Next we checked the sea conditions, which seemed reasonable before walking to the Five Arches car park to register. This is when the emotion and buzz really began to bite. Seeing the banners, the marquee, the sponsors and expensive bikes, plus of course hundreds of athletes signing in, I really started to understand what I had been training towards for many months and my stomach churned a little. I bought my day licence and received my rucksack, complete with swim cap, tattoos and race number. The all-important wristband was attached to me and at that moment I knew I was part of a collective of Ironman hopefuls, distinguishable from others who were present just to watch. I was getting ever closer to affronting the mammoth swim-bike-run challenge whilst those outsiders could enjoy a leisurely pint in the lead-up to Sunday morning…..