This weekend, I witnessed something extraordinary: my husband, Simon, completed his first Ironman.
That’s 4km of swimming. 180km on a bike. Then a full marathon. Back-to-back. In one day.
I’d seen the training. The 5am alarms. The frozen bike rides. The aching muscles. The spreadsheets and stretching. The quiet discipline. But it wasn’t until I stood there — watching the sea of wetsuits disappear into the lake — that I really understood the scale of what he was attempting. And it wasn’t until I saw him run up the red carpet hours later, utterly spent, and ring the “first-timer” bell, that the emotion truly hit.
It was inspiring. But also deeply human. And if you’ve read my LinkedIn post, as I’ve continued to reflect on the event, I’ve found myself thinking not just about Simon — but about the women I work with every day at Eva Wealth. Because this wasn’t just a sporting achievement. It was a lesson in mindset, discipline, and the power of support. And those lessons are relevant far beyond triathlons.
1. Discipline Doesn’t Have to Be Loud
No one saw the race coming together in real time. They saw the finish line photo. The medal. The bell. But the real work? That happened day after day, without fanfare. In the cold. In the dark. On the days when the motivation wasn’t there — but he showed up anyway.
So much of what matters in life is built like that. Quietly.
This is true for money, too. Building financial confidence or preparing for a major life shift — divorce, retirement, selling a business — it’s not one big, dramatic moment. It’s the decision to keep showing up for yourself, even when you’d rather avoid it. It’s checking in on your values. Updating your plans. Building habits that stick.
We often assume “discipline” means perfection or punishment. But really, it just means staying connected to what matters. Over and over again.
2. Support Changes the Whole Story
Simon didn’t do this alone. It started with a friend seeding the idea. Then came a coach to help structure the training. People who checked in. Family who showed up. And in his hardest moment — around 209km, when his stomach was heaving and he still had 15k to go — a friend appeared, put an arm around him, and ran beside him.
That’s the part that really got me.
Because whether it’s a physical challenge or a financial one, we are not meant to go it alone. And yet so many of us try. We’re taught to be capable, self-sufficient, responsible. And of course you are — but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve, or do better with, support.
You’re allowed to have someone in your corner. Someone who believes in you, helps you see the big picture, and runs beside you when you hit your own version of the 209k wall.
Support doesn’t make you weaker. It makes you stronger.
3. Being a Witness to Growth is a Gift
There’s something incredibly moving about seeing someone you love stretch themselves. Really stretch. To the very edge of what they think they’re capable of — and then go beyond it.
It’s not just pride you feel. It’s awe. Respect. And it’s something I recognise from my own work too.
At Eva Wealth, I’ve seen women walk through the door unsure, overwhelmed, or carrying the emotional weight of past financial experiences. And I’ve seen those same women take bold, brilliant action. Ask better questions. Build clarity. Rewrite their money stories. Take control.
That’s not something you can force. It’s something that happens when someone decides to rise — and is supported in doing so.
So here’s what this incredible weekend taught me — and what I want to pass on to you:
- Discipline isn’t dramatic. It’s quiet, consistent, and powerful.
- Support isn’t optional. It’s transformational.
- And witnessing someone rise — whether it’s in sport, finance, or life — can often take you higher too. What a privilege.
So, whatever your version of the Ironman is, I hope you know you’re more capable than you think. And if you haven’t already, think about who your people are that you need around you who will run beside you when you need it most.
You don’t have to do it all alone.
If you want a helping hand with the marathon that is long-term financial planning – get in touch with me today and we can find a way forward together.
