping over a barrier and performing a neat head over heels (I scored an average of 7.8 from the 3 runners behind for artistic merit), the first half of the run was steady. The second half was a struggle. Bananas, pretzels and flat Pepsi were now the refuel of choice. Felt perky after 22 miles, less perky after 24 but the last mile was carried along by the cheering crowds and 3 hours 48 mins later I finished the run, tired and strangely emotional for a banker. (To those of you doing the sums I have missed out the time spent in transition.) I came in 149th out of 1500.

The following day I was incredibly stiff and sore, but pretty elated to have completed the Ironman. 

Most importantly, I am very proud to say that we have beaten the sponsorship target that we set. That is incredible and is wholly thanks to your generosity, however large or small. In times of rising inflation and with multiple calls on your cash, we really appreciate the effort you have made.

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