Matt vs People Team Ironman challenge for Samaritans

Matt's Story

On 15th September I am taking on Ironman Wales (IMW) in support of the brilliant work that the Samaritans do. The day begins at 6am on Tenby's North Beach, where I will enter the sea and complete a 2.4 mile swim. If the weather is kind and the waves are gentle I will then run up the beach and jump on my bike to complete a 112 mile bike ride that includes over 8000ft of climbing through the hills of South Wales. The final leg of the day then sees me slip on my trainers and run a full distance marathon of 26.2 miles...
Due to the sea swim and the hilly terrain, IMW is regarded as one of the top ten toughest full distance triathlons in the world. It is a challenge that I'm not taking lightly. My family are not seeing much of me when I head out at 5am for 7 hour bike rides and half marathons as part of the weekly training sessions.
That said, I know that this is a challenge I have chosen. One that will come and go. One that has little consequence whether I succeed or fail. The pain will pass and I will move on. For the those that talk to the Samaritans their challenge is so much harder. Challenges that they can't manage without help. Challenges that won't disappear through the passage of time. Some challenges that never go away.
So when it hurts on 15th September I'll be inspired to push on by thinking of the incredible work that the Samaritans do by helping others who have difficulties that some should never have to deal with.

The People Team

The good news is that I'm not alone! On the same day the rest of the People Team are going to be completing the equivalent of the 3 events between them. Each swimming a few lengths, riding some hills or jogging a couple of miles until they have hit the total 140.6 miles... This means that between us we will be effectively doing the event twice. Matt vs The People Team. Who will win?

Whether you know me or a member of the People team, please give generously to this amazing cause. It really will help make a difference to people in need of help.