The Olympic Flame has arrived in my hometown, Nottingham!
Whilst looking out of the window at an almighty thunderstorm this morning, I started to wonder how they prevent the torch from going out. I really wanted to know the answer, so I tweeted (yes, tweeted, after a turbulent start and much confusion I actually understand Twitter now) Notts council, and they directed me to a website explaining how the torch was weatherproofed. I won't bore you all with it because you may not be as geeky as me, but I thought it was fascinating how much design and thought has gone into it - It was even tested in the BMW wind tunnel, and put under heat lamps!!
Anyway, I walked down to one of the roads it would go along before heading to the centre, and took my place to wait. A police convoy came round the corner. That set a woman behind me off moaning about how ridiculous and pointless it all was.
''Look Barry, look at this. I mean it's stupid isn't it, this is what I pay my taxes for. For a stupid gold stick to have how many coppers protecting it. They should be out doing something useful''
She had a REALLY grating voice that made me cringe. I despair of people sometimes. I know we are in a recession, life is hard, it's crap etc, and yes, the council do rip us off. But.. this time they have spent our money on doing something that will give us enjoyment, fun, a sense of community and celebration! Would you rather we didn't have the celebration and they spend the money on cleaning graffiti and fixing potholes?! I wouldn't! I'd rather have the moment of excitement and drive round the pothole! We don't get this often! And not to forget we are watching a moment of history go past, we are not going to see this again. It's world culture, it's tradition. Not just 'a gold stick'. Now, should we enjoy this moment of everyone coming together or should we stand and moan about it?!
First in the convoy were the sponsors. Now this always amuses me. Have you noticed who the main sponsors for 2012 actually are? Coca Cola, Mcdonalds, and Cadbury. In a time of rising obesity, eating disorders and people in the UK being at their fattest ever, the biggest sports event in the world is sponsored by the biggest culprits. Ironic. And insane. Advertising has a lot to answer for. Promoting sport and healthy lifestyles, but here, pop into Maccy D's and get a coke. And a bar of dairy milk for after. Perfect.
The coke van was handing out bottles, which set moaning minnie behind me off again.
''Look Barry, look, they aren't even handing them this way, we're going to miss out again as usual. Just my luck. Oh make sure we don't get a ticket too. You know what these bloody traffic wardens are like. Always after your money.''
Then it was-
''Barry what are they wearing, the people who are doing this? I hear they have to wear a uniform. God only knows who they got to design it, probably another rich daddies girl''
What a moaning sod she was!! I had to leave God and Barry to it after that, I couldn't stand listening to her anymore, she was making me tired. You are a strong man Barry. All the best.
As the torch approached I felt really excited and a bit kind of 'wow'. (Easily pleased) The man holding it looked so happy, it was really nice. I wish I could have run with it. And I would have run, sod the shin splints. It must have been a really special moment.
A woman next to me stepped out into the road as he passed to try and get a picture, almost sending the support people running at the side flying. The supporter shouted get out of the road, which I thought was most tactful. Some people have no common sense.
I walked into the centre, but missed the big flame being lit by Torvil and Dean, because there were SO many people and you couldn't get anywhere fast. Actually you couldn't get anywhere at all. There were thousands. I could see a slide show of olympic moments being played which was great. I always get so emotional watching stuff like that! Maybe I was an olympian in a former life. They played Kelly Holmes' moment obviously, which is a classic.
I think I get all choked because it's just magical, hard work and dedication and pushing yourself to the limit, again and again in pursuit of your goal, whatever that may be.
Now it's close to what would have been my magic, my moment. It's two days away. I feel awfully sad, but at the same time I know I will be there next year, and I will hopefully be going into it fully fit and confident. I am in a relay doing the bike, so I'm able to do a small part of it at least this year.
I'm nervous and excited for my friends who are taking part, and looking forward to seeing them all cross the line.
By the way, my Twitter is @swimbikeruncake ;)
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Integrating Triathletes Back Into Society.
