Rachel is an Ironman
July 12, 2023
by Martin Lawrence
Frontpage Article, Headlines, News Specials
Redway Runners member Rachel Edwards is an Ironman and not only that she has now qualified for the big one, the World Championships in Kona
We asked her to tell us about the event, this is what she said:
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A few years ago someone asked me if I would ever do an Ironman. I said ‘No’ – I’m not a strong swimmer and I’ve only run 2 marathons!
However, as my swimming improved and I was considering a new challenge I warmed to the idea and finally in Oct 22 I signed up to Ironman Bolton. Bolton is known to be a tough one due to the hilly terrain – yikes!
I trained well, although never up to full distance – my longest day was 7hrs. I had no idea how my body would respond to such a long event but figured I would just treat it as a long day out!
It Was long – 14hrs 20mins in total. The tough course was made harder by gale force winds which turned the lake swim into a maelstrom and had me hanging onto my bike as cross winds tried to throw me off!
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the event and managed to come first F60. Many did not finish at all. Having Ruth Gray as a pop-up cheer leader and Kevin Shepherd also doing the event was a great boost – thank you!
My win gave me a place at the World Champs in Kona, Hawaii so I’m off there in Oct. A new challenge as I’ve never swim in the sea, or without a wetsuit, and temperatures will be c.27deg.
You’ll never know what you are capable of if you don’t try!
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Amazing well done Rachel, you certainly never know unless you try.
