Quite possibly the least inviting set of circumstances to begin 24 weeks of training one could ask for. Dipping my toes in to the seemingly ice cold waters of the local community pool there was a multitude of other far more appealing situations leaping in to my mind that I would have rather been doing. However, after the first few hundred yards and with Billy Joel streaming through my mind, I found myself increasingly enjoying the swim. Whether driven by the fact that the water appeared colder than ever, probably as a result of a distinct lack of time in it, or that Billy Joel was singing a particularly good rendition of Innocent Man in my head but all of sudden I found myself remembering the joy of being in the water. The promise of an end goal that gives great purpose to training so hard and so long for a challenge that is the longest day. Raising money for my Dad's favourite charity, The Bucks Youth Cricket Trust.
It would be easy to think that, as this is my fourth iron distance event, this could be a walk in the park. Just like all the others. It always hurts. However, to know that putting a big goal at the end of the proverbial tunnel is the driving force that will steer me to the end with a goal of shattering both time and fundraising goals. The hope of raising money for such a just and appropriate cause and leaving a strong legacy for my father's memory will be the strongest motivator I have ever had to outperform all previous results. He ran next to me in my first two iron distance races. Jogging slowly a long next to me as I inched towards the end of the run leg. Boosting my psyche at the same point on each loop of the course. That energy will drive me on in Idaho on race day.
Heading out for the first long trainer ride tomorrow. Better pick a good movie to start on. Don't want to be too miserable this basement, too cold to be outside, season. Sweat towels await!
Good luck to us all!
It would be easy to think that, as this is my fourth iron distance event, this could be a walk in the park. Just like all the others. It always hurts. However, to know that putting a big goal at the end of the proverbial tunnel is the driving force that will steer me to the end with a goal of shattering both time and fundraising goals. The hope of raising money for such a just and appropriate cause and leaving a strong legacy for my father's memory will be the strongest motivator I have ever had to outperform all previous results. He ran next to me in my first two iron distance races. Jogging slowly a long next to me as I inched towards the end of the run leg. Boosting my psyche at the same point on each loop of the course. That energy will drive me on in Idaho on race day.
Heading out for the first long trainer ride tomorrow. Better pick a good movie to start on. Don't want to be too miserable this basement, too cold to be outside, season. Sweat towels await!
Good luck to us all!
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