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We go to Ironman events as family adventures. Yes, one day is pretty much taken up with me spending the whole day swimming, biking, and running. But even then, it doesn’t bother my family, as that is the time they spend exploring aquariums or zoos, having fun days out whilst I’m busy. However, that is just a small part of the trip. The rest of it is about family adventure and, where possible, other events. Ironman Gdynia is no exception. Whilst packing my transition bags, I’m getting ready to rack my bike for tomorrow and having a little rest from a busy morning exploring with the family. I’m reflecting on yesterday and how well my family did throughout the day in the Kids Aquathlon and Night Run. Today, there are sprint triathlons throughout the day, and tomorrow has both a 70.3 and full distance Ironman, so really something for everyone.

I am not going to break any records, and I have resigned myself to the fact that I am not good enough for a Kona slot. Maybe one day, but certainly not now. Most importantly, for me this is always a family holiday first, and Ironman second, so despite having to go to expo and being anxious before the start, I try to focus on the family as much as possible.

We arrived on Thursday and just chilled looking at the local area. We stayed at the Mercure, which is the official Ironman Hotel, very close to everything. We are in the centre of Gdynia, which is walking distance to the Ironman expo, transition, swim start, and finish. It is a perfect setup with everything in one place.

On Friday, we collected all our gear, bibs for the Ironman, Kids Aquathlon, and Night Run. I got my usual t-shirt and visor, and the kids each got a top and Teddy. I also collected my bike, which I hired. We then went to the beach so the kids could practice their swimming.

Kids Aquathlon

Amelie did her race first. Unfortunately, she was in an older age group as she had her birthday 3 days earlier, and she had to do double the distance. Clearly, lots of people did not put their real date of birth as there were many older kids in the first group, and Amelie was definitely the smallest in her wave. As she started, a thunderstorm started, and it absolutely tipped it down.

She was so brave and incredible swimming 100 metres and then doing a 500 metre run.

Benjamin was in the next age group again, and it is a real shame they didn’t do this by ability rather than age. Again, the youngest in his age group, and clearly older kids in the group before, he was noticeably younger and smaller than all the others in his group.

But he was so brave and did a great job. The swim was 200 metres and went too deep for him, so I swam out to support him so he could complete the swim.

Benjamin then had a 1000 run where he showed his real strength and was fantastic. So proud of them both.

After getting ourselves warm and dry from the torrential rain, the sky cleared, and we went to Horns for a wonderful meal. Food and drink in Poland is noticeably cheaper than the UK, so a good quality meal with a few beers and a bottle of prosecco was about the price you would pay for a standard pub in London for a cheap beer and burger.

Night Run

It was then time for the Night Run, which started at 22:00. I was worried about everyone being too tired, but we were all eager to start. With headtorches ready, we joined a large group of people to complete much of the Ironman run course. We started outside transition and finished on the red carpet.

Benjamin and I decided to run ahead but take it steady. It was narrow in places, and he got tired towards the end after a very eventful day.

It was such a beautiful race, running at night. It was also good to test out my foot and get used to the run route. This was the first time I ran since breaking my toe 11 days earlier. It was uncomfortable but much better than it felt when I was running around on the beach to see my kids do the Aquathlon.

I was wearing my new adidas Boston 12, which I was gifted as part of a collaboration with adidas. I love the new upgrades from the Boston 11, with better upper, lace comfort and a new updated midsole. I think the energyrods helped keep the pressure off my toe, so as long as I get to the run tomorrow, I should be ok.

After we finished, we walked back to see Kirsty and Amelie finish. To our surprise, they really were not that far behind us, and I am so proud of both of them for doing so well.

All in all, it was a really successful first couple of days in Gdynia. 6 medals between us on the first day.

Today has been mostly chilled out on the beach and marina, and I’m just sorting out all my bags, and I’m very impressed with my colour matching… but that will wait until my next blog. Just 15 hours until I get going for my 7th Ironman, wish me luck.