Story
Despite my continued protestations that I’ll never take part in another Ironman, I now find myself 2 and a bit weeks away from the starting line in Tenby, for my 3rd IM Wales, and my 5th IM event overall. The big day is Sunday 11th September.
This one has been delayed for 2 years due to COVID so on the one hand, I’ve had longer to train, on the other, it’s been 2 years of swimming, biking and running that I didn’t expect to have to do when I signed up back in 2019! It’s been a long time coming but it’s really looming large now. Thanks to Ironmate Mark for getting me where i am. (Ironmate.co.uk)
In the past I’ve raised a lot of money for some genuinely excellent charities but this time around it’s very close home. The charity I’m taking part for is Breast Cancer UK at the request of my Mum who is currently undergoing treatment for breast, lung and brain cancer. Each stroke on the 2.4 mile swim, every peddle rotation on the 112 mile bike ride, and every step of the marathon will be in aid of helping Breast Cancer UK prevent this terrible disease that affects so many people every year.
This event is going to be pretty emotional for me. As well as raising money for Mum’s chosen charity, it goes without saying that my Dad, Dave, will be on my mind as I go round the course. We lost Dad to pancreatic cancer earlier this year and in his memory and honour, I will be running the marathon wearing his favourite pair of trainers – Dad, you’ll literally be carrying me around the toughest marathon that I’ve ever completed.
I understand that money is tight right now for everyone so if you’re able to donate to help me raise much needed funds for Breast Cancer UK, please know that Mum and I deeply appreciate your contribution however large or small it may be – each penny counts. To reassure you, none of the money raised goes to my entry fee for the competition, I’ve covered that cost myself.
On the day, Becs will be posting the usual updates on Facebook so stay tuned if you want to see how I get on over the course of the day. I’m aiming for a sub 12 hour time (the previous 2 IM Wales times were: 15.07.06 in 2012 and 14.36.06 in 2015) so this is a very challenging pace for me. My training has shown I should be able to achieve it however the unpredictable Welsh weather, may scupper my plans. Nonetheless, it is my goal going into the comp so please do send me your positive thoughts and encouragement as it all helps keep me pushing on.
Ironman Wales – I’m comin’ to get ya, and this time, it’s personal!
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Over 55,000 women and 390 men a year are diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet a quarter of these cases are preventable. Breast Cancer UK is working to prevent breast cancer through education, scientific research, collaboration and policy change. Breast Cancer UK provides practical advice and tips on how we can reduce our risk. They campaign for changes to national health policies to support prevention, and fund research to help improve our understanding of how to stop the disease.