About Maria

My name's Maria Dye & I'm a triathlete! There, that's it, I've finally said it.

It's still an admission that feels a bit embarrassing, mainly because I consider myself to be far too much of a novice for such a worthy label.
I'm a mum, I'm a teacher, I'm a runner, I'm 47-years-old ... all those fit the bill nicely, but triathlete is still out there, a title that doesn't sit very comfortably just yet.
However, I have been dabbling for about 2 years now and have the grand total of 7 triathlons under my belt, including the Outlaw Half, a middle distance tri, completed in June 2013, of which I'm quite proud.

However, I have discovered that the three-pronged sport is quite an addictive beast, so much so, that from my humble beginnings in the novice tri category, I've been driven by a curious longing. Each time I've tasted it, I've gone back for more, inevitably looking for a longer, stronger, more powerful hit.
It's been a classic journey - from novice to sprint, sprint to standard, standard to middle and now the big one...Ironman!
I honestly didn't realise that's where I was heading. When I began this journey, those closest to me will testify that although I've been a runner for many years, my cycling and swimming were truly awful - think hopeless, then drop down a few notches!
However, what I lack in skill I've learned to make up for in effort and sheer determination. In two years I have learned to ride a bike and swim front crawl, enough to make me believe that I can take on the ultimate challenge - IMUK 2014. I now believe that you can teach an old dog new tricks!
This blog is not about the science of training, it's not a platform to boast about what I choose to do with my time, it's going to be a down-to earth, realistic account of how a busy, working mum steps well out of her comfort zone and up to the mark, to achieve a huge personal goal.  
I hope you enjoy my journey.