Harlech 2014

We’ll forget about training and stuff. Let’s just say I haven’t been well for a while which manifested itself in a massive abscess on my gum another between my back two teeth which are now both loose and I’m likely to lose so super strength antibiotics and onwards and upwards.

More importantly…

On 1 March I completed my Local Technical Official’s course. It was run by Tom Roberts of Welsh Triathlon and Sue Taylor of Triathlon England. They are both extremely talented and experienced officials who made the course interesting, informative and highly enjoyable.

I didn’t know calf guards were banned in the pool. I didn’t know “competitors may not run on the defined run course without shoes.” There’s probably an awful lot else I didn’t know but when you’re being taught in such a pleasant environment the lines between what you know and what you’re being taught blur slightly.

There is an extensive knowledge test which has to be completed in your own time (you can use the course material and rule book!)
Llangefni didn’t have a Race Official so I was unable to shadow.

Tom very kindly put me in touch with James and Belinda Glover the Officials for Harlech who kindly agreed that I could shadow.
I had no idea how much pre-preparation goes into being a Race Official. Belinda sent me all the information she had been sent by the Race Organiser including Competitor Information and Risk Assessments. It took an age to read and, more importantly, digest. We agreed to meet just after 7am.

The forecast was pretty grim and Belinda (and Tom) had advised me to take a change of clothes. After my experience at Bala Standard last year I will NEVER attend an event without a change of clothes and towel.

There was as much preparation (if not more) than if I was racing. All the paperwork, whistle, pins, gaffer tape, full change of clothes, 2 coats, baseball cap, gloves, spare shoes. With hindsight I should have packed the car last night.
Alarm went off at 4.30!!! I left by 5.20. Everything was going swimmingly, SatNav eta 7.07 which to me is just after 7. Just before 7 I hit road works and as the blokies running the road works walked towards me I knew things were going pear shaped. A tree had come down blocking the road. They told me I’d have to turn around and make a 70 mile detour (I’d only done 62 miles!) I explained I was on my way to a triathlon and the race couldn’t start without me (what’s a while lie between friends?) I pleaded with them to be let through. They were amazingly polite and professional but wouldn’t budge. I told them I’d drive under it and take full responsibility but they were having none of it. They did let me “inspect for myself.” Walking back they were coming towards me. They’d cobbled together various handsaws and tools to cut down offending tree. The queue behind me was all competitors and marshals!



On my way back to the car I discovered this little fella



I arrived at 7.30 so it wasn’t too bad; met James; inspected Registration (which was absolutely immaculate) and had a butchers at the race permit then off to meet Belinda in the pool.

We listened to the race brief and watched the first dozen or so swimmers off and then I had a word with a cyclist who was walking pool side wearing the timing chip to tell him his swimmer would have to run down to the bike with him only to be shut up by being told his swimmer was blind.

She was amazing. It took an awful lot of self-restraint not to cry.

Somebody got out of the pool wearing…. calf guards. Off to the race brief I popped to ensure “calf guards are not allowed in the swim” was included and to let the body markers know.

Saw a lady heading to the swim wearing calf guards and asked her very politely to remove them to which she replied “Why?” “Because they’re illegal.” “Since when?”

I headed outside. It wasn’t cold just breezy. Lots of disk wheels which we had to warn to take extra care (why would you knowing how exposed the bike route is and the forecast for such strong winds?)

A few little chats about displaying numbers, then I asked a guy heading out on the bike where his number was. He showed me – on the front and on the back of his T shirt. Fine, but, he was wearing a jacket. I explained that his number needed to be displayed on his back so that it could be seen. He argued that it would ruin his waterproof. We compromised and I ended up taking his waterproof to his supporters.

It started to rain. It started to hail. I encouraged a few not to attempt to use earphones for the run. I suggested it might not be such a good idea to run in your cycle helmet. I was relieved by Belinda who sent me to get a hot drink and a bacon bap. It was massive and gorgeous but it was only when I got back out there I realised how absolutely cold and wet I was. I have never seen so many competitors struggle to add layers and do up zips, many gave up trying and head out in trisuits.

When the motorcycle sweep returned it was time to get back to the car and move up to the castle for the finish. I had to sit on a towel to drive up and had an absolute wardrobe malfunction trying to get changed in the car. I think I, kind of, empathised with the athletes obviously their plight was far worse than mine.

No penalties. No disqualifications. I received many thanks and many congratulations for which I’m really grateful. First shadow complete, lots of lessons learned and very positive feedback off the Glover’s in my Log Book.

Lots of positives from today. One of the highlights was a customised transition box which I thought was pure dead brill.


Next stop Chirk – bring it on!

It's not over 'til the Fat Lady sings

I read earlier Dame Tanni Grey Thompson retweet of a link to a blog. The “owner” refers to herself as a “fat” girl and then goes on to moan about the abuse she gets for being “fat,” particularly the derogatory shouts she gets whilst out running. She’s also making money by being “fat” by publishing a “fat” book.

Ok abuse is abuse and is not nice but are there different shades of abuse?

When I was much younger and much thinner I used to get the odd cat call off building sites. Abuse? Probably.

I am now the “fat bird” that runs and yes I do get yelled at. So what? It’s not nice. If it makes the yellers happy it certainly doesn’t upset me. I may be fat but can they run 10k? In a year’s time I won’t be fat but they’ll still be ignorant.

This particular blogger said it was like shouting abuse at the “disabled.” Well actually it’s not. Less able bodied are the way they are because of an illness or accident. Fat people are fat because they eat too much and or don’t exercise enough. I make no apologies for saying the genetic makeup or slow metabolism doesn’t wash with me any more.

I am fat because I have abused my body for years with excess food, excess alcohol and not enough exercise. I am now able to stop blaming derogatory comments, society, advertising, unrealistic body images and take responsibility myself. I am fat because of what I (not anybody else) chose to put in my mouth. There is nothing stopping me taking the healthy option. There is nothing stopping me stopping when I’m full not because I need to clear the plate because of all those starving African children my Mother reminded me of when I was a child.

I am truly sorry for anybody who lets derogatory comments get to them. I personally would much rather take pleasure from the encouragement and support I do get. I can absolutely guarantee that for every negative experience I get on my runs there are at least 10 “Well done.” “You’re doing great.” “Keep going girl.” To be perfectly honest to get called “girl” when I’m 50 is pleasure in itself.

Run Fat B!tch Run

Dry January massive fail.

Jantastic 2 runs in 2 months – massive fail.

Now I’m a firm believer in fate. Things happen for a reason and people come into your life at exactly the right time so…
For reasons I’d rather not go into here but you can all draw your own conclusions which will probably be right, on Friday I made the commitment to give up alcohol. As part of my coping mechanism I planned to really start running “consistently” again. I posted this picture on Face Book.



