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drew harding

@drewhtri

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Dad of 2 🇬🇧 - Ironman Wales 2025 🏅🗝️
Revisiting DJing and music production in my 40s. Never too old to learn new tricks.

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Split out drum racks into separate tracks? Easy!

I've been playing with @ableton extensions SDK and made this Drum Rack MIDI splitter. Let me know what you think.

#ableton by @drewhtri

10

0

4 months ago

Just a marathon to go 😅. 42km of tarmac and hills was all that stood between me and the finish line.

The plan was still the same: keep moving forward, no heroics.

My initial confidence was buoyed by the crowds. The hills felt steep in parts but you're rewarded with the descent. The town loop was remarkable - kids giving high-fives, strangers cheering you on by name, and fellow athletes sharing stories as our journeys intertwined. Seeing my parents at the end of lap 1 was a wholesome boost. 3 laps to go.

As darkness set in, the real work began. With my watch on 4% battery, I killed the GPS to save the clock so I could do cut-off calculations in my head. Gels became harder to stomach and my legs grew stiffer. I just kept repeating my mantra: 'Pain will pass, Pride will last'. This is what I’d trained for - to keep going when the body wants to stop.

The small moments are what get you through and there were so many on the run. I saw one guy on every lap, standing in the same spot cheering. Another at the turnaround point telling me, 'You're making someone proud... keep doing it for them'. Those words hit home.

On the last lap, I got my final band and forced down one last horrible gel. In town, I saw the stars over the same beach where the day began 15 hours earlier. It was magical.

Rounding a corner in the quiet part of town, I saw him - the same supporter, now alone, still there! I stopped, shook his hand, and thanked him. 'Be proud!' he said.

Just moments later, I saw it. The red carpet. The lights, the music, the roaring crowds. I saw the first-timer bell and grabbed the rope, ringing it with everything I had. The crowd erupted as the bell rang out. What a moment.

I found my family, my support crew, right by the finish. After hugs and kisses, I heard the announcer: 'ANDREW HARDING, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!'. I took the final few steps, crossed the line and let out a triumphant roar of my own.

I did it.

From 'I can't'... to IRONMAN 🥹

#Ironman #IronmanWales #IMWales #FirstIronman #FinishLine #SlayTheDragon #AnythingIsPossible #Triathlon #tenby by @drewhtri

27

2

a year ago

My game plan for the 180km bike leg was simple: stay controlled. My bike, however, had other ideas. 🔧

After a front derailleur fix from the on-site mechanics on racking day, I felt confident setting off on the bike. I settled into a good pace, soaked up the incredible views, and stuck to my plan on the hills: don’t blow up! After all, this was the longest I’d ever ridden, and a marathon still waited.

After 60km, my guts took an unexpected turn. I admitted defeat at 90km to take a 20-min ‘relief’ stop at Aid Station 3. Not ideal.

But the highs on the bike were incredible. Reaching the infamous Wisemans climb, I gave it everything and conquered it. Then came Heartbreak Hill - a long climb with incredible energy. The crowds were phenomenal, Tour de France style. Seeing my family running alongside me lifted my soul. The positive energy was unimaginable.

As I started the second lap, I glanced at the time. It was getting tight for the 10.5hr cut-off. I didn’t panic, just stuck to the plan.

And that’s when the derailleur problem came back.

At 125km, gear changes became inconsistent. On one hill, my chain came off completely. I got it back on and kept going, but it got worse. Soon it wouldn't shift down without a physical kick. With 30km to go, I made a choice: stick to the small cog for the rest of the ride. My legs spun like mad, but it was better than getting stuck on a climb.

Time was now critical. I was unsure if I’d make the cut-off. I changed plans and started pushing as hard as I could everywhere. As I hit Wiseman’s for the final time, my body screamed back with both legs cramping simultaneously. I jumped off and pushed the bike up the steepest part, managing the cramp just enough to get back on.

On the final push up Heartbreak Hill, my support crew asked about the time, it was going to be VERY tight. They gave me the energy I needed and I pushed on hard all the way into Tenby.

I crossed the bike dismount line with 15 minutes to spare. The relief was immense. Phew.

Now for T2 & just 42km and 500m of hills stood between me and becoming an Ironman.

Race recap of The Run coming soon.

#ironman #ironmanwales #imwales #firstironman #tenby #slaythedragon by @drewhtri

29

0

a year ago

For a moment, I wondered if I could do it.

Walking through Tenby in the twilight, there was a real buzz in the air. My first sight of North Beach that morning was incredible - the sea looked choppy, but thousands of spectators were already lining the entire seafront. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

As the Welsh national anthem played, looking at the flags and the crowds, the moment felt truly special, full of anticipation for what was ahead: my first Ironman starting with the 2.4-mile sea swim.

I ran into the water and began to swim, but I didn’t feel comfortable at all. My stroke was off, I couldn't settle into a rhythm, and the water was a murky chaos of bodies turning the surface white. I felt completely overwhelmed so resorted to breaststroke for a moment.

A little voice crept in: "I don't know if I can do this"

But as quickly as that thought came, I told myself to shut up. I wasn't going through all that training and family sacrifice to stop here.

I started again, counting strokes to focus. It wasn't clean but I kept moving forward. Into the second turn buoy, I kicked harder to try to find space, only for both my calves to cramp up solid. There was nothing to do but just suck it up and swim on, dragging my legs behind me.

After a wobbly exit from lap one, I gave myself a good talking to. I knew what to expect now.

