Ready to go

Well we are now coming to the end of our training.  We have done our longest cycle and run and are now tapering - still exercising every day but not as much and getting less as we get closer to the day.  The idea is that our bodies are now at their 'peak' and the taper will allow the muscles time to recover and re-charge whilst not losing any performance … I like the theory!

All in all it has been a long 7 months training but I do feel that I'm at a new level of all round fitness - the cycle distances we have done are good (could be a bit faster though) and the running is definitely better (faster and longer), and the swim is still as it was (steady and ok technique).  It's time now for the race.  We've worked out roughly what we would like to do for each section on the day but as there are so many variables it can change easily (injuries, weather, breakages, nutrition, hydration and accidents to name a few); but I'm hoping for a 1hr 30min swim (accounting for the washing machine effect 2000 people will have) / 15min  transition 1 (getting out of wetsuit and into bike clothes) / a 7hr 30min cycle / a 15min trans 2 (from bike into run clothes) / and a 4hr 30min to 5hr run - so around 14hrs … I hope, I wish, fingers crossed, everything crossed …

What have I learnt so far?  Well, I've certainly learnt that I can be a grumpy git when tired and when I have to cycle a long distance I don't want to do!  But I've also learnt that training with Melanie has brought it's own rewards - in doing something so challenging together it does bring you closer, you do see another side of someone and you do feel a sense of achievement in doing it together.  I'm also personally richer for knowing that I can push my body further than I thought (hopefully it will be far enough), I've lost some weight (bound to go back on though), I'm a lot fitter and I've enhanced some skills in and increased my knowledge of three sports that I hope to continue to participate in for a while longer.

A good return I would say …

I received an email today from the race organisers.  Some details regarding the rules and regulations and bits about what to do on the day, it brought some butterflies to my stomach, but my overall feeling was 'bring it on'!!

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Well put darling. Butterfly stomachs all round but we’re hoping once we get there the buzz of it all will make us more excited. But I know come 6.45am on Sunday morning, standing on the edge of the lake with 2,000 other competitors, the nerves are going to be intense…it’ll be time to dig deeper than we ever have…

Your support has been fantastic, we’ve had good wishes, inspirational quotes and good luck cards, its nice to know we’ve also inspired others to push themselves…here are some of the quotes that will spur us on

You have earned your place, deserve it and now almost own it!!  It’s almost yours...

I am still so in awe of you both... Such an incredible challenge, no matter what the outcome, all very impressive...

You are one determined, focused cookie! Huge admiration for you

Pain and fatigue are only temporary, a completed ironman lasts forever

See you on the other side

Go do it girl . . . you have both worked so hard and deserve every success.

just keep going at all costs and then you will be able to say "I am an Ironman

 I am more than well aware of the hard effort, work and sheer determination even just completing the training takes. You are a star