For most triathletes, simply reaching the start line of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii is the ultimate dream.
For Pembrokeshire athlete Lana Brace, that dream became reality after she qualified for the prestigious event by finishing second in her age group at Ironman Wales, earning a coveted place at the sport's most iconic race.
The Ironman World Championship in Kona is regarded as the pinnacle of long-distance triathlon, attracting some of the world's best athletes and age-group competitors from across the globe.
After crossing the famous finish line in Hawaii, Lana described the achievement as "absolutely incredible".
"It’s an absolutely incredible feeling and a little surreal," she said.
"Hawaii is the ultimate dream for most involved in Ironman, so to have had the opportunity to compete there and cross that famous finish line is something I’ll treasure forever."
Lana secured her place on the start line through her performance at Ironman Wales in 2025, where she finished second in her age group.
"When I realised I’d secured my place, I was over the moon and also a little terrified," she said.
"It’s the sort of opportunity you dream about but never quite believe will happen until it does."
While race day provided a lifetime memory, it was preceded by almost a year of intense preparation.
Lana completed 11 months of structured training in the build-up to Hawaii, dedicating between 15 and 18 hours a week to swimming, cycling, running and strength work.
She said: "I've been involved in triathlon for 12 years so in some ways I've been preparing for an opportunity like this for a very long time.
"The specific preparation for Hawaii involved lots of early mornings and long weekends, but I was lucky to have the support of my family who all share the same passion."
Competing in Hawaii also brought unique challenges.
The course is renowned for its heat, humidity and strong winds, conditions which have helped build its reputation as one of the toughest events in endurance sport.
Despite the difficulties, she said racing alongside athletes from around the world made the experience unforgettable.
"It was an absolute privilege and quite surreal.
"You’re surrounded by extraordinary athletes from all over the world, each with their own story of dedication, determination and sacrifice." She said.
Lana has now completed more than six Ironman races, having first entered the sport through Long Course Weekend events in 2013 before tackling Ironman Wales for the first time the following year.
Looking back, she admits she never imagined her triathlon journey would eventually take her to Hawaii.
"I certainly never imagined when I first started that one day I'd be standing on the start line of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii," she said.
Lana's Ironman journey has also become a family affair.
Her husband and children have all completed Ironman events themselves, creating a shared passion that has taken them to races around the world.
"This is probably one of the most special parts of the whole experience for me," Lana said.
While she currently holds the family bragging rights for completing the most Ironman races, Lana says sharing the sport with her husband and children has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.
"Having my family supporting me in Hawaii made the whole experience so much more memorable," she said.
"At the end of the day, medals and finishing times are wonderful, but the memories we've made together are what really matter."
For now, Lana is taking time to reflect on an achievement few athletes ever experience.
"Hawaii really was the ultimate dream, so to have achieved it is something I'm incredibly proud of," she said.
"But one of the wonderful things about endurance sport is that there's always another adventure waiting around the corner."
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