Five years ago I made a commitment to myself to lose weight, a lot of weight. I had no idea I was about to embark on a path that would lead me to signing up for an Ironman, made up of a 3.8 kilometre open water swim, 180 kilometre cycle and a 42.2 kilometre run.
Five years ago I could not walk up stairs without puffing, I was terrified of the ocean and could not ride a bike. I never dared dream I could be physically and mentally strong enough for such a feat.
In two years I lost around 55 kilos by exercising and following a calorie-controlled plan. I soon joined a local running club that catered for complete novices - like me - but also elite runners.
I went from not being able to run, to completing a 10 kilometre event, a half marathon and then - amazingly - a full marathon.
Leah is all smiles having completed the Ironman in Port Macquarie. Photo: Supplied Source: Supplied
Triathlon was next. I had zero bike skills. It took months for me to summon the courage (and ability) to just ride around my suburb – but I did. In my first triathlon, my friends had to swim next to me so I wouldn’t freak out in the open water. After completing it I was exhausted, but I was also hooked. I felt like a superstar.
Almost on a whim, I registered for the Cairns Ironman and had 12 months to get myself ready. I felt this was a fairly epic way to close the chapter of my life that included obesity, inactivity and depression. I wanted to be better than I’d ever been. I wanted to live the one life I had been given to its potential. I pressed ‘enter’ and held my breath in disbelief.
I enlisted the help of an endurance coach, a professional bike fitter and physio. This would be the toughest physical challenge I’d ever faced. Without these guys, I would not have gotten as far as I did. After lots of training, tears, tantrums and doubts, I lined up for the Cairns Ironman in 2017. I tried my absolute best but fell short of the finish line by just eight kilometres, just four minutes. I was devastated and disappointed in myself. It had been so hard and tough to get to this point.
I signed up again, this time in Port Macquarie.
Training mornings and nights around work and family was hard. It’s a lonely road to Ironman but it also asks a lot of people around you. I am so grateful for the support and patience of those around me.
I wanted to pull out on numerous occasions leading up to (and during) the event. Only 222 out of the 1,200 full distance competitors were women - I was damn proud to represent. It was hands down the hardest thing I have ever done. My biggest concern was making the 10 hour swim/bike cut off (before being allowed to start the run).
Every ounce of my determination was called upon. I had to battle negative thoughts telling me I wasn’t strong or fast enough but I crossed the timing mat with five minutes to spare. Elation hardly covers it. I was exhausted and energised.
Over six hours of blisters, chafing and dodgy knee pain, the marathon came to a close. I saw the finish chute, heard the music and the crowd. I started to run and then the words I’d been waiting for, “Leah, you are an Ironman!”
I clasped hands with the announcer on the carpet and let myself feel the moment. Five long, hard years – came down to this moment.
Athlete Laura Siddall placed the medal around my neck and volunteers draped a towel around my shoulders as I was helped to the recovery area.
I collapsed into a chair and had a little cry. I had closed a challenging chapter in my life and done something epic.
No going back now. I am an Ironman.
