Sunday started with a battle.  Ali's dynamos are top of the league and were playing their nearest rivals.  They came back from 3 - 0 down at half time to draw 4-4.  After that I relaxed over the next 3 hours on a 71km bike ride without my buddies - a lot of the training needs to be done on your own to get the mental side right ( I know you think it's all mental!).  My focus is getting enough protein and carbohydrate in me during the ride so I will be able to complete the marathon as after 112 miles I may have dipped into my reserves.  Getting the wrapper off the protein bars can be fun while dodging the pot holes and the car drivers.  After that the kids wanted to play golf so off we went for 9 holes - don't ask who won!  Next week will see the training reduce to get ready for the Etape on Sunday.

Inspiration comes in many forms.  While cycling a quick 60km with my two pals Jacques and Andre (French nick names as they are real cyclists) I was inspired to a personal best over 400 yards by two dogs that mistook me for a bone - cycling can be dangerous!  On my way home a lady in the bakers told me she was walking the women's 10k in Glasgow next week but her 1st attempt at the distance had left her very stiff and sore for a few days.  Well done her for pushing the boundaries and competing in her own "personal ironman" - what's your personal ironman this year?  Remember the journey getting to the start line is every bit as important as crossing the finishing line.

After the agony of my sports massage yesterday, a 2,200m swim at 7am was just what my legs needed.  Some think swimming is boring but you'd be amazed at what you can think about while trying not to take in too much water - hung parliament, Greek debts crisis, how far will I cycle over the weekend and will my son win his vital possible league decider football match on Sunday?  You should try it some time as life is too busy and we don't get time out to reflect - just remember not to breathe when you are under the water!

Thursday 6 May
Today was a real adventure - for the first time ever (and last) I biked from Hamilton to Glasgow and back combining work with a work out.  What I hadn't banked on was the bus's trying to wipe me out!  I'd have been safer on the M8.  Racing between the lights was fun but I think I will stick to the country roads.  I then went for my sports massage - if you heard any high pitched screaming today around 3.30, it was me.  Grant, who I am sure doesn't mean me harm, has brought forward my next session by 2 weeks to help me survive the 83 mile etape caledonian in 9 days.

Wednesday 5 May
It was intended to be an easy 10km run this morning but the legs were tight from the weekends activities so it was a bit tougher.  Going for a sports massage tomorrow and that only means one thing - PAIN and lots of it.  Unfortunately it is essential to keep the legs working due to the amount of training but it cannot be described as relaxing or pleasant!

IntroductionIf I had a £ for everytime someone told me I was mad taking on an Ironman triathlon .....The next question usually is why to which I reply why not!  But how do you prepare for a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run?  This blog will give you an insight to my training schedule which has been building up since October 2009.  Hopefully you will find it inspiring and get yourself kitted out in some lycra, but if not perhaps you will support me by joining my blog and also by sponsoring me - I am trying to raise £10,000 for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres.

With 100 days to go till the Copenhagen Ironman I have a long way to go before I will be physically and mentaly ready for the challange.  The training hours are really starting to mount up and my family are supporting me all the way - your support would help me in the darker, usually colder and wetter moments.
Saturday 1 May

I am entering May hoping for better weather as my cycling & running schedule builds up.  However on Saturday I foolishly believed the weather forecast and went out on the bike for 4 hours covering 90km in my summer gear.  Approaching Tinto hill the heavens opened and apart from being difficult to see, I got soaked, was freezing cold and the roads were tricky.  Still felt good after 30 minutes in the shower when I got home!

Sunday 2 May
I was better prepared although again the forecast was for dry weather.  After a warm up covering 22km on the bike which took an hour, I went off for a 90 minute (16 km) run with strict instructions about my maximum heart rate (155 on hills).  At the furthest away point in the run hail stones started to pelt down and fortunately I had a baseball cap which shielded my face as they stung when they got through!  I just kept repeating to myself that "this is what it takes to be an Ironman - bring on the worst weather you can throw at me it will only make me stronger" (also colder, wetter and miserable to be honest!).

Monday 3 May
Monday is my rest day, but only from the swim, bike and run.  I have to complete my core strengthening exercises.

Tuesday 4 May
On Tuesday I completed 2,200 metres in Tollcross pool making the changes my coach Steve had suggested.  I obviously did something different as my left arm is sore but I'll check with Steve if I am completing the technique correctly and the pain is a sign I was working the right muscles today, for a change.  Swimming is very difficult for me and my aim is to complete the 2.4 miles open water swim without using too much energy - time will tell but lots of work to do!