My story pre-race 

Following the birth of my amazing neice Jessica Joy Spencer just over two years ago, I have been educated in the effects of DownSyndrome, or Trisomy 21.   My family have been graced with a fantastic, lively and beautiful little girl who just happens to have an extra chromosome. Jessica was born with 3 holes in her heart, congenital heart disease is more common in children with DS. Thanks to both the DSA and the Leicester branch in particular - as well as some fantastic heart surgeons, Jess is fighting and proving how strong she is. In taking on this challenge it only seemed fair, that in my biggest physical overcoming, I should recongise and support the efforts of Jess and those that have supported her, in being as brilliant as she is. 

Post Race

Now the adrenaline has worn off, somewhat and my body is making me feel every single metre that I covered on Sunday. 
I have to say, I'm bloody proud of myself. 
This year has been mad, 10 months ago I decided to embark on my Ironman journey. 
Never did I realise quite what it would entail. Initial pre habilitation on my messed up knee; followed by a structured, and testing training plan. Thanks go to Stuart Dorrill! Initially avoiding putting stress on a fragile knee, until such time it could handle it. On March 1, I ran more than 10k for the first time, 12.96 to be precise - with Daniel Spenceraround Rothley. There was a time in my life John Gibson would be bellowing at me as I couldn't run round the playing field of my middle school. 
Since March I've undertaken 2 X Olympic triathlons and recorded better than expected times, competed Grafman middle distance triathlon, 11 minutes quicker than I hoped. Embarked on 17 hour weeks of training, some intense, some controlled. Thank youSarah Spencer for enabling and supporting that! My body has done things I honestly didn't believe were possible. 4 weeks ago I twisted my knee, when it happened I thought it was over; I did no running training until Sunday.
I put the training in, prior and on Saturday night when I realised what was ahead of me the next morning, to say I was apprehensive was an understatement.
Then Sunday came, the emotion of it all was mad; welling up on the start line then in to the water. 
My day didn't go 100% to plan, cutting my hand, having a puncture - heavy rain (I'm a fair weather trainee - why rain), I thought I was done, especially with the puncture. 
Digging deep, thinking of the support got me to the run.
Knee strapped, my hopes of completing a marathon wrapped up in vet tape. One step at a time, running for the first time in a month, was like stepping in to the unknown. 
The crowds looking as shocked as I felt, 1km marker reached, the bottom of the same marker read 32.5 - how I wished I was there. 
My strategy worked, I had to dig deep, my knee held up (for the most part), 4 laps completed. I ran past the finish line 3 times, knowing I was getting closer, full of respect, yet envious of those turning while I carried on. 
Then it was my turn. Running past the support team Beverly SpencerNick Smith along with team Bishop et al. The finish line was there. The rest is a bit of a blur in honesty, I remember some girls and Pom poms and being wrapped in a blanket. It wasn't until Nick told me my time I realised I'd beaten 15 hours, even with the issues I had. 
I've spent a lot of time thinking about what that number would have looked like on a better day; but it's irrelevant. I did it, doubted myself the whole way, I'm sure plenty of others doubted me along the journey, but I did it. I also raised over £3,000 for Down's Syndrome Association in support of my amazing Niece Jess! Thank you to everyone who supported myself and the charity. 
Ironman is a brand, there like all to make money; however, for me it's been about overcoming barriers, smashing through doors of opportunity, proving to myself I can do it and that anything is possible. 
Forget those that doubt you, or set you back, those that talk about you or feel they have a right to judge. Set your mind on the end goal, that's your focus and you will achieve. 
I am Ironman.