Sooo.. another year has passed. Did you achieve what you wanted? Was 2012 a year to smile about or one you'd rather forget? For most people, including me, I'm sure it was a mix, highs and lows, things to remember, things we'd rather forget!
This time of year brings with it a certain magical feeling, a sense that anything is possible. We begin planning all the great things we're going to do, all the amazing changes we are going to see, and the coming year is going to be THE year. And diaries! Does anyone else get REALLY stupidly excited about having a new diary? I do.. all those pages, empty and ready to be filled.. and you use your neatest handwriting, and the same colour pen everyday.. that is, until you get to late February/March when it all goes to pot and you scribble your shopping list and everything in it.
I try really hard not to make new years resolutions. Simply because I go over the top and plan a whole life change basically starting one day to another. Then I inevitably fail and end up feeling awful and dejected. Sooooo, lets do some SMART goals!!
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time Based
Just kidding. That popped in my head because Ive been on 3 courses recently that all had a section on goal setting. I'm fed up of it now! And... British Triathlon actually make it even more fun, because they make it not just SMART, but SMARTER!
Exciting
Recordable
Woo hoo! But, I digress. Yes, resolutions. Number 1 for most people has to be the diet. Slimming clubs, gyms, and fitness classes make a fortune at this time of year. But now is the worst time ever to do it! The resolution 'I will eat more healthily in the new year' actually translates as 'I will eat a lot more crap leading up to new year'. It's one I'd always set. Every December I would decide that January 1st is the day I'm going to stop all sugar, all junk, I will read all labels and not have processed anything, and I will therefore magically transform into an enlightened dietary guru. No wonder I would fail and end up in Dominos by January 8th.
So this year I'm not setting anything. I have plans, things I want to achieve and work towards, but now I realise it is a work in progress, everyday, and I don't expect a personality change from tonight to tomorrow morning.
I feel rather fortunate that I actually enjoy exercise and sport, and don't have to go through the whole 'I will do more exercise' resolution. I do feel sorry for people who have to drag themselves to the gym or a fitness class, just for the sake of it, because they feel they should. They hate every minute of it! And we regular goers have to put up with a January influx of people getting in our way because they said they were going for a 3 hour walk on the treadmill or are chatting to their mates right at the front of the water machine. Until a few weeks later when they gave in to temptation and have a bakewell tart and think now the whole health kick is ruined so they may as well go back to watching tv and buying full fat coke. And inside a little voice is screaming, 'yay, I never liked that diet shit anyway!'
The leisure industries are then rubbing their hands in glee, because that £60 a month gym contract for the next year will only be used when the person pops in for a shower because their heating is broken.
I always tell my friends (who are not sporty at ALL) to find something they enjoy. There no point playing tennis if you get angry and upset because you can't hit the ball. You won't go back. There's no point swimming if you don't like to smell of chlorine and have dry hair. Find something you enjoy, click with, and then do that!
I once read a quote that said 'Go and find what makes you come alive, and then go and do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive'.
So as we leave 2012 and a year of sporting excellence and inspiration, go grab that feeling that bubbles up when you run, ride, swim, play tennis, dance, use the treadmill, or drink full fat coke. Whatever floats your boat.
A happy, healthy, and prosperous new year to you all.
Monday, 31 December 2012
Sunday, 2 December 2012
If Carlsberg Made Triathlon Clubs......
So last night, nicely rounding off another year were the Absolute Tri Club awards.
Absolute is a Nottingham based club, and open to all.
I came to triathlon from martial arts, because I wanted a change. I had become disillusioned with my routine, I was fed up of repetition, and was looking for a challenge. I was actually in WHSmith one day, looking for a magazine, and saw triathlon plus. I'd never heard of it, had no idea what it was. I picked up the magazine and leafed through it, which was followed by, 'Jesus, these people are insane! Who the hell would want to do that?!' I put it back and bought something ridiculous like 'card crafting' and went on with my day. Yet my mind kept wandering back..... WOULD it be possible? COULD I contemplate trying this triathlon malarkey when I hadn't swum, cycled or run since school?
On my way home I bought the magazine. The rest, to quote a famous line, is history.
After reading through I looked up a club in Nottingham. It actually took around 6 months of procrastinating, looking at the website, and writing 'go to new tri club' in my diary before I actually got there. I eventually went to a ladies only swim that was being aimed at beginners. Walking out onto that poolside I was crapping myself! I mean, I'm very shy anyway, so being shy, not really swimming unless water slides on holidays count and feeling completely out of my depth being at an actual club, it was all quite an overwhelming experience! I got in and could barely do 2 lengths. And my technique was basically around not drowning. I got out absolutely knackered that day and wondered what I was playing at. But, I'm lucky enough to have been blessed with a don't quit mentality. I become very stubborn, and very determined that I won't be beaten. In this case it was about swimming properly. So even though I felt silly for being there, thought everyone was looking at me, all the usual fears, I kept going back. Each week the coaches pushed me a bit more, and a bit harder. Sometimes I really just wanted to just give up and go back to my comfort zone and what I knew.
It all started to pay off though... I remember clearly when I got moved up a lane. I was so excited that I went and told everyone I could the next day!
I did my first sprint with hardly any proper training. I think it was just around my base fitness that I already had. I'd done hardly any cycling, or running. I had no idea what I was doing, I even glugged an energy gel as I was starting the 5k run, what with it being SUCH a long way... clueless. But crossing that finish line, I was grinning and raised my arms and jumped and whooped like I was winning the thing. I was on a high the whole day... I had done it!
From there I became more and more involved, I'm now a coach at the club, I organised the fabulous one of a kind club naked calendar, and have entered my first iron-distance.
I think there are many real and sometimes valid fears that tri is all for the super fit, and is elitist. Some people are. Some clubs are. But there are also many who aren't.
Absolute is one of those clubs. All are welcome, irrelevant of ability or experience. And that is why I love my club so much. I've met people who are just there to make friends and keep fit, I've met people who are aiming to finish their first Ironman, people who are going to the world championships, so many different people who have such different goals. And each person inspires me in different ways. I admire them all, from the dedication and grit needed to get to the top, to the nervous person, as I was, who takes the first step into something new and scary.
When I'm coaching and people get in the water and I say right this this and this, and I see the faces of horror and hear the protests, I smile to myself. Because I know they will do it. The same as my coaches knew I would. One of the most rewarding things for me is seeing that. The focus, the commitment, and the surprise that they've actually done it. And obviously that leads to 'what now?' (ooh, and before you know it you've entered the Outlaw Relay team!! You know who you are) ;p
Last night at the awards, the Female Triathlete Of The Year was a woman who has been in tri around 2 years, and in that time has competed and come in the top female rankings at the outlaw, and in the same year qualified for the world championships and raced for GB. The Male Triathlete Of The Year was a 60 year old man who through sheer determination and hard work, also completed the Outlaw this year.
