A triathlon combines three activities - swimming, cycling and running and the Ironman Triathlon is the ultimate combination of these three demanding sports.

For those who have never seen a triathlon up close, then you need to be in and around Bolton, Lancashire on 2nd August 2009 to watch the Ironman UK race. You will see pain and pleasure like you have never witnessed before !

There will be around 2000 athletes from all around the world who will line up at 6am on that Sunday morning after spending most of the last year training for the hardest day of their lives. Once the hooter sounds they will each have to complete:

3.8km open water swim in a cold deep water reservoir

180km bike race around the Lancashire countryside

42km run (yes that is a full marathon) finishing in Bolton itself

Once you have battled your way through that physical and mental test then you are good enough to call yourself an "Ironman". The winner will complete the course in around 8hrs 30mins and the last man to cross the line will be around 17hrs ..... I myself hope to come home in around 12hrs.

This year, I am supporting the Pelican Cancer Foundation and hope that you will help me help them with a generous donation.