I received a reply from one of my friends in The Biggest Loser group (who has lost an enormous amount of weight) “Excuse the title but this book really helped me.”



Never one to shy away from the next greatest thing it was downloaded to my Kindle (£2.99) and I started to devour. It could have been written specifically for me:-

“Can you hear a nagging little voice, like a mosquito buzzing around your head? ‘loser, I knew you wouldn’t do it. I knew you would give up. No one is going to believe a word you say if you can’t stick to a small promise.'”

“So if I’m going to do it I find that calling myself nasty names is far more motivating and it has the added benefit of really making me laugh.”

“Negative affirmations are not for the faint hearted or psychologically fragile. If you are the kind of person who falls apart when criticised, this is not for you.”

“Spectacular results are only achieved by spectacular effort.”

“Stop feeling depressed about being fat and start doing something about it. Go outside and start walking.”

“Nothing in this life of any value is gained without pain and sacrifice.”

The basics are stop procrastinating. Stop wasting hours with lists and plans and get out and do. I missed my run yesterday reading the damn book which is a bit ironic.

For beginners (which of course I’m not) is to walk 90 minutes 4 times a week. Building up to add in some jogging so that within 8 weeks the whole circuit can be completed in 45 minutes. It builds to a 5k race plan, a 10K, a half and a full marathon.
Before I know it I’ve convinced myself Chester Marathon on 5th October is doable.

I’ve just been out and “run” 5k. First 5K since September and only the 6th “run” since September. I “ “ the run because 51 minutes is hardly more than a shuffle pace however, it’s my base and can only improve.

If I hadn’t spent so much time procrastinating (music choice, wardrobe malfunction, loss of satellite on my Garmin, chest strap inside out) I might have avoided the headwind.

Another reason this is going to work this time is, I’m on annual leave this week so no time excuses. Once I get out there and "do" I love it, habit is established and I'm on fire - no burn outs this time though.

I’m not abandoning triathlon. I’ve dusted the cobwebs off my track pump, inflated the tyres on my road bike and am all set to get out there tomorrow (please wind die down – I can’t face the turbo!)

And now for the really exciting news……

Drum roll if you please!

Nest Saturday I am taking Welsh Triathlon’s Local Technical Official’s course. I am shadowing at LLangefni in March, Chirk in April, Wilmslow in May and then I will be (“hopefully” banished from the dictionary) a fully qualified Triathlon pool based referee.

New Year - Change One Thing - Healthy

So the wheels came off the wagon (yet again I hear you cry!)

No excuses. We had a week away in Majorca in July and when I came back there was an internal vacancy available for a Business Support Lead in one of our Independent Mental Hospitals. I ticked every box on the personal specification and consequently got the job. There was a lot of “finishing up” in the old role and “bedding in” in the new role so I’ve basically worked stupid hours for the last 6 months. I leave the house before 8 so the gym wasn’t (isn’t) an option. I could have biked. I could have run. I could have done classes after work . I didn’t.

New Year. New Resolutions. No habit changes. Change ONE thing. Healthy. It doesn’t fit into any SMART rules but that’s the plan.

I’ve signed up to Dry January.

I’ve signed up to Jantastic (you decide on how many runs a week and log them – I’ve committed to 3).

I’ve signed up for a British Nutrition Foundation Course – An Introduction to Nutrition and Healthy Eating.

I’ve entered the Deva Divas 27 July (the event I had my meltdown DNF in 2010)

I’ve entered the ballot for the GNR 7 September.

I’m tempted to enter Mad Dog 10K on 16 February in Southport and Rhyl 10 miler the week after on 23 February.

The week before Christmas I had a little slip in work and landed on my knee. I’ve had GP all clear but I need to see how it goes.

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy, Injury Free 2014. May we all achieve our goals and smash our PB’s.

The Sandman

Quite an eventful week…..

Feeling really positive that my head was in the right place and my body had started moving I got an email about marshaling The IAU Trail World Championships at Gwyir Park Llanrwst which led me to Always Aim High Events and The Anglesey Sandman.

Always a believer in fate this looked right up my street and with almost 13 weeks to go I made the fatal mistake of asking the question on Facebook The Sprint or The Standard? The overwhelming response was The Sprint. I was gutted. Lessons to be learned: If it’s a yes/no question and you don’t want to hear no, don’t ask the question and certainly don’t ask the question on Facebook. This got me thinking again that I was spending far too much time on Facebook so I deactivated my account. A proper Teddy out of the pram, drama queen reaction but I needed to give myself headspace.

My wonderful husband, Mark, who dislikes most things triathlon, who has only watched my first event, who never criticises my triathlon dreams, but never actively encourages them either, grew up on Anglesey. He phoned his mates to discuss the bike route and had it confirmed that it’s a 60k up hill all the way loop. I could not for the life of me see how a loop could be all up hill.

I asked Iain from the Coaching Station's advice and he came up with a plan. A horrible plan. Bike, bike, bike and bike some more and the warning that if I didn’t bike he would find me and he would kill me. He nearly didn’t have to.

On Thursday I had a meeting at 5:30pm to discuss the plan. It had poured down all day. I have to travel home over the mountain. The road was flooded. Not sure how a lake forms on the top of a mountain road and the road down turns into a virtual river. When I get into Mold I hit Tesco roundabout, aquaplane and end up facing the wrong way. Bearing in mind this is rush hour I have no idea how I don’t hit anything and nothing hits me. I have this typical frightened rabbit in headlights moment where I do nothing and then realise I’ve actually got to reverse off the roundabout.

I put it to IDM that Bala was 2 weeks earlier and only 38k and flatter. He was having none of it. Stick to the plan. Suck it and see was the verdict. So I will.

Yesterday hubby decides to show me The Sandman bike route so armed with a picnic and my Mother off we trot. Just over the Menai Straights I’m told to look out for a Toll House on the left and that’s where you’ll come out. Great except the climb to the Toll House. Upwards we go through Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch . Onwards and upwards and upwards and more upwards and windy bends and more upwards through Gaerwen, Gwalhmai, Llanfaelog, Aberffraw, Maltraeth with the added commentary from my Mother which sent hubby into total hysterics of
“You should have done this when you were 21.”

“It’s not as if you’re a spring chicken.”

“There’s a history of heart failure in your Dad’s side of the family.”

“There’s not even a pavement to run on here” (after the 20th time I stopped correcting her that this was the bike route!) “You’re the wrong side of 30 you know.”

“Mark will you follow her in the car to make sure she’s ok?”

