I’m Dave. At 32 years-old, I am about to embark on the toughest journey of my life: to complete a full Ironman.

I was always a keen runner as a child, competing in a number of competitive runs across Lancashire. As I grew older, I stopped running and became unfit. I stopped training, focused on football and, ultimately, got a full-time job.

However, when I hit my late 20s I decided to compete at the Birmingham Half Marathon. After taking part in a number of Park Runs, as well as various 10km events across the Midlands, I completed it. This was just the beginning: I wanted to achieve more.

After finishing a second Half Marathon, I decided to look into the world of triathlon and purchased my first road bike. I couldn’t swim further than 25 metres and could barely cycle at long distances, but I entered the Staffordshire 70.3 Ironman regardless.

I paid for swimming lessons, started cycling more and maintained my running as I chased my goal to complete my first ever 70.3 race. Swimming was hard. I wanted to quit every time I entered the water. i struggled to maintain a rhythm and the thought of swimming 1,900 metres in open water really dawned on me.

When I actually swam in open water for the first time, reality hit me as I realised just how difficult the race would be. Every time I wore my wetsuit, I wanted to quit. But I didn’t.

I entered small triathlon events and completed them. Ok, my times weren’t amazing, but I was able to swim, cycle and run in a time that wasn’t embarrassing. I progressed the more I trained and in June 2017 I started and completed my first 70.3 Ironman. Despite it being one of the hottest days of the year, I did it and raised over £1,000 for the Stoke Association.

Four months later, I completed my first ever Marathon in Birmingham. The hills were brutal, and the course wasn’t the best, but I was able to complete in just over four hours.

After the highs of the Birmingham Marathon, I decided to step up my training and entered my second 70.3 Ironman – again in Staffordshire. This was despite saying I’d never do another one after finishing my first.

My time didn’t improve and I was despondent.

I wanted to do better.

I needed a coach.

In September 2018, after my 32nd birthday, I hired professional triathlete Kit Walker to improve my performances across the board, and help me in my ultimate goal of completing a 140.6 Ironman.

Now join me on me on my journey, through the highs, the lows and everything in-between, as I look to achieve the ultimate athlete status.