Congratulations on completing your 3rd Long distance race at Ironman Kalmar, What a journey this has been after a period of time where no running was possible and other training was also compromised.

How did you connect with a specialist via Rich and how did they help you?

Rich suggested I visit Stu from AT One Physio (Northampton) as I was struggling to manage historical lower back issues, Stu was a godsend, extremely knowledgeable and absolutely no BS, tells it straight and it isn't just about the time on the treatment table, he kept tabs on my progress and adjusted my rehab routine accordingly.

What did you focus on as a team to get you to the start and keep a consistent  level of training load?

If I couldn't run but could cycle, increase my cycle sessions, this was all about feedback from the athlete, both Rich & Stu kept me sane by explaining what I could still achieve, injuries move goalposts, reset and go again.

How does Rich and the team understand the effort, emotions involved with doing an Ironman Race?

So much knowledge and experience built up over several years, there aren't too many scenarios that they haven't dealt with before.

What were your feelings stood on the start line on race day?

Absolutely buzzing to be be there, what a rollercoaster but we made it, as promised, just get me to the start line.

How did it compare to the few races you have done leading into the Ironman?

No comparison, and exceeded expectations.

How did you find the training set you from Rich your coach?

The vast majority I really enjoyed, if there was a particular set I didn't enjoy, Rich would change it.

Was it the right amount to fit in with your lifestyle?

We sit down at the beginning of the season and discuss what is manageable, as circumstances change, we adjust.

Were they specific to achieve your goal?

Yes.

Any particular things that you would say went well? What did not go well and what would you do differently?

Always knew I was in safe hands and trusted the process.

How did it feel to cross that line for a 3rd time and also be a record holder of finishing all 3 of your Races in 12hrs 9 mins :-)

Elation, best finish to date, especially with so many low points throughout the year, when I thought I wouldn't be able to compete, the latest one only being a few weeks before Kalmar, I was only able to run one 3km in the weeks' leading up to the event.  I could not have achieved what I did without the team around me, Rich and Stu were both absolutely key to this.

So what’s next Chris?

Waiting to see what the mojo does, New Forest half marathon in November to keep me ticking over.