The differences between the two are huge, but also the same. Commitment, dedication, outstanding achievements.
People are rewarded for their own goals, and sometimes it just isn't about winning or being faster than the person next to you, it's about what it has taken for you to be there, where you came from and where you're going, what you've achieved and what you personally have to be proud of, whether that's pulling on the GB kit, or running your first 5K.
I'm proud to be part of a club who recognise and encourage that. The future's bright....
Here's to 2013!!
Absolute is a Nottingham based club, and open to all.
I came to triathlon from martial arts, because I wanted a change. I had become disillusioned with my routine, I was fed up of repetition, and was looking for a challenge. I was actually in WHSmith one day, looking for a magazine, and saw triathlon plus. I'd never heard of it, had no idea what it was. I picked up the magazine and leafed through it, which was followed by, 'Jesus, these people are insane! Who the hell would want to do that?!' I put it back and bought something ridiculous like 'card crafting' and went on with my day. Yet my mind kept wandering back..... WOULD it be possible? COULD I contemplate trying this triathlon malarkey when I hadn't swum, cycled or run since school?
On my way home I bought the magazine. The rest, to quote a famous line, is history.
After reading through I looked up a club in Nottingham. It actually took around 6 months of procrastinating, looking at the website, and writing 'go to new tri club' in my diary before I actually got there. I eventually went to a ladies only swim that was being aimed at beginners. Walking out onto that poolside I was crapping myself! I mean, I'm very shy anyway, so being shy, not really swimming unless water slides on holidays count and feeling completely out of my depth being at an actual club, it was all quite an overwhelming experience! I got in and could barely do 2 lengths. And my technique was basically around not drowning. I got out absolutely knackered that day and wondered what I was playing at. But, I'm lucky enough to have been blessed with a don't quit mentality. I become very stubborn, and very determined that I won't be beaten. In this case it was about swimming properly. So even though I felt silly for being there, thought everyone was looking at me, all the usual fears, I kept going back. Each week the coaches pushed me a bit more, and a bit harder. Sometimes I really just wanted to just give up and go back to my comfort zone and what I knew.
It all started to pay off though... I remember clearly when I got moved up a lane. I was so excited that I went and told everyone I could the next day!
I did my first sprint with hardly any proper training. I think it was just around my base fitness that I already had. I'd done hardly any cycling, or running. I had no idea what I was doing, I even glugged an energy gel as I was starting the 5k run, what with it being SUCH a long way... clueless. But crossing that finish line, I was grinning and raised my arms and jumped and whooped like I was winning the thing. I was on a high the whole day... I had done it!
From there I became more and more involved, I'm now a coach at the club, I organised the fabulous one of a kind club naked calendar, and have entered my first iron-distance.
I think there are many real and sometimes valid fears that tri is all for the super fit, and is elitist. Some people are. Some clubs are. But there are also many who aren't.
Absolute is one of those clubs. All are welcome, irrelevant of ability or experience. And that is why I love my club so much. I've met people who are just there to make friends and keep fit, I've met people who are aiming to finish their first Ironman, people who are going to the world championships, so many different people who have such different goals. And each person inspires me in different ways. I admire them all, from the dedication and grit needed to get to the top, to the nervous person, as I was, who takes the first step into something new and scary.
When I'm coaching and people get in the water and I say right this this and this, and I see the faces of horror and hear the protests, I smile to myself. Because I know they will do it. The same as my coaches knew I would. One of the most rewarding things for me is seeing that. The focus, the commitment, and the surprise that they've actually done it. And obviously that leads to 'what now?' (ooh, and before you know it you've entered the Outlaw Relay team!! You know who you are) ;p
Last night at the awards, the Female Triathlete Of The Year was a woman who has been in tri around 2 years, and in that time has competed and come in the top female rankings at the outlaw, and in the same year qualified for the world championships and raced for GB. The Male Triathlete Of The Year was a 60 year old man who through sheer determination and hard work, also completed the Outlaw this year.
The differences between the two are huge, but also the same. Commitment, dedication, outstanding achievements.
People are rewarded for their own goals, and sometimes it just isn't about winning or being faster than the person next to you, it's about what it has taken for you to be there, where you came from and where you're going, what you've achieved and what you personally have to be proud of, whether that's pulling on the GB kit, or running your first 5K.
I'm proud to be part of a club who recognise and encourage that. The future's bright....
Here's to 2013!!
Monday, 15 October 2012
I Am A Survivor!!
Haven't written for a while, all has been quiet on the training front! I have been taking a break from structure and just doing things for the fun of it. In my last post I wrote that I was expecting to do my first half iron distance, the Vitruvian. Unfortunately it didn't happen, I had other commitments come up for that weekend at short notice, so had to withdraw.
Not to be put off getting something done this year, I noticed a Facebook post by a friend talking about The Viking, a mountain bike event, 30k or 50k, not far from where I live. I thought it was ideal, I really enjoy going out on my mountain bike. Note my turn of phrase there- I didn't say, 'I enjoy mountain biking'. That is because I have concluded I don't deserve that title. When I say I enjoy going out on my mountain bike, I mean I really enjoy going on the nice man made trails they have in Nottingham, jumping over roots, skidding in dust, that kind of thing..
However, the Viking was not nice man made trails. It was muddy. REALLY muddy. I don't like mud. I really get stressed when my bike gets dirty. It's some kind of OCD thing I have.What I thought it would be like in England in October I have no idea, I think I had some nice idea that it would be all dry in spite of the torrential rain we've had all ''summer''. And of course torrential rain and 1300 bikes doesn't help to settle it down much. In some parts it was impossible to ride through, I had to get off and walk. Which made my shoes and overshoes (to protect me from the mud) really muddy.
I wasn't feeling good anyway, I had gotten lost getting there, which had made me late, and now I was filthy. 3 pet hates of mine all in one morning. I was quite stroppy as I pushed my bike up a hill, slipping all over the place, and I got back on near the top. This is where I began to feel a bit pathetic, because I was actually really scared of falling off. I thought my mountain bike skills weren't bad, Im not usually a fearful person, and have ridden quite freely on rough terrain etc, but this was something different. It was like trying to ride on ice!! The back wheel was all over, side to side, and I kept unclipping and steadying with my foot, as well as throwing my weight to steady myself. It was also the first time I'd used SPD's with my mountain bike. Maybe that had something to do with it.