“It would kill me if I had to bury you.” (and you wonder where I get my Drama Queen tendencies from?!?!)

Then Morgan pipes up with the “Are we nearly there yet?” as we turn into Newborough Forest. Absolutely beautiful. We had our picnic on one o the numerous picnic benches and headed off to the beach. I’ve been to Newborough once before when I was 9 or 10. I cannot remember it being so absolutely stunning. We walked along the beach collecting shells and stones and walked, or should I say scrambled back through the dunes. There were lots of people but it’s so vast there wasn’t a chance of overcrowding. Great to see a kite surfer, a little chappie flying a kite, families playing cricket and football and everyone having a general fantastic outdoor time on a rather windy, grey late June day.



The last part of the bike route took us upwards through Brynsiecyn, past Plas Newydd and one of Mark’s old houses at Plas Coch.

So the verdict. It’s long. Very long for a Standard. It’s less than a 112 mile IM though and Bala Middle’s 80k both of which I should have done by now. The Jury’s still out but we do have higher, steeper and longer hills around here. It’s “Summer” adverse weather conditions should not interrupt training! Light mornings. Light evenings. It’s all down to how much I want it and how much I’m prepared to give it and sacrifice to get there.

On the way back we called at Llandudno and were fortunate enough to watch Rhian Roxburgh win the women’s Standard race and Rhian and Simon claim the female and male Welsh Championship medals. Nice also to see Julian, Chris and Shane from Wrecsam Tri all set to dismantle the scaffolding.

Bank of Lynne

Big warnings folks this is very long (unlike Richard Harris' and Chris De Ryke's)To by regulars you can skip the middle bit as it's a potted history of my triathlon "career"

A while ago I posted on Facebook “5k in the bank but not quite sure what I’m saving for yet.”

This got me thinking on yesterday’s 5K . You don’t just go and open a bank account do you? Well you might have done years ago when all current accounts were the same and gave you a cheque book, cheque card and a slap on the wrist fine for going overdrawn. (When I joined Midland Bank in 1980 there were no such things as cash cards but we did have this machine that had to be filled with 10 X £1 notes in a plastic container. If you drew the £10 out you had to post your plastic container back!!)

So what kind of bank account to open? Let’s be honest, I have very little to invest. How do you get the best returns? By depositing little and often? Then I have to consider what exactly I’m saving for, and what I am prepared to sacrifice short, medium and long term to reap the reward?

I started my triathlon journey on 4 November 2007. I can be very precise about this because I know it was 2 weeks before my 44th birthday. I’d read a blog in the local paper by a sports reporter who’d done Llanrwst. Before this I’d always thought Triathlons were Iron distance and you’d have to be certifiable to even contemplate such a feat. On discovering there were Sprint events (it had never occurred to me the fact that they were called sprint meant you were supposed to do it fast!) I thought “I can do that.” Bearing in mind I weighed 16 ½ stone and had done no exercise for 20+ years. I mean I could swim, I could ride a bike, although I didn’t own one and I used to be able to run.

I entered Chirk which was 27 April 2008 and enlisted the help of the amazing Iain Davies Moore.

My first run session revealed I couldn't even run the short side of a football pitch. Not to be deterred I walked the long sides and ran the short sides and gradually built up. Because of the time of year running around a football field at 7 in the morning soon became a no, no – it was too dark and I didn’t know of the existence of head torches in those days so into the gym it was.
I worked really hard on the treadmill and the gym bikes and lost a stone and a half in the 6 weeks up to Christmas. I swam once a week too and thought I was doing ok until I spoke to the leisure centre manager who suggested I turn up for an early morning Master’s session. The Coach, although he tried to disguise it I could tell was mortified. He said if I hadn’t been so buoyant, and I’m still not sure if he was referring to my boobs or blubber, I would sink. Apparently I was pushing forward with my arms and dragging back with my legs. One to one lessons it was then. Convinced I’d never be able to swim crawl we worked on perfecting my breaststroke technique.

In the middle of all of this I discovered Tritalk, from where I have gained a wealth of knowledge and met, either personally or virtually some amazing people, the most important has to be Sue. She removed “can’t” and “won’t” from my vocabulary for a long time and has the patience of a saint running with me and encouraging every step of the way. I also befriended the amazing Sally from Chester Tri who was always available at the end of an email to encourage, cajole and shout where necessary.

My Mum was totally horrified when I told her I was doing a triathlon. Her immediate lament was “You can’t. You’ll have a heart attack!” My immediate response was “If I don’t do something about this weight I WILL have a heart attack.” Once she realised I was serious she persuaded me to raise money for Hope House Hospice. This too was a wonderful decision as in the weeks and days leading up to Chirk when the doubts crept in I knew I couldn’t not do it because there was almost £1,000 riding on the fact I had to do it.

Crossing the finish line was, after giving birth to the kids, the best moment of my life. I’d worked hard and I’d done it, obviously with a great deal of help. Mark, Morgan, Mum, Dad, Iain, Sue and my lovely friend Lesley were all there to greet me on the finish line. It was amazing. I also met Sally from Chester Tri later. And I wasn’t even last!

The next event Deva Divas 20.7.2008 750m open water swim 20k bike 5k run. Piece of cake except I’d never swum open water and didn’t own a wetsuit. Andy Smith from Tri Talk to the rescue. Posted me his old one – sorted. First open water ok. Not pleasurable but tolerable. Second session horrendous. I felt as if I couldn’t breath so decided to knock this event on the head. When you have a support team like mine that’s impossible. Cerys, a Mum of my eldest former football team mates was not only doing the event but is a qualified swimming teacher. She agreed to give me one to one lessons on the strict understanding that she would teach me to breath correctly and I would swim crawl. Big tick. Sue suggested my wetsuit may be too tight so I invested in a £30 Tesco Direct men’s XL surf suit and cut the legs off. She then dragged me to Bala one beautiful, sunny, Saturday morning and made me swim. Sally wouldn’t let me pull out until the final training session. She said she’d swim with me and would give me an honest critique of whether she thought I’d make it or not. I swam with her no problem and knowing Sally the way I know her now even if I’d sunk like a brick she would still have made me do it.

The race was Fantastic. Fabulously organised. Lots of fun. Swim was great, bike was fine, pulled my back on the run but did run most of it. Super finishers photo what can I say?