I feel a bit lost at the moment, kind of like I should be doing something but I'm not sure what... All this spare time is difficult to get used to!!
After all the training it takes to do an Iron distance, one suddenly tends to feel lost when it is no longer needed. Therefore I have complied a list to help fellow triathletes who find themselves wondering around.
1. It is no longer acceptable to wear your compression gear 24/7. You haven't just done a 6 hour bike/3 hour run, so there is no need. Also, give your other half a break, did you REALLY think wearing leggings to bed was an attractive prospect? For their sake, (and your marriage) stop.
2. Same goes for wearing compression under clothes when you go out, no need. Ladies, it's going to feel chilly under that dress now!
3. No excuse to get out of cooking/washing up, you aren't too tired. Take your turn. In fact, take an extra turn, your nearest and dearest have been taking the slack for you for the past 6 months.
4. It is no longer ok to talk every second about how much your saddle sores are hurting and which chamois cream works better than others. Save it for Oprah. Let the memory go and move on.
5. Do not stuff anything and everything into your mouth when possible,''I'm in training'' isn't going to cut it anymore. If you want the extra piece of cake you now have to state a valid reason like everyone else. And don't forget they've automatically let you have it for the past half a year... be prepared for a fight.
6. Falling asleep at your desk is not permitted. It won't be ''Arh, the little cherub, he's doing Ironman you know'' it'll be, ''Wake up you lazy git!!''
7. Weekends are no longer yours to go and play on your bike with your friends... it's time to do all those things you've conveniently been able to avoid by ''training''. The mother in law is still waiting for her visit... and flowers to make up for the last time you missed her Sunday dinner.
8. Money no longer needs to be spent on adding to the vast amount of kit you've accumulated... it needs to be spent on your other half for putting up with your lycra addiction.
9. Holidays are now just that- holidays. Not training camps, not an opportunity to run, or do 100 lengths of the pool. And your bike stays at home.
10. You will be an Ironman forever, no one can ever take this achievement away from you, you did it, after all that hard work! ...and that's wonderful Honey, it really is... but, I'm guessing after hearing about it for the millionth time, people will begin to glaze over. Give it a month or so, but then save it for the other Triathletes In Integration ok.
*If you find you really cannot live without Ironman training, please don't suffer alone. There are many people in a similar situation, who are prepared to talk to you. Helpline numbers and both 1-1 and group therapy is available. We need to get this terrible issue openly accepted in society and make it easier for triathletes to reintegrate, with the support and understanding they deserve*
-And hey, if it does get really bad, you can always join me next year! ;p
After all the training it takes to do an Iron distance, one suddenly tends to feel lost when it is no longer needed. Therefore I have complied a list to help fellow triathletes who find themselves wondering around.
1. It is no longer acceptable to wear your compression gear 24/7. You haven't just done a 6 hour bike/3 hour run, so there is no need. Also, give your other half a break, did you REALLY think wearing leggings to bed was an attractive prospect? For their sake, (and your marriage) stop.
2. Same goes for wearing compression under clothes when you go out, no need. Ladies, it's going to feel chilly under that dress now!
3. No excuse to get out of cooking/washing up, you aren't too tired. Take your turn. In fact, take an extra turn, your nearest and dearest have been taking the slack for you for the past 6 months.
4. It is no longer ok to talk every second about how much your saddle sores are hurting and which chamois cream works better than others. Save it for Oprah. Let the memory go and move on.
5. Do not stuff anything and everything into your mouth when possible,''I'm in training'' isn't going to cut it anymore. If you want the extra piece of cake you now have to state a valid reason like everyone else. And don't forget they've automatically let you have it for the past half a year... be prepared for a fight.
6. Falling asleep at your desk is not permitted. It won't be ''Arh, the little cherub, he's doing Ironman you know'' it'll be, ''Wake up you lazy git!!''
7. Weekends are no longer yours to go and play on your bike with your friends... it's time to do all those things you've conveniently been able to avoid by ''training''. The mother in law is still waiting for her visit... and flowers to make up for the last time you missed her Sunday dinner.
