What is my path to completing an Ironman?

An Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. So far I have swam that distance in a pool but not in open water and not for a long time; I have never riden that far and I have never run that far.

Therefore I plan to...
Enter and complete an Ironman 70.3 (Half an Ironman)
Swim in the open water more often and increase my mileage
Run at least one marathon before the Ironman 70.3
Train to run and cycle long distances, reaching full Ironman distance before the Ironman 70.3
Enter distance running and cycling races


May the fun commence!

What next?

For a while now I have entertained the thought of doing an Ironman. I am attracted to the challenge of doing an endurance race, being reliant on my physical abilities rather than my knowledge.

I am dyslexic and as an adult I have questioned my memory, knowledge and comprehension. Colleagues, friends, family and experience tell me that I shouldn't worry but I remain sceptical.

My physical abilities, however, has been tried and tested, time and again. I have had injuries and set backs but I have always recovered to take on new and bigger challenges.

So...