All around me people were bombing past, some pedalling and moving, others falling off. Which made me even more nervous. I stopped to let people go past, so I wasn't holding anyone up. A man came powering by, turned to look for his friend, and his bike slid straight out from under him, and both went flying. Unfortunately they went flying straight into my hand. I managed not to fall over, but felt a pretty sharp pain. I got out of the way quickly, and carried on.
To cut a long story short I had to stop at the next feed station and was examined by a doctor, because by that time I couldn't bend my fingers at all. He told me I couldn't continue, and arranged for me to be picked up, and I was taken to a first aid station where I sat feeling sorry for myself. They advised me to go for an X-ray, there was a nasty bruise, a lot of swelling and it was clicking, but as it was the weekend and I didn't fancy sitting in a&e with a load of drunks I gave it a miss!
So that was the end of my first ever mountain bike event!! However, that's not to say I won't be back next year... if it hasn't been raining :p
So, bearing in mind that I really dislike being muddy and wet, on Wednesday I had the bright idea to enter Survival of the fittest. Which is a very muddy and very wet assault course and run.
I was quite wary about hurting myself further, I am still suffering from injury, I now have bursititis in my left heel. So I had to be careful. Not careful enough not to enter though obviously. I haven't run for months now, never mind crawled, jumped, swung and climbed! I wrapped a support bandage around it, and was determined whatever happened I was going to finish ONE event this year!!
Some of the obstacles involved-
Climbing on/through/over cars...
....crawling through tubes.... (no idea whose backside this is by the way)
And lots more! All ensured that no strength would be left in your body at all, and you would run (or stagger) to the finish line to be faced with this monster- It looks small on this picture, but trust me it isn't! It's around 8ft tall, and has no foot holes or ropes or anything to climb up!
(probably why the man on the left is taking the easy route)
I just stood and stared at it for ages, as if a magic little fairy would pop up and lift me over it! No. 2 men grabbed my arms and pulled me, and someone else shoved my feet and I eventually got up there. Then I sat and stared down the other side.. how the hell was I meant to get down?!! I was scared of jumping and hurting my foot, but I realised I had no choice. So I went for it, and tried to land my weight onto my good side.
Wa hey, I did it, I am a survivor! I got my medal and t.shirt, and I really did feel I earned them!!
And today... ouch. Just ouch. That is the only word :D
Not to be put off getting something done this year, I noticed a Facebook post by a friend talking about The Viking, a mountain bike event, 30k or 50k, not far from where I live. I thought it was ideal, I really enjoy going out on my mountain bike. Note my turn of phrase there- I didn't say, 'I enjoy mountain biking'. That is because I have concluded I don't deserve that title. When I say I enjoy going out on my mountain bike, I mean I really enjoy going on the nice man made trails they have in Nottingham, jumping over roots, skidding in dust, that kind of thing..
However, the Viking was not nice man made trails. It was muddy. REALLY muddy. I don't like mud. I really get stressed when my bike gets dirty. It's some kind of OCD thing I have.What I thought it would be like in England in October I have no idea, I think I had some nice idea that it would be all dry in spite of the torrential rain we've had all ''summer''. And of course torrential rain and 1300 bikes doesn't help to settle it down much. In some parts it was impossible to ride through, I had to get off and walk. Which made my shoes and overshoes (to protect me from the mud) really muddy.
I wasn't feeling good anyway, I had gotten lost getting there, which had made me late, and now I was filthy. 3 pet hates of mine all in one morning. I was quite stroppy as I pushed my bike up a hill, slipping all over the place, and I got back on near the top. This is where I began to feel a bit pathetic, because I was actually really scared of falling off. I thought my mountain bike skills weren't bad, Im not usually a fearful person, and have ridden quite freely on rough terrain etc, but this was something different. It was like trying to ride on ice!! The back wheel was all over, side to side, and I kept unclipping and steadying with my foot, as well as throwing my weight to steady myself. It was also the first time I'd used SPD's with my mountain bike. Maybe that had something to do with it.
All around me people were bombing past, some pedalling and moving, others falling off. Which made me even more nervous. I stopped to let people go past, so I wasn't holding anyone up. A man came powering by, turned to look for his friend, and his bike slid straight out from under him, and both went flying. Unfortunately they went flying straight into my hand. I managed not to fall over, but felt a pretty sharp pain. I got out of the way quickly, and carried on.
To cut a long story short I had to stop at the next feed station and was examined by a doctor, because by that time I couldn't bend my fingers at all. He told me I couldn't continue, and arranged for me to be picked up, and I was taken to a first aid station where I sat feeling sorry for myself. They advised me to go for an X-ray, there was a nasty bruise, a lot of swelling and it was clicking, but as it was the weekend and I didn't fancy sitting in a&e with a load of drunks I gave it a miss!
So that was the end of my first ever mountain bike event!! However, that's not to say I won't be back next year... if it hasn't been raining :p
So, bearing in mind that I really dislike being muddy and wet, on Wednesday I had the bright idea to enter Survival of the fittest. Which is a very muddy and very wet assault course and run.
I was quite wary about hurting myself further, I am still suffering from injury, I now have bursititis in my left heel. So I had to be careful. Not careful enough not to enter though obviously. I haven't run for months now, never mind crawled, jumped, swung and climbed! I wrapped a support bandage around it, and was determined whatever happened I was going to finish ONE event this year!!
Some of the obstacles involved-
Climbing on/through/over cars...
....scrambling under nets... this was the dry one, others has thick muddy water you had no choice but to crawl in..
...LOTS of water obstacles... this was the prelude to a huge water slide which dunked you into a FREEZING cold lake...
....walking over planks in-between climbing up and over bars.... (good co ordination needed!!)
....crawling through tubes.... (no idea whose backside this is by the way)
And lots more! All ensured that no strength would be left in your body at all, and you would run (or stagger) to the finish line to be faced with this monster- It looks small on this picture, but trust me it isn't! It's around 8ft tall, and has no foot holes or ropes or anything to climb up!
(probably why the man on the left is taking the easy route)
I just stood and stared at it for ages, as if a magic little fairy would pop up and lift me over it! No. 2 men grabbed my arms and pulled me, and someone else shoved my feet and I eventually got up there. Then I sat and stared down the other side.. how the hell was I meant to get down?!! I was scared of jumping and hurting my foot, but I realised I had no choice. So I went for it, and tried to land my weight onto my good side.