8. Money no longer needs to be spent on adding to the vast amount of kit you've accumulated... it needs to be spent on your other half for putting up with your lycra addiction.
9. Holidays are now just that- holidays. Not training camps, not an opportunity to run, or do 100 lengths of the pool. And your bike stays at home.
10. You will be an Ironman forever, no one can ever take this achievement away from you, you did it, after all that hard work! ...and that's wonderful Honey, it really is... but, I'm guessing after hearing about it for the millionth time, people will begin to glaze over. Give it a month or so, but then save it for the other Triathletes In Integration ok.
*If you find you really cannot live without Ironman training, please don't suffer alone. There are many people in a similar situation, who are prepared to talk to you. Helpline numbers and both 1-1 and group therapy is available. We need to get this terrible issue openly accepted in society and make it easier for triathletes to reintegrate, with the support and understanding they deserve*
-And hey, if it does get really bad, you can always join me next year! ;p
Sunday, 17 June 2012
For Now..... The Journey is over.
It's with great regret that I'm letting you all know that I won't be on the start line this year.
The past few weeks have been getting increasingly difficult, and I just don't feel I'd be able to complete the race anywhere near my full potential, if at all.
My shoulder is still hurting after every swim, the cycling is also getting difficult, and the run.. well, the run has been non existent because of my shin splints.
As well as my injuries unforeseen circumstances have gotten in the way over the past months, and particularly in the last few weeks, and I just feel exhausted, and desperately need the pressure to be off.
I could push through and just get through the day, and it is tempting, I've come so far and hate to quit anything, but to be honest my body and mind are tired, and I'd just be trying to squeeze energy out of seriously depleted stores.
I'm not going to go into how I feel, because to be honest at the moment I just don't want to think about it. I'm not sure what my next step will be. I am possibly going to do the bike leg of a relay team, and will possibly consider doing the Outlaw next year. But I don't know. For the moment, I just feel quite empty.
Swiftly moving on, I never usually name names, but for this post I will, as I would have done in my post Outlaw celebration blog. I want to take the chance to acknowledge all the people who have helped me get through the last 7 months of training. I wouldn't have got this far without any of them. Bear with me....
Thank you to Steve for all his hard work and commitment to my coaching and getting me this far. I know I've been a challenge. Character building I think it's called ;)
Thank you to all of my cycling buddies over the past seven months. (Yes, even you John ''puncture king'' Budworth, although you did nothing for my nerves with your pssssssss- ing!!)
For the support, the laughs, and the advice. I wouldn't have done it without you all. I'd have got bored after an hour and gone home :)
Thank you to the weather for being utterly shite and turning me into a true hardcore cyclist.
Thank you to Debbie for always completely believing in me, and reminding me of it. Love you.
Thank you to "It was a lovely day" Lisa, for being a friend, a constant support, and always making me laugh. You have proved you can be a princess in polka dots AND a 70.3 champion.
Andy ''Pocket Rocket'' Sharp. Hilarious. You never fail to entertain me. Thank you for being a great mate, and sharing your life philosophies along the way. Whistling constantly and getting lost just for fun amongst them.
Nic-olas and my Tubby Hubby for always telling me you think I'm crazy, but being there anyway. Mmwah
Massive appreciation and thanks to everyone at Absolute Triathlon Club in Nottingham for being so supportive and caring. I couldn't ask to be in a nicer club, what a brilliant group of people. I'm really proud to be a part of it. The future is bright... and most definitely orange :)
Matt- Your dedication to this challenge has been amazing, and you've come such a long way, well done. It isn't just the new swanky carbon bike that has made you go faster, it's your endless determination and hard work. And I really can see you in the GB age grouper kit one day....
Thank you to Jayne, for always listening.
Sorry to people I've neglected over the past months, declined to go out with or visit, because I've had to train.. I'll catch up with you all soon, before I probably begin the whole anti social ''I'm training'' thing all over again.
A huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far... I'm so very sorry I have not fulfilled what I intended. This makes me really really upset, because I wanted to do it for my Nan.
Mike- I was sceptical at first, but your guinness cake is definitely the way forward. Ami's cupcakes are also very close to my heart though... Bake off needed!!! :)
Pearly- Thanks for making my dinner after the long sessions when I was too knackered to move.
And Helen.. I know you don't do praise, but... without you and your endless support with just about everything I wouldn't have got this far. In fact, I wouldn't have even entered the event in the first place. You were the inspiration, and I'm privileged to have you as a friend. Thank you so much for everything. I just wish I was writing this with the finishers medal round my neck, because I wanted to make you just as proud of me as I am of you.
Finally thank you to all of you who have kept reading my posts all this time!! I have been really overwhelmed with all the lovely feedback and comments I've had, it's so nice to think that people actually take the time to do that and appreciate the ramblings of a wannabe triathlete. Thanks for sharing the journey, and I hope I've kept you entertained.
Best of luck to everyone competing on 1st July.......
..............It's all we can do. xxx
The past few weeks have been getting increasingly difficult, and I just don't feel I'd be able to complete the race anywhere near my full potential, if at all.
My shoulder is still hurting after every swim, the cycling is also getting difficult, and the run.. well, the run has been non existent because of my shin splints.
As well as my injuries unforeseen circumstances have gotten in the way over the past months, and particularly in the last few weeks, and I just feel exhausted, and desperately need the pressure to be off.
I could push through and just get through the day, and it is tempting, I've come so far and hate to quit anything, but to be honest my body and mind are tired, and I'd just be trying to squeeze energy out of seriously depleted stores.
I'm not going to go into how I feel, because to be honest at the moment I just don't want to think about it. I'm not sure what my next step will be. I am possibly going to do the bike leg of a relay team, and will possibly consider doing the Outlaw next year. But I don't know. For the moment, I just feel quite empty.
Swiftly moving on, I never usually name names, but for this post I will, as I would have done in my post Outlaw celebration blog. I want to take the chance to acknowledge all the people who have helped me get through the last 7 months of training. I wouldn't have got this far without any of them. Bear with me....
Thank you to Steve for all his hard work and commitment to my coaching and getting me this far. I know I've been a challenge. Character building I think it's called ;)
Thank you to all of my cycling buddies over the past seven months. (Yes, even you John ''puncture king'' Budworth, although you did nothing for my nerves with your pssssssss- ing!!)
For the support, the laughs, and the advice. I wouldn't have done it without you all. I'd have got bored after an hour and gone home :)
Thank you to the weather for being utterly shite and turning me into a true hardcore cyclist.
Thank you to Debbie for always completely believing in me, and reminding me of it. Love you.
Thank you to "It was a lovely day" Lisa, for being a friend, a constant support, and always making me laugh. You have proved you can be a princess in polka dots AND a 70.3 champion.
Andy ''Pocket Rocket'' Sharp. Hilarious. You never fail to entertain me. Thank you for being a great mate, and sharing your life philosophies along the way. Whistling constantly and getting lost just for fun amongst them.
Nic-olas and my Tubby Hubby for always telling me you think I'm crazy, but being there anyway. Mmwah
Massive appreciation and thanks to everyone at Absolute Triathlon Club in Nottingham for being so supportive and caring. I couldn't ask to be in a nicer club, what a brilliant group of people. I'm really proud to be a part of it. The future is bright... and most definitely orange :)
Matt- Your dedication to this challenge has been amazing, and you've come such a long way, well done. It isn't just the new swanky carbon bike that has made you go faster, it's your endless determination and hard work. And I really can see you in the GB age grouper kit one day....
Thank you to Jayne, for always listening.
Sorry to people I've neglected over the past months, declined to go out with or visit, because I've had to train.. I'll catch up with you all soon, before I probably begin the whole anti social ''I'm training'' thing all over again.
A huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far... I'm so very sorry I have not fulfilled what I intended. This makes me really really upset, because I wanted to do it for my Nan.
Mike- I was sceptical at first, but your guinness cake is definitely the way forward. Ami's cupcakes are also very close to my heart though... Bake off needed!!! :)
Pearly- Thanks for making my dinner after the long sessions when I was too knackered to move.
And Helen.. I know you don't do praise, but... without you and your endless support with just about everything I wouldn't have got this far. In fact, I wouldn't have even entered the event in the first place. You were the inspiration, and I'm privileged to have you as a friend. Thank you so much for everything. I just wish I was writing this with the finishers medal round my neck, because I wanted to make you just as proud of me as I am of you.
Finally thank you to all of you who have kept reading my posts all this time!! I have been really overwhelmed with all the lovely feedback and comments I've had, it's so nice to think that people actually take the time to do that and appreciate the ramblings of a wannabe triathlete. Thanks for sharing the journey, and I hope I've kept you entertained.
Best of luck to everyone competing on 1st July.......
..............It's all we can do. xxx
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Bring On The Taper!!
Hallelujah!! Last long ride completed today. 6 hours 20 minutes. The relief I (and my bits) feel is so welcome.
The long ride has been part of my schedule for so long that I will probably get withdrawal symptoms. Orrr not. To be honest I couldn't be happier. The getting up at 7am, packing, preparing the bike, cycling in all weathers for 4/5/6 hours is beginning to get tedious. It isn't fun or exciting anymore, it isn't something I look forward to. It has become a bit of a chore. Last week I was meant to have a 5 hour. It was chucking it down. Within 15 minutes I was soaked through and cold, and I just thought, I've had enough, not doing it. I just turned around and went home. And I didn't particularly feel guilty about it either. I just snapped, and did not want to carry on and make myself unhappy, angry, and completely miserable for 5 hours. Anyone who has read previous posts will know that I despise cycling in the rain, and I also get very stroppy when cold.
I had intended to get up at 6.30am this morning, and be back for 12.30. My alarm went off and I didn't hear it. The next thing I knew was when the phone started ringing. I jolted awake, opened one eye and saw it was my friend (and fellow cycling buddy). I answered, and bless her, she was phoning to make sure that I was up, because she knew that this was the last big one. She also knew of my atrocious sleeping patterns, insomnia and just general inability to get out of the bed. In my defense, it really isn't laziness, I am a very bad sleeper, and last night it was 3am before I dropped off. Waking up 3 and a half hours later to cycle for 6 hours REALLY wasn't going to happen. It takes me so long to sleep that when I finally do I am so tired that I don't hear the alarm, or I switch it off and roll over without even realising it.
She insisted I get right out of the bed before she went, and that was actually a pretty good tactic. If I'd still been in the bed the quilt would have been back over my head before I'd even said bye.
So anyway, I got up, went upstairs and sat staring into space while robotically chewing my muesli, trying to feel psyched. Cycling really was the last thing I wanted to do.
I got the bike ready and set off. A few friends who are also doing Outlaw were doing loops, so my plan was to cycle out there, do a loop on my own, meet them for one loop, then cycle home again.
I was taking one isotonic gel every 30 minutes. That does seem to work ok for me. By the time I was on the 12th one though it really wasn't an appetising prospect. Someone suggested a cheese and rocket sandwich, which sounds mighty fine to me, but how am I meant to carry that?! The marathon will be an unknown, obviously I haven't been running at all, so haven't been able to practice. I'm just planning to eat whatever they give me at the feed stations!
By mile 55 my knees really started to ache. By mile 60 I started to feel really knackered and fed up. Which worried me slightly. I shouldn't really be feeling knackered and fed up until around 75.. It was too early to feel so bad! I needn't have worried, because by mile 75 I just felt awful. Usually these feelings pass, you get ups and downs. But I can honestly say it didn't pass. I continued to feel completely awful until I got home, which was mile 90. I am assuming (and hoping) that this was because I am tired and not 100% anyway, and also that the way home is quite undulating, which isn't great when you have burning quads. I felt quite disheartened by how bad I felt. Now, lets go run a marathon.......!!!
