Youuuuu are an Ironman!

I wondered if this day would ever come but I have the very great privilege of now writing up my race report.

So went to bed the night before the race at 8pm and, surprisingly, managed 6 straight hours. Still meant I was awake at 2am with a very long day ahead of me. Finally got up at 4 and got ready and a pretty limited breakfast in the hotel before the buses arrived at 5. It was all a bit frantic and I ended up being herded on an 'athletes' bus while the family had to go separately. As soon as I was on the bus, I wanted to get off again and be with them and had a horrible, nerve-filled journey sat next to another guy with his head in his hands the whole way which did nothing for my state of mind. By the time I met up with them at transition, the tears were in full flow.

Checked over the bike and pumped up the tyres and then had to say my farewells, by this time feeling like I was having a total out-of-body experience. Then we all got shepherded to the jetty to wait for the swim start. Luckily I was really close to Chris, Dora, Giles, Sally, Harriet and my Dad so was able to do lots of waving and pretending to look relaxed and excited! It was all awash with nervous energy, loud techno tunes and the Mexican national anthem on that jetty and, all of a sudden, it was time for the pros to start. Necked a gel and then made my way into the water.

The Swim
Despite knowing the swim was going to be my strongest event, I've also done enough research with mates and race reports to know not to go too near the front in a race of 2300 people especially as I was really nervous about getting kicked in the collarbone so found some clear water and just waited. Then the klaxon went and we were off.





It was fine initally and I got a nice pace going and started to gain a few places. What I hadn't bargained for was the first turnaround buoy which suddenly became like a scene from 'Titanic' and I'm afraid to say that my language got fairly choice when someone grabbed both my ankles and dragged me under.

It calmed down a bit after that and got a really nice, steady pace going for a while. Suddenly I was overtaking quite a few and was starting to hope for a decent time. Out of nowhere, someone smashed me right on the bridge of the nose and I got a reality jolt not to get too complacent. After that, I just kept my wits about me, kept it steady and started hoping I'd soon see the finish. It was a really sunny morning which made sighting really difficult, including the swim exit. But suddenly I saw the steps and heard the noise and I was there. Climbed up the steps, saw my 'crew' and then looked at my watch. Happy days!

Predicted time: 1.15
Actual time: 1.09

T1
Washed off the salt, got handed my bike bag and headed to the changing tent. Had a helper help me out my swimskin and get all my bike stuff ready but was all fingers and thumbs so made slow progress especially with my skintight arm coolers. Was slightly concerned to hear they had no sunscreen but had no time to worry about that and just hoped the cursory bit I'd applied in the morning would do me (it didn't). Quick loo stop, quick "hi" to Emma, another English girl I'd 'met' on a tri forum and it was off to collect the bike. Got another shout from the gang and managed a smile to let them know I was in better spirits and it was time to tackle my nemesis: the bike.

Predicted time: 5 mins
Actual time: 9 mins something (ah well, better to be sorted than rush things before such a long ride)

The Bike
I've made no secret about my bike fear and with an average speed of 14mph in training, those fears were absolutely justified. As soon as I got on the bike course literally hundreds of people were flying past me but I tried to just shut it out and looked down at my speedo and had to blink when I saw 19mph into the wind.



Felt great so didn't want to slacken off but got to about 16 miles and my stomach started cramping. Slowed it right down and just tried to sip water to make it pass. It went off after a bit and so got on the tri bars (a first!) and just kept those wheels turning. The island got really pretty at this point but also really windy and lonely support-wise. Made sure I stopped at every other aid station for Powerbar gels and Gatorade (yuk) and after about 15 miles of cycling into the wind, we made the turn into town. With the wind behind me and loads of locals yelling 'vamos!', the steed and I flew back into town. Was really looking forward to seeing the family back in town and see Dora's little face so the mood nose-dived when I didn't see them and had to head out on lap 2. Just had to talk the demons away and stay focused. What I didn't know at the time was that they weren't expecting me for ages so were ordering the next round of drinks!!!

Lap 2 was ok and got more friendly as the course thinned out and I kept seeing the same people and was able to have the odd chat (still pedalling of course and no drafting - except the Mexican who drafted me for a few miles. Grr). The speedo was still telling me good news and, despite the sun beating down on my shoulders and my head beginning to ache, I felt strong. Was looking forward again to the end of the lap and hopefully seeing them this time but, again, they weren't in town. Started to feel really low and, then, all of a sudden, I saw their Union Jack. Stopped for a quick chat and a hug and was delighted when they told me I was looking at about a 7-hour bike split.

It was quite hard to leave and go out on the final lap but I knew I just had to keep plugging away. The final lap was hard. I had only done one ride in training over 80 miles and it showed. It was seriously hot by this point, the wind had picked up, my toes on my left foot were complete pins and needles and I had to loosen my helmet as my temples were throbbing. It was hard to keep the speed up and started to get disconsolate when the needle started slipping into the 13mph zone. But, by this time, there was a few of us in the same boat and a quick pep talk at the aid station and meeting up with Ben who I'd met in the Ironman Cozumel Facebook Group really helped.

I couldn't wait to turn the corner back into town and finally it came and the wind pushed me all the way back. Barring mechanical failures, I had 6 miles till I'd nailed the bike and I knew I was well within the cut-off time. The atmosphere was amazing back in town and it was lovely to finally see the dismount chute and be able to go down it. I'd done it! I'd looked at my 112-mile bike ride in the eyes and stared it out. Now just the small matter of the marathon to deal with!!