And today... ouch. Just ouch. That is the only word :D
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Better Never Stops
Hope everyone has had a good summer! Olympic fever hit us hard! Union Flags everywhere, coming together as a country, what a great show it was! And even better to at LAST have some decent role models for our young girls. So many strong female athletes to look up to. Lets hope it will get rid of this ridiculous ''I want to be a wag or X factor star'' mentality.
I help out at the junior section of my club as a triathlon coach, and I'm really excited to go back in September and hopefully see some new faces who have been inspired to join after watching the phenomenal performance of the GB tri squad.
The Paralympics is now upon us.. Hopefully that will be just as supported, and just as inspiring.
I do find myself wondering why the two can't run alongside each other, make everyone a whole team? Obviously they could still compete in their classifications to make it fair, but why not together? At the moment it still seems a bit like we have the Olympics, and then ''the one for the disabled''. Watching the opening ceremony last night there were wheelchair users dancing, visually impaired people rollerskating, and Stephen Hawking doing a speech. Why couldn't we have the dancers and the rollerbladers at the main ceremony? Disability isn't completely understood by everyone, it's seen as being something different, something unusual. And to an able bodied person obviously it is unusual. We may not know how to act or what to say, fear doing the wrong thing, we avoid eye contact so not to be seen as staring. My point is that until we begin to integrate those barriers will always be there. If nobody ever sees or has contact with someone with Cerebral Palsy or paraplegia, of course it will remain a mystery, and something unusual. Popular culture features hardly anyone with a disability at all. Music, art, TV, film, modelling.. all are aimed at how we SHOULD be and SHOULD look. It excludes anyone who doesn't fit that. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I wish we didn't have to put everyone in little boxes.
Anyway! It's been a while since my last post. Since the Outlaw I have been having some down time from training. My motivation waned quite a bit, I found it very difficult to focus on the next goal and keep going, because I didn't really have one! I still felt the disappointment of not competing very strongly.
I realised I had to set another focus. I managed to get a place in the Vitruvian half iron distance. I thought with a few solid weeks I would be fine and happy with completing that, even if I had to just walk the run because of my shins.
Unfortunately, sometimes when you think you have it all planned out and cosy down to get on with it life decides to give you a shove in an opposite direction. Someone very close to me has been diagnosed with some quite significant health problems. Which once again left me feeling should I shouldn't I with regards to racing. I have now missed a lot of the Vit training due to many different appointments and many hours spent in and out of hospitals. The race is next weekend. I know I will get through it, I have a big aerobic base from Outlaw training, but any chance of a decent time is out the window I'm afraid. At least I'll be able to just enjoy it, savour the course and experience, and I will feel I have achieved something after so many disappointments this year. Even more important, I will have the t.shirt!! :)
Next year I had planned for the Outlaw again from this year, but with the news we got was unsure again. I was thinking that when someone isn't well me saying ''I'm just popping out for 5 hours on the bike, see ya later'' isn't the most thoughtful thing to do! On top of that everyone knows the body and mind are a unit, and emotional strain has a big impact on your physical energy, performance, everything really.
But on the flip side, if not now, when? The first year Nan died, this year I've been injured. Next year other commitments, and 2014...?!
I read a book that said you should not attempt to do Iron distance when anything stressful is happening in your life. It said do not consider if you are moving house, have a new relationship, or stress at work. But who has a stress free life?! I certainly don't! Its all very well saying I'll do it when life has settled down, but what if it doesn't? You never know what can happen, and if I'm not careful I may end up looking back 40 years from now and saying, ''Well I did INTEND to do an Ironman, but...'' I do not want that.
I'm aware how much effort and commitment the training takes, and I know that with the many other pressures I have it will be a huge challenge. But it's a huge challenge anyway. Maybe I need to see how I feel after next weekend. I don't want to lose the fitness base I have, and I don't want to lose focus again either.
The point of it is, this is my dream. And nothing is impossible. I may not have much spare time and a lot on, but I have determination in abundance. I still hope and believe I can do it. I love the Olympics slogan- Better Never Stops :)
I help out at the junior section of my club as a triathlon coach, and I'm really excited to go back in September and hopefully see some new faces who have been inspired to join after watching the phenomenal performance of the GB tri squad.
The Paralympics is now upon us.. Hopefully that will be just as supported, and just as inspiring.
I do find myself wondering why the two can't run alongside each other, make everyone a whole team? Obviously they could still compete in their classifications to make it fair, but why not together? At the moment it still seems a bit like we have the Olympics, and then ''the one for the disabled''. Watching the opening ceremony last night there were wheelchair users dancing, visually impaired people rollerskating, and Stephen Hawking doing a speech. Why couldn't we have the dancers and the rollerbladers at the main ceremony? Disability isn't completely understood by everyone, it's seen as being something different, something unusual. And to an able bodied person obviously it is unusual. We may not know how to act or what to say, fear doing the wrong thing, we avoid eye contact so not to be seen as staring. My point is that until we begin to integrate those barriers will always be there. If nobody ever sees or has contact with someone with Cerebral Palsy or paraplegia, of course it will remain a mystery, and something unusual. Popular culture features hardly anyone with a disability at all. Music, art, TV, film, modelling.. all are aimed at how we SHOULD be and SHOULD look. It excludes anyone who doesn't fit that. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I wish we didn't have to put everyone in little boxes.
Anyway! It's been a while since my last post. Since the Outlaw I have been having some down time from training. My motivation waned quite a bit, I found it very difficult to focus on the next goal and keep going, because I didn't really have one! I still felt the disappointment of not competing very strongly.
I realised I had to set another focus. I managed to get a place in the Vitruvian half iron distance. I thought with a few solid weeks I would be fine and happy with completing that, even if I had to just walk the run because of my shins.
Unfortunately, sometimes when you think you have it all planned out and cosy down to get on with it life decides to give you a shove in an opposite direction. Someone very close to me has been diagnosed with some quite significant health problems. Which once again left me feeling should I shouldn't I with regards to racing. I have now missed a lot of the Vit training due to many different appointments and many hours spent in and out of hospitals. The race is next weekend. I know I will get through it, I have a big aerobic base from Outlaw training, but any chance of a decent time is out the window I'm afraid. At least I'll be able to just enjoy it, savour the course and experience, and I will feel I have achieved something after so many disappointments this year. Even more important, I will have the t.shirt!! :)
Next year I had planned for the Outlaw again from this year, but with the news we got was unsure again. I was thinking that when someone isn't well me saying ''I'm just popping out for 5 hours on the bike, see ya later'' isn't the most thoughtful thing to do! On top of that everyone knows the body and mind are a unit, and emotional strain has a big impact on your physical energy, performance, everything really.
