My 70.3 Ironman Challenge in Portugal Was an EPIC Experience.
Last month, I completed the 70.3 Ironman Challenge in Portugal, and I have to say – it was nothing short of epic. There were 4,000 people competing, all buzzing with energy, enthusiasm, motivation, and drive.
To be part of that atmosphere was incredible. I’ve done a lot in my life, but experiences like this are truly one of the “currencies” of life for me… a big tick in the box on my bucket list.
If I’m honest, the hardest part wasn’t the swimming, cycling, or running: it was getting to the start line in the first place.
Managing my training alongside my family and business commitments took serious planning and discipline. Every session, every early morning, every long weekend ride and run was carefully slotted into my schedule. And it was bloody hard! But I did all the necessary training, and it paid off.
When I finally got to the race, I made a conscious decision to stop and enjoy it as I went.
It’s easy to get caught up in times and splits, but I wanted to soak in the energy around me, the incredible dedication of every participant, and the sheer scale of the event. It was amazing to see so many people pushing themselves and supporting one another.
And the results? I beat half an hour off my personal best.
That might sound like just a number, but to me, it’s proof of something I already know: if you train hard and consistently show up, you can achieve what you set your mind to.
Honestly, I never realised the human body was capable of so much until I pushed it for 5, 6, even 7 hours straight. The challenge wasn’t just physical -it was mental. That’s the reason I chose this event. I wanted to test my mental strength, see how I handled hours of racing, and push myself further than ever before.
Reflecting on it, the experience was fantastic. It reminded me that success comes from consistent effort over a long period.
If you give 100% consistently – whether in training, business, or life – you can achieve what you want to achieve.
It’s a lesson that applies far beyond sport.
I’m also feeling stronger in my mind as a result. And when your mind is stronger, you feel happier. Completing this challenge gave me a sense of resilience that’s hard to put into words.
My dad used to say to me, “Hey Gilles, did you suffer? Good; it’s good to suffer.” At the time, I didn’t always understand it, but I do now. Suffering – when it’s purposeful and controlled – builds strength. And strength builds resilience, which makes life a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Did I enjoy the physical suffering? Well… yes and no.
It’s tough out there, no doubt. But the satisfaction that comes from pushing yourself beyond what you thought was possible far outweighs the temporary discomfort. And the mental clarity, the focus, and the confidence that come from completing a challenge like this are priceless.
Would I do it again? Absolutely.
In fact, I’m already thinking about my next big adventure, possibly a 90km trail run. It’s about continually testing my limits and strengthening my mental resilience.
Every challenge I take on like this teaches me more about what I’m capable of and reinforces that mindset in every area of my life.
Completing the 70.3 Ironman wasn’t just about finishing a race. It was about preparation, commitment, focus, resilience, and enjoying the journey.
It showed me again that with consistent effort, determination, and mental toughness, we can achieve things we never imagined. It also reminded me of the value of experiences, of stepping outside your comfort zone, of challenging yourself, and of celebrating what your body and mind are capable of.
So, onwards and upwards. More challenges, more experiences, and more opportunities to push my mental strength.
And if you’re reading this, remember: it’s good to suffer sometimes. That suffering builds strength, and that strength builds resilience. And resilience?
Well, that makes life not only easier… but far more enjoyable.