Predicted time: 8 hours+
Actual time: 7.03

T2
Transition was a bit of a faff. Trying to get compression socks on over salty, sweaty, sunburnt legs was a challenge but, again, the helpers were out in force. Managed to remember to take my helmet off and spare myself looking like a total doughnut, necked some water and was out of there.

Predicted time: 5 mins
Actual time: 5.50

The Run
So, coming from a running background, having never suffered from 'transition legs' and having been consistently surprising myself in training, I went into the Ironman marathon feeling pretty positive I could run around the 4.30 mark. How arrogant/naive/both!

The run course at Cozumel is 3 laps of 8.7 miles out to the airport and our hotel and back with a nasty twist of a turnaround point just as you could see others running up the finishing chute. As soon as I started to 'run', I realised what doing an hour quicker on the bike was going to mean. Not only was there another couple of hours of blazing, hot Caribbean sun to deal with but my legs had been mullered by the winds down on the South coast. Despite running a 9.09 min-mile for my first mile, it was downhill from there on in. There were aid stations less than 1k apart and they were pretty necessary. At the first one, someone thrust what looked like clear ice pops at me and, in my wearied state and at a loss as to what to do with them, I shoved two down my top! What I soon realised at the next station as I'm searching around for water to combat the heat is that the ice-pops were, indeed, water tubes. And very welcome they were too!



The first lap was fairly uneventful, save for the realisation that this wasn't going to be quite the 'walk in the park' I'd hoped. I was guzzling water and coke to try to stay hydrated but I couldn't help noticing the pacing slipping on my Garmin all the time. I started looking forward to getting into town and seeing the family and it was lovely to see them all jumping up and down and waving flags. Back out onto the 2nd lap and, as I hit 14 miles, I started to feel so sick from all the caffeine gels, sport beans and coke I'd been drinking and hit a real low point. Another naive thought came back to haunt me. I'd read that only 1% of people run the whole way in an Ironman marathon and, yup, I thought I was going to be one of the 1%. WRONG! Walking on and off from mile 14 onwards!

Was desperate to get back into town to see the family and was devastated when, even though they hadn't moved, I missed them and they missed me. Went round that turnaround point with such a heavy heart and literally wanted to punch the smiley faces I could see on the video wall who were just finishing! I really didn't know how I was going to run or walk another 8.7 miles even though giving up never entered my head. Just as I was heading back out of town, I heard Harriet shouting and they were all there. I think I was a little bit delirious at this point but stopped for a quick word and was then sent packing! The shuffle out of town was horrendous. As I hit 18 miles and the traditional marathon 'wall', any energy reserves I had drained completely away. Giles must have seen a defeatist twinkle in my eye back in town as, just as I was having those thoughts, I heard him bellowing out of a taxi window! He and Sally had decided I needed support on the lonely section that was, by now, dark, full of mosquitoes and had people in various states lolling by the roadside! It was an inspired decision by them and I will forever be in their debt for being there from mile 21-25. At this stage I was trying to run 60 paces: walk 60 paces; run 5 minutes: walk 1 minute etc. Basically any combination that would break this thing down.

Just as I was hitting another bad patch at 23 miles and walking, Giles and Sally jumped out from the shadows at me, told me I was awesome and somehow the legs picked up again. At mile 25, I could hear music in the town and they appeared again but this time I was already running strongly (ish). I started to look at my watch again and wonder if a 10 min-mile was possible for the last mile but I realised it was actually 1.2 miles to the finish and that it didn't matter. I put every ounce of effort I could into that last mile and even overtook a couple of places. Suddenly the noise was deafening but, over it, I heard Chris shouting my name. Harriet thrust a flag of St. George in my hands and I turned into the chute.



As people were shouting my name and banging the hoardings, I stood on the line with my flag above my head, a massive grin on my face and heard: "Sophie Spink: YOU ARE AN IRONMAN". 15 months of training, a broken collarbone and a brain that had been completely 'Ironwashed' later, and I was!

Predicted time: 4.30
Actual time: 5.05

Predicted Total Race Time: 15 hours (14.30 at a real push)
Actual time: 13.32.32

On the precipice

What a strange day. Yesterday I was so calm and, dare I say it, even a tad excited. Today the nerves have kicked in big time. I know I'm not alone. There are about 2300 people walking round Cozumel sporting the thousand mile Ironman stare. Doesn't matter who you are, the nerves get you in the end...with the exception perhaps of Phil at Giles and Sally's hotel who went out on the beers last night?!?!

Today I had to load up my 5 bags of kit and drop off my stuff and bike off at transition and get body marked. It's superbly organised and they're going to look after us, I'm sure so perhaps £300 entry fee is justified after all.

The rest of the day was spent chilling, eating and drinking electrolyte as well as a trip to the supermarket to load up on last minute supplies. Have no idea if I'll sleep tonight. Had a bad night last night having realised I'd forgotten the energy product I've been using all through training but that's how it goes. Just hope the stuff they give out agrees with me. So, am tired and have a belly full of carbs which will hopefully afford me a few hours shuteye before one of the biggest days of my life.

Do I feel ready? Not sure. Do I still want it? More than ever...........

We're here!!!!

