by WO2 (CSM) D Lewis 29
Company Sergeant Major
Number Three Company 1st Battalion Welsh Guards
On Sunday 10 Sep 17 WO2 (CSM) Lewis 29, Company Sergeant Major Number Three Company took part in Ironman Wales. The gruelling event involved a 2.5 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run around Tenby, Pembrokeshire.
WO2 Lewis was very disappointed to have not completed the Ironman, having to be stopped by the medical support team with only 12 miles to go on the run due to repeatedly being sick and not being able to retain any fluids. However he is very proud of what he has achieved and is looking at the positives and learning from the experience to ensure he is successful next year.
WO2 Lewis only decided in May that he would tackle this endurance event, only giving himself 4 months to training whilst fulfilling a very busy role within Battalion. Most of his training was conducted in the mornings before work and involved him getting up at 0430 and conducting running and swimming training as most of the Battalion were sound asleep. There were also some long hours put in on the bike, some weeks putting 140 miles through the wheels!
Since taking up Triathlon in May, this is the first event that WO2 Lewis has not completed and even though he is disappointed to not be an IRONMAN (yet!) he says that he has learnt more from failing than he would have if he had completed the event. He has identified where he went wrong in his training and lifestyle choices, to which he is already making changes.
WO2 Lewis thanks the Battalion for all of their support and encouragement. His mates are very envious that his £400 entry fee was paid for him!
