I can now confidently say that I am a finisher! Overcoming one of the most difficult challenges of my life, I registered for the Ironman 70.3 Dublin in November 2014, alongside 2,500 other athletes, and was ready to take on the triathlon on Sunday, August 9 2015. The race consisted of a 1.2 mile (1.9km) swim, a 56 mile (90km) bike ride, and a 13.1 mile (21.1km) run.

As a member of the local triathlon club for two years, I saw the Ironman 70.3 Dublin as a unique opportunity. This was a special event, as Ironman is a global brand that was making its debut in the Irish capital. The arrival of the Ironman crew in their 40ft trucks just days before the event was hard to miss! It was also a chance to experience swimming in Scotsman’s Bay in Dun Laoghaire, cycling through Dublin, Fingal, Meath, and Kildare on closed roads, and finishing with a run in Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest city park.

In my eight-month training journey for the 70.3, I participated in various Triathlon Ireland events and Aquathlons to prepare for the big day. This allowed me to test different foods and gear, finding what worked best for me. On race day, nerves were high, but the conditions were perfect. Despite the pressure of a big goal race, I found comfort in the presence of many other beginners.

At the start of the race, I jumped into the water with my timing chip fastened to my ankle. As I swam, I kept an eye on the buoys to stay on track and avoid adding extra distance. Despite a few knocks from other swimmers, I managed to find some space and settle into a rhythm.

After completing the swim, I quickly transitioned to the bike and found a steady rhythm. People cheered us on during the 90km ride as we hydrated at fluid stations. I transitioned again to the run and kept a steady pace throughout, which was my strongest and most enjoyable moment.

In conclusion, crossing the finish line with an overall time of 5:59:09 and completing the Ironman 70.3 Dublin was an incredible accomplishment for me. Despite feeling the pain the next day, I knew it was all worth it. It was truly the best race I had ever experienced, and being a part of Dublin’s inaugural Ironman70.3 made it even more special. I am grateful to have had the support of my family and Fingal club members throughout the journey. To anyone considering taking on a challenge like this, I would say go for it – the sense of achievement is priceless.