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!!