LINDA Spillane is a perfect example of the old adage that age is just a number – the Newport grandmother recently took on and completed her first ever Ironman triathlon.

Tackling the Ironman Wales event in Tenby, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run, was a daunting prospect, but one that didn’t deter the 67-year-old.

“I was not particularly sporty at school and as an adult could swim two lengths in a swimming pool,” said Linda.

“Then in my 60s I took lessons and started swimming regularly. I spotted a poster for the Newport and East Wales Triathlon Club at my local pool and after improving my distance completed the swim test and joined up.

“My first run was a jog along a main road lasting just three minutes, then Parkrun began in Newport. I printed my barcode from the website and turned up for my first 5k.

“I couldn’t run the whole distance at first but within six months I’d lost a stone in weight, was keeping a consistent pace and felt fitter than I had for years.

“I bought a road bike from a friend, even though the dropped handlebars looked scary, and that autumn did my first triathlon, which started in a pool, and I was hooked.”

She continued: “Parkrun became a regular Saturday morning fixture, I joined Lliswerry Runners and began entering longer running races and triathlons.

“I remember my first Cardiff Half Marathon and the thrill of running across the Cardiff Bay Barrage – I amazed myself each time I crossed any finish line.”

To get to the start line in Tenby took a huge amount of commitment and hours upon hours of training.

Just 10.7% of competitors this year were female out of almost 2,000 entrants.

“I was lucky to meet another cyclist who was also training for Ironman and we agreed to train together,” added Linda.

“Some months later we’d built mileage and distance until we could cycle up to 100 miles on a regular basis.”

With its sea swim and hilly bike section, Ironman Wales ranks as one of the toughest in the world, but it was an event that Linda fully embraced.

“The weather was fine on race day in September but sea conditions can change rapidly and the second lap of the swim was a bit choppy,” she said.

“The bike course round Pembrokeshire is hilly and challenging but has fantastic support from locals and stunning scenery from start to finish.

“On the marathon section throngs of people, including many club members, stayed up late into the night to cheer runners through the streets of Tenby. The atmosphere was wonderful.

“I’d entered the sea around 7.30am in the full glow of a spectacular sunrise over Tenby and at 10.30pm my grandchildren, in their double buggy, watched me cross the finish line to become an Ironman.

“It was a memorable day and I am very thankful I was able to take part in and complete this fantastic endurance event.

“I was never good at swimming, I bought my first bike aged 62 and had never run before (apart for buses or after my children). The Ironman motto is ‘anything is possible’.”