I only went and did it!!!!!!!

So this morning finally came.  We were up at 6 and left the house at 6.30.  45 Mins later we arrived at Culford School, which was slowly filling up with cars,bikes, runners and swimmers!  I was feeling quite anxious, but also a feeling of 'let's do this!'

Registered, set up my stuff at transition (with the help of 2 very nice men who talked me through where and how to put it all!)  and attended the briefing, and then left Matt, Dylan and Jonathan,  to get ready by the pool.

First unsettlement (and nearly some tears!)  Due to a mix up with the chips and lining up, I missed my slot for the pool!  The man just said "you may not be able to do it " - and then I just wobbled!  I was also thrown initially by lots of front crawl swimming.. but after a while some of those people did change to breast stroke and some started with breast stroke.. so I felt better.  The people in the line with me were just amazing and so supportive.. I think my bottom lip really did quiver like a child!

However, it was sorted.. and I took the place of a gentleman who did not turn up.. Number 39.. I was originally Number 21 - so I was now a bit further down the swimming time which meant they would all be swimming fast than me!

I got in and off I went.  For the two lengths I gave my self a good talking too - calmed myself down and took stock.  I was in.. I was swimming and it was fine.  Along up and down, and then under for 12 lengths... YAY!

I actually did a little run to the transition area - that was strange, running in bare feet!  Into transition, stuff on (ha! it was a funny moment trying to get my cycling shorts on over a wet swim suit! Remember to make sure I had my helmet on before touching my bike ( tip from nice gentlemen... cycle helmet on my handlebars so I could not remove my bike without moving my helmet - thus reminding me to put it on!)

And off I went!

Ahead of me was 3 laps of a 7k route around the school.  Flat and actually ok! The sun was out, there were some down hill stretches to rest my legs... and although it did feel like a jolly long way - It was ok!  I was aided by my support team who stood by the gate of the school and saw me through each lap - shouting and hollering (in a good way!) at me each time.

3 laps done and then the transition I was not looking forward to. Off the bike, cap on.. and the 4k run was the last thing to do.  Sunny, Hot.. and the most jelly legged, wobbly legged feeling ever!   The first lap was slow, and hard.. I walked for about 1  min.. just to try and get my legs back again!  However, by the 2nd lap they started to feel better.  As I came into the last stretch, I was overtaken by a lady who I could see was running at the pace I would normally do.  I also realised what I was missing! Usually on my tough runs, I am running with someone else and generally they run ahead of me.. just in front. And I focus the whole time on their feet - not looking where I am, or where I have to go.. just at their feet. This gives me a rhythm and pace and a focus.  So.. I took up pace behind this lady.  I told her I was just going to run there behind her.. and look at her feet! (which she was fine about!).  This made SO much difference!  I got focus and pace back and it all felt manageable.  She was only on her 1st lap, so when we got back to the field I then moved next to her and we ran the last bit side by side.. had a High Five and off she went.. and I ran through the FINISH!!!!!!

So.. I have done it.  And I felt fine.  It was hard, but I enjoyed the change at each transition, and the sense of achievement is amazing.  Will I do another one.. Oh yes!  Ipswich Triathlon hold this again at the end of July - so I aim to go again and this time to feel more in control of everything.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your encouragement and faith in me.  For telling me I can!  I hope you have enjoyed my journey as much as I have!

In 3 days time....

In three days time - it will be over.

This week I am just doing something everyday.. but with no pressure, time watching, extra 'bits' or worrying.  Well, that is the plan.

I am anxious. The email came through at the weekend  with the rules etc. I am anxious.

I know I can do the swim, slowly but I can do it. I know I can cycle the 12 miles - and I have a speedy bike - and I know I can run 5k without stopping.  But all three, one after the other???  What am I doing!

I have been for a swim tonight. 20 lengths.. slowly and calmly. That is it now. Shopping trip tomorrow and a chilled day on Saturday.  Oh and a sports massage tomorrow afternoon (ouch!).

I had a lovely postcard and some fab marshmallows with my running pictures on, arrive in the post today.  I felt very loved.   Thank you to everyone who just keeps saying  ' yes you can!'

I will report back on Sunday - Let's hope I can do it!

Waving me across the road..... BLAH!

It has been a good week really, I guess!  A 5k run home on Monday, then a cycle,swim,cycle and then 1st run after cycle (only 1 mile!) - but I did it.. and it was ok ish...

And then I ran to the gym yesterday.. well.. I am not really sure you can call it running - but I got there on my own two feet- with no wheels in sight!

However.. I am the first person to advocate kindness. and in particular kindness to people who are out and about obviously trying to improve their lifestyle with exercise. But yesterday .. I was worn out..my legs hurt.. it was hot.. and HOW VERY DARE THEY! people kept stopping their cars and waving me on across the road! When each time I was looking for a, if only short, little stop..  chance to breathe, to catch my breathe... but no. Kind people kept smiling and waving me on.  Thanks!!!

Obviously, I smiled, and waved, and said thank you and carried on running... while inside all I as thinking of was "I WANTED TO STOP!!!!!".

