Adam Bowden should really be enjoying a honeymoon on a sun-kissed beach somewhere right now, but instead he’ll be spending this weekend in Bolton as he seeks glory at IRONMAN UK.
The 38-year-old British 70.3 record holder got married two weeks ago, but he will still line up in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning as he continues a journey he hopes will take him to the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona in October.
Understanding wife
He said: “After getting married just two weeks ago I should be on honeymoon, but I have a very understanding wife who has encouraged me to race in Bolton this weekend.
“It’s going to be a special event, as it’s not only local, but will be the first time since the pandemic started that I’ll have support there with my wife and stepsons coming to cheer me on. The last time my family were at one of my races was the World Champs in Nice 2019.”
Bolton comes hot on the heels of Adam’s first full IRONMAN appearance in Tulsa in May, where he was right in contention on the big leg before a mechanical issue took him out of contention. He would eventually finish 16th in 8:18:08.
Adam’s learning curve
Bowden came away from Oklahoma with a ton of lessons learned, revealing: “I learnt loads from my first experience in North America around my pacing and nutrition, something I’m looking to put into practice in Bolton.
“I’m feeling really strong and coming into the race with the added high from our wedding a couple of weeks ago – I’m hoping for a great result.”
Adam will have plenty of undulations to contend with on Sunday, and he’s been preparing accordingly for what promises to be a tough test.
“It’s a hilly course so I’ve prepared slightly different with a mileage-based training stimulus at a lower intensity.”