Llanrwst 31.08.2008 400m pool swim (20m pool) 25k bike (hilly) 5k (hilly) run. I dragged the kids on a picnic to reccee the course. Well I know it said hilly but… the hill went up and up and then when it flattened there was another one just around the corner. What goes up must come down. The descents were spectacular. In fact the whole bike course was pretty spectacular. The run was in the Gwydyr Forest and the hill went up, and up, and up and flattened into a fabulous trail run through the forest.
A week before I pulled my back and emailed the organisers to pull out and offered to marshal. The night before, high as a kite on tramadol, diclofenac and red wine (I know naughty, naughty) I decided sod it I’m doing it anyway. I had to get off the bike twice and push and I had to walk the hill of the run but got a spectacular reception from Wrecsam Tri at the finish. I was last and I still hold the slowest course record. Talking to Paul “Willy” Williams at the finish who was the male winner (Rhian, the goddess, Roxburgh was the overall winner on the day) I was bemoaning my pathetic performance. He turned around to me and said “99.9% of the population couldn’t do what you’ve done today. You turned up and you finished.”

2009 passed pretty uneventfully Chirk 26.04.2009 4 minutes quicker


2010 Chirk 25.04.2010 10 minutes slower (last and a slowest course record)and an absolutely awful DNF in the Deva Diva’s. I’d done the practice swim the week before easily and come race morning was reasonably confident. Looked at the swim and thought that’s way longer than last week and that’s when the wheels came off the wagon. My head went into a tail spin and that was the start of my DNF. Was off in the first wave. Kept to the back and just plugged away. Negative head was not how far I’d swum but my God look how far I’ve got to go. Was soon caught by the second wave they swam all over me and I hated it and wanted to ask the Kayak to pull me out there and then but was too afraid of sinking it. Eventually finished but was incredibly dizzy getting out. By now I’d got a reasonable road bike which I fell off loads clipping in and out. I was terrified of falling off on the mount line. I didn’t. Weather was wet, warm and windy. The roads were filthy. I was passed and passed and covered in mud splatters. I had to get off and push up a hill which I hadn’t two years previous. I cursed the bike. I cursed the weather. I cursed myself and then I was joined by the bloke from Chester Tri who rides with you to let you know you’re really last. I decided to quit after the bike. I saw Sian from Wrecsam Tri come in and screamed at her and then Deb another Wrecsam lady. The marshal pointed out that if I’d got enough energy to scream at them then I had enough energy to do the run so I set out. It’s out and back twice. I ran the whole of the out and back and sneaked into transition. I’d given up. The worst decision of my Tri life. I could easily have finished. I had no problem with coming last my head wouldn’t let me suffer the humiliation of being out there on my own for 20 minutes. Everyone was fantastic with their well dones and not far to gos but I knew I wouldn’t finish. I just cried. Well dones coming from everywhere. No it’s not well done. I quit.

Sally appeared with her congratulations and just hugged me and let me cry she even offered to walk the last lap with me. It wasn’t about walking. If I’d have done the second lap I’d have run it. I quit not because I couldn’t do it but because I was ashamed. She said if she’d seen me quitting she would have forced me back out there. She was right.

From when I finished Chirk in 2008 the “Grande” plan had always been to complete an Ironman before I was 50. This, given it was a 5 year plan was very doable. Even if I only lost a stone a year I wouldn’t be overweight and building on my sprint training I could certainly achieve the Iron distance.

My Dad passed away in April 2011 and whilst I’d like to blame this for lack of consistency it’s not true. My Dad was incredibly proud of my triathlon achievements and he’d be mortified if he knew I’d let them slide.

I’ve never stopped training I just haven’t done very much. I formulate a plan, go hell for leather for a few weeks, miss a session, then two and I’m back to square one again.

I will only ever be competing against myself and the clock so is there actually any point in entering events? I can work on improving my 10K time, increase my run to 13.1 miles and reduce that time and eventually run 26.2 miles. I can cycle more, and more, and more and learn to swim more efficiently and for longer. I won’t though. It’s not the competition of the race I need it’s the focus.

So what do I want out of this bank account and more importantly what am I prepared to put in?
“Do something for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week” is Andy Smith’s suggestion and a mighty fine suggestion it is too. I’d be making small regular deposits into the bank which will mount up and yield a tidy reward.

I could commit to the 60 minutes 6 times a week account that would probably yield me a get around marathon, an Olympic distance tri and a pretty solid base to start IM training for 2014 but, the problem with these kind of accounts is they come with the warning the price of investments may go up or down and whilst you may be allowed one or two withdrawals over the period if you fail to make a payment your home could be at risk (ok I’ve always been a bit of a drama queen!)

There’s another option of opening the Andy Smith account and trying to pay more into it when I can and when I can’t don’t worry as it’s about reaching the goal safely and not when or how quickly. I can easily save up for Llanrwyst in September with the goal being bike all the bike and run all the run and the Flintshire 10K in October. I could even add to the mix and say Flintshire 10K in under an hour. Part of the no obligation plan could also be to build up to a 3 hour long bike which will prepare me for Bala Middle 2013 and IM Wales 2014.

19th November 2013 is my 50th birthday. Bank of Lynne will register fitter and less heavy body and a mind that has erased the words “can’t” and “won’t”

What Can be Achieved in 23 Weeks?

"Think you can't do 100 pushups...or complete a hard workout...or lose weight...or build muscle? Anything can be accomplished if you take it one day, one workout, one rep at a time without quitting! Make new goals and find a way to accomplish them...no matter what...one rep at a time!" ~Marsha

So we’re almost half way through 2013 and I have done precisely nothing. Well actually that’s a tiny exaggeration but I’ve done nothing worth talking about.

My “A” race was to be Bala Middle. Fantastic event. Glorious weather. Left home at 6am. Helped in registration (no body marking boo hoo!). Counted the swim out. Marshaled all day on the run. Factor 30 sunscreen liberally applied every hour. Burned to a crisp. One competitor suggested we cook burgers on my chest rather than the BBQ. This is my favourite event. Sunday was my favourite ever running of the event. We were thanked by nearly every competitor which made it even more special.



I’m 50 in November and the “Bucket List” was to be an Ironman by then. That won’t happen but with 23 weeks to go there’s a lot that can be achieved. Llanrwst and Bala Standard in September? With a hell of a lot of work possibly Chester Marathon in October? This was a definite up to a couple of weeks ago when I fell marshalling The Big Welsh Trail 10K and half, I twisted my left ankle and right knee. I digress…

Not only have I lost my fitness, I’ve lost my ability to write.

Start again. High expectations. Go hell for leather. Watch the wheels come off the wagon. Do nothing. Beat myself up for doing nothing. Start again. High expectations….

I’m going to run, cycle and swim as much as I can, build a solid base and when I’m 50 I will be an Ironman.

