'World Ironman Championship will be a fun day out'

A man preparing to compete in the World Ironman Championship says it will be a "fun day out" after turning his hobby into a "real passion".

Adam Fieldhouse, 28, from Dulverton, Somerset, will face some of the world's top athletes when he competes in the men's international contest in Nice, France, this September.

The Ironman includes a 2.4-mile (3.8km) swim, a 112-mile (180km) bike ride and a marathon run.

"I thought OK, I'm pretty much doing training for this anyway because I enjoy it - I may as well have a go at the competitions," said Mr Fieldhouse.

He explained he grew up next to Wimbleball Lake in Brompton Regis, Exmoor.

"There's lots of hills and countryside, so I was always cycling up and down around them.

"Occasionally a bit of swimming in the lake, too. That's where it all began. It's just a hobby that became a real passion of mine," Mr Fieldhouse said.

He added: "Mainly it's just a fun day out all these competitions."

Mr Fieldhouse said he had made training part of his lifestyle, but he does not go to the gym, preferring to exercise outside.

"I've done Taunton park run probably about 20 times now," the triathlete said.

"I come first quite often in it, depending on who else turns up. I love it, it's a good effort. You always feel good afterwards."

The engineer, who runs his own business and holds orienteering events, said: "I feel like my main limiting factor is the rest of my life commitments.

"I think I could improve significantly and I hope I do improve over the next few years. But I mainly just do it to enjoy it."

He said he always tries to encourage more people to get into sports.

"Starting is always the hardest part.

"It's a nice break from your other stressors in life, just you and your bike out there. I find it quite relaxing," he added.

Looking ahead to the World Ironman Championship race, Mr Fieldhouse, who was part of Loughborough University's triathlon team, said: "Starting on a start line against all the best people is going to be amazing.

"I'm sure they will make me look really bad."

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