7 am and the crowd of spectators was huge, writes Ironman Simon Batty, of Saundersfoot. Silence fell over Tenby and as the National Anthem began I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The gun went off and 1,400 of us massed forward into the bay, turning the beautifully calm water into a giant human washing machine of arms and legs.

The run up through town to transition was electric. Friends shouted my name and encouraged me to do my best. I knew the bike course would be a tough ride. It started really well, but soon the strong westerly breeze felt like a real headwind as we headed out to Angle.

By the time I made the second sweep through Lamphey to head for Narberth again, the drizzle was turning to rain and the roads were getting wet enough to cause some athletes to crash out. Wisemans Bridge and St Brides Hill the first time round were fine, but the second time around they really tested my legs.

All the way round the bike course people were out in force helping and supporting - 'high fiving' children as I rode past was great fun and the energy their enthusiasm gave was incredible. In even the most remote parts of the route there was real support and encouragement to do your best.

Back into transition in Tenby and I had no idea how I was going to handle the marathon. I got changed and headed out with one goal; run the first lap without walking. Within seconds I heard my name called out and saw one of the families from my children's school willing me on and there were more friends from clubs and schools all the way round the course offering relentless encouragement. The support was simply stunning, with the volunteers and spectators willing everybody on at every opportunity.

I was really pleased with my marathon time of four hours 18 minutes; which seemed quite decent at the end of a long day.

After my final lap I turned left and headed off for the absolutely amazing sight and sound of the finish chute. The lights, the music and the red carpet were something else.

Twelve months ago I couldn't run more than two miles and couldn't even swim freestyle. Crossing the finish line in 13 hours 51 minutes felt simply incredible and to know that so many people had supported me when I thought I couldn't keep going made the day even more memorable.

Thank you to each and every one who willed me on, not just on the day, but through all of my training over the last year. I just have one more goal from my Ironman journey. I really want to raise as much as I can for Tenby RNLI, so please give anything you can to them online at http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/simonbatty">www.virginmoneygiving.com/simonbatty