Three years ago I had not long turned forty, decided to try 'something different' and entered my first triathlon. After surviving the choppy 1500m Ullswater swim, 25 mile bike and cramp throughout the entire 10k run, I got the bug for the sport. Fast-forward three years, I am now just three weeks away from my biggest ever challenge. Ironman UK at Bolton, a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile cycle and then a marathon (26.2 miles).

Training has been mixed, good progress has been interrupted by a number of setbacks; dodgy knees over the long cold winter, the flu, a virus where I lost my voice for three days and a mysterious ankle injury which comes and goes! Training for something this big, requires determination, sacrifices and support. Support from friends; an amazing Mallorca training week, motivation from new friends from my club City of Lancaster Triathlon (COLT) and, excellent guidance from people who have attempted this before. Plenty of free lunchtime swims at Manchester aquatics centre courtesy of MMU sport. The most important has been the sacrifices, support and motivation from my family, Karen, Bertie and Sydney. What I am now capable of doing completely amazes me!

Sport is a major part of my life! I do if for enjoyment, fitness and motivation. I not only benefit from physical aspects, but most importantly the mental health aspects. It is a great way to reduce stress, especially lunchtime swims...I'm a great advocate of lunchtime swims! I try to set a good example to my children and others. My children's primary school has been extremely proactive in promoting sport including a daily 'run a mile' and numerous pre and after school sports clubs. Schools receive government funding, but in this age of school budget cuts they could always do with more to support sport and the positive impact that it brings.

I am regularly asked if I am participating in the Ironman for sponsorship. I have decided to support sport in Grosvenor Park Primary School if anybody wishes to contribute in anyway.

For anybody who is free on Sunday July 15th please come and support the 4000 triathletes. Babylon Lane, Adlington aka COLT alley or Bolton city centre are two great spectator locations. It may even inspire you to enter in 2019!