But on the flip side, if not now, when? The first year Nan died, this year I've been injured. Next year other commitments, and 2014...?!
I read a book that said you should not attempt to do Iron distance when anything stressful is happening in your life. It said do not consider if you are moving house, have a new relationship, or stress at work. But who has a stress free life?! I certainly don't! Its all very well saying I'll do it when life has settled down, but what if it doesn't? You never know what can happen, and if I'm not careful I may end up looking back 40 years from now and saying, ''Well I did INTEND to do an Ironman, but...'' I do not want that.
I'm aware how much effort and commitment the training takes, and I know that with the many other pressures I have it will be a huge challenge. But it's a huge challenge anyway. Maybe I need to see how I feel after next weekend. I don't want to lose the fitness base I have, and I don't want to lose focus again either.
The point of it is, this is my dream. And nothing is impossible. I may not have much spare time and a lot on, but I have determination in abundance. I still hope and believe I can do it. I love the Olympics slogan- Better Never Stops :)
Sunday, 15 July 2012
A Year On...
Yesterday was the Outlaw Celebration Party.. and the launch of a project I dreamt up and began organising back in April. It was top secret until the launch last night. The Karen Green Foundation Charity Calendar, ''ABSOLUTE-LY STARKERS''
Karen Green was the wife of Mick Green, who owns a specialist racing bike shop in Nottingham. She had lukaemia. After a long battle she died in July 2011. Mick set up the foundation in her name to provide help and support for people suffering the same condition, their families, and to fund research.
I have a lot of respect for Mick, I think what he did was a true show of his strength of charecter. He took an awful, heart breaking situation, and turned it into something positive that will help so many people. Along with that he continued to run his business and look after his two young children. He also trained and completed the Outlaw this year. All alongside dealing with his own grief. What an incredible year, and what an incredible man.
I began thinking of ways to help. I came up with the idea of a charity calendar. Obviously the catch would be that we were going to be in the nuddy. I began gathering participants, I wanted to convey the diverse nature of all who compete in triathlon, so asked women of all ages, shapes and sizes. They were all fantastic, and despite initial reservations they all jumped straight in!
I was really nervous last night before I had to get up on the stage to introduce it.. I'm not quite sure why! Maybe I thought people wouldn't like it, or would think it was an awful idea. But it was the opposite! People really seemed to enjoy it, and walked round looking at the pictures, and many came and spoke to me. People even asked for us to sign the calendars, it was very surreal!!
I suppose people wouldn't think I was a shy person, I certainly don't look that way, or act it sometimes. But I do feel I'm more of an introvert, I'm happiest curled up with my dog and a book on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket! Yes, seriously!
I am also THE most prudish person ever. I won't even wear a bikini. I'm the one who sees people out in summer and tuts because they aren't wearing enough clothing for my liking. So quite how that goes with someone who gets their clothes off and has pictures took I don't know. I obviously have a split personality!!
I think I was focussing on the greater good, and apart from that I had a vision of what it would be like when it was finished, and I knew it would be great.
I had a moment last night where I sat watching proceedings and reflecting. In 2011 there were three of us connected to the club who lost people, all in weeks of each other. My nan was first, then Karen, then a club member called John died. The year has flown by, but also dragged.
The strangest thing for me to reflect on is that without nans death, the likelihood is I wouldn't have the life and friends I have now. That is what led me to entering the outlaw, to beginning the training. It was my focus for grief, and gave me something to cling to when everything else made no sense.
And now that journey is over, the outlaw, the celebration, the calendar project. That particular focus is over. The first year of life without my mother is over... and there are many more years to come without her. The same as for Mick, facing years without Karen, and for John's partner, who carries on alone. That makes me so sad.. But day by day I can also see how I have moved through those awful few months, and have begun to get my life back on track. And to see others doing the same- it really gives me hope.
I'm not trying to be depressing, I'm just reflecting on how life can throw such adversity at us, and how it can seem so unfair, so wrong that good people suffer. But we adapt.. we get back up, and most importantly, move forward.
Athletes from the club who got sponsored for the outlaw raised £18,000 for the charity.
Last night the party raised £7,000.
The calendars are on sale for £10. Bargain.
To find out more about The Karen Green Foundation please go www.karengreenfoundation.co.uk
Karen Green was the wife of Mick Green, who owns a specialist racing bike shop in Nottingham. She had lukaemia. After a long battle she died in July 2011. Mick set up the foundation in her name to provide help and support for people suffering the same condition, their families, and to fund research.
I have a lot of respect for Mick, I think what he did was a true show of his strength of charecter. He took an awful, heart breaking situation, and turned it into something positive that will help so many people. Along with that he continued to run his business and look after his two young children. He also trained and completed the Outlaw this year. All alongside dealing with his own grief. What an incredible year, and what an incredible man.
I began thinking of ways to help. I came up with the idea of a charity calendar. Obviously the catch would be that we were going to be in the nuddy. I began gathering participants, I wanted to convey the diverse nature of all who compete in triathlon, so asked women of all ages, shapes and sizes. They were all fantastic, and despite initial reservations they all jumped straight in!
I was really nervous last night before I had to get up on the stage to introduce it.. I'm not quite sure why! Maybe I thought people wouldn't like it, or would think it was an awful idea. But it was the opposite! People really seemed to enjoy it, and walked round looking at the pictures, and many came and spoke to me. People even asked for us to sign the calendars, it was very surreal!!
I suppose people wouldn't think I was a shy person, I certainly don't look that way, or act it sometimes. But I do feel I'm more of an introvert, I'm happiest curled up with my dog and a book on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket! Yes, seriously!
I am also THE most prudish person ever. I won't even wear a bikini. I'm the one who sees people out in summer and tuts because they aren't wearing enough clothing for my liking. So quite how that goes with someone who gets their clothes off and has pictures took I don't know. I obviously have a split personality!!
I think I was focussing on the greater good, and apart from that I had a vision of what it would be like when it was finished, and I knew it would be great.
I had a moment last night where I sat watching proceedings and reflecting. In 2011 there were three of us connected to the club who lost people, all in weeks of each other. My nan was first, then Karen, then a club member called John died. The year has flown by, but also dragged.
The strangest thing for me to reflect on is that without nans death, the likelihood is I wouldn't have the life and friends I have now. That is what led me to entering the outlaw, to beginning the training. It was my focus for grief, and gave me something to cling to when everything else made no sense.
And now that journey is over, the outlaw, the celebration, the calendar project. That particular focus is over. The first year of life without my mother is over... and there are many more years to come without her. The same as for Mick, facing years without Karen, and for John's partner, who carries on alone. That makes me so sad.. But day by day I can also see how I have moved through those awful few months, and have begun to get my life back on track. And to see others doing the same- it really gives me hope.
