Cycle city

Bikes galore.  This place is full of Olga's with pigtails cycling everywhere.  Picked up Ali's bike this morning and went on a wee tour of the city to find the swim start that he will be at on Saturday at 9am and me on Sunday at 5am!  This city is geared for bikes but it is difficult to work out who has got right of way, bikes, pedestrians or cars.  The answer is taxi's (just like home) so I did have a few choice words with one taxi driver who was ignoring the pedestrian crossing - turned out he spoke perfect English!  Off for some lunch and then away to meet up with the Athelite crowd and take the opportunity of a quick swim in the lagoon.

Copenhagen without the Carlesberg!

Everything has gone to plan. like clockwork, almost.  Arrived in Copenhagen and got set up in the apartment.  Went walk about and discovered that between me and the town centre is the sex district.  The support team asked some interesting questions about the odd shaped "candles" in the window next to the Spunk Bar - not going in there for a pint!  Forgot my porridge but a phone call home has it being deliverer tomorrow by the Athelite team.  Can't change my diet at the last minute.  The bike has been rebuilt after the disaster in getting it dismantled last night but fortunately Andre was on hand to help and rebuilding it was easier.  Out tomorrow on the bike and will report back.  Hope the weather is better as I've been caught in two showers that have soaked me to the skin - thunder has just started!  At this rate the sun cream I bought will be more useful as a water repellent!  Finally the good luck messages have been flooding in and I can feel the positive vibes, thank you.

Fresh legs

The pain of the massage was well worth it as this mornings early morning run was like running on air!  Granted it was only 30 minutes after a 10 minute warm up on the turbo.  I had to keep my heart rate low so it wasn't a fast pace but probably closer to the Ironman "shuffle" that may occur when the cramp in the legs sets in!
My plan for the rest of the week is; travel on Wednesday, 45 min bike on Thursday with a 15 minute open water swim, same again on Friday, watch my son in the kids tri on Saturday and then the main event on Sunday.  If you have nothing better to do on Sunday you can track my progress by going to http://www.challengecopenhagen.com/en/component/content/article/2/308-for-spectators - type in my name or race number 1658.  Hopefully I will be finished by the time you go to bed!
Thank you for your support, we should finish up by raising over £6,000 for Maggie's and if you haven't managed to sponsor me yet, it's not too late.  You can link to the justgiving site from this blog.  I don't know if I will be able to update the blog while I am away but if I can I will.  Thanks again.

All by myself

5.45am porridge, 7am poolside.  I really hope this is the last time I have to report this.  It will only be beaten by race day which will read 4.15am porridge, 5am start area, 7.55am swim.
Tollcross was deserted today, most sensible people choosing to stay in bed - that will be me next week!!!!  Still training session to be done so I just got on with it keeping the focus on my technique and pace.  This is my last pool swim and when I get to Copenhagen I will have a couple of short swims in the Laguna in Amager Stranpark which will get me used to the sea water. 
Sports massage with Grant this afternoon so you will probably hear the screams.  Need to make sure my legs are ready for the challenge ahead.

Taking it easy - almost!

Sunday morning and I am on the turbo for 30 mins followed by a run.  The intensity and length of the training has reduced and I enjoyed the run.  Had to take my bike back for some minor adjustments to the gears following its service last week.  I also practiced changing my tyre in case of an emergency - I will be carrying 2 inner tubes with me on the day.  I am now down to 10 minutes which is a miracle as first time it was 40 minutes!  At 10.30pm my new training schedule came through and normally Monday is my day off - not this week Steve has kindly given me Wednesday off when I am flying out to Copenhagen.  So Monday will be in the pool at 7am - off to bed.

Get down shep!

Saturday morning brought back memories of Blue Peter and the constant cry of get down Shep.  Why is it that dogs like to chase me on the bike?  This sheep dog decided to "round me up" until a whistle from its owner brought it under control.  Next hazard to negotiate was the 20 metres of cow sh1t spread across the road, 2 inches deep.  It's like ice and you have to keep the wheels straight and your mouth shut!  My rural fragrance was picked up as soon as I arrived home and the bike required a hose down.
I spoke to my coach Steve who talked me through the prep for the race, my training plan this week and my race strategy (survive!).  I would have reported back earlier but we have no broadband at home and BT are less than useless when it comes to back up at the weekend.

Beyond Ironman

Porridge at 5.45am, pool side by 7am - last early session unless my coach decides otherwise.
Following the deluge of comments yesterday provoked by my comment that I would not be doing another Ironman in 2011, 2 comments actually but that is a record, I thought it work an explanation.  My experience of setting goals is that if you have nothing lined up afterwards then you enter a vacuum.  I have witnessed numerous triathletes this year reach there goal and are then lost.  Nothing to aim for, no direction in their training and they become bored.  My focus is 100% Ironman Copenhagen but once I have finished I plan to take a rest to recover then start light training but with a specific goal.  2011 will involve numerous Olympic Distance (1 mile swim, 40km bike & 10km run) tri's and some Sprint Tri's where I will be working on my technique.  My objective is to learn to swim & cycle better before I consider going back to Ironman at a later date.  So don't worry, the endurance knitting event can wait!