Edinburgh Subway owner carb loads for Ironman challenge

February 8, 2020

An Edinburgh Subway franchise owner is preparing to take on his biggest physical challenge to date.

Subway owner Oscar Ball carbs up for Ironman Challenge

Oscar Ball is swapping sub sandwiches as he works towards a goal of completing a sub 10 hour at Ironman Vitoria-Gasteiz in July. In preparation for the Ironman, Oscar will be taking part in the Inverness Half Marathon on 8th March 2020, followed by a middle distance triathlon in May.

As the first half marathon of the year, Inverness Half Marathon will act as a warm-up race for Oscar. It will also allow him to practice proper pacing which is extremely important during triathlons to prevent burn out. Having only taken up running again in July 2018, Oscar will use experience gained at Inverness Half Marathon during a middle distance triathlon, which finishes with a half marathon.

Helping Oscar on his journey is Finlay McAndrew, a coach at What’s your Meta?. Finlay has himself just qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and has been providing training plans and nutritional information as well as full race support.

Commenting on the challenge, Oscar said: “Taking on an Ironman is a massive challenge so it’s important to prepare as best I can. Participating in Inverness Half Marathon will provide me with good data, as well as fitness, to use during my middle distance triathlon in May and ultimately, my full Ironman in July.

“My goal is to complete Ironman Vitoria-Gasteiz in under 10 hours, so training in race conditions is important. Inverness Half Marathon came highly recommended and its timing fits perfectly into my training schedule, alongside cycling, swimming and strength training sessions. I’m incredibly grateful to my coach, Finlay McAndrew, for providing such great support and expertise.

“Training and competing in half marathons and Ironmans are mentally, as well as physically, challenging but have helped me become healthier and happier. I look forward to stepping up my training at Inverness Half Marathon and taking lessons learned to the next events throughout the year.”

Malcolm Sutherland, director of Inverness Half Marathon, added: “It’s great to see Inverness Half Marathon being used as a training race for events throughout the year. We wish Oscar all the best and look forward to seeing him in March.”

Fancy using Inverness Half Marathon or 5K as training for other races throughout the year? Entry closes on 18th February 2020, subject to race capacity. Entry sold out early last year due to demand. Book your place here.