Wild IronMan 70.3

On Saturday 12th August 2023 I organised and completed an Ironman 70.3 with 3 of my great friends.

I did the challenge for Rich Smith's (who joined me for the run) mum Alida Smith who has had MS for the last 35 years. Rich's bravery supporting his mum is incredible, he goes above and beyond and thats why I am fundraising for the charity Kent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre that are brilliant at providing the day to day support for sufferers and care givers, offering a wide range of therapies, communities and just doing the little things that help people get by.

MORE ABOUT THE 'WILD' IRONMAN 70.3

I did not join an official race but made the route/ challenge myself including 3 friends joining me for each of the disciplines, hence titling it 'Wild'.

We experienced strong winds, a bit of torrential rain and 3454ft of climbing for the cycle and a powerful headwind which we ran into for the last half of the run.

It was a very special day out with 3 great friends, wonderful support from my loved ones - especially my wife who has supported me endlessly in my training/ on the day (she designed the medal in the pictures- best gift) and special thanks to my mum for hosting us in Eastbourne where the challenge ended.

WHO DID WHAT/ WHERE/ MY TIMES:

- SWIM- James Benn for the 1.978KM swim (a bit longer than the usual 1.9km) - Pells Pool - Lewes - Time: 42mins.

- CYCLE- Jon Pedlar for the 94.34Km cycle (a bit longer than the usual 90km cycle) with 3454ft in climbs (usually Ironman 70.3 cycles are fairly flat, planning a cycle with this much climbing hit me hard on the run!) - Lewes via Etchingham back to Eastbourne - Time: 3hr23mins. (Strava route- https://www.strava.com/routes/3125128236678572088)

- RUN- Rich Smith for the 21Km (the bit I found the hardest- getting cramp but still running @1km in and @14km) - Eastbourne Seafront to Pevensey Bay and back. Time: 2hrs10mins.