Hi. My name is Mark Kavanagh.

After many years of soccer abuse my body (knees & ankles) finally said no more, so I switched to Triathlon.

I have been doing them for about 4 years now, and for some insane reason I decided to enter Ironman UK this year.

This consists of a 3.8km (2.4 mile) lake swim, a 180km (112 mile), followed by a 42km (26.2 mile) run. All in the same day.

This event takes place on 7th September 2008, and although I have been training most of the year for it, I still face it with some trepidation. There have been some real highs and lows this year training wise. Both my wife & I thought I would never utter the words "I do not want to see that bike for at least a week" but I have.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank my wife Estelle, and both my children for being so understanding on why they never see me on Saturdays, and for the sacrifice they have made this year also. I spend a lot of time out of the house, which could do with some DIY.

My chosen charity is North West Air Ambulance. This service receives no direct funding, and if you are involved in a car accident in NW England or get stuck out walking in the Peak District then these guys could save you.

Please donate well for them.

Best regards.

Mark