Felt it was probably time to do a bit of an update. Been a busy few weeks and the training's been going pretty well. Have found a new lake in Shepperton which is only a 750m lap but it's very clear and warm and, as yet, still a bit of a hidden secret. Not doing anywhere near the distance I should be doing for my 2.2m swim in a fortnight but, I guess that's the danger with having done the distance before - that a bit of complacency slips in. Still, we now have a 'Concept 2' rower in our possession (to join our turbo and treadmill!) and I plan to strengthen the arms and lats on that when I can't get to the pool and also do the club swim on Wednesdays so feeling reasonably confident. The emphasis this season is on fun and no pressure so just looking forward to enjoying the race atmosphere.
Funny thing though, Ironman has started gnawing away again which is not funny. Last weekend, we went down to Sandyballs in the New Forest for the weekend to support Paul doing 'Forestman'. When we turned up on a grey and windy morning for the pre-race swim and saw the rudimentary-looking transition area, I wasn't envying him one little bit but by Sunday morning when the sun was coming up, despite a field of less than 200, iron fever began to take hold. Alice and I rode some of the course and the bit we did was mainly on empty roads with plenty of wildlife and it was great. Paul had a storming race and finished in a new iron PB of 12.36. Was also nice to cheer on Tim who I'd met on Twitter and to meet another Corinne from Twitter who was marshalling.
By Monday night, Alice had entered 'Challenge Henley' and then following Ironman Austria today and talking to my friend, Jo, who's considering entering when the applications open tomorrow, my head has started to turn to "could I?". But, no, I have to be sensible and I'm enjoying having fun with Dora far too much (and don't even get me started on work) to sign on any dotted lines for now. But, be warned any wannabe ironmans out there, whoever says "I just want to do one and tick the box".....no chance. It's like saying "I'm never drinking again" after a big night on the sauce........
