I started triathlons back in 2009 when taking a short sabbatical from marathon running, having achieved a long time target of a Good for Age marathon place at London, and wanting a short break to do something different for a while. 14 years later, I still haven’t gone back to pure running.

I turned to triathlon once I realised the silly car and the new job were not a cure for a premature midlife crisis. It seems to have worked and I quickly discovered that the training is a fantastic antidote to my addiction to curries, chips and beer.

This sport and Ipswich Tri Club has given me some lifelong friends who have supported me through so much. I have also had the privilege to represent my country at the Aquabike European championship in Ibiza where I finished with a bronze medal.

I have gained so much from being a member of the club from lifelong friends to many memories.