Business Development Manager, Andy “Usain Bolt” Holt, recently successfully completed the ill-fated IronMan Triathlon event in Bolton last month. In this piece, Andy explains the trials and tribulations he’s faced in undertaking this monumental event, and with a month on, details how he feels following such an immense achievement.

So around a month ago, I faced my toughest individual challenge of my life. I took part in and completed an IronMan Triathlon, which consisted of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a marathon to finish. With the lack of training I did and the fact I’d never even done a triathlon of any kind, I shouldn’t have completed it but with sheer mental strength, I did it!

Andy Holt IronMan Digital Next

My preparation consisted of one open water swim of about 500m. I did maybe a dozen bike rides, never more than 50 miles and my marathon training consisted of two runs! One of 10 miles because I got a puncture and ran home, the second being 1.5 miles before I got bored and walked home!

In life, you always get obstacles to overcome whether it be in sport/work life or just everyday normal life. I used all my experience of being a professional sportsman for 17 years, knowing that I had to succeed! I had to and knew I would succeed because I had no one else to rely on, it was all me and that was all I needed to know!

Andy Holt IronMan Digital Next

I wanted to quit the race 1000 times but knew that was my mind trying to quit before my body wanted to. It was more a mental battle than a physical one which seems crazy to say considering the distances involved but it really was.

Andy Holt IronMan Digital Next

I’ve always been a super confident person and use this positivity in my everyday work life. Sure I am going to face opposition from clients I try to bring on board but does that stop me trying? Of course not! I want to and have to achieve in everything I do, whether that be an IronMan or trying to close a deal for new business.

Andy Holt IronMan Digital Next

The outlook has to be the same no matter what I do. I am not here to fail and although in life and you will not be victorious in everything you do, but with a massively positive attitude, even the so-called “impossible” can be achieved.

When I told people I was taking up the Ironman challenge, I got laughed at and told it was an impossible challenge! Coincidentally, my favourite quote I heard along the way was this; “remember, when someone tells you something is impossible, it’s only impossible for them!!”

Andy Holt IronMan Digital Next

I will continue to constantly challenge myself in life with the so-called impossible because my mindset is different to most. My glass will always be half-full, I will always be optimistic, not pessimistic. When it comes down to relying on myself with no one else to affect the outcome, I will back myself every day of the week and twice on Sunday!!

On behalf of everyone here at Digital Next, we would like to extend a massive congratulations to Andy – dubbed IronAndy (which would have been better had he been called ‘Mandy’ but there you go!). It was an impressive feat and one that truly demonstrates that perseverance, commitment, and determination to achieve your goals can always be accomplished!

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