A few of you will already know but I crossed the line and officially became an IRONMAN on Saturday night! The whole saying of digging deep has taken on another meaning for me after this challenge. 

I had a great race, but really had to work hard in the choppy Baltic trying to fend off being swum over, whacked and kicked (I'm sure I did the same to my fellow competitors!). Trying to get a rhythm going was really tough.

Swimming an extra 0.4 miles on top of the official distance didn't help either - very difficult to sight the buoys. I put a lot of effort in on the bike leg with no stops in 6.08 hrs of peddling. The memory of cycling over the epic Kalmar bridge will remain with me forever. A great 40 mph descent at one stage was awesome! The first 5kms of the run was very difficult, really hot too in full 25° sun. But I soon got into my stride and just mentally got on top of it, eating and drinking all the way. I am off bananas though for a while! 

It was great to have my wife Nicola and close family friends to support me too. Kieran my son and Mark (an experienced triathlete) were just fantastic. Selene was handy with her post race application of potions!

My finishing time was 12.48 hours. I was and am really chuffed with this. 

Bizarrely I didn't fancy a beer on the night, but could make up for it in the weeks to come!

I'd like to thank each and every one of you who has supported me and encouraged me along the way. 

Those who have sponsored me will be pleased to know that we have raised over £5,500 for charity. In 7 days too. That is a great effort in itself.

If you haven't got round to sponsoring me now is the time to do so. I really think I deserve it!

So it's feet up for now, even if its just for a few days!

Edwin the IRONMAN!