Decisions Decisions

The feedback off the nutritionist this week wasn’t good. I’ve lost 1 stone 10lbs since 17 September and lost 4lb last week. She wasn’t happy as she said it’s too much too quickly. You pay somebody to do a job so you have to take on board their advice.

I had coffee with Sue on Wednesday. Whilst we keep in touch regularly we don’t see each other very often and it was a lovely treat. We discussed where I’m at for the Outlaw and she actually verbalised “You have not got to do an Iron Distance event before you’re 50. Why not lose the weight and get a solid base in 2013 and do an Iron Distance when you’re 50?”

I discussed the options with my coach

1. Commit to The Outlaw no matter what.
2. Carry on until 5 January and then make a decision.
3. Withdraw now – continue to train and enter Bala Middle in June and other races during the season to gain experience and then commit to an Iron Distance in 2014 without the added disadvantage of losing weight and gaining a solid base.
4. Withdraw now, continue to train and come March make a decision what to race.
5. Give up.

Crazy as it sounds I have given due consideration to all the options and as a last resort even… discussed it with my husband.

I had a one to one swimming lesson on Friday and had a good old chat with my swim coach. The lesson was brilliant. I am using a pull buoy all the time. I’ve pretty much mastered breathing and am no longer lifting my head skyward. Fingers are glued together. I’m now aware of the reach and catch so all that remains to be fixed is my trailing left arm.

So back to the decision.

I’ve withdrawn from the Outlaw and committed to enter Bala Middle. It’s the option that gives me the chance of most success. In the words of my coach “When you pick your fights, make sure you pick the ones you’ve got the best chance of winning.”

I’m not giving up on my dream, just postponing it.

On the job front I have an interview in Chester Zoo on Thursday. It may not be my dream job. It certainly isn’t my dream salary but it is in my dream location.

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining

I don’t really know where to start with this one.


I’m jobless! The upshot is solicitors were involved and I’m prevented from discussing what compromises were made. The outcome is I'm happy.

I’ve been through the motions of registering with agencies. Explaining my CV and then being told there’s nothing at the moment but they’ll be in touch. I have had an interview which I totally blew by talking too much. All experience. All a learning curve.

We have decorated upstairs. The decorating was quite quick. The decluttering has taken forever. We are on first name terms with the guys at the local dump and the charity shops and I’ve never sold so much stuff on ebay, music magpie and mazuma. It’s been a truly cathartic experience.
My eye has been taken off the Outlaw ball but I’m well and truly focused now.

I was due to race a 10K last week and a half in February. My Coach was seriously concerned that I’m focusing on running and my lack of bike fitness is going to mean that I’m not even going to make the bike cut off and won’t have the opportunity to run. Consequently I didn't race last weekend, sold my half place and have biked, biked, biked and used the turbo – I hate it!

A very good friend expressed her concerns that in an effort to shift the weight I've got to lose I’m not going to be nutritionally fit to train so I've engaged the services of a nutritionist who is also an Ironman and I’m now confident that I can achieve both.

I know my swimming is inefficient. The tri specific coached sessions help but I’m not getting there fast enough so I have engaged a one to one coach and after just one session I've seen a vast improvement.

On Wednesday we went Christmas shopping and walking down the concrete stairs of the multi storey car park I felt a “problem” with my knee which got worse as the day went on. I had it looked at by my coach who prescribed gentle cycling and no running until today and then I was told to take it easy (let’s face it easy is the only way I know!) Today I ran for 35 minutes with no repercussions.

I’m not sure where I’m at. I’m not sure where I should be. Without the distraction of work I will be a full time athlete – at least until the end of the year. I've got almost a month to give it my all and then I’ll decide. To do or not to do and give up my place to somebody who’s better prepared. If I withdraw before 6 January I’ll only lose £25. I so desperately want to be an Outlaw in 2013.

This is a picture of the back of my hoodie

Just When You Think It Can't Get Any Worse

Just when you think it can’t get any worse….

Work has been pretty stressful of late and the throwing up continued with a hefty slice of diarrhoea to boot. Everything came to a head last Thursday. I had an appointment with the nurse before work for my monthly blood pressure check. I’d been extremely ill before I went and when she checked my blood pressure it was “What the hell is going on here?” She wanted to increase my medication (again) but needed to speak to the Doctor.

She rang me at lunch time (I’d gone into work because I was on an 8 hour deadline to pay 90 staff). She explained that the Doctor had agreed to up my meds but when I told her I was still throwing up, despite not having anything to eat or drink she arranged for an emergency appointment to see the GP that afternoon.

He wanted to sign me off work for a month. We had a little chat and he agreed that if I’d take mild anti-depressants for 2 weeks and have blood tests the next day he’d sign me off for 2 weeks and we'd play it by ear. He actively encouraged me to continue with training.

I felt amazing the day after. Not sure if it was the happy pills or the thought of no work stress for 2 weeks. Training’s going really well in spite of doing a Bridget Jones off the treadmill on Wednesday. The only thing hurt was my pride but I do have some impressive bruises.

The results of my blood tests are back. Gamma GT levels in a woman should be between 12 and 55. Mine were 60 three months ago but they weren’t unduly concerned. They’ve come back this time at 243. I need a liver scan. The NHS waiting list is 10 weeks. I have private medical insurance through work but they might not be able to cover it because it might have been a “pre existing” condition. I totally despair of insurance companies!

I’ve signed up to Richard Harris's #turbovember challenge. I forgot about it yesterday. There was virtual carnage as I was cooking the tea and setting up the Turbo (in the kitchen). I’ve decided best get it done in the mornings in future.

Going back to my saddle soreness. My PT happened to ask if I was wearing decent cycling shorts. When I told him blokes from Aldi I cannot repeat his reply. I've struggled to find lady specific, big enough but the power that is the Intanet yielded dividends today. We’ll see. I was also talked out of a lovely ladies, pink Garmin 110 and got the email today that a 310XT is dispatched and on its way. Exciting times…

My Biggest Problem Will Be

“My biggest problem will be… don’t get ill.” Quite a prophetic quote from the last Blog.

Not only have I been fighting a cold all week but have had tummy issues. Lost count of the number of times I’ve thrown up and, this theoretically is a good thing, but had real problems eating. I know what my body will do. I know when I’ve got a CBA head on. I knew whatever I’d have attempted this week would have been crap which would have sent me on the slippery slope to total demotivation so I’ve done absolutely nothing. I was all set to go to the Tri swim session Friday night but got a message to say it had been cancelled “code brown.”

