British age-grouper Catherine Faux has revealed exclusively to 220 that she will not be racing at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii this October, as she expects to start working as a doctor in August and has "almost zero chance" of being able to get enough time off to race.
Faux, who placed 10th woman overall in Kona last year, adds: "Even if I could [get time off] I’m not sure I’d want to compete in Kona on sub-optimal training, which I’m anticipating in the scary and stressful first few weeks of being a doctor. I hope I’ll be there again in the future."
The Sheffield-based medical student says that she does plan to race in some triathlons this year, with Challenge Roth in July earmarked as her main race for 2014, where she will be hoping to post splits comparable to the leading pro women's field, which includes such names as Rachel Joyce and Mirinda Carfrae.
She has also been enlisted as an ambassador for this year's Will of Iron, a fundraising project for UK charity Willow which challenges people to complete an Iron-distance triathlon over seven consecutive days this May, either as an individual or as part of a team.
"When I was a kid my dad would agree to sponsor me if either the challenge really was challenging, or it was for a great cause. Will of Iron is both of these," she says. "In my medical studies I’m constantly reminded to be thankful for my health, since so many others are less fortunate. Taking on the Will of Iron is a way to push your limits at the same time as raising awareness and funds to help others."
When asked for her advice to tri newbies thinking of taking on the challenge, she adds: "Get some padded shorts! Eat lots of food. Rope in as many friends as you can so you can have some training buddies (and raise even more!). Enjoy it; your body is far more capable than you think."