So firstly an introduction my husband Ian and I both turned 50 this year. At a garden party last year we got chatting with Mark, he was helping us with training for the Etape du Tour, asking for his opinion on our ability to complete an Ironman. Somehow he convinced us and well, it is one way to celebrate the half century milestone.
We are cyclists, we have both had to relearn swimming and that has been our favourite achievement to come from all the training. The running, well that is another story – post Ironman we will be nailing those shoes to the wall!
This blog has started late, we have had various illnesses and injuries. Time out for our joint 50th celebrations with friends in Vietnam and Cambodia (lovely but not great timing for the training). I have struggled with allergies and asthma. But through it all Mark has been a fantastic inspiration. he really is a Mr Motivator!
Saturday 5th August
Just two weeks to go. Last big weekend. Second half marathon tri practice. Felt good heading out but struggled with the cold again on the swim. Hanging onto the thought that the swim in Copenhagen is supposed to be warmer…
Bike ok but the run was hell, a lot of pain in my left leg. Not just the knee but calf and hamstring. Having a bit of a lomo.
Positive thought – I wasn’t so much slower mostly walking. So taking this as my worst case scenario I will still be able to finish.
Sunday 6th August
The left leg seems ‘hung over’ from yesterday. Having pains on the bike – that’s not happened before. Feeling the fatigue.
Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th
All becomes clear, in bed with a virus and lose 1 k in weight in 2 days. Starting to feel nervous now.
Two days later Ian is also not too good.
No training all week, just focused on recovery.
Saturday 12th August
A light 25 m spin, was enough. At least I feel like I am getting over the virus.
Sunday 13th August
Binned off the early start and headed up to Box End to swim in the sunshine! Just a short swim and a 20 m bike effort. No running now. A good day we both felt healthy after and enjoyed the afternoon.
Monday 14th August
Last massage session. Andy declared me fit for purpose. Said the left side was very tight, took two attempts to get it to loosen up but no damage done – phew!
Ian gets pummeled tomorrow 🙂
