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From couch to Ironman - those everyday Bolton people taking part in Ironman
Most people have heard of the couch to 5k, but what about the couch to Ironman.
That is the challenge a Bolton triathlon club set people over a period of 10 months.
And now those people from only being able to run for 20 minutes are preparing to take part in the upcoming Ironman 70.3 mile event.
Team Deane Community Triathlon Club is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year and to mark it, they wanted to invite residents to train with them from running 5k up to taking part in the Ironman on June 30.
The club noticed a spark amongst the crowd at last year’s Ironman with people saying they wished they could take part.
And the group stepped in to start sessions for those with little exercise experience.
Margaret Williams, Level 2 Coach at Team Deane said: “We are a community club, so we try and be inclusive and cater for everyone, so a couple of years ago we launched our own version of couch to 5k.
“This was to try and get people into running and there wasn’t really anything for new runners in the area.
"Last year we ran the programme again and they graduated at the Ironman night runner and they achieved their couch to 5k goal.
Members of the club (Image: Margaret Williams) “From that, because we are triathlon group, this year we found that some of the members wanted to try out triathlons and so we hatched a plan to put a programme together to help them incorporate running, swimming and cycling.
“We have had around eight members who have moved from the couch to 5k sessions into the triathlon group.
"Off the back of that we had some people who said they fancy taking part in Ironman for the 70.3 mile course.
“So, the idea was to help people get fit but to also help them enjoy exercise.
“Last year there was quite a buzz round Bolton at Ironman, and we thought it would be really good if we tried to help those people who were interested in taking part in the future.
“To help people go from running to taking part in this year's Ironman we set up a plan which has been done over 10 months to help them build fitness and get them to the start line fit enough for them to be able to finish the Ironman.
“Our plans have taken people from where they were in September with some of them struggling to run for 20 to 30 minutes up to now where the furthest distance they have run is 17 or 18km which is over 10 miles.
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“Ironman in Bolton used to be 140.6 miles, but they have changed it this year to be 70.3 miles, so they are taking part in Ironman, but it is half the distance, and they will still be called Ironmen once they pass the finish line.”
Margaret said they wanted to incorporate something fun for their 10th year.
She said: “As coaches after seeing reactions from people who were watching last year and saying they would love to be able to do it and take part, we were talking about how some people don’t have the access to the training to do it, so we wanted to help.
“It is ten years of the Team Deane Community Triathlon Club this year and we thought it would be a really good time to promote the club.
"But also where the interest was sparked to try and bring people together like your Joe average and give them the access to be able to do something they are obviously passionate about.
“I’m really excited as the event approaches, I’m not taking part this year, but I am really excited for the new athletes who have never done it before.
“I am sure they will really enjoy it, they are nervous but looking forward to it.”
Team Deane Triathlon Club (Image: Margaret Williams) Margaret said each day there are different sessions training for Ironman.
She said: “We run weekly sessions at Lostock Cricket Club which we class as our headquarters.
"On a Monday evening we host running sessions, on Tuesday nights we do open water swims, and we coach them in the water, on a Wednesday we run a strength and conditioning class, Thursdays we do cycling/spin classes and on the weekend we do social rides where we get the distance in.
“It is very social, and we cater for everybody, and anyone can join us.”
If you would like to join contact the team through Facebook or via email at teamdeanetriathlon@outlook.com
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.
