A POLICEWOMAN who trained for a gruelling fitness challenge said she had been on an ‘awesome and amazing’ journey.

Christine Gould of Weymouth embarked on a remarkable quest over 45 weeks from ‘couch potato to ironwoman’ after winning free fitness training in a charity-supporting competition run by Andy Sloan of Procision Fitness.

Her goal was competing in the Ironman UK triathlon competition in Bolton, Greater Manchester, during the summer. Competitors have to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run a marathon.

Christine was given a year’s free membership to Weymouth Swimming Pool and gym to help with her training.

And people were asked to sponsor her so she could raise money for the cause of her choice.

Christine selected Weymouth fundraising group Ladies Alive – and was delighted to hand over a £1,000 cheque when it was all completed.

Christine, 50, said: “The whole experience was an amazing and awesome journey. Reflecting back, I cannot believe how I ever managed to juggle a family, work full time, change my eating habits overnight, stay focused and fit in all my training.”

Unfortunately for Christine, she failed to complete the cycle ride within the required time in the Ironman UK triathlon which meant she was excluded from the marathon – but she is determined to compete again in future.

She said: “You can’t plan for everything – some things just happen on the day and you don’t get your medal.

“I have however raised £1,000 in fundraising and I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who helped me raise that massive amount.

“Also, thanks to Andy Sloan for putting me through the gruesome race which I thoroughly enjoyed and for which I will continue to train – it’s opened up a new network of friends and now I am back training – I need to get that medal.

“Finally, thank you to my family for helping me with the fundraising and for putting up with my training, as any athlete knows, the support from your family can make or break you.

“Was it all worth it I often get asked? Yes, absolutely of course it was.”

You can read Christine’s thoughts about her challenge on her blog: christinegould ironman.co.uk