Ok so it's Thurs 25th November. Only 3 more sleeps till the off!

Had a great flight out here. Dora was an absolute superstar and behaved impeccably for all of the 11 hour journey. Pretty tired when we finally got to the condo (which was lush) so crashed, only to wake up again at 2.30 with body clock weirdness going on.

This morning we headed from Playa del Carmen on the mainland to Cozumel on the ferry after a slightly hairy moment when the gang plank was being put away and my bike was still sitting on the quayside!! All was well though and the ferry was typically Mexican complete with 4-piece band knocking out 'La Bamba' numbers!!!!

At Cozumel, the World turned into Ironman City. Hardly a leg hair or body art-free human being to be seen. And the bike porn. Oh my word! Was also nice to see a pro (Emma Kate Lidbury) queuing up at the dock with the rest of the hoi-poloi.

After checking into the hotel, we headed down to registration and I am now sporting my athlete's band. So nice to be wearing it this time not just to get free entry to the pasta party! Bought ridiculous amounts of Ironman Cozumel merchandise as, even though it might be tempting fate, it was going like hotcakes and I don't want to miss out.

Put the bike back together and had my first lesson in using CO2 canisters (no, I'm not joking - my Schwalbe tyres were so awesome and their Continental replacements wanna be too) and had a swim in the sea (clear, warm, lots of fish) and now the waiting game continues. My brother and his wife have now arrived too so that'll be fun.

Have had so many encouraging and tearjerking cards and messages so with the support I'll have on the ground, as well as all those cheering me on at home, I know it will lift me in the bad patches.

Adios!!

Figures

The title of this blog is figures for a couple of reasons.
1. This week (Friday) marked the move on the countdown into singles!
2. Ironman budgeting (what budgeting?) went even further out the window (70 quid on tyres? Are you sure?)
3. Not sure it's quite ever the same figure after a baby but went on the scales at the gym this week and was the same weight as I was in the week of my wedding!

This week's been mad. Chris has been working away all week, work's been busy and the big girl has been carrying on the games. My X Factor Saturday night is currently being severely hampered by incessant trips upstairs. She got up at 6.45 this morning, only had a 15 min nap in the car and is still 100% awake. Wish I could transplant her energy levels to take with me round that course next week. Unbelievable. The day she asks for a wetsuit, look out tri circuit!

Not only did I get new tyres but also had bike serviced at the new Sigma shop (lush by the way). Bless Dave, Chris's friend and bike mechanic who used to work at 'our' shop. He wanted to do it personally and he's done a fine job. Took her for my final ride before packing today and she was purring and so sparkly clean.

So, the rest of the weekend is about packing, maybe another swim with Dora (who finally found her love for the water today) and a run with my dear friend, Jo, who I met in my 2nd week at Ranelagh Harriers in 2001 and who is now talking about doing a half ironman next year! We've both had quite a journey in those 9 and a bit years and it's going to be pretty special doing an Ironman on her birthday. Thinking back on my own journey since 2001, I joined a running club as I'd been good at cross country at school and was disgusted that I'd let it all go,
become a smoker, drinker and take away eater and had piled on the lbs. That running club led me to health, fitness, triathlon, my husband, daughter and, now, in 8 days' time, one of the ultimate tests of human fitness. Know I've been pretty (too) philosophical in the last few posts but this is suddenly a big deal. Just wish I'd tallied all the miles I've swam, biked and run in the lead-up to this event as I'm sure it would give me confidence. All I know is, I only got my bike speedo in August and have ridden 1137 miles since then which I'm pretty pleased about considering I'll never call myself a cyclist.

Right, off to watch Wagner. Can't help thinking he'll be knocking about when we get back from Mexico. Groan.

Tapering and Pre-race build-up

Thought I'd update this while I play the Supernanny game AGAIN before I can get on the turbo. Somewhere in my infinite wisdom, I thought moving Dora to a junior bed in the lead-up to Ironman would be a sound idea. Big mistake. Aside from probably the first night some 5 weeks ago, she's been in and out more times than a fiddler's elbow. This has meant many a late start on the turbo and tonight is no exception. The key, Supernanny tells me, is to keep putting them back with no conversation and no eye contact until they get the message. But our daughter's a determined little thing (can't think where she gets it from). Anyway, so as relaxing and light-touch as I'd hoped and longed for the taper to be, really it hasn't at all. Firstly, the number of hours haven't reduced that significantly and, secondly, there was no chapter in Don Fink about important milestones in your child's life!!!! There was one exception and that was last Saturday's run. Dropping 3 to 2 hours made it suddenly seem like a breeze. Loved it and had a good pace going all the way round.

Breaking off for an hour. Don't like to speak too soon but I think I may have to concede that Supernanny is onto to something! 8.30. It's a record!!!!

