Last Saturday, I ran the Stubai Ultra Trail — 35 km with 2,500 meters of elevation gain. I had planned for around 6 hours. It took me 7 hours 31 minutes and 54 seconds. I was the second-to-last person to finish before the cutoff.

It was the hardest run I’ve ever done — even though I’ve completed longer, steeper, and more demanding ultra trails before.

At km 19, before the second climb of over 1,000 meters, I was about to give up. My stomach didn’t want to cooperate anymore, my pulse exploded, and I felt faint. I just wanted to lay down on the path and sleep. Every single step was a fight. For the next 7 km.

My body is so sore, I can’t even walk the stairs. I can’t sleep. It feels like I’m back to square one.

I’m getting older.

I’m 44 years old. I have a family, a full-time job. I can cycle, run, and swim. I’m at least 10 kilograms overweight. And I’ve decided to become an Ironman.

My name is Bart — so let’s call this journey ironBart.

Can I prepare for an Ironman in 365 days — without losing my job, my family, or my sanity?

This is my story. A blog about becoming an Ironman — or rather, becoming ironBart. A story about pressure, pain, and finding release through endurance, clarity, and silence.