Our Fitness Instructor proves that with the right mindset and preparation, anything is possible.
If you’ve ever joined one of our Run Club sessions or attended a fitness class at Ravelin Sports Centre, you’ll know Ben Jarvis, our energetic, encouraging, and ever-determined instructor. Outside of coaching and inspiring others, Ben pushes his own limits in the world of endurance sports. This July, he completed his fourth full Ironman in Leeds. For those unfamiliar, Ironman is one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world: a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride, and a 42.2km marathon, all in one race.
Here’s Ben’s story of the day:
On Friday morning, my wife, our daughter and I set off on the five-hour drive to Leeds, making a few pit stops along the way. Once we arrived, we checked into our Airbnb before heading straight to Roundhay Park for registration. Seeing the finish line, the tents, the merchandise stands, and rows of triathlon gear made it all feel real. A bit of shopping late,r and we were set for the weekend.
Saturday started with a short shakeout run around the lake, stretching the legs before race day. I packed my transition bags, double-checked everything for the bike and run legs, dropped them off and racked my bike. With everything set, the rest of the day was for stretching, eating carbs, and getting some rest before the big day.
Race morning came early - we were up at 4am, took a quiet walk to the park, did final checks on the bike, and had a quick breakfast with my wife and daughter before heading to the swim start with 2,000 other competitors.
Swim - 3.8km (1:12:55)
Leaving my wife and daughter before the start was a bit emotional. In the pen, the national anthem started and gave me shivers. The claps began, the music went up, and one by one, athletes made their way into the water. The lake was clear, plenty of space to swim, lots of turns, but I kept a steady pace and soon found my rhythm. Before long, the swim was done. The crowd noise hit as I came up the ramp towards transition, spotting my wife and daughter in the crowd - the perfect boost before tackling the first hills of the day.
Bike - 180km (7:09:03)
I started the bike steady, letting faster riders overtake while I focused on settling in and getting some nutrition in early. The main thing I kept telling myself here was to not be silly, settle in and enjoy the day, don't get a puncture - it's just like going out for a long ride. The course had plenty of hills, very few flat sections, but my training around the South Downs and Portsdown Hill paid off. Around 70k, I saw my wife and daughter for the first time since the swim, gave them a quick wave and carried on towards “Black Hill”, a 1.5km climb averaging 7%, with some brutally steep sections over 15% and one stretch close to 20%. The support on the hill was incredible every lap, crowds lined the road, music blasting, people cheering, making each climb a bit easier. Three laps passed, each busier with support, before heading back to transition, catching sight of my family once more before racking the bike.
Run - 42.2km (4:06:33)
This is where I’m at home, where I’m comfortable, and I know I will finish no matter what. After having done 70 marathons, this is where I know I’m in control and know exactly what’s needed at any point - when to speed up, slow down, take on nutrition or do what’s needed to get to the finish line.
This time was different for me, though. This time I wanted to get to the finish line with a smile on my face, no pain, I just wanted to enjoy the run, chat with fellow runners and see my family as much as I could. We had four laps to run, with several hills on each lap. I knew I was going to run all of the first lap, then walk most of the hills from lap two. This way I’d be in good shape, able to enjoy it and smile every mile, and that’s exactly what I did.
I chatted with other runners, helped them through tough moments, saw my wife and daughter several times each lap and just had fun with it. Nutrition was on point - gels, crisps, water, soda from the aid stations - making sure I took my time to get everything in.
Lap four felt like a victory lap. High fives to the children, thanking marshals, giving encouragement to those struggling or still with a long way to go. Coming up to the finish line was amazing - hugs and kisses from my wife and daughter, then down the final stretch, hearing: “Ben Jarvis… YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!” Punching the air, celebrating, and taking in the crowd, the noise, and the feeling of becoming a four-time Ironman finisher with a finish time of 12:44:21.
I took my time after crossing the finish line. I spoke with the marshals and fellow athletes in the finisher tent, where we grabbed some food and drink before I headed off to find my family. We sat near the finish line, watching the big screen, seeing other athletes make their way home. We chatted about the day, sharing perspectives, stories from the swim, the bike, and the run. It felt like the perfect way to round off an Ironman - celebrating, winding down, taking it all in.
After sorting out my race kit and freshening up, I headed back to the finish line to join the party, cheering in the later finishers and having a moment to reflect on my day. I had enjoyed every part of it - from saying goodbye to my family at the start, hearing the national anthem, the music blasting as we entered the water, to smiling and chatting my way through the race, helping others where I could and showing what Ironman is all about. Coming down that final stretch, feeling every emotion and remembering every reason why I do this - that’s what it’s all about.
Months ago, I set myself a goal: to complete the Tri-Nations - Ironman Wales, Ireland, and now the UK. I’ve done it, and I’ve done it on my own terms, my way, for me. I’m proud of that - not just for finishing, but for the way I trained and raced this time.
It wasn’t easy. Training with a young daughter, from when she was six months to fourteen months old, working full time, fitting sessions into breaks, early mornings, and using any free hour I could find that didn’t cut into family time. I even used annual leave for the really long days, one of them a 112-mile bike ride.
This time, unlike my previous Ironmans, I trained completely on my own. No triathlon team, no training partners, no one to drag me out on dark mornings or keep me company when motivation dipped. It was just me, my own headspace, my own schedule. In some ways, it was good - I could train how and when I wanted. In others, it was tough. But it made this finish feel even more special.
I did two half Ironmans in the lead-up, which helped me fine-tune my pacing and race strategy, focusing only on my own effort rather than comparing myself to others. On race day, that paid off. I never felt bored or lonely out there. I was content in my own space, just trucking along, knowing this was my race.
If you’re thinking of taking on a challenge - big or small - know your why, commit to it, and believe in yourself. Whether it’s 5k or 226km, mental strength and consistent training will get you to the finish line.
From everyone at Ravelin Sports Centre, a huge well done to our very own Ironman Ben! We’re incredibly proud of his outstanding achievement and the determination, discipline, and positivity he’s shown throughout his Ironman journey. Ben isn’t just an amazing athlete - he’s an inspiration to everyone around him, from his Run Club members to those who join his fitness classes every week. Ben’s dedication to balancing training, family life, and his role here at Ravelin is truly admirable, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him on our team.
Thinking of running your first 5k, tackling a marathon, or even training for a triathlon or Ironman?
Chat to Ben at Ravelin Sports Centre or join one of his Run Club sessions - he’s full of great advice, motivation, and training tips to help you get started and reach your goals.
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