Ian Cooper

Sometimes a steak and malbec with a mate can lead to a whole new world! Back around 2015 my mate Jeff was visiting me on the South Coast of the UK in Bournemouth from Brisbane in Australia. We were both mid 40's at the time. Over a BBQ and decent red we started to suggest challenges to each other (I was very unfit at the time and so he tended to suggest things we could do which were more suited to his wiry athletic frame just to wind me up). I was having none of this taunting....so we agreed to do LEJOG (cycling from one end of the UK to the other - about 900 miles).

That was ticked-off - so we went back to our tried and tested approach of steak and malbec and a good conversation. Ends up that a marathon was to be next (I had not even run 100 metres since my school days). That was duly dispatched.

We had proved we could run and cycle - so the next logical step was to do an Ironman! COVID got in the way a bit, but we did two prep races at 70.3 (Half Ironman) in Denmark and Tasmania, before the big one - Ironman Barcelona in 2023.

What could we do next? - I carelessly did some internet surfing and came across the Seven Continents Challenge....an obvious next step. So here I am preparing for December 2026 in Antarctica with 13 marathons under my belt and looking to complete the 7 continents challenge. My mate Jeff unfortunately is currently on 4 continents having had a major injury. So running Antarctica will be for him as well as myself.

So, what have I learnt over 10+ years as a middle age overweight 'athlete'? Exercise is great for the mental health (my job has long hours and can be stressful - exercise keeps me sane(ish)); always exercise early in the morning before the family are awake so that you are not at risk of isolating them by never being around during the day; the love and support of your family should always be appreciated...but never taken for granted; always warm-up and cool-down to avoid injury (especially in late 50's); and that the body is amazing....you think your body is cooked but as long as you have the mental strength your body will keep on giving. More is most definitely in you....