On Sunday 13th September, I’m taking on IRONMAN Wales in Pembrokeshire: 2.4 miles of sea swimming, 112 miles on the bike and then a 26.2 mile marathon. In total, 140.6 miles and 10,000 feet of savage Welsh climbing.
Over the last 6 years, if I wanted to go racing, I used cars. This year I’ve decided to swap horsepower for pedal power and see if I can race against myself instead.
After 12 months of training, I’ve gone from being an average bloke to someone who now thinks getting up at 5am to swim in the sea is a perfectly sensible thing to do. I’m still very much an amateur, but I’ve put in the hours and, with a mixture of optimism and questionable judgement, I now believe I might actually be able to tame the dragon.
IRONMAN Wales is widely regarded as one of the toughest Ironman races around, so naturally it seemed like the sensible choice for my first one. It is my 'Kona of the North'.
There is, however, a much more important reason for doing it.
I’m raising money for Nerve Tumours UK, a charity that is very close to our family.
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic condition that can cause tumours to grow on nerves and can have a profound impact on the lives of those affected and their families. Nerve Tumours UK provides specialist support, information and advice to people living with NF and the families who support them.
So this is my plea.
If you can spare a few pounds, I’d be hugely grateful. Every donation, however large or small, will go towards supporting a cause that means a great deal to our family.
I’ll provide the swimming, cycling, running, early mornings, Welsh hills and inevitable suffering.
You provide whatever you can spare.
And on 13th September, I’ll find out whether the chassis of this old racing driver has got 140.6 miles in him.
Time to tame the dragon. 🐉
Thank you.
Theo.
PS. Track me live on race day. Either use the official IRONMAN Tracker in your App Store or access the webpage link (once IRONMAN publish it closer to race day.
Created by: Theo Theato on 17/08/2026