OMG

Oh my god!  That's all I can say about tonights swim session.  The hardest of my short tri career.  While it was "only" 2,600 m it was intervals e.g. 200m within a certain time and then 4 x 25 m within a short time - this was repeated 3 times.  This was repeated in various guises.  The thought going through my head as I crawled through the water was just keep it going, ignore your lungs that are screaming to give up or the cramp that's starting in the arch of my feet and works its way into my calves.  But I made it.
And Neil was starting his power walking with his biggest supporter, his wife Maz.  Both were out pounding the streets in the rain - he's got the bug.  The great thing about having a stretching goal is that it makes the effort worthwhile.  Also the ATHelite tri club are right behind him.  The swim coach wants to help and I have also been offered a bike for Neil to use.  That's one of the great things about the sport of triathlon, the people.  No matter what standard you are if your willing to try then they will do everything to help.

The BIG announcement

It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that Mr Baldy (remember him from last year?), now to be known as Neil, who bravely battled cancer for his 2nd time last year has stuck to his word and 5 minutes ago entered his first Novice Triathlon on 5th June.  To put this in context, last year we almost lost Neil as he contracted pneumonia when his immune system was shot to pieces.  This is when I suggested the challenge to him - it gave him something to think about other than needles and drugs.
Neil's idea of fitness is going to the bowls or the football - to watch.  He hasn't swam since he was a kid or cycled for that matter and the last time he ran it was because he had "the trots".  So last night we went for his first training session in the pool, after his doctor had approved.  Neil's arms were sore after 50m but we took it easy and by the end he had even attempted front crawl.  This is quite a challenge and those that know him are in complete disbelief when he says he is going to swim 400m, cycle 13km and run 2.5km.  This is making him all the more determined.  Your support for Neil would be greatly appreciated.  All you need to do is post a comment giving encouragement on this blog (just open a google account it's easy).  Neil's too modest to have his own blog, although I wish he would, so I'll keep you informed on how he's doing.  This is an inspirational story - come on Neil!

Ice station zebra

The plan today was to run 13km and take a minute off my time.  I started off at 6.45am with my tourch and the first thing I noticed was the "furry" pavements otherwise known as frost.  However when I got out onto the country B roads we were now talking sheets of ice and a change of plan was required otherwise I was going to take fall.  So I decided to pick up the pace, where I could with the ice, and run a fast 8km which was fun.  Sometime you have to change your plans to take account of the conditions but it doesn't stop you achieving a goal, perhaps a different one from the original goal but still one step closer to the overall objective.

Marathon marathon man!!!!

I constantly talk to people about anything is possible if you put your mind to it.  People keep smiling nicely as though I'm 2 sandwiches short of a picnic but wait to you read the story in todays news (click the link)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12375646 .
365 marathons in 365 days with an average time of 4hrs - respect to THE MAN.  But it does go to show that anything is possible.  So I have a question for you.  Did you make a new year resolution or even set yourself a target?  I hope your still on track and if not, why not revisit the resolution / goal and get back on the case!  Have fun.

Boy racer!

Cycling is dangerous - fact.  Today I went out and repeated a hill climb I had done 2 weeks ago and almost got wiped out by a boy racer in a subaru impreza.  He decided to see how close he could get to my bike despite having the whole road himself!  2 Jack Russells also had a go but fortunately they were on a lead.  The roads were rutted and following my comments yesterday, it was pouring with rain so I was fully aware of being alive.  Despite all of this I improved on my time substantially, had a higher speed (obviously) and had a lower heart rate - now that's what I call progress.  Watch out Mr Subaru, I've got your number!

Smell the roses

Today was an extra "rest" day as I was in charge of the kids, if that's possible.  I also had a funeral to attend and although these are usually sad occasions, this was a celebration of a colourful and successful life in all ways.  A fiddle orchestra played at the service and I've never tapped my feet before at a funeral or wanted to clap - that's the way to go, have a shindig!  But it also made me realise that we should enjoy every day and take time to smell the roses.  So when the hailstones are smashing into your face and your feet are like blocks of ice on the bike, just be grateful you are fit enough to be taking part in life.  Enjoy every moment.

If it sounds too good to be true....

...it usually is.  The swim warm up was cut to 300m this morning.  Great I thought.  WRONG.  We then did 3 x 1,000m.  Sounds worse than it was as it lets you get into a rhythm but it was still a challenge mentally.  Lots of stretching required with the shoulders as they were starting to protest as I tried to put my jacket on.  Watch out for my blog next Wednesday as there is a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT coming up!