That's right. An ironman triathlon. Or to put it another way...

...a 2.4-mile lake swim...

...followed by 112 miles on the bike...

...and then a marathon.

My old friend Jamie Kirkaldy and I have been building up to this for a long time now, but that doesn't make it any less terrifying. It is, after all, quite a long way. And I think I speak for both of us when I say we're expecting it to be quite difficult. 

Should you fancy sponsoring me, though, that would make a big difference, and would quite possibly inspire me to keep shuffling along come the 1st of July.

Whatever people donate will make a big difference to Mind, a brilliant charity which provides advice and support to people with mental health issues. Mind also works to help overcome the stigma that continues to surround conditions like depression - including in professional sportspeople. In short, you can be sure your sponsorship money will be going to a very valuable cause.

If you are able to donate, I'd be very grateful indeed. And should you want to keep tracks on my training, I'm blogging for 220 Triathlon magazine at www.220triathlon.com/blogs/Matt-Kurton and tweeting all manner of nonsense @theironkurton.

Thanks again,

Matt