In October 2024, I was at home, glued to the Ironman Tracker and WhatsApp, following almost 30 of my clubmates as they took on Ironman Barcelona in Calella. Watching their dots move across the map and seeing those finish-line photos was both emotional and inspiring.Somewhere between cheering from the sofa and reading their race updates, a thought crept in: maybe one day, that could be me.Twelve months later, on October 5th, 2025, I stood on that same beach in Calella — not as a spectator, but as an athlete about to take on one of the toughest endurance events in the world.
How It All Began
My triathlon journey started in the summer of 2021, when our club ran a “Try-a-Tri” programme. I had no idea what to expect, but I loved the mix of challenge, variety, and camaraderie.
From there, I was hooked.
In 2022, I took on my first official races:
- 🏊♂️ Sprint Triathlon – Limerick
- 🚴♂️ Olympic Distance – Fermoy (June)
- 🏃♂️ Half Ironman – Cork (August)
Crossing the line in Cork felt like a huge milestone — the longest and toughest event I’d ever done. I promised myself a two-week rest… which somehow turned into two years and two months!
Life, work, and family took over. Training slipped away, and before I knew it, triathlon had become a distant memory.
The Spark Returns
Then came October 2024 — Ironman Barcelona. Watching my clubmates conquer the course reignited something in me. I missed the training, the structure, and that shared sense of purpose.
So, I made a decision: I was going to Calella in 2025.
The 2025 Season: Building Back
To rebuild fitness and confidence, I planned a realistic season leading up to the big one:
- Sprint Distance – Joey Hannan, Limerick (April)
- Olympic Distance – Waterville, Kerry (June)
- Half Distance – Kenmare (August)
Everything started well — I was training consistently, feeling stronger each week, and rediscovering that rhythm. But by mid-summer, things changed.
Setbacks and Self-Doubt
When August arrived, I had to make a tough decision: defer to next year, or go for it anyway.
With two young kids and a busy family life, I wasn’t sure I had another 12 months of full training in me. So I made the call — I’m going for it.
I cancelled the Kenmare Half to rest and refocus. My goal changed from chasing a time to simply finishing under the cut-offs.
Twelve Months of Training
Over the 12 months leading up to race day, I logged:
- 🏊♂️ 22 hours swimming
- 🚴♂️ 145 hours cycling
- 🏃♂️ 77 hours running
That’s about 244 hours total — and yes, I definitely could have trained more! But it was the best balance I could manage between work, family, and life. Some weeks went perfectly; others, not so much. What mattered was consistency and finding a way to keep showing up.
Race Day: Calella, October 5th, 2025
The atmosphere in Calella was incredible — the music, the crowd, the energy. Thunderstruck blasted through the speakers as we waited to start, and the MC’s motivational speech sent chills down everyone’s spine.
Standing there among thousands of athletes, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. We all knew what lay ahead — 12 to 16 hours of swim, bike, and run — but first, we had to get to T1.
The swim was surprisingly enjoyable — warm water, a gentle rolling swell, and that surreal moment of realising I’m actually doing this. I found my rhythm early, sighted off the buoys, and soaked it all in.
The bike course was long, fast, and scenic, with stunning coastal views and plenty of time to think. By the marathon, it was pure grit — the body was tired, but the mind was stronger. Every kilometre was a battle, every aid station a small victory.
And then came that final stretch — the red carpet, the lights, the cheers.
“Stephen, you are an Ironman!”
Unforgettable.
Lessons Learned
This journey wasn’t about perfect training — it was about perseverance.
I learned that success isn’t always about splits, times, or targets. Sometimes it’s just about showing up when things haven’t gone your way. It’s about adapting, trusting yourself, and remembering why you started.
The support from the triathlon community, training partners, and my family made all the difference. No one does an Ironman alone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about taking on an Ironman — don’t wait until you feel ready. You’ll never feel 100% ready. Start where you are, do what you can, and keep showing up.
Because when you finally cross that finish line and hear those famous words, you’ll understand:
It’s not just about becoming an Ironman — it’s about becoming the kind of person who never gives up.
Author
Stephen O’Flaherty
Tri Club member and first-time Ironman finisher, Calella 2025.
Loves early-morning rides, cold-water swims, and strong coffee.
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