No more ironwoman but Candice Warner is back to tackle the Coolangatta Gold

FORMER ironwoman Candice Warner has a surprise admission as she prepares to step back into the sporting arena — she’s gone soft.

Candice Warner is back in training. Picture. Phil Hillyard

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CANDICE Warner is returning to the sporting arena, and she has an admission to make — she’s gone soft.

The former ironwoman is in training for the Coolangatta Gold but says her retirement to marry Australian cricket vice-captain David and have daughters Ivy Mae and Indi Rae, has changed her outlook on competing.

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“The thought of going in the water and getting cold is horrible,’’ Warner said.

“I think about all those years I used to do it and now I go, ‘no way’.’’

Candice Warner is in training for the Coolangatta Gold. Pic: Phil Hillyard

As a result Warner, who for years rose at 4am for daily five-hour ironwoman training sessions, has opted to do the run leg in a team at the iconic Coolangatta Gold in October with friends from the Manly Life Saving club.

She competed in the Coolangatta Gold four times as an elite ironwoman but never made the podium.

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Warner recently completed her first marathon but said finding time to train when touring with her husband and children was difficult.

David Warner and wife Candice with daughters Indi (left) and Ivy.

“I am very regimented though. We have a real routine,’’ Warner said.

“We have spent a lot of time in India this year and I trained every day on the treadmill for two to three hours for the marathon.

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“When I’m home sometimes I can ring Mum and get her to mind the kids for a couple of hours.’’

After Coolangatta, Warner wants another sporting challenge and has an eye on triathlon.

“You can’t take the athlete out of me. I love being structured and having something to aim for,” Warner said. “I also really enjoy training and having that goal to aim for.”

Warner said she and her husband regularly train together.

“He’s also my No. 1 fan when I do anything,” she said.