I’m finally sharing a deeply personal and transformative experience from my journey as a triathlete with epilepsy: competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kona. This event is a pinnacle of endurance sports, and participating in it was both a dream come true and a profound challenge. Let me take you through the highs, the lows, and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way!

The Road to Kona

After being asked to race by IRONMAN as an ambassador athlete I set to work with my coach husband. Training for Kona was an arduous yet rewarding journey. Balancing rigorous training sessions with managing my epilepsy required meticulous planning and unwavering determination. I was driven by the belief that I could and would achieve this no matter what, and that mindset propelled me through.

The Race Day: Highs and Lows

  1. Swimming: Swimming is normally my strength in triathlon. For this race, I got caught in the middle of the washing machine. It caught me off guard and so I started off disorientated, regardless I pushed on. I got going and felt strong and steady, maintaining a good pace throughout. The energy from the crowd and fellow athletes was electrifying as I swam into shore, that gave me an extra boost of confidence.
  2. Cycling: I was most nervous about the bike, the notorious wind along the Queen K I’d trained for in Lanzarote and heat, in Tenerife. This was where all that hard work paid off. As I’d had a set back on the swim I pushed on the bike. Unfortunately around mile 12 I got a puncture, followed by another one and a brake issue. It held me back. Luckily bike support came to help, so I used the time to eat and drink before having to absolutely smash it to get some time back. Luckily the scenic route, coupled with favourable weather, allowed me to stay focused and enjoy the ride. Proper hydration and nutrition strategies paid off, keeping my energy levels stable. However, all the set backs from swim and the bike meant I was now playing the came of chasing cut off.
  3. Run: The run was a case of left, leg, right, leg repeat. I kept it super steady and with the ultimate goal to just get to the finish line. I look back now, knowing I could have pushed so much harder, but as I hadn’t got time for anything else to go wrong, I settled in at a pace I could sustain. It paid off.

Challenges Faced:

  1. Epilepsy Management: Despite thorough planning, managing my epilepsy during such a demanding event was challenging. The intense physical exertion and stress triggered minor episodes, during training and post race, but luckily I had no issues at all on race day!
  2. Mental Hurdles: The mental game is as crucial as the physical one. Overcoming self-doubt and staying focused amidst the grueling conditions was tough, but the thought of crossing that finish line kept me going. Luckily, I was consumed with calculating my pace and how much time I had left, instead of hitting a mental wall.

Lessons Learned

  1. Resilience is Key: This experience reaffirmed that resilience isn’t just about physical endurance but also mental fortitude. Facing and overcoming challenges head-on builds a strength that transcends the race.
  2. Listen to Your Body: While pushing limits is part of the sport, it’s equally important to listen to your body. Recognizing early signs of a seizure and taking immediate action helped me stay safe. Lots of recovery was planned into my training to ensure I was sufficiently rested.
  3. Importance of a Support System: Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can make a monumental difference. Their encouragement and presence provide the emotional and practical support needed to tackle such challenges. My husband was my rock. Joined me on every training session to keep me safe, trained me and was waiting for me to cross the finish line.
  4. Preparation and Flexibility: Detailed preparation is crucial, but so is the ability to adapt. Unexpected situations will arise (like my punctures!), and being flexible in your approach allows you to navigate them more effectively. I kept so calm, which really surprised me… and now have gone tubeless!
  5. Celebrate Every Victory: Every milestone, no matter how small, is a victory. Celebrating these moments keeps the motivation high and reinforces a positive mindset.

Conclusion

Competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kona was a monumental experience that tested my limits and taught me invaluable lessons. This was an iconic moment in my life that I’ll never forget. It was a journey of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination. As a triathlete with epilepsy, this race was more than just a physical challenge; it was a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. I’m really proud of myself for that.

To anyone facing their own battles, remember this: Your challenges do not define you, but how you confront and conquer them does. Embrace the journey, celebrate your victories, and never stop pushing your boundaries.

Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. Until the next adventure!

Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or your own stories in the comments below. Let’s continue to inspire and uplift each other!