In February this year, I wanted to improve my fitness and signed up with Focus on Fitness. I talked to Martin and he advised me to set a goal.
A friend shared Ironman 70.3 Dublin on Facebook. It never entered my head to do such an event before as I thought it was only for the super fit and out of my reach. However, I took the plunge and signed up and thought to myself… you’re mad!
I started on Martin’s weekly training program which consisted of an open water swim on a Monday, running speed training on a Tuesday, cycle on a Wednesday, longer run on a Thursday, rest on a Friday before the longer bike and run sessions at the weekend.
The sessions built up slowly. I could manage it all easier by training with groups of people from Focus on Fitness and the Waterford Triathlon Club, the encouragement really spurred me on.
I was genuinely taken aback by my progress. I was doing sessions I hadn’t done before and I was losing weight, toning up and getting fitter. I still remember how exhausted I was after my first brick session but it got easier and I soon found myself at the start line of the Olympic Distance in TriAthy.
Dublin 70.3 came round quickly, although I was nervous I was confident I could do it because of the preparation I had done.
My only goal was to meet the cut-off times and finish the race. I found myself well ahead of these times which allowed me enjoy the day itself, I was not under pressure at any point.
I am absolutely delighted to have completed my first Half Ironman, the biggest event I have ever done!
People are now asking me…..So what about a full Ironman??????
“Huge thank you Martin for all the support and your super plan to get me so well prepared for the Half Ironman event…..absolutely thrilled to have completed it. Never thought a year ago that I’d be able to do anything like this! Thanks to all focus on fitness members for all the support and encouragement along the way”
