Race report by Rachel Hancock:
Bolton Ironman 70.3
Swim 1.2 mile
The day started 5am at Pennington flash, last minute bike checks then dropping our bags off, Paul insisted we started the swim in the 40 min zone even though I was like shouldn’t we be further back, the national anthem played then Thunderstuck top blast, which didn’t help with the adrenaline, it was a slow shuffle forward with lots of nervous chatter, paul went in first, me 6 seconds after, a couple of breaststroke breaths to calm down then I launched into crawl and was away, slight google leak on my right eye but it was manageable, mostly stayed out of the way of people, it was a bit crowded near the turn bouys but did well not to swim too far out and nobody swam over me, then before I knew it a marshal was helping me out, saw Mel as I headed into T1, feeling good and ready for the bike.
Bike 56 miles
Slow over the speed bumps leaving the flash, right turn then 2 loops of Leigh, on the 2nd loop after the corner, someone had come off, people were helping him so hope he’s ok, I had a steady cycle made sure not to get to giddy and burn my legs out, Paul caught me up in horwich and we had a quick chat, he was enjoying himself and looking strong. Dropped my jacket with Rachel at the checkpoint as I was sweating cobs at that stage, was fab support from the Dalmatian ladies and at the turnaround point near the crown, old kiln lane was a beast and great to see more Lostockers there, the 2nd lap felt like forever, I was in and out the seat with an aching back and really wanted to get off in that last few miles, paced it well and still felt good when I entered T2.
Run 13.1 miles
Started on spa road then some twisting and turning through the town centre and Queen’s Park, it was a slight uphill going out along Chorley new road, good to have Gill & Chris cheering me & Paul along there, coming back the other way was good, got into a steady pace and happily plodded away, plenty of aid stations which meant I could grab a drink then walk up the hill in the park, lap 2 felt long but it was great to have hazel running through town with us, the run down the finish was iconic and I felt very emotional at the end, how I didn’t cry I don’t know, the cool down tent was great, food and drink laid on and medal engraving, seeing Ste and the rest of my friends and family at the end was fantastic.
What an amazing day, so proud of what we achieved, Ironman 70.3 finishers 🙌
