DUTCH COURAGE

Taking on her first Ironman 70.3, the pancake-flat course of Westfriesland was perfect for rookie Michelle Farrow. Join her as she navigates lakes, windmills, toilet stops and snacks...

- MICHELLE FARROW

Standing among a sea of men at the start line, little did I know I was about to become acquainted with the new love of my life. I can vividly remember the butterflies in my stomach, the fresh morning air and Freed From Desire blasting through the speakers.

The start line was buzzing with people everywhere. What happened to the civilised self-seeded start organised by expected swim times that I’d been promised? It was every man (and woman!) for themselves and in that moment I knew exactly which man I wanted – the Ironman, of course. It was time to get this party started.

ROOKIE RACING

So why choose this Iroman as my first 70.3? Well. The Netherlands is a place close to my heart and I have many happy memories there. It’s a truly beautiful part of the world, with an interesting history and the locals are the most welcoming people. I can’t deny the fact that The Netherlands being rather, erm, flat, played a part in choosing this event. Having a lake swim was also an added bonus, as someone who does all their training in a lake.

As a 24-year-old female, I was in the minority at the Westfriesland 70.3, but thanks to the way the age-groups work I found myself in the 25-29 age category – a fact I’m still hung up on! However, being up against people mainly older and likely more experienced than me wasn’t to deter my spirits.