Katie Ireland

Every week we highlight one of the incredible women that make up our Cursus Collective community. Women who run with heart, chase goals, and inspire the rest of us to do the same. This week, it’s Katie Ireland 🤎

I’ve admired Katie’s ability to inspire through action. On the weekend, Katie completed her first Ironman event in Busselton!!! Her Ironman journey shows what’s possible when women commit to themselves and their goals. 

We know not every event is a fairytale, so I wanted to hear about the highs and the lows Katie faced during her race.

‘I started triathlon in 2023, when we moved to Australia. My partner, Stew, had already done a few triathlons, and as I was spectating at them I thought, why aren’t I doing this too? It looks easier to do the race than to spectate!

However I could hardly swim, which was a bit of a problem. I signed up to a race anyway, the thought of which scared me enough to make me improve my swim. Since then I’ve worked up the race distances, from sprint to standard to 70.3, and realised I loved the longer events. So it was only natural to take the next step up to Ironman!

I got sick the week of the race and wasn’t really sure until the morning of whether I would race or not. Also I got a flat tyre mid-race which cost me some time! 

However, the most rewarding part of the race  was the 3.8km swim course (for someone who could hardly swim a few years ago I never thought this would be possible). And of course, seeing my number one supporter, Stewart, at the finish line! 

I love the challenge that triathlon brings - there is always an aspect you can improve on. However running will always be my passion.’ 

We are so inspired by Katie’s commitment and improvement- proof that progress comes, even when it may feel hard.

@trail.legs.katie