Back again. Great session tonight. Really enjoyed it even though I thought I might not. So, back to tapering and pre-race update.
It's certainly been a case of ups and downs this last week:

Ups (in no particular order):
* my brother hand-delivering my Blueseventy WTC-legal swimskin during his whistlestop visit to the UK. They are so rare you can only buy them in the US at the moment.
* trying out said skin in the pool during the 'family swim' hour at Virgin on Friday. Cut through those little cherubs with no lane discipline like
a barracuda!
* dear Liz looking after Dora at short notice so I could do the above
* tri club awards dinner. Lots of fun with the Kingfishers and even won one of their comedy awards which made me feel really welcome
* spending Saturday night with Alice and Paul talking about Ironman and lots of other lovely stuff. Paul also lent me his lush Evoc bike box so will endeavour to guard it with my life and Alice gave me a lovely good luck card with the words from a stamp I bought her in Austria after her race stamped inside. They're in German but translate as "no road is long with a friend at your side". I will be taking lots of people with me in my head next Sunday and Team Austria is no exception.
* finally, a real highlight was a turbo session I did whilst Dora was watching 'Waybuloo'. Not ideal for either of us but it was literally the only opportunity to get a session in. Halfway through, Dora leaves Lau Lau, Yo Jo Jo and the rest and starts coaching me!! "faster, faster" she kept saying and then "ironman". Bless her! Not sure if this link will work but I recorded her



Downs:
* reading too many Ironman Cozumel race reports and ending up in tears. Though all have had happy endings, they have all sounded brutal and unenjoyable and a far cry from the European ones I'm used to. The wind, which I knew about, sounds pretty bad but the humidity and swarms of mosquitoes and "bodies by the side of the road" (no, there was no further explanation?!) do not excite me in the least and far too
many of the people were doing 6-hour run splits.
* being a moody cow and horrible to my husband
* finding or imagining niggles all over my body (tonight is my right foot)
* negative head space and inner demons telling me I haven't done enough training and I don't deserve to be on that start line.

Good to get that all off my chest and Alice summed it up today by telling me not to worry and to remember that it's all supposed to be fun!!!! So from now on, it's looking forward with excitement. Aside from anything else, in a week's time, we're leaving foggy, chilly, gloomy UK to head to the Caribbean. That's worth getting excited about!!

Have I done enough?

On my rest day at the beginning of Week 28 and, therefore, Day 1 of the taper, I've been mulling over the training programme and have even dug out the Don Fink training book to go back over how things have been. With 3 weeks to go, Ironman never leaves my waking (or sleeping) thoughts and I'm swaying between being overcome with excitement and a desire to just get on with it and the other waves of sickness that wash around in my tummy every time I think about the task ahead.

I doubt anyone ever goes into a race feeling the preparation has been perfect. The one thing I can say is that I've been consistent and committed to what my training programme says week in, week out, with the slight exception of the swim which has been harder with all the lakes shut. Swimming 3500m in a pool on a regular basis, especially when your pool is an 18m one, is not exactly motivation fodder. But, otherwise I have generally felt pleased with what I've done. So, in my last peak week of the plan, I was gutted to not do a really long ride. It happened for reasons beyond my control and even though I know that 'life happens', it's thrown me into a bit of a spin about whether it's that that's going to make or break my race. Of course it isn't. 1 session out of 15 months is not end of the world and the day after a 3-hour run but I can't help now feeling I don't deserve the taper. What can I say - I'm too hard on myself about everything I do and Ironman was certainly never going to change that.

But, having got that off my chest, the next 3 weeks are now about looking forward, making plans, lists, sleeping, eating and hydrating well and keeping the fitness ticking over and sharp while also not risking any last-minute mishaps. I very nearly broke that rule on day 1 tonight by being tempted to swim but then I realised that I've not skipped a rest day all this time so why start now when I'm supposed to be easing back?! So, have a tummy full of fajitas (launching the Mexican theme), am serving myself a deadline of finishing this before 9.30 and then I'm off to rub Badger Balm on the temples and sleep before training early doors. Despite the taper, I still have to do 12 hours 45 this week so it's no picnic!

Before I sign off, wanted just to capture some stuff from Don Fink (loving re-reading all the motivational stuff in there) and his 4 phases of why Ironman?:
1. Non-belief and the first thought when you see IM on TV or learn the exact distances (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a marathon back to back and within 17 hours) and you say "that's impossible".
2. Realisation when you see individual athletes and their heroic struggles to the finish and their sense of pride and accomplishment. Suddenly the impossible starts to become possible.
3. Curiosity. You start asking questions - why do people do this? What motivates them? How do they do it? How do they train?
4. The Dream. You start to ask yourself the question - I wonder if I could ever do it? I wonder if I could ever be an Ironman?

Once you ask yourself question 4, you are beyond the point of no return!

I know there are lots of variables on an Ironman - mechanical breakdown, brutal weather, nutrition mistakes, stomach rebellion to name but a few and I was gutted to hear about a Brit who pulled out of Ironman Florida last weekend due to unforeseen pelvic pain - but all I can do now is wait and hope that Lady Luck smiles on me a bit.

Right, have missed my 9.30 deadline. Eek! Goodnight!

Mud, glorious mud

Why did I decide to do the long ride on Sunday again? Saturday was beautiful and don't mind running in the rain and Sunday just lashed down all day. Debated whether to do long turbo but decided to suck it in and went out with the club. Started well, with one of the group getting a flat before we'd gone a mile. Then it chucked it down so much that I was in a world of pain as was getting grit in my contacts from all the backwash of the wheel in front. Anyhow, did a couple of hours with them and then pressed on on my own. Was supposed to do 5.5 hours but had to get back as my lovely friend, Liz, had Dora and had also looked after her the day before so with the puncture delay and everything, time was getting on. Did 70 miles in the end which ain't bad. Spent a lot of time calculating whether the bike cut-off is in my reach (as always) and hopefully it is - just! Got home and looked in the mirror and my face was literally caked in mud. Attractive.

