My sporting background has a strong base in martial arts, where I have studied Tae-Kwon-Do, Lau Gar Kung-Fu and Taijutsu over the past 18 years, which have also seen me compete in several kick-boxing competitions.About ten years ago I got involved in a sponsored swim, which was my first endurance event for charity and saw me cover 80K in a month. I have always been a fairly strong swimmer and I thought this would be a pretty comfortable challenge. Through missing a few days in the pool along the way, I ended up having to swim about 3.5 miles each day for the last few days, just to make up the numbers.
I spent a good many years planning pub football with my mates but a severe lack of pace led me into a graceful retirement a couple of years back. Stamina was never a problem, and I would keep running all day, but that doesn't help you beat a 17 year old to the ball over 10 yards.A couple of years ago I supported a friend of mine in an endurance mountain bike race and was hooked before he had even started. 6 weeks later I had a new bike and was starting my first race. The challenge of cleaning a hill without stopping is almost as fun as smashing through trees on the way down, you should try it.....
Some friends of mine persuaded me that road cycling was the future, and so I have spent a good part of the past year trying to adopt the tarmac, which included a 100 mile sponsored ride (108 miles with wrong turns). I've been surprised at how much fun it is, especially when you've got a good crowd out on a Sunday morning. You get to see some fantastic parts of the country and you can really cover some ground when the conditions are right. I still prefer getting covered in mud and rustling about in the bushes mind you.I have never been a runner, except if I'm chasing a ball of one shape or another, but I accepted the challenge of a half marathon this year for the first time. Not knowing what to expect, and without any training whatsoever, I threw myself into the race at 2 days notice even though I had a slight injury. I was hoping for any time under 2 hours and I was pleasantly surprised to come home in 1:46.
Hopefully this has given you an insight to my sporting pedigree. It's fair to say that I love a challenge, and I think only good can come of pushing yourself and extending your limits. That said, undertaking this Ironman challenge is by far the biggest thing I've ever got involved in, but careful planning, thorough preparation, solid training and a strong mental attitude will see me across this line.
"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination."
