Julie takes on her 2nd 70.3 at IM Weymouth

Race day dawns – and as always it’s an early start. The weather was lovely, perfect conditions for racing so no excuses but our nerves were jangling.

We finalised our prep in transition then it was off to the start line. The atmosphere was fantastic, great sounds and enough time to remind myself how lucky I am to be able to take part in these races.

Then we were off , the sea was calm and a balmy 16.7 degrees but the swimmers were all over the place I’ve never swum in anything so chaotic – but overall happy with the swim, less happy running to transition on gravel paths with bare feet but I guess it is an ironman.

So onto the bike which was brutal, relentless hills and then the mother of them all at 40 miles (Rebels Hill)  lots of people were getting off and walking but the thought of having to admit walking kept me going to the top.

People kept saying it’s downhill from here but I eventually realised it was a lie. So more hills until finally i was back in transition. As I’m  wobbling through a guy sees my suit and of course says ‘do you know Jon Fairhurst’ (Jon – Jonny says Hi).

I had a good transition then I was out onto the run. I’d planned to do 9 minutes running 1 minute walking and was pleased I managed to stick to that even when the slopes felt like mountains. The support on the run was fantastic I didn’t want to be rude so developed a weird half thumbs up gesture (actually a bit more like a fist) to acknowledge people – feel free to use this when racing and exhausted!

And finally the finish line, a few years ago I wondered if my standard distance races were behind me so to finish a 70.3 was amazing and so good to be doing it with Vicky – well done Vicky on another amazing race.

I’m still laughing at the fact that Vicky and I bought clothes for a night out on the town – PJs would have done. Still had the best time with champagne, fish and chips, and that great post race feeling.