At least my bits didn't hurt TOO much. The reason for that is because I am now the proud owner of some Assos shorts. I've saved up for ages, and today was our first outing. They are very comfortable, and did make quite a difference, but still not sure I can justify the cost! Or maybe I can. I've suffered with saddle sores the whole time I've been training for this, so I think my bits deserve some TLC now!
I've never been happier to see my back door. I got in, and went and sat in the bath for half an hour with a protein shake. I do feel huge relief that the bulk of it is over. I'm looking forward to next week and my ''long'' ride of 2 hours! :)
Jesus, nearly there.... 3 weeks and counting!
I'm just going to quickly add a bit about the naked group of people I saw standing at the side of the road....
Actually that isn't true, it was just to keep your attention whilst I say my bit about charity. I do really dislike asking people for money, it feels really impolite, hence why I never do sponsorship. But this year is the one year that I am. As previous readers will know, I lost my Nan last year, (it's a year on Saturday actually) and I wanted to raise a bit of money to help the Nottingham City Hospital Chemotherapy Department, where she was treated. If everyone reading this gave just £1 it'd all add up and really help. Please support a fantastic cause. God forbid, but we or people we care for may need them someday. There's a link at the top of the page. Ta!
The long ride has been part of my schedule for so long that I will probably get withdrawal symptoms. Orrr not. To be honest I couldn't be happier. The getting up at 7am, packing, preparing the bike, cycling in all weathers for 4/5/6 hours is beginning to get tedious. It isn't fun or exciting anymore, it isn't something I look forward to. It has become a bit of a chore. Last week I was meant to have a 5 hour. It was chucking it down. Within 15 minutes I was soaked through and cold, and I just thought, I've had enough, not doing it. I just turned around and went home. And I didn't particularly feel guilty about it either. I just snapped, and did not want to carry on and make myself unhappy, angry, and completely miserable for 5 hours. Anyone who has read previous posts will know that I despise cycling in the rain, and I also get very stroppy when cold.
I had intended to get up at 6.30am this morning, and be back for 12.30. My alarm went off and I didn't hear it. The next thing I knew was when the phone started ringing. I jolted awake, opened one eye and saw it was my friend (and fellow cycling buddy). I answered, and bless her, she was phoning to make sure that I was up, because she knew that this was the last big one. She also knew of my atrocious sleeping patterns, insomnia and just general inability to get out of the bed. In my defense, it really isn't laziness, I am a very bad sleeper, and last night it was 3am before I dropped off. Waking up 3 and a half hours later to cycle for 6 hours REALLY wasn't going to happen. It takes me so long to sleep that when I finally do I am so tired that I don't hear the alarm, or I switch it off and roll over without even realising it.
She insisted I get right out of the bed before she went, and that was actually a pretty good tactic. If I'd still been in the bed the quilt would have been back over my head before I'd even said bye.
So anyway, I got up, went upstairs and sat staring into space while robotically chewing my muesli, trying to feel psyched. Cycling really was the last thing I wanted to do.
I got the bike ready and set off. A few friends who are also doing Outlaw were doing loops, so my plan was to cycle out there, do a loop on my own, meet them for one loop, then cycle home again.
I was taking one isotonic gel every 30 minutes. That does seem to work ok for me. By the time I was on the 12th one though it really wasn't an appetising prospect. Someone suggested a cheese and rocket sandwich, which sounds mighty fine to me, but how am I meant to carry that?! The marathon will be an unknown, obviously I haven't been running at all, so haven't been able to practice. I'm just planning to eat whatever they give me at the feed stations!