I'm not trying to be depressing, I'm just reflecting on how life can throw such adversity at us, and how it can seem so unfair, so wrong that good people suffer. But we adapt.. we get back up, and most importantly, move forward.
Athletes from the club who got sponsored for the outlaw raised £18,000 for the charity.
Last night the party raised £7,000.
The calendars are on sale for £10. Bargain.
To find out more about The Karen Green Foundation please go www.karengreenfoundation.co.uk
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Realisations from the experience of last year!
Already thinking about getting ready for next years' Outlaw. I feel I can go into it knowing a little bit more than I did when I last entered. I didn't have a clue what to expect, what I'd need to do, how much it takes out of you. I know I didn't do the race, but I did do almost all the training required. I've learned a lot from the past 10 months.
1. Saving up and paying £100 for Assos shorts is definitely something worth saving up for. 6 hour rides are painful enough- don't make it worse. A little extra care for my lady bits goes a looooong way.
2. My diet is appalling. If I want to do this triathlon thing I need to seriously get a grip with it. Chocolate with strawberry filling does not count as one of my five a day. Could really do with losing some pork from my hips as well.
3. My inhibitions have almost completely disappeared. Not sure if this is good or bad.This time last year I just would not have gone for a wee outside. During the bike I stopped 3 times, and didn't particularly care about spitting either. Something else I'd never do! Also, it is quite worrying that I am beginning to understand why people just stand up and ''let the golden flow go''. It is annoying to have to keep stopping. If I'm thinking this now, it can only mean a slippery slope towards actually doing it next year!! (On the run at least, I don't think I could bring myself to wee in my expensive shorts and on my pretty bike)
4. I must embrace the shitty English weather. I can either moan and miss half my sessions, or get mudguards, rubber overshoes, and a goretex jacket/hat/bodysuit/balaclava. I'm not going to be moving to the maldives anytime soon, nor does global warming appear to be affecting us, so time to work with what I've got. Unfortunately that means embracing cold, wind and rain. And that's just in summer!!
5. My 'everything must match' philosophy works quite well. I had so many comments on my bright orange calf guards! People probably thought they were horrendous, but I don't care. The future's bright..
6. I'm crap on hills. Must practice.
7. I now have a massive endurance base and didn't even feel tired after the bike, but I am way too slow. Aside from 'David with the disc wheel', I hardly passed anyone else! Apart from in the last 10 miles when I felt quite good. Must practice.
8. Must do my physio exercises. There isn't a magic pill that will take my injuries away, it's time and patience. And physio!!
9. I will be hungry a lot of the time.
10. And tired.
11. And won't have a social life. Not outside of other strange people who get up at 7am on a Sunday to do a brick session anyway.
12. Must embrace public swim sessions. Horrendous, but got to be done.
13. I've only changed a tyre once. Thankfully on sunday I didn't get a puncture, but I must practice. It's likely to happen at some point. Even though I have sold my soul to the Puncture Demon, he's a greedy bugger and will make me suffer at some point.
14. I know myself really well now. I know what heart zone I'm in without even looking at my watch. I know when I should be in a different gear. I have so much more mental focus. I hardly ever even notice the scenery now!!
15. It will be worth it 100%. I can't wait. Bring it on!!!
I've entered the Vitruvian in September, a race I've always wanted to do. The reason? Is it the atmosphere, the stunning scenery, the challenge? No. It's because I adore Da Vinci, and his artwork, and the t.shirt has the huge Vitruvian man on it. Ever since I saw someone walking round with one I knew I had to do it! I've got my priorities right.
I am beginning a run/walk programme tomorrow again, so everything is crossed that this time I am fully healed and ready to go. Even if not, I can still walk a half marathon. I am just aiming to finish. (And get the t.shirt!!)
I've had a whole week off after last Sunday, and a much needed rest. I'm starting to feel better again, more energy and looking forward to getting back to it. Still not 100%, but I think that will take time yet. And physio!!!
All in all, ready to go again, and looking forward to September and my first tri of the year!!
1. Saving up and paying £100 for Assos shorts is definitely something worth saving up for. 6 hour rides are painful enough- don't make it worse. A little extra care for my lady bits goes a looooong way.
2. My diet is appalling. If I want to do this triathlon thing I need to seriously get a grip with it. Chocolate with strawberry filling does not count as one of my five a day. Could really do with losing some pork from my hips as well.
3. My inhibitions have almost completely disappeared. Not sure if this is good or bad.This time last year I just would not have gone for a wee outside. During the bike I stopped 3 times, and didn't particularly care about spitting either. Something else I'd never do! Also, it is quite worrying that I am beginning to understand why people just stand up and ''let the golden flow go''. It is annoying to have to keep stopping. If I'm thinking this now, it can only mean a slippery slope towards actually doing it next year!! (On the run at least, I don't think I could bring myself to wee in my expensive shorts and on my pretty bike)
4. I must embrace the shitty English weather. I can either moan and miss half my sessions, or get mudguards, rubber overshoes, and a goretex jacket/hat/bodysuit/balaclava. I'm not going to be moving to the maldives anytime soon, nor does global warming appear to be affecting us, so time to work with what I've got. Unfortunately that means embracing cold, wind and rain. And that's just in summer!!
5. My 'everything must match' philosophy works quite well. I had so many comments on my bright orange calf guards! People probably thought they were horrendous, but I don't care. The future's bright..
6. I'm crap on hills. Must practice.
7. I now have a massive endurance base and didn't even feel tired after the bike, but I am way too slow. Aside from 'David with the disc wheel', I hardly passed anyone else! Apart from in the last 10 miles when I felt quite good. Must practice.
8. Must do my physio exercises. There isn't a magic pill that will take my injuries away, it's time and patience. And physio!!
9. I will be hungry a lot of the time.
10. And tired.
11. And won't have a social life. Not outside of other strange people who get up at 7am on a Sunday to do a brick session anyway.
12. Must embrace public swim sessions. Horrendous, but got to be done.
13. I've only changed a tyre once. Thankfully on sunday I didn't get a puncture, but I must practice. It's likely to happen at some point. Even though I have sold my soul to the Puncture Demon, he's a greedy bugger and will make me suffer at some point.
14. I know myself really well now. I know what heart zone I'm in without even looking at my watch. I know when I should be in a different gear. I have so much more mental focus. I hardly ever even notice the scenery now!!
