Who Endeavours An Ironman for Mental Health? ME!

Hi, I'm Alahna.

Sooooo… I signed up to do my first Ironman Triathlon in Barcelona on 1st October 2023!?!?! I think many of you knew this, but since it’s officially ONE MONTH AWAY, it’s starting to feel very real and there’s no turning back now. My palms are sweating just thinking about it …

If you’re unaware or need a reminder, an Iron Distance Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile (3.8Km) swim into a 112-mile (180km) bike into a freaking marathon to finish things (aka Me) off. That’s finishing with a 26.2-mile (42.2Km) run for a total of 140.6 miles of non-stop werk, bitch.

I’ve put in 8 months of training, thousands of monnies, many “no’s” to a social life, daily 5am mornings and even broke a bone to do this crazy thing. If you’re asking yourself why anyone would put themselves through that… I don't even know anymore, but I’m now raising awareness and money for a cause close to my heart, so I really really can’t turn back. F@&k.

I’m raising support for the UK-based Black Minds Matter charity and the US-based Black Mental Health Alliance. Both are organisations providing education, de-stigmatisation and services in mental health to the Black Community. As someone who has struggled with my own mental health issues (especially training for this Ironman) and who has lost friends and seen loved ones suffer due to mental health crises, I believe that the work of these two orgs is critical. And unless you never watch the news or live under a rock, I’m sure you know that the Black community desperately needs the mental health support it is usually denied.

My goal over the next 30 days is to raise at least £1406.00, £10 per mile of my Ironman, to split between these two charities. If you would like to support, sponsor a specific mile(s) or sponsor the entire Swim, Bike or Run, please donate.

And please share this page with your friends and family. Every bit helps. Love you.

Pray for me.