Today was the Flintshire 10K and Fun Run. We’d decided a while ago that Morgan would do the Fun Run and I’d jog along to accompany him. In the week he’d asked if he could do it on his own “because I run faster than you Mummy” and then changed his mind.
I guess that staying up until stupid o’clock to watch Kona wasn’t the best preparation. I did fall asleep in the chair but was grateful for a knock on the door (they’d got the wrong house) which woke me up just in time to hear “Matthew Malloy – Great Britain.”
Glorious morning. Morgan caught up with about 40 other pupils from his school and they all did a warm up. The local paper photographer collared me and my friend Ann, we’ll see! We made our way to the start. My heart began to race and I felt sick. Had to have a little talk to my self. It’s a fun run. You don’t get a time. The majority of competitors are kids. I just started humming “Happy Birthday to you.” Works every time.

And we were off. Morgan raced ahead and waited for me pretty much all the way home. About a hundred yards from the finish is a little shop. I nearly strangled him when he said “can we go in and get a drink?”

I’d “run” without a HRM and stopwatch but did activate Map My Run at the start. I forgot to turn it off at the finish. I’m absolutely delighted with 14:53 min/mile. (yes I know it’s rap but for me it’s less crap than usual!)
We collected our medals and I took Morgan home and walked back to support the 10K. The route actually goes past the end of our road so I was able to spectate and cheer from 3 different vantage points. Only 3 Wrecsam Tri guys this year, the lovely Lisa Morely, a work colleague and her husband, another work colleague’s daughter and 3 people from the gym. At the end Ceri from the gym came up to me and said “Next year Lynne, you are doing it.” I can’t wait a year. Helena Tipping 10K (Wrexham) entered 2 December. 7 weeks piece of cake.

I’m writing this week off and doing what I should have done this week next week. The worst thing about this week is I haven’t lost a single ounce.

Procrastination Is The Thief of Time

‎"You will never get to the end of the journey if you stop to shy a stone at every dog that barks." ~
Winston Churchill

I have completed my first week of Outlaw training and am still alive.
For the first time in over 2 years I took my road bike on the road and was amazed how good it felt. I cannot believe I have wasted so much time terrified of falling off. The answer was so simple. Use SPD’s but don’t clip in. In fairness the roundabout and traffic light fairies were looking down on me and I only had to stop once. My legs felt great. My breathing was OK but oh my giddy Aunt (yes I have been watching The Great British Bake Off!) my lady bits were in agony.

As if my magic the 3 times, including the Celtman, Ironman Ian Houston pulls up alongside me and we have a little chat. “Your biggest problem Lynne is going to be finding the time to fit in all the training.” Now much as I appreciate his opinion I beg to differ. As he peeled off to support the Horseshoe pass Hill Climb it gave me time to contemplate. My problems I believe will be 1.Don’t get ill 2. Don’t get injured 3.Don’t get divorced.

I am reading but not following Don Fink’s Be Iron Fit. There are 168 available hours in the week. I work full time. Whilst I have been known to work 50+ hours per week in this job at the moment I’m doing less than 40. I live less than 5 minutes drive from work. I am fortunate to be married to Mark,a full time house husband who not only looks after our almost 7 year old, Morgan but also does all the washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning. I love spending time with my elder 2 “children” (from a previous marriage) but at 16 and 18 they don’t need a great deal of parental responsibility.

So I reckon that gives me a great deal of time for training. I prefer to train early morning and have no problem running in the dark. Bike wise there’s no way. I’ve invested the money I would be spending on wine and junk food in a turbo and I can use the bikes in the gym (spin bikes next goal). Swimming I have 3 X 1 hour opportunities open to me. A very quiet do my own thing laned swim on a Monday, a Wrecsam Tri Club session on a Thursday and a Tri specific, all abilities coached session on a Friday. I do not have the confidence to go to Wrecsam Tri Club session YET. I’ve been to 2 of the Tri specific coached sessions. I absolutely loved the first one. Apparently my breathing was absolutely spot on and as long as that was OK they could “cure” everything else. Last Friday’s was completely rubbish but then I’d been snuffly all week and my runs had been way under par too.

Mark, even though he would never admit it, will give me full support for training. What he objects to is me sitting in front of a lap top from when I come in from work or training to when I go to bed posting or reading Facebook/Twitter and Tri Talk or anything else Ironman related and once he’s pointed this out to me I have to agree.

I can be totally selfish in my Outlaw training but I’ve got to give a bit back.
Mark and Morgan made no objections to coming with me to buy a Turbo yesterday. Mark didn’t object (much) to setting my turbo up yesterday afternoon (he’s of the school, is all else fails – read the instructions!). I’d made plans to go and watch the Chester Marathon today but had to concede that I needed to make a serious deposit in the Family Bank so I “helped” Mark put anti-freeze in my car (I left the radiator cap off a few weeks ago and lost all the water and anti-freeze). Morgan can ride a bike but is rather nervous. We spent over an hour this afternoon up and down the closed section of road near my office which although not steep has an incline which has given him tremendous confidence. I walked quickly the whole time which I guess puts extra time in the training bank (I’ve already agreed on a run/walk strategy for the Outlaw marathon).

I was warned I’d feel tired. I didn’t expect to feel it so soon. I am very guilty of watching crap telly until stupid o’clock. That’s got to go I know. I’m pretty sure I’m fighting off some kind of a bug so am dosing myself liberally with Centrum Performance (for athletes – yup that’s me an athlete!)

As for my undercarridge problems, I think I’ve got to stop being so girly and HTFU. Riding my road bike for an extra half an hour, very slowly, every day, on Morgan’s learning track I’m hoping will get me used to the saddle so that I can double this morning’s efforts next week.

All in all a really good week where I’ve learned some more important lessons and entered The Helsby Half on 20 January.

Pre Plan Preparation

So the Outlaw entered and a PT session arranged for last Wednesday with Iain my PT. I rang him beforehand asking if I needed my trainers or a notebook. The answer is unprintable. When I got there before he could start I asked if he was going to shout.

“Lynne, you’ve entered. The deed is done. There’s nothing we can do about it and me shouting won’t make it any better.”

I think I’d preferred to be bawled out.

He went on to verbalise everything that had been spinning in my head for the previous 48 hours. It would take time, lots of time. It would take commitment and a cast “iron” will. 9 months to Ironman is possible. 9 months to Ironman from someone who could barely swim, was scared of falling off her bike and could just about run 5k is possible but the odds are definitely not in my favour.

I must remember that all the people who say “Go Lynne go!” won’t be getting up with me at stupid o’clock to run in freezing, raining, howling gale conditions. They won’t have to sort their family, do a full day’s work and then have to go out again and freeze their bits off for 2 hours on the bike.

I left under no illusion that the next 9 months will be the toughest of my life but remembering the euphoria a felt when I completed my first triathlon and multiplying it a 1000 fold would make it worth it. Instructions were to map out a schedule of what time was available and he would fill in the blanks and in the meantime do what I could.