By mile 55 my knees really started to ache. By mile 60 I started to feel really knackered and fed up. Which worried me slightly. I shouldn't really be feeling knackered and fed up until around 75.. It was too early to feel so bad! I needn't have worried, because by mile 75 I just felt awful. Usually these feelings pass, you get ups and downs. But I can honestly say it didn't pass. I continued to feel completely awful until I got home, which was mile 90. I am assuming (and hoping) that this was because I am tired and not 100% anyway, and also that the way home is quite undulating, which isn't great when you have burning quads. I felt quite disheartened by how bad I felt. Now, lets go run a marathon.......!!!
At least my bits didn't hurt TOO much. The reason for that is because I am now the proud owner of some Assos shorts. I've saved up for ages, and today was our first outing. They are very comfortable, and did make quite a difference, but still not sure I can justify the cost! Or maybe I can. I've suffered with saddle sores the whole time I've been training for this, so I think my bits deserve some TLC now!
I've never been happier to see my back door. I got in, and went and sat in the bath for half an hour with a protein shake. I do feel huge relief that the bulk of it is over. I'm looking forward to next week and my ''long'' ride of 2 hours! :)
Jesus, nearly there.... 3 weeks and counting!
I'm just going to quickly add a bit about the naked group of people I saw standing at the side of the road....
Actually that isn't true, it was just to keep your attention whilst I say my bit about charity. I do really dislike asking people for money, it feels really impolite, hence why I never do sponsorship. But this year is the one year that I am. As previous readers will know, I lost my Nan last year, (it's a year on Saturday actually) and I wanted to raise a bit of money to help the Nottingham City Hospital Chemotherapy Department, where she was treated. If everyone reading this gave just £1 it'd all add up and really help. Please support a fantastic cause. God forbid, but we or people we care for may need them someday. There's a link at the top of the page. Ta!
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Patriotism, Pride, And Persistence.
4 weeks to go! I actually can't believe it's almost here. In one way I'm just terrified and want it to stay away, but the other part of me can't wait for it. Or the day after when I can claim bragging rights for the rest of my life.
I have gone through it in my mind so many times, but I don't think anything I can imagine will come close to the reality.
What I am looking forward to is being able to say ''Yes'' when someone asks me to do something that involves being out after 9pm, or away for the weekend, rather than ''Sorry I can't, how would I do my 5 hour bike ride?''
Even simple things like sport for fun I can't do because it's wasting valuable energy or putting myself at risk of injury. I can't play on the trampoline or rollerblade with my cousin at the moment. If I fell off or landed in the wrong way the last 6 months would be out the window. Call me paranoid but having knackered shins and a sore shoulder already and clinging on to compete as it is I won't be risking it!!
Heaven knows what it must be like for olympians. Putting your heart and soul into your training for 4 years.. and if something goes wrong it's another 4 years before you can try again. It shows that the link between mind and body truly matters, if you don't have the right attitude and mental strength you won't get anywhere.
I must say I am enjoying seeing the Union Flag everywhere. Sadly our St. George flag seems to be simultaneously associated with racism and football hooliganism now. I am ashamed of my country at times, particularly when I go abroad and see us behaving appallingly, but that is a minority, it isn't just who we are, there are many wonderful people and traditions to be proud of here. I am not particularly in favour of the Queen, but nor am I against her. She has her place in our culture and heritage and brings a lot of tourism to the country. I admire her still carrying out her duties at the age of 86, and still doing it with grace and good manners. I often read about the latest celebration or parade or whatever and think that she must be bored of soldiers on horses, singing school kids and the same old questions by now. With power comes great responsibility. She does her job well. And I'd sure as hell rather have Her Maj than a President Cameron!! That doesn't bear thinking about!
It's lovely to see people coming together and having pride in where they're from. Or just enjoying the extra day off she's given us! I hope the olympics bring that sense of pride too. I for one can't wait. I will be on the streets of Nottingham cheering with my Union Flag and my daft glasses when the torch passes through, and I'll be at the celebrations too. I'm also going to watch the cycling at Box Hill in Surrey.
