![]() The atmosphere at the start of the first ever Ironman Portugal was amazing, and I want you to take a minute and press play on Thunderstruck whilst you are reading this. In Ironman Vichy 2019 I had a bit of a panic attack after a couple of 100 metres, and so I was nervous about the swim, and trying to stay calm. To put into context, I am not overly confident on the swim of course technique etc could help me go quicker and I need to work on this, but based on ability I should be closer to 1:20. My swim, 1:35:00, I’m very happy with that. The sunrise over Cascais Bay was wonderful, at this time I had put my phone in my bag so couldn’t take a picture, but an incredible sight. So I made my way to the transition to check my bike and bags, and then wait for the start. I didn’t need to get up this early to be fair, but didn’t want to risk being late. I got up early, very early, and had breakfast in the hotel at 04:30. We’ll I explained to Benjamin who he was and he took the mick out of me, singing “Jonny Jonny, yes papa”… I don’t care though, I still got a photograph. It was a nice touch having a pasta party in the hotel and my family enjoyed the evening. We had booked the Pasta Party, and I ate so much food, and drunk a little too much (remember completer not competer). It was nice and simple, and it meant I did not have to worry about transporting and building my bike. I decided to hire my bike from FBH who were the official bike team at Ironman. Flatlay and bike rackĪfter a lovely day on the beach and looking around the old town, I racked my bike. I purchased a visor too, but its a shame they did not sell Ironman Portugal ones. There were about 3 2xl technical tshirts left, but then I saw a top behind something else, and was so lucky to get the last large top, so very thankful for that. There were 100’s of 70.3 tops and hoodies left over. There were hoodies and two different cotton tops I saw people wearing, but they were completely sold out. I didn’t get much merchandise though, as they had almost sold out on everything Ironman Portugal related, with lots of spare 70.3, clearly they had not ordered the right amount. So Friday morning we went into Cascais where I register. I agreed that we would settle in on the Thursday and I would begin the Ironman preparation on the Friday. The room was lovely and it has an outdoor and indoor pool, with a lake for exclusive use by athletes. It was lovely to settle into our hotel, and as it was last minute we booked with the official Ironman Hotel. The flight was quick, but slightly delayed and the queue at passport control was ridiculous, taking over an hour. We arrived in Portugal on Thursday morning. Such a shame, and I’m so glad I didn’t go now as would be so gutted to spend all that money and not do an Ironman. Then this morning they made the decision to cancel Ironman California 2021 because of the weather. But some times things happen for a reason, and last night Ironman California reduced the bike to 56 miles because of the weather. Cascais is beautiful, the weather is perfect, 24 degrees at time if writing, and we have had an amazing time so far. So I made a last minute decision to get a place at Ironman Portugal, and I’m so pleased I did. This was not meant to be with the USA travel ban still in place. I then moved it to the new Ironman California for 2021, and despite it no longer being in the summer, we were determined to make it a trip of a lifetime. I booked a trip of the lifetime for my family to take part in Ironman Santa Rosa 2020 in California. Ironman Portugal was never part of my plan, but some things happen for a reason. And the third to get a time starting with an 11. The first and most important was to finish, and have fun. Then in Ironman Vichy I really struggled, in the swim, the bike and a 34 degree run made timing go out the window and I was so happy to finish in a personal worst of 14:36. I then technically improved in Ironman Hamburg with 12:33, but they cancelled the swim and changed it to a 5k run, so not sure I can claim it. Then I improved at Ironman Kalmar with a 13:33, this was particularly windy making it challenging. First of all at Ironman Weymouth I finished in 14:17. I started improving over the first few years. With a huge challenge like Ironman, anything can happen. I am nowhere near ready to push my overall goals, but for now I am enjoying taking part and really challenging myself and testing my endurance. I always describe myself as a completer not a competer. Ironman Portugal was my 5th Ironman, but these things don’t get any easier. It was fantastic to be part of the first ever full distance Ironman at Portugal, and to once again take part in an Ironman after a pause in 2020. On 23rd October 2021 I completed Ironman Portugal.
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