Thursday I ran, not far but a minute quicker than the previous week. Had Now That’s What I Call Running on shuffle on my phone. Started with Maniac, somewhere along the middle had Simply The Best and came home to The Rocky Theme.

Friday I attacked the bike at the gym and did a mind numbingly boring 40 minutes.
Saturday I’d scheduled a long run but I forgot to reset my alarm and got up too late. Morgan has a swimming lesson at 9 so I need to be back. I wasn’t too concerned as I promised I’d do it later in the day. Then the day takes over. My Mum has early stages of Alzheimer’s. She was having a bad day so we ended up taking her to Mold Food Festival. We got back home at 7 so the run didn’t happen.

Sunday, long bike. Couldn’t find my shoes. 20 minutes later found them behind the bike. Was ready to go out of the door and Mark pointed out my tyres were flat. Needless to say I didn’t make it.

Monday, torrential rain so gym bike agan. This time I had a secret weapon, Don Fink’s going Long as recommended by Dr Dre. The time went really quickly and I actually enjoyed myself. I even ran for 10 minutes on the treadmill (I detest treadmills with a passion!) When I got home from work it was still raining and a nice cozy curled up on the sofa with Nigella was very appealing however, I forced myself out of the door and had an absolutely glorious hour of swimming with a lane to myself.

Tuesday was all set to run. Began to feel queasy and then was violently sick.
Yesterday another gym bike session with Don Fink.

This morning I ran. Outside. Absolutely loved it. Really listened to the lyrics of DJ Fresh’s “Louder”

We're gonna get stronger
We're gonna feel better
You can't tame this energy inside
I gotta reach higher
I wanna burn like a fire
Gotta move faster
You can't tame this energy inside

Very important lessons this week.
Perfect Planning and Preparation Prevents Pi55 poor performance. I will always check my kit the night before.

Iain’s schedule begins on Monday 1st October, how tidy is that? Picked up an academic week to a view diary too for the princely sum of 60p.

Coached swim session tomorrow – can’t wait.

Megga thanks for all your good wishes and encouragement.

The Outlaw 2013

Posted on TriTalk 18 September.

My life is on hold for the next 9 months.

Ironman Wales was the goal. A whole year to train for it. Home turf, Welsh turf. Inspired by several clubmates completing it yesterday and then with a delay on the tracker worried that a couple wouldn't make the cut off, knowing how fit they were and how hard they'd trained and knowing a year wouldn't make me as good as them.

So...I asked a question of a very good mate of mine who happens to be be male, "If you were female, very overweight, unfit and almost 49, which IM distance triathlon would you do?"

The answer was the Outlaw but there were 1095 entries with a maximum of 1100. Huge dilemma.

So I did what any (ir)rational desperate to be an Ironman before her 50th Birthday would do. I entered.

So that's me. Dedicating the next 9 months of my life to being an Outlaw.

Transition Ted's wife says he'll do me a plan. He might after kicking my @rse all the way to Nottingham for entering.

Sue will hold my hand every step of the way and make sure I achieve this .

Please, please, please folks kick my @rse - that's the only way I',m going to achieve it and I need it so bad
_________________

Biggest Loser week 5

“You know how it feels to reach too high, too far, too soon
I saw the crescent. You saw the whole of the Moon”
~ The Waterboys

First things first. I’ve lost a pound in 2 weeks and a very lucky pound it’s been too.

I’ve felt yuck. Not ill just really lethargic and can’t get out of bed yuck. Coach Jim was on half term and he was far too busy socialising to pay any attention to his poor Mother . Now I know it would have been perfectly possible to do my planned exercise without him but to cut a long story short I didn’t.

There’s been a lot going on with my Mum, her health and sorting out her affairs which has been absolutely draining.

Last Sunday was far too icy to run so decided to walk the dog instead. I slipped on a manhole cover and twisted my knee. In fairness I have done upper body exercise this week but not nearly as much as I should have and I could have gone swimming but that didn’t happen either.

On Friday I went to Liverpool to see South Pacific with the girls from work. It was excellent. I drove and borrowed hubby’s car. I know for a fact he loves his car more than me. It was not such a good idea to bring it back with go faster yellow stripes courtesy of the car park wall. Let’s just say things are a tad fraught in our house at the moment. I am still alive though which technically I guess is a miracle.

Today was the Mold leg of the Borders League. I’d volunteered to marshall and as usual got there far too early. Was lovely to see some old familiar faces and great for Wrecsam Tri Club to see quite a few in team vests I didn’t recognise. The legend that is Ultraman Shaun O'Keefe welcomed me with energy bars from his sponsors Shotz. I’ve not tried them before but the Apple Berry Blast is by far the best tasting in all the world ever. I managed to get a 45 minute power walk in glorious sunshine before the start and worked up quite a sweat. We were marshalling on the first corner. I love the power of yelling at a field of 295 to “get on the pavement.” We walked back up to the finish and I had the pleasure of assisting a lovely 12 year old in handing out sinishing tokens. It was incredibly warm and I was gobsmacked to see the lead car coming back in 25 minutes. There were some fantastic and brave performances and many moments of humour especially Ian James of Wrexham AC who came 4th repeating and repeating “I am so unfit.” It was very disappointing that Wrecsam Tri didn’t have a single female competitor. I’ve said for years I want to race the Borders. I’ve “run” it on many occasions but it takes me 80 minutes. If I can get it under the hour, which should be possible with 6 stone of free speed, I will race it next year.

A race always inspires me and I can’t wait to get out there this week and rack up some serious mileage.

Biggest Loser Week 3

Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie
Which we ascribe to heaven.
~William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well

What I failed to mention in the last blog was that I developed a headache on my Saturday run. An absolutely banging, pulsating wanting to throw up headache. This lasted for a week. I did go to the Doctors. He diagnosed migraine. I, queen of self diagnosis (commonly called hypochondriac), diagnosed withdrawal symptoms of all the crap I’d been poisoning my body with for the past 48 years.

My 16 year old middle son is incredibly fit (did I mention he plays Academy Football and went to Benefice’s Academy last year and is off to Real Madrid’s Academy at Easter?) he’s off to college in September to do sports science so me in my infinite wisdom decided he could practice on me. He’s an absolute slave driver. I do the strength exercises until I physically feel I can do no more and he makes me do them all again, this time with “eye contact.” I’m really ready to divorce him. I am so close to tears. Never has no pain no gain meant so much to me. Physically my arms and legs are shaking when I’ve finished. I don’t enjoy it one bit. I love the feeling of satisfaction when it’s over.