Good weekend all told and am so lucky to have Liz, John and Cordelia (and Dennis the dog) to help me out. Chris was walking up Snowdon and so they massively came to my rescue.

Still not doing enough swimming but plan to rectify that in the next couple of weeks, starting in a few minutes.

A month to go

With a month to go, I thought it was high time I updated the blog properly. Have got such a slow laptop I can never face it. I can do it on the iPad but can't load up photos and that's half the fun.

The cold from hell is now (touch wood) on the way out. It was a horrible one. Not bad enough to force me to take to my bed (although probably would have recovered quicker if I had) but still a nasty lingerer with a cough to rival that of a 6O-a-day smoker.

As I mentioned in my quick update, I had 4 rest days and then couldn't stand the guilt so got back on the horse last Friday. On the Saturday, I cut the planned 2.5 hour run down as I really wasn't that well but still managed 9 miles in a reasonable time. Paid for it on Sunday, however, when I went out on the Kingfisher ride. Just didn't have anything in my legs and, as most have or are training for Sprint and Olympic, I found the pace really hard-going. Didn't get dropped but just struggled. Rather than carry on with the extra couple of hours afterwards, I decided to call it a day and go home : (

This week was a bit of an improvement and even managed a swim which has been pretty neglected in the last couple of weeks. Have done quite a lot of turboing as Chris has been away and even dusted off the treadmill on Friday to do a brick. Brought back memories of last Winter and the garage wall, which became such a focal point back then, still looked exactly the same. As I was running, I started to think about life after Ironman. Have so many jobs that have been neglected in the last 15 months and the major one is sorting out the garage. We'd give Steptoe a run for his money at the moment!

Did longest run of the training programme today. 16.5 miles. Was OK although cold still hanging around a bit and I couldn't carry enough liquid or gels so the last hour was pretty grim.

Spend a lot of the time worrying that I haven't done enough training and today was no exception. In fact, seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time thinking about 4 weeks tomorrow. Part of me can't wait to get on with it but part of me gets engulfed in fear of the unknown. Have even started dreaming about it now and usually it's something like missing the start or something.

I picked up Don Fink this week to start looking at checklists etc and happened upon a page about fear. Think it's pretty apt this week. It basically said that there are only 2 types of fear: fear of death/injury and fear of embarrassment. I thought about it and there's nothing I can do about the first one. If it happens, it happens. For the second one, there isn't really any need to fear the embarrassment. Succeed or fail on 28 November, this journey has been a very positive experience in so many ways and my family and friends and especially my little girl will be proud of me, whatever happens.



Right, need to get my weary legs to bed. Not only did I run 16+ miles today but have spent all evening going up and down stairs putting Dora back in her big girl's bed!

Fine Lines

Just a quick one tonight. The last two weeks have proved that there tend to be fine lines in life. Especially the ones between preparedness and complacency and, energy and tiredness and biggest of all, fitness and illness (which I should have learned after the accident). Week 24 was a solid week and was feeling so good after my 70 mile ride that I actually started to feel excited about the race and start visualising race week, the race itself and the finish. I said to myself that all I needed was to stay illness- and injury- free. Clearly I hadn't bargained for the early onset of what I think could be a harsh Winter. Woke up on Monday morning with a tickle in the back of my throat and, by the evening, had a full-blown cold and chest infection. This week have had 3 unscheduled rest days and have been suffering. Rubbish timing. But, picking myself back up now and got back on the turbo tonight. 4 days of rest isn't the end of the world and better to get the cold done and out the way, I guess but still a pain and just hope it doesn't set my fitness back too much. Family all heading out to Coz to support me now so even more important that I make a good account of myself and put on a good show!

Envy

Feels good only having to update a couple of days' training. Had a good ride on Saturday all round the pretty Northamptonshire villages with Chris, Paul and Alice. We had been promised an Indian Summer but despite leaving at 11 and stopping for a while for a cream tea (clearly not into race simulation just yet!), the sun didn't appear once. In fact, it was pretty damp and gloomy. Did some cheeky hills here and there and think we did about 50 miles although difficult to tell as forgot to restart the Garmin at one point. Timewise, did an hour less than was on the programme for the week but I don't care. I'd sooner go out with friends for a shorter and suffer on the day, than spend 5 hours scared about cars not seeing me. I'm very lucky to have such supportive friends and family - while we were out, Mum and her friend, Marval, looked after Dora (and Gregor and Gabriel who were there too) and got back to a nice big slap-up dinner and X Factor (much to Chris's chagrin) and following the Ironman World Champs in Kona on the web/Twitter. Macca and Rinsta are just awesome. How quick were their run splits off the bike??? Both sub 3 and Mirinda sub 9 in 100 degree heat and serious crosswinds?! Also great race by Julie Dibens and our old team mate, Stu Anderson (who works full-time and put in. 9.17 and first GB age grouper performance). Had serious Kona envy. Never really occurred to me before as it's so out of my reach but how fabulous it must be to be caught up in that atmosphere.

Sunday, we travelled back home. Quick unpack and then it was out for the long run and finally the Indian Summer rocked up. Chris and Dora went on the bike and I ran and kept catching them up when they were feeding the ducks. Did about 12 miles in the end and in that heat, suffered a bit on the dehydration front. Going to have to get that cracked before Cozumel. Cannot afford to throw it away on the basics.

