I have just completed the biggest physical challenge of my life so far........

On 29th August at 7am I raced at Ironman Canada in Penticton, British Columbia. I completed a 3.8km swim, followed by 180km on my bike, followed by a marathon. I finally crossed the line after 13hours 55mins!

The race was an amazing experience, but definitely the toughest mental challenge I have endured!

I started along with 2850 other competitors - the largest mass start ever! I actually managed to enjoy the swim, and the bike ride! 10 hours into the race, I was beginning to wonder what were all these dark places people kept warning me about - I soon was to discover, and spent the next 3.5 hours in a very dark place! Still, I managed to run across the finish line after 13hrs 55mins, with a lot of help from some very good friends, and, after 45mins in the medical tent, was ready to go and do the next one!

One of the main things that kept me putting one foot in front of the other was the knowledge that so many of you were behind me, and the fantastic things Chengelo will be able to use your money towards, so, thank you so much!

Chengelo is a Christian school which started over 20 years ago, set up by a core of 3 farmers in Mkushi, including my Uncle David. They had an amazing vision which has provided thousands of children now with a top class education, and a sound Christian moral grounding. The hope is that many of these children will become the future leaders of Zambia and the wider African continent. The Chengelo Educational Trust provides grants for children to attend Chengelo, who otherwise would not be able to.

The outdoor centre, Ndubaluba, with the motto "never, never, never give up" has the most amazing facilities, and is accessible to children from all over Zambia. They come here to learn about themselves, conquer their fears, boost their confidence and learn the importance of the outdoors and the environment.

Please have a look at the school website - www.chengelo.sch.zm. There is also a website for the Chengelo Educational Trust, www.chengelo.com.

I know that many of you have been so generous in supporting Chengelo over the years - thank you! I really hope you will once again be willing to contribute and help me raise my target of £5000.

I hope to catch up with all of you at some point soon - thank you so much & if you want to track me live on the day of my race, you can go to Ironman Canada & click on live athlete tracker - put in my name & it will tell you how I am doing!

Love

Tamsinx

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