The Road to 70.3 Ironman UK – Wimbleball

Why does anyone want to get involved in Triathlon?

Probably like most people I was unfit. Thinking back to the glory days of my youth I remember looking at individuals who had ‘let themselves go’ with their large guts and thinking ‘I will never be like them.’ Sadly, there I was around April 2008, not too fat but definitely unfit. I bought a cheap racing bike and entered the novice event in the Exe Valley Triathlon.

Triathlon sounded more complicated than I though so I joined a Triathlon Club, North Devon Tri. Living in Tiverton is a bit restrictive in respect of training with other members, however, everyone is so friendly and supportive. Answering daft questions and helping with kit set up – everything really.

With 3 weeks of training before Exe Valley (which was ok as it was only short!!), I left my soul on the road and managed to come 2^nd - Which was probably due to the entrants rather than my ability. This was confirmed when I entered Bude, Bodmin and Hayle sprints and came consistently in the bottom 2/3. These people are fit! Next season I thought with some off season of training behind me I will better myself. I had thoughts of trying an Olympic distance event – a pipe dream?

Then came the news that my wife was pregnant. Wonderful news, which laughed in the face of my triathlon plan as baby was due right at the start of the season. Never mind, I’ve wanted a baby for so long – nothing mattered. Sadly, on the 18^th December, for reasons yet to be discovered, at 6 months my wife went into labour and Nathaniel was still born. Obviously, we are devastated.

What do you do after that? As a youth I got through some very angry times Kickboxing. Something, at 37, I’m a little too old for. I needed a challenge something to get out of bed for - to make something good out of something so terrible. I decided to do a triathlon and get sponsored. It would have to be a challenge. A big one. I decided after a few days thought to do Wimbleball and get sponsored for two charities. Firstly, for SANDS; a charity which provides support for parents whose babies die after birth or are still born. Secondly, for the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, in particular the Heartsease room, in which my wife delivered Nathaniel and we were able to spend a night and a day with him, our beautiful boy. Only the families are donating to this charitable trust.

So, it’s the end of January and I find myself training harder than I ever have to hopefully finish this event.

To follow my progress visit my blog... http://damiantraining.blogspot.com/

To sponsor me go to http://www.justgiving.com/damianrailston

We have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have sponsored me so far. I have raised over £1100 for SANDS and people are still sponsoring me. The personal messages of support from friends, family and strangers has been so motivating. Hopefully I’ll make you all proud.

For Nathaniel, 18.12.08, 1lb 80z our beautiful boy.