And so, to today and the other bit of my 'envy'. So, I've been thinking about pros a bit and how fantastic their lifestyles must be (as well as tough, emotional and frustrating at times). But pain and hard work aside, I bet their rest days do what it says on the tin. Mine started today at 5.30am, involved a nursery run, spent most of the day writing a speech and a PowerPoint for one of my bosses, did the weekly shop, cooked dinner, put Dora to bed, did washing and ironing and am now sitting down absolutely dog tired. Rest? What's that?

Hey ho. time to stop moaning, get to bed and get ready to start the merry-go-round again tomorrow. : )


Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Milestones

Can't believe I haven't updated the blog for 2 weeks. Seriously slack at this and with only 7 weeks till race day (keeping everything crossed, of course), I better get recording the journey again!

Recovered really quickly from the 94 miler. Next day was a rest day but carried on as normal on Tuesday and the only side-effect was insatiable hunger like I've never known before. I literally turned overnight into a human dustbin. The rest of the working week was pretty unremarkable and then, Saturday, we rode in shifts - boys first and then girls. Even though the boys got the nice weather (and we got a 3 hour deluge), they turned up with nasty road rash after Chris hit a rock at 35mph and Paul crashed into a hedge. Not good. Alice and I, despite the weather and ending up on lots of main roads, had a pretty solid ride.

On Sunday, I decided to try and re-enact a stage of the Green Belt Relay. Chris and Dora went shopping and I said I'd run along the towpath to meet them. Well, clearly I should have studied the map a touch more closely as I took a total wrong turn, ended up in waterlogged fields, dead ends and deep, dark woods. Oh and it rained from the moment I stepped out the front door until a soggy 2 odd hours later when Chris and Dora finally found me! Oh well, at least I got the miles in after worrying that I wasn't doing enough long runs.

The big highlight of the weekend though was passing one important milestone.....the point of the training plan I got to with Austria.

So, moving into this week and virgin territory, so far it's been good. However, I can tell by my increasingly short fuse, general weariness and rattiness and piles and piles of unironed clothes, that the Peak Phase is here with a vengeance. But, the other milestone of this week, the 50 days-to-go mark (today!) means that the taper is edging ever-closer.

Booked the hotel in Playa del Carmen this week too and am already jealous of Chris and Dora who'll be able to take advantage of the all-inclusive, 3-pool hotel while I wander around with my stomach in my mouth! Talking of Dora, she's been perfecting her "IRONMAN" clarion call this week. Think people back in Blighty will be able to hear her.

Right, to bed before a big ride tomorrow in Northamptonshire.

Back with Team Austria + 1

What to say about Week 21? Well, for a start, it was the longest weekly hour total since this project began. 13 hours 27 and with a killer week at work. Very pleased with that, particularly in Week 1 of the Peak Phase.

Did Tuesday's hour run on the treadmill which sounds boring but which was fine with my new audiobook to keep me company (bought to meet book club deadline which I still managed not to meet or attend).

Wednesday ran at lunchtime with my friend Kate who'd done her first Sprint Tri at the weekend and has become yet another convert! That night was swimming with the tri cub which was great....apart from the Victorian backstroke in the warm down which you can keep!

Thursday after I'd missed book club and finished work, it was a late night turbo session (bet the neighbours are seriously beginning to hate me) and Friday night did long swim whilst most (sane) people were probably down the pub or on the sofa!

On Saturday morning I got up early for my long run. Was a chilly but beautiful, cloudless September morning and did about 11 miles in 1.5 hours.

And then, there was Sunday! We went over to Essex on Saturday and had a lovely dinner with Jona and Susan. Then the next morning, Jona, Chris, Alice, Paul and I headed off to the 'Autumn Leaves' cycling sportive (while Susan, bless her, stayed at home looking after the girls). All were slightly daunted by the 'challenging' description in the race details but weren't aware they were referring to the weather! Just getting into the car to get there I had 5 layers on and by the end, make that 7!

We started slightly later as Jona had forgotten his helmet and shoes (!) but set out in trepidation. The ride was spectacularly organised with signposts all the time but it was so windy and the showers kept coming as did the rolling hills! We reached the first feed station after 2.5 hours and began to realise it could be a long day! Plugged away until the next one at mile 63 and then the weather really set in. It was hammering with rain so much that you felt like you needed wipers on your glasses and every time I squeezed the brake, water poured out my gloves. Poor Paul got a puncture about about mile 70 so Jona, Alice and I pushed on desperate to get to the end (and a cup of tea) while Chris stayed to help.

Finally, 7.24 hours after starting we all finished together having clocked 94.2 miles. Was an amazing feeling as my longest previous ride EVER was 56 miles. Despite the elements, was nowhere near as bad as I'd feared and we had lots of laughs along the way. I'm so grateful that all of them turned out in that weather to help me conquer my first Century (almost) Ride which has given me so much confidence about my ability. Chris wins 'legend of the day' award though for riding the thing on a fixed wheel with panniers having not ridden properly since last Winter! Nutter. Photos to follow but awesome end to a great week.



Edited to say: so lovely when we got back to Jona and Susan's. Dora came up to us all calling us 'Ironman', even me! One day, baby.

I hope.

Weeks 18-20

Been a while since a post but life's been hectic. Have still been on a bit of a rollercoaster as far as Ironman training has been concerned. Seem to either be on a real high or a real downer.