15. It will be worth it 100%. I can't wait. Bring it on!!!
I've entered the Vitruvian in September, a race I've always wanted to do. The reason? Is it the atmosphere, the stunning scenery, the challenge? No. It's because I adore Da Vinci, and his artwork, and the t.shirt has the huge Vitruvian man on it. Ever since I saw someone walking round with one I knew I had to do it! I've got my priorities right.
I am beginning a run/walk programme tomorrow again, so everything is crossed that this time I am fully healed and ready to go. Even if not, I can still walk a half marathon. I am just aiming to finish. (And get the t.shirt!!)
I've had a whole week off after last Sunday, and a much needed rest. I'm starting to feel better again, more energy and looking forward to getting back to it. Still not 100%, but I think that will take time yet. And physio!!!
All in all, ready to go again, and looking forward to September and my first tri of the year!!
Monday, 2 July 2012
D. Day! The Outlaw, 1st July 2012
For some ridiculous reason even after such a long day yesterday and an even longer bike ride, I woke up at 6.15am this morning, so thought I'd do something useful and write this.
Sooo, after waiting 7 long months it was finally here! The night before I got all my stuff ready, and planned to get up at 4.30am, have breakfast and take my time and leave at 5.15am to get there to watch the start. Because of my atrocious sleeping patterns I was obsessed with not waking up on time or not hearing the alarm, so I kept checking it. I woke naturally at 4.20. Then the next thing I remember was jumping up with a start, looking at my phone and seeing it was 5.15. Hence a mad rush and no breakfast. Typical.
I arrived at the start and loaded up my bike, then went to watch the swim. The lake was (unusually) flat, and the sun had risen. It was a lovely sight. I had a pang of sadness that I wasn't there. The horn sounded and the washing machine of arms and legs commenced.
The swimmer for our relay team had told me to expect him around 1.15 or 1.20, so I was quite surprised when he popped up much sooner than that! Almost 15 minutes sooner!
He passed the chip over and I was off. A camera was following me, so getting the bike and holding my top with all the gels in, I tried desperately to look like I knew what I was doing, and concentrated on smiling and not falling over.
Going round to the opposite part of the lake, it was straight into a headwind, but I didn't worry too much, because it's always windy round there. 'It'll be ok once I'm on the road' I thought. HA! If only I knew!
The first few miles were generally uneventful, I had a lot of people passing me. It was rather disheartening at times, I felt really crap! I was in a bit of a thing with a man on a bike with a disc wheel called David, we kept passing each other. I was better on the flat and going up undulations, and he was better on the rough bits and into the headwind. I saw a few people from my club as they went by which was nice, I had expected that, and it gave me something else to focus on. On the north loop at one point, I don't know if it was the road surface or the wind or uphill or what, but I couldn't get over 13mph. I just felt shocking, like the energy had been sucked out of me. My quads cramped everytime I tried to go faster. Obviously this was quite concerning, I wasn't even close to halfway yet! I haven't been 100% for a while now, and at that point I thought it was coming back to bite me. Eventually though I did start to feel better, but I did find the north loop generally quite difficult. The wind was relentless.
Onto the south loops I hoped the wind wouldn't be as bad. Mm. Unfortunately not. It was, and it didn't stop. At mile 50 I took ibuprofen, because my quads and my shoulder had completely seized up, I think I was expending so much extra energy just fighting the wind that it was having an effect. I rode the bike harder than I ever did in training, because obviously in training I had to imagine I was running a marathon after. I also spent a lot of time on the aerobars, again something I hadn't really done, because of my arm. It was so maddening that all the effort I was putting in was producing exactly the same result as if I was ambling along not trying! Bloody weather!!!
Anyway, I'm not going to even mention the wind again now, it just makes me annoyed. I'll mention my toilet habits instead! I had to go 3 times for a wee!! The first time I had just found a nice little enclosed bit, when someone from the club came past, saw me and shouted ''No one will see you go for a wee there!'' I started laughing, was quite impressed with the wit. It's a big thing for me to get my bum out, it just doesn't happen! All the training rides I think I've been once. That was it. By the third wee though I was fed up of it, I didn't want to stop! And to squat is bad enough, but to squat with sore jelly legs?! Awful! Had proper knee tremble! And when you try to have a quick wee and it just goes on forever.... and you try to push it out quicker and think, 'come on'!! but the wee will insist it takes it's time, and it's in there laughing to itself, saying 'I haven't finished yet, kindly do not rush me' and the knees are just worried they won't hold you up anymore, so they start to protest too.
The third time I stopped I went in a field that had these plant things all in rows. I don't know what they were, but if you're a farmer and you find I gave your turnips or whatever some extra fermentation, I'm really sorry! A girls' gotta do what a girls' gotta do...
I had to take more ibuprofen at mile 87, just as I approached two people jumping up and down shouting my name. It shows what state of mind you can go into. I have been in her car numerous times. Didn't recognise it. I train with her week in, week out, but really didn't know who she was. I was so out of it and fuzzy by then that all focus is put into keeping going. I finally realised who they were, and smiled and waved. It crossed my mind as I passed that I should have asked for a lift!
As I came to the end of the ride it started throwing it down. Nice. I was so glad just to get back, pass the chip on and go and get some food.
After eating I went to go to the club tent to get my bag and go and have a shower. As I approached some steps I thought, 'This may be slippy with cycling shoes on'. I was right, it was slippy, and I went straight down, straight onto my hip bone, elbow, and head. luckily I had my helmet loosely on. It reeeeeeally f*****g hurt. And I said exactly that to the two people who came to help me. Today I have a huge graze and bruise, and I can't bend my leg. I took my cycling shoes off after that.
After my shower I went back to the tent to cheer on the others on the course. I did wish several times that I had just done it, because I felt ok, I wasn't particularly tired or anything, I felt I could have kept going. But, I suppose in hindsight it's always easy to say that, and a marathon is a long way. I'd also had to take painkillers just to get through the bike, not a great sign.
I have to say it was a lovely day, a lovely experience, and we still got a medal and a t.shirt for doing the relay, which I was thrilled with. Always love a medal!! I wish I had got my moment, but it will come.
It was lovely to see everyone I knew who had entered finish, and there was just a sense of camaraderie and support, of people really coming together. It was great to be there and see the culmination of months and months of hard work, sacrifice and the pursuit of the ultimate triathlon challenge. Not many people would dream of doing it. A man on the bike said to me as he passed, ''Isn't it weird that most people have just got out of bed, and we're here doing this, why..."
