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TOP TIPS FROM MR AND MRS IRONMAN

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Mark and Jodie with their Ironman UK medals Mark and Jodie Reynolds

An Ironman is a testing triathlon encompassing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike race and a 26.2 mile marathon - with strict rules on completing it unaided. Mark and Jodie Reynolds were just two of the BMF members and instructors who completed Ironman UK in Bolton on 17th July this year. But, as far as we know, they're the only married couple from BMF who took part! Here's their story, told by Jodie because Mark is apparently a man of few words!

How did you first find out about BMF?

My dad saw a voucher in the newspaper for two weeks’ free membership and thought that it looked like the sort of thing I'd enjoy.

Why did you join and what do you like about it?

I knew after my first session that I would love it and joined straight away - this was in August 2013. I spent a few months nagging Mark to try it and he was hooked as soon as he did his first session.

What would you say to anyone interested in joining BMF or to someone who has just joined us?

Don't worry about what other people are doing or the colour of your bib, just turn up, train hard and you will see improvements in no time :-) Both Mark and I had done some running before we joined (half marathon for me, marathon for Mark) and I expect that this is the bit that complete beginners find daunting - but all you need to do is stick with it and improvements will come! Also, don't try and win the warm up! It is an hour's class and you'll need that energy towards the end!

Has BMF helped you achieved your goals?

Yes! In fact, my goals have entirely changed since joining BMF and meeting other slightly crazy individuals there! I wanted to run a marathon in a 'decent' time when I joined. Once I'd done that I then started to branch out into obstacle course races, Ultramarathons and Triathlons. What I love about BMF is that there is usually someone who has done one of the crazy challenges you are contemplating, and if not, you get loads of support. Plus, the hard training sessions really help mentally with challenging endurance events.

Is there anything special about your particular BMF park or team of instructors?

I've sampled a few different parks in different parts of the country and, whilst they have all been great, Heaton Park in Manchester really is very special. There is a great group of BMFers there and, because we are a large park, we get individual bib colour group sessions. It is a big space with lots of hills, woods and bogs - variety basically - so we never get bored. The instructors are all great - but a special shout out has to go to Graham for putting up with me constantly breaking myself by attempting mad challenges and working out how to train me around them! Also to Paul for all the hideous log/stretcher/circuit sessions where I've felt like being sick. Long distance events are easy in comparison!

Tell us about your first full Iron Man UK

I did a few sprint tris and one olympic last season and then this year did two 70.3s (half Ironman distances) in the build up to the full IM. Quite a quick progression but I knew that my swimming was half decent and my background in ultra running meant I knew I could cope with the run and the fact of exercising for a prolonged period of time. However, I was a dreadful cyclist so that has been a steep learning curve. Mark did this as his first triathlon – he complains that I make him do 'crazy stuff' but in reality he has a terrible fear of missing out!

Did you enter to compete against each other or to complete it together?

Definitely not! Mark is a much better runner than me! We will often run our ultras together as the finish time is less important, but otherwise I'm trailing in his wake! We used to have very different hobbies. I evented horses and he played football, so it is nice that we now have a common interest. Mark is very laid back though - it is usually me that finds the mad events and signs us up for them! I have to always have something challenging on the horizon to look forward to.

How did you prepare for it?

Ironman was really tough training-wise. I was not a very strong or confident cyclist so I spent a lot of time working on that. My training plan started in December so it was a long build up. We trained with a group of people for IM - both from our tri club but also a couple of fellow North Manchester BMFers which really helped in terms of keeping us going and bouncing ideas off each other.

How did you get through it? It’s gruelling!

Little bits at a time! I always break long events into manageable chunks and focus on just getting to the next aid station or whatever. If you think about the enormity of what you have to do it gets overwhelming. As IMUK is local to me I had a lot of friends out supporting on the route which really helped too!

What other events have you done?

I've done a handful of triathlons and quite a lot of distance running since I started training five years ago. I've done 21 marathons/ultramarathons and I would one day like to join the 100 marathon club - but I think my body may have given out by then! Mark says he's retiring after Ironman, but he's doing an ultra next weekend so not sure how he's worked that one out!

What are your top tips for anyone else preparing for a triathlon?

Running is straightforward. Your swimming will improve quickly if you do it three times a week and have a bit of decent coaching. But don't neglect the bike! The bike is king! BMF really helped too as I find all the squats, lunges, burpees, core work etc. helps to prevent injuries as it makes you stronger. I'd join a triathlon club too as there will be a fount of useful knowledge there.

To help you achieve your goals, click here to find your nearest BMF class

 

 

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