So - a little ask to any of you who follow this, who live in Ipswich. If you see me running  (you will know it is me - slow, plodding, hot,bothered, over weight...46 year old who thinks she can actually run(?)!) and I am about to cross the road.. consider giving me a break.. smile and wave at me.. and drive on past - I promise, I will LOVE you for it!!!

2 weeks today, I will be there. And who knows what is going to happen.  Goodness knows!

Best Cycle Ever!!!

Normal training this week - it is gradually become part of my routine and it just happens.  Which feels a little surreal!

But today the sun has been out and it has been very hot. I dropped into the cycle shop to buy a pair of sunglasses (so cool!) and then got ready for what was the best cycle I have yet done!

Matt went off with Dom this morning to kayak all day, with a plan to meet myself and Sarah at the pub this afternoon.  We planned a route for me, which did not involve having to cross the A12 at a nasty point (but going under instead!) - 8.6 miles there and the same back.  So off I went.

Going was a little tough - legs need to warm up, tough park run yesterday, so they were tired.  Eventually I came down the last hill to the pub - so fab!  But I did have the  - I have to go back up again! feeling.

But going back was just great.. My legs coped with the hills - a sign they must be getting stronger, the wind was behind me (makes all the difference) and it was just the best.  Today.. it just felt amazing.. So good for the soul!

I also have to say that doing all of this is only possible because I have amazing friends who just keep pushing me.  Keep pushing.. this girl is actually quite enjoying the challenge!

Arriving in one piece at the pub x

Chillin' at the Maybush in Waldringfield

And I made it home!  17 miles - phew!

And we keep going.... with 2 weeks at ParkRun and seeing a new PB each week!

This has to be a result of the mix of training I am doing. I can feel my legs getting stronger and for the last 2 weeks I have managed to run up the two hills at Christchurch Park.  2 weeks ago, I had the pleasure of Jonathan running with me. He just appeared next to me and said "Hi! I thought I would run with you today!"  so he did. And he pushed me on and I got a PB. (he went on to run a fantastic London marathon the next day, as did Sarah!)  And this Sat, Sarah did the same.  These pals of mine.. they just appear.. and off we go!  This week though, I could not speak the whole way around.. She pushed me to my upmost limit.. but again.. a PB! I can now run 5k in  32mins and 5 seconds.  Delighted is not the word!

But as well as the running on a Sat, I have been running, swimming and cycling throughout the week.  On Thursday I did a 12 mile cycle home.. and get this - other cyclists acknowledged me.. a little hand raise off the handlebars.. and 'hi'.. a smile.. ME!   A half mile swim this morning and then a 10 mile cycle (there and back to Sarah and Dom's) this afternoon.

So.. I never thought I would say this, but I can see progress, I am getting fitter, and I am 'sort of' enjoying it all!

Lets see what another week brings!  Bring it on!!!!

Just plodding on - but doing ok!

It has been a couple of weeks since last posting.. but HEY! things have been going ok!

The new bike is amazing! I have been out on some long cycles.. and my backside is gradually not hurting anymore and I am loving the time out on the bike. It is very liberating to be zooming through the countryside and now I have a better grip of the gears I feel that I am much safer than I thought I would be and really enjoying it.  It is fab to be able to go such a long way.. 10 miles is as far as I have gone so far, but need to get up to 15 - so work to do!

I am also enjoying the swimming.  During the hols I managed 1 mile in the pool - I got in, started swimming and just kept going! That was such a satisfying day - even if I did have to work through some 'lane' bullying.. which I did with grace and quiet muttering in my head!!

The least favourite of the 3 disciplines, is oddly (as it was the one I was doing first!), the running.  Plod, plod, plod.  Not getting any faster, not getting any easier.. and just a plod!  Mmmmm

My lovely running friend Sarah is off to London next week to do the Marathon - and then she has said she will come out on runs with me - the suggestion being I cycle to hers and then we run. This is something that I have to start doing at some point - the cycle and then the run transition is the one that is worrying me the most!

Will let you know how I get on. I did manage all my plans for last week, even though I was back at school, so hoping I can do the same this week.  Thanks for all your encouragement!

The bike has arrived!

1st week of the school holidays - a week to get myself back in the groove.. and then 8 weeks until the triathlon.  I have swam or run every day.. and then today.. I had my first ride on my new bike!

I picked the bike up yesterday from Cycle Revolution in Foxhall Road.  The bike was the only new purchase to enable me to take on this challenge.. and it was an expensive but Godly given one.  2 weeks ago.. I had a tax rebate of just under £500 - thank you God!  So picking it up was very exciting.. but also slightly petrifying too!  The very nice man at the shop (he really was a very nice man!) gave me an in-depth talk through the bike, and also inspired me to get on it - and go enjoy it!

So this morning  - my first real go.  I cycled to the Gym (2.5 miles).. swam 16 lengths.. sat in the jacuzzi for 5 mins (nice!) and then cycled back the long way round (5.5 miles).  And I am still alive!

So back on track.. tomorrow morning I plan on cycling to Park Run.. I will let you know how I get on!