Four weeks after my daughter was born in 2022, I decided that the best way to shed my pregnancy weight was to tackle a Half Ironman. With six months to go until race day and some free time on my hands thanks to maternity leave, I felt I had a real shot at achieving this goal.
Four weeks after my daughter was born in 2022, I decided that the best way to shed my pregnancy weight was to tackle a Half Ironman. With six months to go until race day and some free time on my hands thanks to maternity leave, I felt I had a real shot at achieving this goal.
I meticulously planned a training schedule that fit around my daughter’s naps and feeding times since I was breastfeeding. Although she wasn’t the best sleeper, the sound of the turbo trainer wheels in the garage or the bumpy ride in the running buggy seemed to soothe her. There were moments when I found myself singing nursery rhymes while gasping for breath as I ran up hills.
We are fortunate to live in an area where I can run just 2.5 miles cross-country to reach the sea and its stunning coastline. Sometimes, I’d run to the beach, swim a mile in the sea with the seals, and then run back. Other times, I’d take longer runs along the picturesque Cornish coastline. The road biking in our area is equally spectacular. There’s a local saying that “Cornish miles are worth 1.5 times everywhere else,” not because of towering hills but due to the relentless elevation changes.
One of the most challenging aspects was dealing with the tenderness in my nether regions, even four weeks postpartum—I definitely felt it on the bike saddle! Additionally, as the training intensified and sessions lengthened, I had to express milk every couple of hours. My daughter, Sennen, would be quite hungry by then, and I would get sore.
Triathlons may be solo endeavors, but during my six months of training, I met some incredible people. I swam with the Tri-Logic crew – The Duchy’s Premier Triathlon Club, where I was particularly inspired by Charlotte Richards. Despite having only learned to swim a few years prior, she had signed up for the Half Ironman and demonstrated incredible grit and determination.
Race day
Race day finally arrived, and my nerves were on edge. It was a beautiful, still morning in Weymouth, and my friends and family from Dorset had come out to support me. Donning my Wonder Woman tri-suit and wetsuit, I set off on the race. Six hours and twenty minutes later, I crossed the finish line—a massive sense of achievement, and the ale at the end tasted amazing!
Not only did I manage to get back into shape after having a baby, but I also learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. I hoped that I inspired my three children, who cheered me on at every turn.
I’ve decided to take on the challenge again this year, aiming to beat my 2022 time. Watch this space!
If you could be tempted to join me take a look – entries are open!
Leave a Reply