IMW Newbies 2023
Martin and David had both done some races before but decided to try their hand at the big one and attempt to 'Tame the Dragon' in 2023. Read on to see how it's going.....
Martin Fitzgerald - family man Martin reached out to Peter after Easter as he had entered IMW but lost all motivation to train and felt like giving up. It's fair to say he's turned that back around and is now ready and raring to go...
Martin and his running buddy Zeus
What was your main sport before triathlon?
Running
Had you done any triathlons before entering IMW?
No.
Why did you enter such an iconic race?
To become an Ironman!
How are you feeling about it now the end is in sight?
Surprisingly excited.
What are you looking forward to on race day/weekend?
The atmosphere and crossing the line.
Are you tempted to do it again?
Definitely but my wife won’t be happy!
How have you found working with Peter?
Excellent to work with, great training methods, bags of knowledge and very attentive.
Do you have any motivational songs?
Insomnia by Faithless.
Fun Fact about you
Every year we go Christmas tree hunting and always come back with a tree that’s twice the height of our ceilings 🌲🪚
One bit of advice for a newbie….
Don’t give up, nothing’s impossible.
UPDATE: Martin's Finishing Time - 13 Hrs 47 mins and 12 seconds - and back for more in 2024!
David Knight - once a rugby teammate and neighbour of Peter, David decided that if he was going to do IMW he needed a coach. Read on....
Broadhaven Tri 2023
Pic Julia Barker Photography
Why did you enter such an iconic race?
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I've watched them in amazement and gone from ‘I couldn't ‘ to ‘maybe I could’.
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My children have suggested I do it. I also wanted to inspire them - that ordinary people can do extraordinary things with lots of work.
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I want to have bragging rights......
Had you done any triathlons before entering IMW?
Yes - numerous short distances over the years. I started with try-a-tri's did Broad Haven Tri (relay & solo); Saundersfoot, Fishguard and Nottingham Sprints plus Fishguard Half IM and Challenge Wales. IMW is my first Long Distance Race.
How are you feeling about it now the end is in sight?
I'm nervously looking forward to it, knowing I'm capable but hoping nothing goes wrong.
What are you looking forward to on race day/weekend?
The support from friends, family, fellow competitors and complete strangers.
How have you found working with Peter and would you recommend him?
Completely - I've stuck to my training much better than I thought I would. Knowing Pete is watching me makes me want to do the training properly.
Are you tempted to do it again?
I can't imagine doing it again due to the volume of training but then for years, I thought it couldn't do it because it's too tough and here I am!
Do you have any motivational songs or quotes?
I listen to Heavy Rock music played quite loudly!
Fun Fact about you
I have an Intramedullary rod through my right femur the fixing of which has come away as part of the healing process, It's fair to say, I have a screw loose!!
One bit of advice for a newbie….
Get a coach, follow the plan, train with nutrition and do the bits of Long Course Weekend that you think are your weakest.