So, I’m in my last week. All the training is done now, and I can’t change anything. This final week is a huge taper leading up to the race on Saturday. All the hard work has been done, and I just have to turn up at the start line and give it my absolute best. Having already completed one Ironman and attempted another, I know just how tough it is; I’m nervous.

Over the past month, I’ve been experimenting with nutrition during the long brick sessions (bike then run). I have decided to go with more of a real-food plan. Previously, I alternated between an energy bar, an energy gel, and Cliff Blocks. This was fine, but on the long runs after the bike, I struggled with gastrointestinal issues and started to feel sick. So, I decided a change was in order.

Now, I will alternate between an energy bar and a small bag containing a new potato, a Soreen slice, dates, and dried bananas. This has worked well for me. On the run, I will carry a CamelBak with energy drink and take water from the aid stations. I have found that dehydration hits me hard on the run, so I need to monitor it closely—to the point where I now set alarms to remind me to drink.

I am hoping all these measures will serve me well on race day.

My personal goal for this race is to finish in under 12 hours. To achieve this, I need to swim the 2.4 miles in under 1 hour 20 minutes, complete the 112-mile bike in under 6 hours 30 minutes, and run the 26.2 miles in under 4 hours. For me, this is a huge ask. My long runs have been slow, and I’m worried this could let me down on race day. Preventing dehydration will be a crucial part of my game plan.

I am under no illusion—this race will be hard. Nervous tension is building. All I can do is my best…