So i signed up for my first 70.3 race while i was sitting on the train going to work one monday morning in February. I remember saying to myself what have you done ye mad thing!

Fast forward to July and race week. It was lovely to join the FTC gang on the Saturday night in Dungannon and carb up on pasta for the race.

Didnt sleep the night before. Never do.  Very early start Sunday morning but a short drive to race HQ in Dungannon. Nerves were racing already. 8am start in Eskragh Lough. Adrenaline pumping and away we go. Swim went real well. Everyone spread out.

Straight out on the 90k bike. I was worried about this part, especially the 2nd half. First 60k went ok. Really enjoyed seeing fellow club members on the loops around the course. Everyone was encouraging each other. Then the legs started to fail on me and i cramped up. Then the mind games started. 'When you head back to transition just finish it there, ye done great.'..said my head and i battled with those thoughts for 30k..but my day wasn't done yet apparently so I got out on the 21k run.

First 10k fine but I started seeing less and less runners in the 2nd hour and the roads went quiet. I won't lie, it was a mental struggle to keep going.Check the watch and i was out there for nearly 7 hours.

Little did I know but my wife and son decided they would drive up from Lusk to be there at the finish line. I saw my son at the turn for the chute, we ran hand in hand all the way to the line and I will never forget the emotion at the end hugging my family. Hands down the best finish chute ever! I did it! 

I am so grateful to all the fingal club members who gave me little nuggets of advice to get me over the line. So chuffed to complete my first Half Ironman in the club colours. Didn't feel it during the run but it turned out to be the Best of Race Days! 

(Edit: Congratualtions from all of us in Fingal Tri Gerard on such a great race - you are amazing! And what an experience for you to have your family surprise you like that - the run down the finish chute is a memory your son will have forever)