Mission Ironman complete

What a day.  Met at 5am and my swim started at 7.55 - best swim of my life in 1 hr 18 mins.  The bike didn't go so well as my speedo which is essential when trying to pace yourself came off my bike in the first 15 minutes.  I then had to judge my speed going on my heart rate which is almost impossible and always remembering not to go too fast on the bike as I had a marathon to complete which is a mistake many people make.  One other thing, I chose Copenhagen because it was flat (compared to Scotland) - flat is relentless and you get very few downhill rests.  I managed it in 7 hrs 14 mins which was my fastest average speed ever however it put me well down the field. The crowd were amazing as they cheered us on and shouted our names which were on our numbers.  The thought as I came off the bike with a sore foot and and even sorer bum was, at least the pain will be in other places!  3 x 14km loops of Copenhagen meant they led you up to the finish line 3 times and you then had to turn away, need a lot of mental strength for that one!
I just kept thinking about everyone that was supporting me back home and the money that was being raised for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres - it's still coming in.  However I had a secret weapon on the course, my family.  Fiona spent the day darting all over Copenhagen to see me and cheer me on with the kids and it made such a huge difference - no more so than the marathon which I managed in 4 hours.  I passed so many people who had burned themselves out too early and had nothing left to give.  I kept telling myself to forget the pain and focus on my pace.  This brought my total time, including transitions, to 12 hrs 45 mins.  My original target was to finish in the maximum allowable time of 15 hours but through the training I thought I could get down to 13 hrs 30 mins and possibly lower but I was entering the unknown.  Chuffed to bit with this time!
At the end the kids were able to run down the winning straight with me which I had thought off ever since I started this campaign - a very special moment.  The crowd went wild, the music was blaring and the flashes were going off like we were movie stars going down the red carpet.  A nice touch as we entered the finishing straight was the marshals all bowing in respect.
Quick shower, beer and then had to pick up my bike and walk 2 mile back to the apartment - ouch, ouch & ouch.  This will be an event that stays with me forever for so many reasons but I leave you with one thought - it just goes to prove what you can do if you have the desire, plan meticulously, have support and be determined you will achieve your goals, no matter how stretching.

The storm before the storm!

As I write the final blog before my Ironman, I can hear the sound of thunder outside and it has been hosing down for the last 2 hours and the forecast for tomorrow is dodgy.  When I dropped my bike off this afternoon it was so wet that my waterproof number came off my bike.  My bike bag that I will collect when I get out the water will be left out overnight and there is a great chance that everything in it will be soaking.  That includes my shorts, socks and shoes.  I managed to get a taxi back to my apartment but only after I was soaked right through to the skin.
So home, shower and pasta steak & chicken with the support crew.  They have planned various viewing points such as the start of the swim, the transition on the bike and then various points in the run which is where I will really require their energy.
So folks the journey is almost over and I really appreciate all your support, emotional and financial.  Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres are really grateful for the money that has been raised.
So, no matter what happens tomorrow, I have loved every minute of the journey and surpassed all my fitness expectations.  But enough of this idle chat, I'm off to relax and run through the plan for tomorrow - again!  Ironman is about overcoming whatever is put in your way - so bring it on!

Ali completes his 1st tri

At 9am in a windy and wet Copenhagen, Ali experienced his 1st triathlon.  He was kicked in the face and punched while in the swim but came out the water ready to face the windy cycle.  He improved his position with a strong ride and improved again in the run despite being sick 3 times - salt water from the swim!  The results aren't in yet but perhaps about 15th which will be in the top half of the field.  He certainly didn't enjoy the swim but I think he may have the bug - proud of his achievement.
My turn tomorrow and the rest of today will be preparing my equipment into the appropriate bags, eating, resting and going over the plan for the day.  I'll give a final report before the race tonight.  Remember you can track my progress on the day.  Go to the Challenge Copenhagen website and follow the instructions - my race number is 1658.

Final preparation

It's getting close.  Went out for 1 hour on the bike this morning and checked out the start area again.  The pre-race meeting was at 10am and we got all our instructions - it's starting to feel real now and the nerves are creeping in.  However met up with the Athelite crowd, Colin, Gen, Graeme and their coach Alan plus Mark from another club.  Mark managed to get us on the wrong train on the subway then discover he had someone elses wetsuit when we got to the swim, fortunately it fitted him but we said we wouldn't tell anyone!!!No one reads my blog anyway.
Had a short swim in the lagoon, it felt great but as you can see the whole of the swim course I have to say,2.4 miles is a long way!  Still it calmed the nerves a wee bit but there is plenty of time for that.  Just hope there isn't a strong current or wind to upset my delicate rhythm.  Then off for a pizza and a little trim at the barbers - yes I know, I should have done it before I went.
Ali's tri is at 9am tomorrow so I hope he has a great race.  The best news of the day is that Mr Baldy got out of hospital today but his recovery will take longer than mine.  All the best Mr Baldy and well done for getting through the treatment so far - home just in time for the start of the season, great timing!

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.