Dundee responder competes in Barcelona Ironman

Big congratulations to Dundee emergency responder Susan Simpson who competed in the Barcelona Ironman event.

Susan, Advanced Practitioner in Urgent and Primary Care, said she has always wanted to try an Ironman after seeing an event on TV.

The gruelling event, with average time of 13 hours and held on October 5, features a sea swim, a fast bike course and a flat run.

Making the feat more impressive, Susan said over the last few years she had been experiencing perimenopause.

She added: “This had a fairly significant impact on me physically and mentally and I really needed and wanted something to push my limits and see where my boundaries lie - seems I don't have any. I had heard countless times that Ironman will change your life and though it sounds cheesy, it really has changed mine.

“I always wanted to try competing in a triathlon, but it always seemed a bit out of my reach. However, last year I decided I wanted to give it a go and did a couple of sprint triathlons and loved them. I then thought it was a good idea to sign up for an ironman. I signed up with a whole year ahead. There were a number of reasons I wanted to do an Ironman.

Firstly, because it’s something that terrified me and it’s also the biggest one-day sporting event I could think of.”

To prepare herself, she said she took part in several smaller triathlons.

Speaking on competing, she said it was ‘probably the hardest sporting event I've taken part in,’ adding:

“There were several times in the lead up that I questioned if I could do this but desperately wanted to prove to myself that I could. I also wanted to show my daughter that if you work hard and don't give up, you can achieve things you once thought were out of your reach.

“The event was amazing, the organisation, the supporters – it was the best event I’ve ever done. Hearing 'Susan Simpson, you are an Ironman' cant even begin to tell you the emotions I was feeling at that point!

She said she’d also like to inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and embrace a challenge which might not seem possible right now, it can be achieved with the right mindset.

This year, Susan has already taken part in the Edinburgh New Years day Triathlon, Hyrox European championship in Vienna, Glasgow solo pro and pro doubles, Montrose sprint Triathlon, Speyside Triathlon, Monikie standard distance triathlon, Loch Lomond beastie Triathlon and Aberfeldy Middle distance Triathlon.

She has already signed up for Ironman Portugal in 2026.