Swim Squad Takes On Ironman Bolton 70.3

On Sunday, fourteen of our regular Swim Squad swimmers raced Ironman Bolton 70.3 . 

And there were many great performances out there!

What makes that particularly pleasing is that every part of our swim community was represented on the start line:

• Technique Development Group
• Monday Squad
• Wednesday Squad
• Development Squad
• Performance Squad
• Open Water 1-1s
• Open Water Group Sessions

(plus others who have had 1-1 swim sessions)

Different backgrounds. Different goals. Different journeys.

But they were all lining up on the same start line after months and years of consistent work.

As a coach, that’s incredibly rewarding to see.

And in amongst the 14 Swim Squad swimmers we had first timers, we had personal best times, we had World Championship Qualifiers.

Here are a few performances to reflect on…

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A lot of journeys arrived on Sunday.

I love the one about an athlete who, despite trying on his own, really couldn’t swim six weeks ago.

▪️No open water confidence
▪️Completely gassed after 30 seconds (even in a wetsuit)
▪️All arms and legs and splash

On the verge of deferring the 70.3 until next year, he booked a series of 1-1 sessions. Pool and open water.

(He tried to book them earlier, but we had no spaces)

Anyway, enjoys the swim and goes on to complete his first Ironman 70.3, finishing with a 1.39 half marathon.

“Thank you Bryan! I couldn’t have done it without the 1-1s!!”

“I felt calm throughout – buzzing !!!”

Love these journeys.

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First Time Finisher: Thanks Bryan, I’m absolutely over the moon !! I wouldn’t have been able to do  it without your swim coaching, Bryan. I honestly can’t thank you enough. It really is appreciated  😊🤝

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Triathlon Coaching 🤝 Improving Ironman 70.3 Performances

How about the athlete who invested in triathlon coaching this year – and beat his time of a year ago by almost an hour!

9 minutes quicker on the swim
22 minutes quicker on the bike
15 minutes quicker on the run
13 minutes quicker in transitions

5.51 in the 60-64 Age Group. 

Impressive performance.
Impressive improvements.

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First Time Finisher: “Goggles came off as I jumped in, but managed to get sorted and made it around. Couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!”

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Patience & Playing The Long Game

Another of our athletes made massive improvements in Bolton on Sunday.

▪️53 minutes quicker than last year
▪️Big PB on Ironman 70.3 distance
▪️First sub-2 hour half marathon

Jonty, racing four weeks after a super Ironman Mallorca 70.3, has another great race performance at Ironman Bolton 70.3.

A strong 33 minute swim, followed by a bike that was 23 minutes quicker than last year and then his first sub-two hour half marathon (18 minutes quicker than last year) – finishing in a super 6.03.

Every race Jonty has done over the past 18 months has been better than the last.

Next up: Ironman Leeds.

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Coached Athlete Achieving A Big PB: “The swim was a dream – and not stressful. Very pleased with my time. What a great job you and Nick have done.”

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I could go on.

• I could talk about the athlete who was super anxious about making the swim cut-off, but did it with loads to spare.
• The athlete who qualified for her first Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
• The athlete who fought through debilitating cramp to make the finish line for his first 70.3 finish. 
• The strong bike-runner who struggled to swim prior to coming to our Technique Sessions & Development Squad cruised through the water on Sunday.

And lots more.

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And There’s More

Of course, that wasn’t the only race happening this weekend. 

Here are a few more to shout about.

Richie was in the USA, completing the Alcatraz to San Francisco Bay swim.

Swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco is a legendary open-water challenge covering roughly 1.5 to 2 miles. It requires battling 50–55°F (10–13°C) water, strong currents, and chop.

Sammie rode Coast To Coast (Seascale to Whitby) in a single ride. 250k and almost 4,000m of elevation in some pretty grim conditions too. 

Gareth & Jackie swam Bala (4.5k & 9k respectively) in 12 degree water. 

Ben took on the Gauntlet (70.3) in Chantilly, France – completing in a strong 5hr and 24 minutes.

Therese raced the Chester Triathlon, winning her age group (60-64) and coming in 15th female overall!

I am sure I have missed some others too!

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What an incredible bunch of athletes we have the pleasure of working with!

Loving all of your work.

Bryan