There, with my feet in the sand, listening to the bell ring and with AC/DC’s Thunderstruck echoing in my head, the answer to “why” had never been so obvious. In the summer of 2024, among conversations with those who run, swim, and cycle, the question came up: Have you ever thought about doing an Ironman? The 70.3 one — it’s only half. Not even in my boldest dreams did I think I could swim 1,900 meters, cycle 90,000, and run 21,000 meters. Just reading the numbers would take my breath away. I, who had never gone further for reasons that now, with years of distance, seem like weak excuses and sheer comfort.
The seed had been planted — I had completed the Faial-Pico Crossing, and my athletic ego was sky-high. I signed up as soon as registration opened. There was no turning back. In the following months, I couldn’t train as much as I wanted to.
Kids with school and sports activities, work, and home don’t leave us much room to maneuver. Then came the discouragement phase. The solution? Waking up at 4 a.m. to run, cycle, and swim. Preparing dinner for the family before heading out to train. The months went by, and with the help and understanding of my whole family — and all the friends who showed up along the way — the day finally came.
Emotions were running high, and I knew I was going to make it — after all, all my Excel charts and tables with averages and forecasts said so.
7 hours, 27 minutes, and 58 seconds. I rang the bell and crossed the finish line. I never thought about giving up during the race, even though the back pain while running was intense. There were tears, laughter, and plenty of swear words along the way — but it’s done.
A resposta ao why que ecoava pelos autifalantes era simples. Why not?
2027 será o ano do Ironman.
Alexandre Sequeira
Bravo Alexandre!