Ironman Barcelona: The Final Push
Only 3-weeks to go now
The air in Barcelona is still warm, the Mediterranean sparkling. For me, however, the past few months have been a whirlwind of chlorine, tarmac, and trails, all culminating in one epic goal: Ironman Barcelona. And I can certainly say that this final push has been rather intense, and in all honesty, perhaps a bit too much. But with three weeks to go until the big day, I’m hanging in there and confident that I’ll be on that start line. A goal in itself!
Summer 2025: Family time in the Alps
Juggling life and adjusting the goalposts
There's a certain masochistic joy in pushing your body to its limit. But there is a flip side that I do tend to forget post event and here's the honest truth: I've been down this road before, pushing too hard in the past and paying the price. That experience made me acutely aware of the fine line between peak performance and complete burnout. Thankfully, and as a result, I’m now far more in tune with my body, and recognise the warning signs that I'm pushing too far. Anxiety increasing. Sleep deteriorating. General fatigue. That's why, while the training has been demanding, I've been careful to prioritise nutrition, rest and recovery just as much as the workouts themselves.
Adding another layer of complexity to this already challenging endeavour is the fact that I’m now juggling family life. In the past, it was just me. Now, every training session, every long ride, every swim has had to be carefully woven into the fabric of school runs, playdates, work and family meals, making rest and recovery even more of a challenge.
Having to juggle such priorities has also fundamentally reshaped my goals. Initially, a part of me was aiming for a time comparable to what I was achieving 10 years ago. But through this process, and with the added demands of family life, my perspective has definitely shifted. Now, my focus is simply on completion. Crossing that finish line, having navigated both the physical demands of the Ironman and the general chaos of family life, will be a victory in itself.
October 2014: Ironman World Championships
Prioritising health whilst pushing the body to its limits
To counteract this relentless assault on my system, I am meticulous about optimising my internal environment. Nutrition has been paramount, focusing on whole, unprocessed plant foods to fuel my efforts and aid recovery. And supplements? They've been my secret weapon. Magnesium, in particular, has become a non-negotiable part of my daily routine. It's crucial for muscle function, energy production, and, critically for me, nerve function and sleep regulation. I've also leaned on other supplements, including medicinal mushrooms, vitamin C, plus others to keep everything firing as it should, ensuring that while I push the limits, I'm also providing my body with the best possible support.
Race day
As race day approaches, there's a mix of trepidation and immense excitement. I’ve put in the work, made the sacrifices, and pushed myself beyond what I thought was possible, all while keeping my family at the heart of it. While the journey has been gruelling, and I might need a long, long break from structured training afterward, the feeling of standing at that start line, knowing everything I've overcome, will be undeniably powerful. Wish me luck and maybe send some good sleep vibes my way!
August 2025: Mountain biking with my boy in the French Alps, juggling quality family time, training and recovery. Not easy to get the balance right!
Highlights of 2025 So Far
“People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits, and their habits decide their futures.”
— F.M. Alexander -
The adage "people do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures" holds profound truth, particularly when considering the creation of a bodily environment where cancer struggles to thrive. This demands consistent healthy choices in what we eat, how we live, and our surroundings, day after day. These healthy daily habits can pave the way for long-term well-being. And, as someone who has been in a deep health challenge, I can attest that fundamentally changing your daily habits and choices can be transformative for your recovery potential.
June 2025: Deva T100 (Middle Distance) Triathlon Swim.
How I can help you.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by cancer or another chronic illness and would like guidance in rebuilding health, I would be honoured to help. Please explore my 90-day programs for detailed information on how I can support you. Alternatively, if you have any questions, you can contact me directly here. Having personally navigated the profound challenges of this journey, I am deeply committed to supporting you, helping you navigate potential obstacles I encountered, and empowering you to take a more active and informed role in your health, recovery, and return to well-being and fitness.
Sarah Eglin: Nutritional Therapist and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner
If you would like to read more about my personal experience with breast cancer and my journey back to health then please click on the following links for more in depth information.
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Exercise and cancer: An important reminder
Before I go, I just want to remind you of the extensive benefits of exercise in the context of cancer, supported by the latest scientific evidence. In essence, there is a growing body of research that consistently demonstrates that exercise, both during and after cancer treatment*, is associated with:
Reduced cancer recurrence rates
Decreased side effects from conventional treatments
Improved immune system function
Minimised loss of lean muscle mass
Enhanced bone health
Exercise is even being considered a form of 'targeted medicine' in relation to cancer, with evidence suggesting that it may:
Improve an individual's response to conventional cancer therapies.
Stimulate the immune system to help eliminate cancer cells.
Slow the progression of the disease.
Increase survival rates.
Given these compelling findings, identifying a type of exercise that can be sustained both during treatment and long-term afterwards is crucial for your recovery. I fully understand that initiating a formal exercise regimen during chemotherapy can be challenging if you haven't exercised regularly for a while*. However, movement is key. Aim to move as much as your body allows during these demanding times and gradually build from there. Remember, formal exercise isn't always essential; consistent movement is. Our bodies are inherently designed for motion, not prolonged sitting. So, engage in activity: potter in the garden, take a walk, climb the stairs a few times – do whatever you can to incorporate movement into each day. Then, gradually increase the intensity and duration at a pace that suits you and your current stage of recovery.
Notes
*Always check with your doctor before starting any new training regime. If you are currently in the midst of cancer treatment then extra care must be taken when considering the appropriate level of exercise for you. Please seek advice from an appropriately qualified health professional experienced in exercising through cancer treatment.