Before he could become an Ironman Steve Ashton needed to lose some weight and stop smoking.
He shares his story with me. At the beginning it isn't a story about training for Ironman merely a need to live a healthier life. Steve underwent Gastric Sleeve surgery and lost 154 pounds (or in his words 11 stone).
But then 5 years ago his dream to be an Ironman was born when he watched his son complete the race. Bolton is known as a tough course with a hard and technical bike course plus the chance for bad weather but Bolton is Steve's home town and that's where he wanted to race.
Steadily, methodically he ticked off the races, sprint, Olympic, Half Ironman and finally Ironman.
He followed the Don Fink Be Iron Fit plan and battled injuries along the way. He says he smiled all day and hopes to do it again. Based on how he describes the crowd support at the UK Bolton race it sounds like a good one.
Thank you Steve for being a guest on the Mile after Mile Podcast.
Be sure to visit Amy's website to follow her adventures at www.amysaysso.com
