Matt's Manchester Marathon page

Matthew Walby is raising money for SUPPORT OUR PARAS

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Update - Didn't get a place in IRONMAN 2015 so will be trying again for 2016. So far 2015 includes Manchester & Liverpool marathons, North London half marathon and both Paras10's. Dates permitting also looking at York & London 10K's plus the Summer Fan Dance. As well as ongoing IRONMAN training plus a to be determined tri with my good mate Bear........

My granddad was the closest thing I had to a father figure when I was growing up. He passed away at home in January 1994 via a sudden and unexpected heart attack after a short walk to the shops for a paper. I was 12 at the time. 20 years later I still haven't fully come to terms with his passing. My granddad was a Royal Northumberland Fusilier and World War II veteran whilst I was a nervous, introspective youth with serious self confidence issues brought on mainly by bullying. He would often tell me "you're not a fighter are you lad?" As a tribute to him and to pay my respects to his legacy I intend to complete UK IRONMAN - 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run in under 17 hours.

2014 saw me complete the Avalanche Endurance Events Winter Fan Dance on the 20th anniversary of granddad's passing, my first marathon (Edinburgh), both Paras10's, London and York 10km's (first sub 60min 10K at London) and Kielder marathon. 2015 will see me concentrating on developing my swim technique, getting open water swims in and getting more cycle miles in. Once I cross the Bolton finish line and hear "Congratulations! You're an IRONMAN!" I will, for the first time in many years, be at peace with myself and with granddad.

In memory of Harold French. OAFAAF.

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