Gruelling test for 'Ironman' Monique

Monique 'Ironman' Hollinshead has notched up another mighty feat in this year's Ironman challenge held in the New Forest.

Monique takes on challenge events that would destroy mere mortals. Many will recall her successes at previous Ironman challenges when she has outshone all the women and many of the men.

This year's test of strength and endurance was the 10-day Ironman Challenge in the grounds of Avon Tyrell House in the glorious New Forest of Hampshire. Her daily tasks were to swim a lake, cycle for 112 miles and run a 26.2 mile marathon.

She was into her ninth day of this gruelling test when she threw in the towel achieving a top ten finish as one of only four competitors left of the original 20 – and the only woman. Here is Monique's rundown of this year's tough-as-nails sports challenge.

Down in the New Forest

The itinerary was up at 6am for a 2.4-mile swim in the lake, out for a 112-mile cycle ride (10 laps on open roads), then a marathon 26.2-mile run round woodland trails (26 laps). Then up the next day to do it all again for eight consecutive days. I did the swim and one lap of the bike on day nine before realising it was time to call it a day. I got my top ten finish as there were only four of the original 20 left when I dropped out! The other three guys went on to finish, but I didn't envy them on day 10 when it was hammering it down!

Day-by-day endurance diaryWell at the end of the first day, everyone had a reality check and realised how hard it was going to be. The course was tough, hilly and slow cycling with lots of headwind and a rough off-road run with plenty of tree root tripping potential.I had a slow day as the heat meant my salts were a bit depleted, so I walked the marathon while eating to refuel for the next day.

Day two was more heat, but I was a few minutes quicker. Day three we had rain and by this time the tiredness was starting to have an effect. I also got shin splints which the doctor said could lead to a stress fracture.

I decided to ignore the shin pain and started to take a morning sleep after the swim and breakfast in order to feel reasonable for the bike. This meant I was slow on the bike and had to make up time on the run. Fortunately running is my strong point, but it still meant I was only getting an hour and a half sleep at night and no amount of effort could make up more time.

What started to cause problems was the cold. Finishing late each evening, I could not regulate my body temperature in time for the swim the next day so needed to get into bed afterwards to warm up. By the end I had two hot water bottles but still was shivering my way through the morning on the bike.

On day nine I had had the least sleep all week and was feeling cold again. On the swim, I had a moment(!) and climbed out of the swim ready to ditch out. Dave, my partner, talked me back into my wetsuit so I finished the swim, but out on the bike it was impossible to stay awake. Even after a 10 minute power nap I was still finding it impossible, so that was time to call it a day.

The road to recoveryI was not too disappointed. I was one of only four left in it by this time, so it had proved to be a difficult event for everyone – and the only woman.

Since I stopped I have done a lot of sleeping. My shin is still sore but the swelling is settling down. I'm going to rest up for a few weeks now and enjoy the summer, get on with the garden etc.

I had a great time and the kind of people who do these things are great fun to be round – all positive thinkers and tough as old boots. Although perhaps not a bag of laughs every minute, it was absorbing and enjoyable to get together with friends from previous events and to meet some new ones.

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