Hey folks, thank you for visiting my fundraising page, even if it is purely out of curiosity! Now you're here, please dig deep and sponsor me online.
For those of you who know me well, you'll know I got 'conned' into joining the Staff College Triathlon club over four years ago, after having far too many glasses of red wine at the meet and greet. I don't know who is more surprised that I've continued with the sport, me or those who conned me into it. I joined Team Frome Tri over 3 years' ago and also train with the Navy Tri Assoc and get bags of support, advice and grief but I am very grateful to all the triathletes in both organisations for their encouragement and joie de vivre.
Last year I competed in the Newfoundland Half Ironman and was amazed when I got a slot at the World Championships in Florida in November. Sadly by that time I had a foot injury which prevented me from running, but I still took part. The most inspirational people out there were the US servicemen who were running on prosthetic limbs - I was soundly beaten to the finish! There was no way I could drop out after that.
I have been told that "pain is only weakness leaving the body", and as I have a great deal of weakness, I have entered the UK Ironman, which is a mere 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and topped off with a marathon. It is going to hurt like hell, so hopefully my weakness of sitting on the sofa, drinking wine and eating chocolate will disappear! My incentive will be to raise as much as I possibly can for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association, which will keep me focused and motivated. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (Blesma) will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me now! I really appreciate all your support and I will keep you updated as to how the training is going on. Many thanks Jack x
Training update 27 May - it hurts! 150 miles cycled this Bank Holiday weekend and my legs are sore. But I've got a new wetsuit to try out in the Serpentine!
Training update 12 Jun - still tired from Weymouth Middle Distance tri (1/2 Ironman distance) on 8 Jun. A scorcher of a day and lots of hills, but happy with the sub-6 hour time. Only 12 weeks to go.....
Training update 8 Jul - big training day today - 2.4 mile swim, 77 mile bike ride and 7 mile run = shattered! 8 weeks and counting.....
Training update 5 Aug - Irongirls training on Sat 2 Aug on the course at Sherborne - full swim, 2 loops of the bike course and a bit of the run course, all washed down with a nice juicy steak and a glass of red! 33 days to go....
Training update 11 Aug - London Tri Sun 10 Aug - Olympic distance race - finished in 2:37:46 and knocked 13 mins off personal best! 8th/74 with the 3rd fastest swim in my age cat. Buzzing! 26 days and counting.....
I AM AN IRONMAN! What an amazing experience. I finished in 13:42:23 and I'm still alive. Awesome swim, great bike and a very long and painful run. Thank you all for your support and donations, I appreciate it so much.