Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and before you read my story - you can follow this link for Monty's page and more info and you can donate to me as a team member on Monty's team page if you prefer:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/TeamMarinesIron

The Monument features as it is where the swim finishes (Blackpool Sands to the Slapton Monument 2.6miles) and where race support will be for the day. 

In 2014 I set out to train for Ironman and was lucky enough to have the encouragement of a former Royal Marine - Chris Ray - who was Navy and UK Ironman champion. The journey from occasional swimmer, runner and biker was 6 months of intensive training, 60 miles of swimming, 3000 miles of biking and 600 miles of road running. In the end it was really more about the training than the event. Going through that process changes you, fitness becomes a wholly integral part of your life - after all the races and events - the legacy is being fit and strong and its not too difficult to tick over and stay in that good place. I have trained and raced for 5 years and completed 4 Iron races, 2 at Lanzarote, Wales Ironman and the iconic ThorXTri in Norway - a race that is carved into my soul - the only Brit in a group of 40 racers starting a 2.6mile swim in Lysefjord at 5am in the morning - truly incredible with 1000 foot cliffs towering above and only the twinkling lights of Lysebotn in the distance to guide you home. That was the swim of my life. In 2014 I raised money for the Royal Marines and it is so coincindental that I find myself doing so again. In January 2020 I decided to ease off the training and "kind of" retire but then in lockdown May, Monty messaged me and suggested this event - The Royal Marines Charity Iron Challenge  - a full distance race around my beloved South Hams - it was too much to resist. Training has been limited and the course is really tough. So I am relying on built in fitness, some training and a mental resolve to get this Job Done. It will be no. 5 and that will be enough - but none of us ever retire we just keep going but doing things differently. 

So please be inspired, find your trunks, your trainers or your rusty old bike, get out there and try - just one little bit at a time and who knows where you too might end up - I guarantee you can't not get the buzz!

Please support this event - your sponsorship will be very highly valued.

RMA - The Royal Marines Charity exists to help the entire Royal Marines family. Offering a range of services to both serving, veterans and their families. 

Thank you 

Andrew

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