So the highlight of Week 18 was probably the 3.8k swim race. It was a 2 and a bit lap swim, all in the water but I did it in 1.10 which I'm more than happy with. It was slightly longer than the Thames Swim a few weeks ago and is the exact IM swim distance. Managed to do it in race mode too which I've never normally done in the swim but held off 2 girls and beat another on the run to the finish so that was good.

Week 19 was then a little bit hit and miss as we went away to Dublin for a long weekend. Managed to run over there


and also use a great gym which had an indoor running track overlooking Dublin Bay but no long ride that week.

Week 20 has been a lot more consistent. Have done pretty much all I'm supposed to with the exception perhaps of the swim. Open water is sort of closing down and I couldn't make the club swim this week. Did my long ride yesterday and had to cut it slightly short to get home so made up the shortfall on the turbo whilst watching X Factor so pretty impressed with the discipline there.

So, 70 days left to push. Still petrified on the roads it's fair to say but just need to keep my wits about me and keep thinking that I'm so nearly there.

The Slog

It's no secret that IM training 2nd time round with no race buddies has made the path harder to travel but probably the radio silence indicates another period of slog. Have been a bit more positive as had a decent race at Eton (more of that in a bit) and have seen a sudden running improvement. But, with the weather prematurely Autumnal, a few near misses on the bike and interminable saddle sore, I've had a few moments of wanting to throw in the towel. Rational me says I've come this far and therefore have to keep going; irrational me says it's only a race and is the world really going to end if I bail?

However, I'm a stubborn bugger and something inside my brain keeps telling me it'll all be worth so much more if I keeping pushing those little voices in my head away for another 87 days. After all, that is almost exactly the amount of time since my operation and that seems like yesterday.

So, the slog continues!

The race at Eton was supposed to lay demons to rest as I mentioned and all was going really well. Was really relaxed and no real pre-race nerves to speak of. Had a good swim even though they put us in the water and made us wait too long so I was freezing when I started. But, made a reasonable account of myself and was chuffed to be cheered by Dora and Chris and my friend from work, Louise, as I entered T1.

Pretty quick transition (for me) and then onto the bike for an 8-lap course (yawn). Despite the head winds, felt pretty good for the first 3 laps and was down on the newly-installed aero bars.


But suddenly the problem I had in the previous Eton race reappeared and a numbness started to radiate in glutes and quads. By lap 5, I was down at at average speed of about 11-12 mph and could see my predicted time (I wanted sub 1.25) slipping away. I didn't give up and limped round in about 1.36 so knew I had a lot to do on the run.
After a few expletives in T2, I headed out to hound down a few places and a sub-3 hour time and felt pretty good straight away. Could also tell by my heart rate that I was working pretty hard.



Was buoyed by a big cheer by the now-expanded support team and dug in to take back about 15 places in all.

Splits in the end:
Swim (1500m): 27.35
T1: 1.58
Bike (40k): 1.36.39
T2: 1.18
Run (10k): 48.39
TOTAL: 2.56.12
Position: 13 (out of about 40 odd probably).

Felt whacked after the race for a couple of days (must be my age!) but the rest of week 17 was ok. Did a brick at the gym on Thursday, followed immediately by a long swim. Also had a very pacy run on Friday and at the weekend rode twice (saddle sore cutting the first attempt a bit short) and another run.

On the up

I hesitate to say that as they say pride comes before a fall and I don't want any more of those! But, this week so far has been a better one than the last 5. Had a couple of rest days due to monster hangover from Alice and Paul's wedding and just generally feeling like I needed to rest. So, when Tuesday came and it was time to run, I went out expecting to make heavy weather of it. Whether it was due to the rest, the carbs or the Pimms, I don't know but suddenly I felt like I could run again!! Did an hour and every mile was in sub-9 minute mile pace which is the first time since the accident. Felt brilliant.

The next night was tri club and my swimming there has been poor to say the least during the last few weeks and very soul-destroying. Although I faded a bit towards the end, I kept up pretty well for most of it and even did a stint not at the back of the lane!

Last night I then did a turbo session and put my aero bars on to get used to them as I'll need them on the day. Was going at a nice pace and felt really strong.



Am a bit tired today though but fortunately it's light training today as am doing an Olympic tri tomorrow so need to conserve energy. The last time I did an Olympic tri at Eton, I went numb from the waist down on the bike and had to pull out. My first and hopefully only DNF. So, I have a score to settle.....

I love my Garmin

My Garmin has always been brilliant but it's even better now I have the heart rate strap to go with it. Pretty geeky but it means I can sit and marvel at my stats for hours on end should I choose to! What it's telling me today is that, since Tuesday this week, I've done 7.5 hours of training. What's even cooler though is that, as it is a GPS and as I also now have a speedo on my back wheel for turboing, my gadgets are conspiring to tell me that I've done a total of 91 miles of training this week..... in 7.5 hours. Wicked!

Good ride this morning with my friend and multiple Ironman, Jenny. Awful, awful saddle sore but so nice to be riding with someone, particularly of her pedigree.

Guess who's back?

Being nagged to update the blog. It was such an important part of the Austria training and made the whole project feel like it had a plan and ongoing checkpoints. I suppose that brings me to where I am today. I entered Cozumel while still riding on the wave of watching IM Austria and still really fired up. What's happened since, I'm not sure. I've been training and even racing but my heart's been in the wrong place.  Whether it's because it's just me on my own doing the race or whether down to some frustrations about my fitness levels post-surgery, it's hard to tell.

