I am doing my first Ironman on 30th June 2013. I will be swimming, cycling and running for Big C (and to impress my three sons!) I will need every minute of the 17 hours to complete the distance.

IRONMAN = 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bicycle ride, 26.2 mile marathon run; in that order, with no break and a strict time limit of 17 hours.

Why Oh Why Philippa?!

An ironman is the ultimate challenge for a triathlete and not many women attempt them (apart from the elite ladies). I am very much a completer rather than a competer and just want to finish within the cut off time of 17 hours. I enjoy endurance events as I have lots of stamina (but not much speed) and the marathons I have completed have given me mental strength and confidence in myself. The swim has been a big challenge for me, but so rewarding as I improve thanks to the patient tuition of my coach Simon Brierley of Paradise Tri. I was very chuffed that I managed to swim 2 miles in Whitlingham Lake last summer, so I am feeling more confident now about completing the 2.4 mile swim. However, if it is hot again this year (like it was last year) wetsuits will be banned. These give a lot of buoyancy and make swimming much easier so I will panic if the lake in Austria is too warm (inflatable pants haven’t been ruled out). To prepare myself for this possibility, I am swimming three times a week (twice before work, so I arrive like a drowned rat). My cycling has also improved, thanks to patient and encouraging friends of mine.   I am a member of Tri-Anglia, and the club members have been very encouraging and supportive.  I know it is going to be very hard to finish the Ironman and there will be moments when I really want to give up. I just want to finish and hear those words as I cross the finishing line “Philippa, you are an Ironman”. Not sure yet if I will get the tattoo though!