I don't think there is a definitive reason why, for each has their own personal reasons, but at the heart of it, I think everyone who did the race yesterday, everyone who has said no to that extra beer, got up at 5am to do a 2 hour run in the cold before work, everyone who didn't give up, against all odds, I think at the heart of it, we all want to be the very best we can be. And we all are. Congratulations to every single person who completed yesterday. I am in awe of you all.
*dum, dum, dum,..* I look into the window, of my mind, reflections of the fears I know I've left behhhhhind, so I step out of the ordinary, I can feel my soul ascending, I'm on my way, can't stop me now, you can do the saaaaaaame, yeah, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY TO MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD......
Sooo, after waiting 7 long months it was finally here! The night before I got all my stuff ready, and planned to get up at 4.30am, have breakfast and take my time and leave at 5.15am to get there to watch the start. Because of my atrocious sleeping patterns I was obsessed with not waking up on time or not hearing the alarm, so I kept checking it. I woke naturally at 4.20. Then the next thing I remember was jumping up with a start, looking at my phone and seeing it was 5.15. Hence a mad rush and no breakfast. Typical.
I arrived at the start and loaded up my bike, then went to watch the swim. The lake was (unusually) flat, and the sun had risen. It was a lovely sight. I had a pang of sadness that I wasn't there. The horn sounded and the washing machine of arms and legs commenced.
The swimmer for our relay team had told me to expect him around 1.15 or 1.20, so I was quite surprised when he popped up much sooner than that! Almost 15 minutes sooner!
He passed the chip over and I was off. A camera was following me, so getting the bike and holding my top with all the gels in, I tried desperately to look like I knew what I was doing, and concentrated on smiling and not falling over.
Going round to the opposite part of the lake, it was straight into a headwind, but I didn't worry too much, because it's always windy round there. 'It'll be ok once I'm on the road' I thought. HA! If only I knew!
The first few miles were generally uneventful, I had a lot of people passing me. It was rather disheartening at times, I felt really crap! I was in a bit of a thing with a man on a bike with a disc wheel called David, we kept passing each other. I was better on the flat and going up undulations, and he was better on the rough bits and into the headwind. I saw a few people from my club as they went by which was nice, I had expected that, and it gave me something else to focus on. On the north loop at one point, I don't know if it was the road surface or the wind or uphill or what, but I couldn't get over 13mph. I just felt shocking, like the energy had been sucked out of me. My quads cramped everytime I tried to go faster. Obviously this was quite concerning, I wasn't even close to halfway yet! I haven't been 100% for a while now, and at that point I thought it was coming back to bite me. Eventually though I did start to feel better, but I did find the north loop generally quite difficult. The wind was relentless.
Onto the south loops I hoped the wind wouldn't be as bad. Mm. Unfortunately not. It was, and it didn't stop. At mile 50 I took ibuprofen, because my quads and my shoulder had completely seized up, I think I was expending so much extra energy just fighting the wind that it was having an effect. I rode the bike harder than I ever did in training, because obviously in training I had to imagine I was running a marathon after. I also spent a lot of time on the aerobars, again something I hadn't really done, because of my arm. It was so maddening that all the effort I was putting in was producing exactly the same result as if I was ambling along not trying! Bloody weather!!!
Anyway, I'm not going to even mention the wind again now, it just makes me annoyed. I'll mention my toilet habits instead! I had to go 3 times for a wee!! The first time I had just found a nice little enclosed bit, when someone from the club came past, saw me and shouted ''No one will see you go for a wee there!'' I started laughing, was quite impressed with the wit. It's a big thing for me to get my bum out, it just doesn't happen! All the training rides I think I've been once. That was it. By the third wee though I was fed up of it, I didn't want to stop! And to squat is bad enough, but to squat with sore jelly legs?! Awful! Had proper knee tremble! And when you try to have a quick wee and it just goes on forever.... and you try to push it out quicker and think, 'come on'!! but the wee will insist it takes it's time, and it's in there laughing to itself, saying 'I haven't finished yet, kindly do not rush me' and the knees are just worried they won't hold you up anymore, so they start to protest too.
The third time I stopped I went in a field that had these plant things all in rows. I don't know what they were, but if you're a farmer and you find I gave your turnips or whatever some extra fermentation, I'm really sorry! A girls' gotta do what a girls' gotta do...
I had to take more ibuprofen at mile 87, just as I approached two people jumping up and down shouting my name. It shows what state of mind you can go into. I have been in her car numerous times. Didn't recognise it. I train with her week in, week out, but really didn't know who she was. I was so out of it and fuzzy by then that all focus is put into keeping going. I finally realised who they were, and smiled and waved. It crossed my mind as I passed that I should have asked for a lift!
As I came to the end of the ride it started throwing it down. Nice. I was so glad just to get back, pass the chip on and go and get some food.
After eating I went to go to the club tent to get my bag and go and have a shower. As I approached some steps I thought, 'This may be slippy with cycling shoes on'. I was right, it was slippy, and I went straight down, straight onto my hip bone, elbow, and head. luckily I had my helmet loosely on. It reeeeeeally f*****g hurt. And I said exactly that to the two people who came to help me. Today I have a huge graze and bruise, and I can't bend my leg. I took my cycling shoes off after that.
After my shower I went back to the tent to cheer on the others on the course. I did wish several times that I had just done it, because I felt ok, I wasn't particularly tired or anything, I felt I could have kept going. But, I suppose in hindsight it's always easy to say that, and a marathon is a long way. I'd also had to take painkillers just to get through the bike, not a great sign.
I have to say it was a lovely day, a lovely experience, and we still got a medal and a t.shirt for doing the relay, which I was thrilled with. Always love a medal!! I wish I had got my moment, but it will come.
It was lovely to see everyone I knew who had entered finish, and there was just a sense of camaraderie and support, of people really coming together. It was great to be there and see the culmination of months and months of hard work, sacrifice and the pursuit of the ultimate triathlon challenge. Not many people would dream of doing it. A man on the bike said to me as he passed, ''Isn't it weird that most people have just got out of bed, and we're here doing this, why..."
I don't think there is a definitive reason why, for each has their own personal reasons, but at the heart of it, I think everyone who did the race yesterday, everyone who has said no to that extra beer, got up at 5am to do a 2 hour run in the cold before work, everyone who didn't give up, against all odds, I think at the heart of it, we all want to be the very best we can be. And we all are. Congratulations to every single person who completed yesterday. I am in awe of you all.
*dum, dum, dum,..* I look into the window, of my mind, reflections of the fears I know I've left behhhhhind, so I step out of the ordinary, I can feel my soul ascending, I'm on my way, can't stop me now, you can do the saaaaaaame, yeah, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY TO MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)