But, I'm working on turning the juggernaut around. Reading some motivational stuff (new mantra: I can. I will. I must) and making myself get out of bed even when the will isn't there.

It's not all been bad news. Did a 2.2 mile swim a couple of weeks ago from Hampton Court to Kingston Bridge. It took me 1.12 which I've got to be happy with 8 weeks after surgery. Not only is it a reasonable time (I was in top half of the field) but it is virtually the Ironman distance and the longest swim I've ever done.

Have also got a nicely spruced-up bike to ride which is lovely. It turns out it had cracked forks from the accident as well as cracked handlebars from some muppet putting the stem on wrong. So, in actual fact, the bike not falling apart during some nice downhill section during the last 4 years proves that I'm not completely luckless.

Week 15 of the training programme and the 'half-way point' and nearly at 100 days to go. Got to carry on recognising I'm in a rut and just pushing through.

I can. I will. I must.

Winning

Well, seem to be winning (or at least overcoming) in the fear stakes as went out riding last Friday and Saturday. Friday I've already recorded and Saturday was mainly based in Richmond Park which isn't traffic-free but isn't quite as scary as the open, unpredictable roads. Went with a colleague from work who I'm sure I slowed down massively but the time flew with company.

Then on Sunday went to Liquid Leisure with Jo - who is fast becoming an awesome triathlete - early doors and managed about 2k open water. Am still way off-form but shoulder didn't hurt so all good. Came back, quick change and back out to Kempton Park for the Race for Life. I was doing it with my NCT girls and some were walking and some were running. I had planned to take it quite easy as shins still slightly iffy. But, I realised that I hadn't done a 5k in a while and wanted to see what I could do so once we got over the start line, I decided to try and give it my all. Worked really hard and was properly anaerobic for most of it. Ended up in the top ten! OK so R4L doesn't record times and it's only for fun and a good cause but it made me realise that I would love to win races and that competitive element of my personality is probably what keeps driving me. It would be so amazing to be in the places or on a podium one day. Whether it will happen or not is very much down to whether I have enough in-built talent (which I question) but, as so many others have proved, what's just as important is attitude, the right preparation, motivation and enjoyment.

Did a turbo session last night which was really hard. What was nice about it though was that it was in the garden on a Summer evening. So so much nicer than garage in the dead of Winter. Something to be said for Winter triathlons (although maybe ask me again when the Autumn winds and rain are driving me mad....).

Bite 2 of the Cherry

OK so I've kept this a bit quiet so far as I came to terms with my decision but, on Friday 9th July, I entered Ironman Cozumel (Mexico) which is on 28 November. After the very public rise and fall of the last Ironman attempt, I was going to bin the blog and stay low key. The reason: a lot is at stake with thousands spent just logistically getting me to the start line. I'm still unsure as to what I'm doing but I know I won't rest unless I give it a go either. And I need the blog to help get me there.

Ironman Austria was both humbling, gutting and inspiring - all in equal measure. I think Paul summed it up by saying "it's a flippin long way, mate". I wasn't in a good place mentally at all times but handled it as best I could and, despite taking most of my kit with me, managed to stop myself throwing caution to the wind! Ironman deserves the utmost respect and rocking up with an unhealed collarbone, having missed 8 weeks of training, would have made mincemeat of me.

Cozumel feels weird. Still trying to regain fitness, still get a bit sore especially when running and have freaked myself by hearing about the 'Kona-like' winds. But it's done. Entry and flights and hotels paid for. Gulp.

This week's been OK. Was at a work conference at the beginning of the week but managed to get in the pool for a slightly more comfortable swim than the previous week. Also went running with my colleague, Matt, the next morning (felt it in the afternoon after lunch!). Wednesday was a double-header. Brick session in the morning with the turbo set by Chris again and then a 15 min run where I realised just how sore my shins were (eek). That evening braved it back down at tri club for the swim. Have lost a LOT of fitness which I already kind of knew but the shoulder did feel slightly easier.

Then on Thurs, an unscheduled rest day which I hate. But, the day ran away with me, we had a new fridge delivered and my Daddy came to stay.

Got up at 5 this morning to go riding though so hopefully made up for it in some way. Worked hard with efforts etc. Shattered tonight though.

8 months to build it up; 2 to lose it.

This week has been a toughie training-wise. As I've been given the green light, I've jumped back in where I left off but it's clear I've lost quite a bit of ground. Chris set me a turbo session on Thursday night and, jeez, my heart was virtually jumping out of my chest on the 'hard hills' (out the saddle for 3 x 5 mins) and the 'power revs'! Somehow got through it but never been so sweaty. Slept well that night!

On Friday ran our tried and tested 4-mile loop and managed to take off over a minute from the last time I did it 2 weeks ago so chuffed about that. Not quite so chuffed about my hour run today though. Admittedly, I had a busy morning and hadn't fuelled or hydrated enough but my supposed heart rate zone 1-2 run ended up being zone 3-4 as I was trying to run at a similar pace to pre-accident and the fitness just isn't there yet. Still, 6.7 miles in 1 hour 03 minutes running the whole time isn't too bad considering I'm still under 6 weeks out of surgery : )