Diving in for the second lap, my stroke immediately felt more fluid. I was more assertive, and on the final stretch, I even took a jellyfish to the face - it felt like a spicy stinging nettle, but I just kept going. 🪼🌊

Upon reaching the end of lap 2, the relief of feeling the sand with my hands was immense. I had done it. A massive moment of self-doubt, pushed through.

Running up the zig-zags and onto the Tenby streets through a tunnel of cheering people, I heard Sav shouting my name. Seeing him, my Mum and my Dad was the biggest boost I could have asked for. A massive smile on my face, I headed into T1.

The Swim was done. Now, for 112 miles on the bike on one of the toughest Ironman courses. 🚵🏻‍♂️

My race report will continue with the Bike leg in my next post. Stay tuned!

#Ironman #IronmanWales #IMWales #IronmanTenby #FirstIronman #Tenby taken in Tenby, Pembrokeshire by @drewhtri

32

7

a year ago

A gentle dip, a gentle ride, a gentle jog... You Are An Ironman.

Picked up this awesome picture with a personal touch from the artist @rachelrasmussenart the day after Ironman Wales 😍

It's going to have a very special place in our home.

#ironman #ironmanwales #imwales #tenby by @drewhtri

13

1

a year ago

Nearly a year in the making and now I am officially an IRONMAN @ironmantri @ironman_uk

Still absolutely buzzing with the outcome, the experience and the phenomenal support of my family, friends and coaches (@new_life_wellness @rosierunningwild @thetriguys_coaching) to make it possible.

Ironman Wales had truly left its mark on me.

Full debrief to follow but for now, resting and eating (with a bit more eating 😋)

#ironman #imwales #ironmanwales #anythingispossible #slaythedragon by @drewhtri

39

8

a year ago

#medalmonday Ironman Wales 2025 + quest for the key complete

@ironmantri @ironman_uk by @drewhtri

26

3

a year ago

Ironman Wales race day socks 😍

Bike washed and ready to go, kit being packed and nutrition and hydration plan finalised ahead of Sunday.

3 days to go.

#ironmanwales #imwales #ironman #ironmantri #firsttimer by @drewhtri

12

0

a year ago

Ironman Wales incomming 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

5 days til race day

#ironman #ironmanwales #ironmantenby #imwales by @drewhtri

8

0

a year ago

1 weekend, 9 months in the making… 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21km run 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️ Countless emotions and memories for life ✨

My first 70.3 - what a feeling! I'm officially halfway to my goal with @ironmantri Wales up next in September.

Pure love for this incredible journey so far and for the support received along the way 🙌

Sorry, not sorry for the reel music selection - something that goes round and round in my head on the run when it gets a bit spicy 😅🎶

#IM703Swansea #IMSwansea703 #Ironman703 #SwanseaTriathlon #FirstHalfIronman #IronmanWales #HalfwayThere #TriathlonLife #EarnedNotGiven #TriathlonJourney #EnduranceSport #triathlonbeginner
#swimbikerun by @drewhtri

27

2

a year ago

What a weekend. 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

From the jellyfish surprise in the marina to crossing that finish line, @ironmantri Swansea 70.3 was unforgettable.

🏊‍♂️ SWIM (40m): Glorious sunshine, flat waters, perfect Pro race views. Stepped onto the jetty and suddenly I was at the start: "let's do this!" Dove in reminding myself to stay calm, breathe easy, don't rush, keep sighting (all the things you forget when adrenaline kicks in). Found my rhythm quickly and felt in control. Water was warm, sun was blazing, I was swimming around people to find space & unfazed when I did come into contact. Counting each buoy off I got closer to completing the swim. I hit the Roka gate with relief and excitement - right then I knew I was finishing this. Game on!

🚴‍♂️ BIKE (3:33 - 90km + 1.1km ⛰️): This was all about managing the effort, fueling well & enjoying the ride. Had to remind myself I still had a half marathon ahead - no Strava PR heroics! The Gower course was incredible - challenging climbs but nothing that had me questioning life choices. Cutting through with blazing sun, surrounded by thousands chasing the same goal felt amazing. My favourite part of the whole course.

🏃‍♂️ RUN (2:12 - first ever half marathon!): Unknown territory! 21km in 28°C+ heat - what could go wrong? 😂 I wanted to finish without cramp rather than chase times. So I walked aid stations, took electrolytes, poured water over head and back. Kept a steady effort, dialed it back when I felt good (easier said than done!). The crowd was IMMENSE - shouting my name, cheering, high fiving kids, sprayed by their water guns. All genuinely helped keep me moving and made it truly enjoyable.

HIGHLIGHTS: Seeing family at run start was everything (the boost I needed) then again on red carpet sharing this epic moment. They've supported me throughout and sharing this was incredible.

Meeting my amazing coach @rosierunningwild IRL for the first time - her guidance has been invaluable. Sorry for ignoring you on the run! 😅

Biggest satisfaction? Feeling in control all day - using mental techniques to stay calm, composed, keep moving. Those last kms hurt A LOT, but crossing that line was pure magic ✨ #earnednotgiven taken in Swansea, South Wales by @drewhtri

24

7

a year ago

Earned, not given 🏅#medalmonday

Full race recap coming later this week but that was some day! @ironmantri Swansea 70.3 absolutely delivered.

I'm incredibly proud to have run down that red carpet and shared the course with thousands of others including some of the world's best Pro athletes.

#ironmantri #im703swansea #imswansea703 #swansea703 #swanseaironman #triathlonbeginner @ironman_uk taken in Swansea, South Wales by @drewhtri

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7

a year ago