Happy - proud even, to reach the finish line in second place at Bolton on Sunday. Ironman is a long, tough day for one and all … me included. This was my longest one yet – all 9 hours, 7 minutes of it, and therefore continuing an upwards trend in my finish times – note to self; something to work on for the future! Read on …

I have to laugh at myself after re reading my previous post, where I signed off with “fingers crossed for a fourth” in reference to my trip to Wimbleball for the UK 70.3…. well, it seems one should be careful what they wish for, as a ‘fourth’ is exactly what I got. Unfortunately my reference was to a fourth title and not a fourth place!

I’m not sure if mum is just happy to see me finish or laughing at the ‘Red K Swiss men’ to her right?! Read on …

For the past three years around the start of June Ali and I have caught the boat and gone ‘overseas’ to Arran for a long weekend. She used to go there every summer during the school holidays and her family still go there each year … I had never been previously, but now it is a firm favourite of mine – It’s like a mini Scotland all rolled into one (well with the bonus of no major towns!) and we had a fun time over there yet again – maybe mostly with the kite down on the beach however!

And even handier – the island is exactly 90km around – I hear you, perfect for some 70.3 training! Yes indeed – we brought our bikes and had some nice rides plus the golf course along the beach was perfect for a bit of running.

Next stop for me is the UK Ironman 70.3 this weekend in Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor. I’m excited as it’s been two years since I raced, and it is a race dear to my heart since I have been lucky enough to win there on three occasions. Fingers crossed for a fourth!