I know a lot of people think the olympics is a waste of money and our resources, and I can see the point that people find it hard to get excited about sport when they're struggling to afford food and clothes, but sport unites us, it inspires us, and it gives us dreams and ambitions. It enables us to push our boundaries and limitations like nothing else. And there isn't a price you can put on that.
I remember watching Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell when I was a young child, and I wanted to run. When Gladiators was in its prime every child in the country wanted to be one! My brother and I would have duel and climbing contests on the wall outside. -The loser would get shoved down the stairs in our laundry basket.. he is 7 years younger than me, so guess who won-
Watching and reading about Bruce Lee inspired me to begin martial arts.
I wanted to be like my heroes. 19 years later, I still do.
Persistance will get me through the 1st July. My goal is to finish. My injuries have knocked my confidence and made it hard for me to know what to expect, particularly in terms of the run and swim, but one thing I am completely sure of is my mental strength, and commitment to completing it. I will not quit.
And when I get that Outlaw medal put around my neck, it will be my own personal Olympic gold :)
I have gone through it in my mind so many times, but I don't think anything I can imagine will come close to the reality.
What I am looking forward to is being able to say ''Yes'' when someone asks me to do something that involves being out after 9pm, or away for the weekend, rather than ''Sorry I can't, how would I do my 5 hour bike ride?''
Even simple things like sport for fun I can't do because it's wasting valuable energy or putting myself at risk of injury. I can't play on the trampoline or rollerblade with my cousin at the moment. If I fell off or landed in the wrong way the last 6 months would be out the window. Call me paranoid but having knackered shins and a sore shoulder already and clinging on to compete as it is I won't be risking it!!
Heaven knows what it must be like for olympians. Putting your heart and soul into your training for 4 years.. and if something goes wrong it's another 4 years before you can try again. It shows that the link between mind and body truly matters, if you don't have the right attitude and mental strength you won't get anywhere.
I must say I am enjoying seeing the Union Flag everywhere. Sadly our St. George flag seems to be simultaneously associated with racism and football hooliganism now. I am ashamed of my country at times, particularly when I go abroad and see us behaving appallingly, but that is a minority, it isn't just who we are, there are many wonderful people and traditions to be proud of here. I am not particularly in favour of the Queen, but nor am I against her. She has her place in our culture and heritage and brings a lot of tourism to the country. I admire her still carrying out her duties at the age of 86, and still doing it with grace and good manners. I often read about the latest celebration or parade or whatever and think that she must be bored of soldiers on horses, singing school kids and the same old questions by now. With power comes great responsibility. She does her job well. And I'd sure as hell rather have Her Maj than a President Cameron!! That doesn't bear thinking about!
It's lovely to see people coming together and having pride in where they're from. Or just enjoying the extra day off she's given us! I hope the olympics bring that sense of pride too. I for one can't wait. I will be on the streets of Nottingham cheering with my Union Flag and my daft glasses when the torch passes through, and I'll be at the celebrations too. I'm also going to watch the cycling at Box Hill in Surrey.
I know a lot of people think the olympics is a waste of money and our resources, and I can see the point that people find it hard to get excited about sport when they're struggling to afford food and clothes, but sport unites us, it inspires us, and it gives us dreams and ambitions. It enables us to push our boundaries and limitations like nothing else. And there isn't a price you can put on that.
I remember watching Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell when I was a young child, and I wanted to run. When Gladiators was in its prime every child in the country wanted to be one! My brother and I would have duel and climbing contests on the wall outside. -The loser would get shoved down the stairs in our laundry basket.. he is 7 years younger than me, so guess who won-
Watching and reading about Bruce Lee inspired me to begin martial arts.
I wanted to be like my heroes. 19 years later, I still do.
Persistance will get me through the 1st July. My goal is to finish. My injuries have knocked my confidence and made it hard for me to know what to expect, particularly in terms of the run and swim, but one thing I am completely sure of is my mental strength, and commitment to completing it. I will not quit.
And when I get that Outlaw medal put around my neck, it will be my own personal Olympic gold :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)