I’m also raising money for Farm Africa. https://www.justgiving.com/page/justinironmanfa

Feel free to choose one of these 2 different and excellent charities. There’s no restriction on giving to both!

St Michaels Fellowship are a charity based in Streatham and serving children and families in Lambeth, Wandsworth and beyond. “Working together to keep families together” - Parenting is the biggest single factor affecting children’s well-being and development. A central activity is residential assessment and support for families at risk of being split up. They offer an unusual degree of support in the community when families leave the residential placement. They also provide support with fathers - supporting parenting skills and personal development. Other practical and emotional support is offered in various contexts including provision of a contact centre.

Ironman Wales and me. For those who don’t know an Ironman is a triathlon invented in Hawaii in 1978. Sadly it is technically now a trademark, but nonetheless the distances now as then are 2.4mile (3.8km) swim, 112 mile (180km) bike and 26.2 mile (yes a marathon 42.2km) run. I did my first ‘Olympic distance’ triathlon in 1999 which is roughly a quarter of the distance. I have done a small number since and hankered after doing an Ironman one day. The main barrier being finding time to do the necessary preparation/training. I retired (90%) in October 2024 and since about January this year my life has more or less been taken over by the training. I joined a triathlon club, started swimming, running and cycling several times per week. In late February I got myself a coach who not only gives me 10-14 exercise sessions to do per week, but has helped me with swimming and run (sorely needed) technique. I’ve made some upgrades to my bike, used more gels than ever before and reluctantly getting on the protein bandwagon.

The event is coming up fast on Sunday September 21st based in Tenby, South Wales. A feature of this event is the large amount of climbing on the bike and run legs (the sea is generally quite flat, hopefully will be on the day). I knew this when I signed up but have been very aware of odd looks from those that know when I say where I am doing this. Those who are interested are welcome to contact me for more info. I have a Strava page which automatically logs my training and I might make more interesting.