FRANNY Benali will be eating BABY FOOD as he attempts to complete his epic IronFran challenge.

The Saints legend has always been a teetotaller but is taking his diet to another extreme as he aims to complete seven Ironman-distance triathlons in as many days – starting in Manchester at 6am on Monday.

Benali, who expects to spend up to 18 hours a day completing a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile cycle and a 26.2-mile run, explained: “The bike ride is going to be the best time to refuel and one of the ways we’ve looked at getting substantial calories in is by giving me pouch full of baby food.

“It’s going to be a case of eating and drinking constantly on the bike and baby food is way of getting a big hit of calories for the hours that lie ahead, not just for the marathon but the following day.”

Benali, who cycled long distances during Benali’s Big Race three years ago, continued: “I’ve been used to eating on the bike but this will be different with the days being an awful lot longer .

“It’s also about getting the timing right. I could be finishing after 10pm and don’t want to be having to sit down to a big meal after a marathon before falling straight into bed.

“It’s a tricky one to get right and hopefully it won’t be an issue but there have been similar challenges that have failed because the athlete hasn’t consumed enough calories.”

Benali underestimated how difficult it would be to improve his swimming technique, but has been pleased with his improvement.

“I had big reservations about the swimming, I was trusting in my coach who said I’d be fine,” her continued. “But I didn’t see the progress as quickly as I thought I should. I’m pleased it’s clicked and fallen into place and I feel more confident about it now.

“It’s taken months and months to get to a point where I feel ready to take it all on and am able to swim economically.

“I’m very different to where I was.

“My stroke count’s a lot less and through my training I’ve found a rhythm in the water.”

After starting in Manchester, Benali will continue his challenge in Nottingham, Leicester, Bristol, Berkshire and Farnham, before finishing in Southampton next Sunday with the swim at David Lloyd followed by the Southampton Marathon and the bike ride, which concludes at the Civic Centre.

To track Franny’s progress, visit ironfran.co.uk.

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