I ran this morning and absolutely loved it.

Foodwise everything’s changed. Portion size has probably halved and I’m not hungry. The balance of the plate is completely different too. I made chilli last night and used half my regular amount of meat but bulked it up with extra tomato and beans. Snacking’s stopped and alcohol is banned from the house. I’m getting a bit OCD about the whole thing but I did go out with work on Wednesday for a fabulous meal. I just made informed choices and had a “couple” of glasses of wine. The difference was I was in control. Before I went I’d decided I wasn’t going to be a party pooper and because there was no guilt about “failing” the next day I got straight back on track.

I lost 4lb in week 2 and 2lb last week. That’s a stone in 3 weeks which equates to 5% of my body weight. I am currently ranked 124 of 768 in the Biggest Loser Fastrack Challenge of % weight loss, not that I’m competitive or anything.

Biggest Loser Week 1

“In order to succeed you must fail, so that you know what not to do the next time.” ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

Last post 24 October – dear me – not good. That just about sums up things in this life that is Lynne.

The Chest infection didn’t clear. Then I got a kidney infection. Then I got another chest infection. Worse was still to come and I got a serious dose of “cant be arsed” and that’s how I ended 2011.

2012 arrived with great expectations and still I barely shifted this fat hillbilly ass.

As if by magic a wonderful present fluttered its way into my Inbox. A Groupon offer for an 8 week Richard Callender Biggest Loser challenge for £40. Never one to resist a challenge I signed up there and then. Before anybody starts having a go about shakes and meal replacement bars… it’s not like that, honest.

Part of the Challenge was to clear the fridge and cupboards of all crap. This was such a satisfying task. I do believe the binmen of Mold have put in a complaint about the weight of a certain bin on Alexandra Road :-) Then there was the “big” shop. 2 ½ in Asda is enough to drive anybody to drink but the wine remained firmly on the shelf.

The Challenge itself started last Sunday. I weighed a horrific 17stone 11.2lbs. I got the kids to take proper Biggest Loser before pictures. Wearing only a sports bra and running shorts. Front, back and one from each side. They were absolutely horrendous and obviously, I bawled my eyes out. Then when I realised 1. nobody was taking any notice of me 2.it wasn’t doing any good and 3. the whole point in taking the pics is to show how bad I’ve got and how good I’m going to feel looking back did I stop the whinging and embrace the challenge with open arms.

There is a calorie restriction of 1200 and a sample menu which included lots of bread so that was totally out for me. The logic behind it is 45-65% of calories should come from carbs, 20-30% from fat and 15-25% from protein. I was introduced to the app myfitnesspal very early on in the week and basically I just scanned everything. It’s been the biggest eye opener ever to this person who’s tried every diet on the planet and thought I knew the calorific value of everything. I asked my boss to get me a “healthy” wrap and was chuffed when he brought back a prawn cocktail. I was horrified to find out it contained 495 calories and 24.9g of fat. I’m beginning to understand now exactly why I’m so fat.

Only on the prawn cocktail day did I go over my allowance and then it was only by 17 calories.

Exercise wise the challenge is to do between 400 and 600 extra calories a day which I’ve managed quite easily. There is a detailed exercise plan which I’ve tweeked a bit here and there to fit in with my triathlon training but lets just say I never new burpees were so painful, what a plyometric squat was and thought a downward dog was an Australian Dingo. I’ve hurt a bit (well quite a lot actually) but am absolutely delighted to report no pain no gain has given me a weight loss of 8.2lbs.

Onwards and upwards – Chirk 11 weeks and counting and I’ve entered the Chester half on 13 May

One Step Forward Two Steps Back

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her. ~ David Brinkley Not exactly bricks but a setback all the same. Woke up on Monday with a tickly cough. Not a problem did my Stretch and Strength programme. Tuesday the cough was definitely chesty so did Claire Nadir Boot Camp DVD instead. Wednesday it was worse. Had my flu jab in work and did absolutely nothing. Thursday a definite chest infection, antibiotics off the doctor and a basic write off of the rest of the week. I’m not happy but I guess sometimes life throws you lemons. I’ve just mixed mine with honey and hot water. No work this week so plenty of time to play catch up.

Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right. ~Henry Ford

Apologies for last week’s very rude re-launch. The logic behind it was once it’s on the Web you’ve got to do it haven’t you? Whilst it’s still in the head there are loads of excuses to bottle out.

Last Sunday was the Liverpool Marathon, the Chester Marathon and the Flintshire 10K. The plan this time last year was to do the Chester Marathon. The reality was I did nothing. The Helena Tipping (Wrexham) 10k was 8 weeks away a realistic goal but I know me and the least little excuse it’s “I can’t” or “I won’t”

I’ve been a member of Wrecsam Tri Club since I started my triathlon journey. I posted on the Forum asking for help to get me around. Emma, Queen of the Pirates sent me a text to say she was happy to help out, would write me a plan and was willing to meet up and kick my @rse if necessary.

I intend to run on Tuesday but when I got up it was blowing a hoolie. I don’t mind running in wind but a couple of months ago I ran in the wind. When I did the school run an hour later there was a tree blown down where I’d actually been running so it’s put me off a bit. Much as I hate treadmill running I headed off to the gym at lunch time to see my old friend Iain Davies-Moore and signed up for 6 months.

Wednesday I ran. Like I said I’ve faffed (can somebody please tell me how to spell this?) about since my disaster in the Divas in July 2010. I’ve probably run no more than a dozen times in the last 6 months and most of those runs were less than 2 miles. I left home with not much of a plan in my head then when I reached the end of our road I decided I had to bite the bullet and do one circuit of the Flintshire 10k (the race is 2) to give myself a benchmark of how much I’d have to do in 8 weeks. I took it really slowly but felt absolutely fantastic. I guess that’s the beauty of fresh legs.

Thursday I toddled off to the gym and did 40 minutes on the static bike. I obviously didn’t push hard enough because my legs felt fine. My back was absolutely killing though. I have an incredibly weak core. Then I tried to get off the bike and couldn’t. No mental pictures here. It was awful. When I eventually manoeuvred myself off I was walking like an egg bound duck which lasted pretty much the rest of the day.

The training plan arrived Thursday afternoon and thankfully scheduled a rest day for Friday.

Yesterday I dusted down the old hybrid and froze my bits off with a gentle 40 minutes around town.

Today I really struggled with the same circuit as Wednesday but took a minute and 15 seconds off so can’t complain.

Diet
For over a year I have had an undiagnosed stomach complaint. I was referred to a dietician who suggested a low FODMAP diet.

Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols
These are complex names for a collection of molecules found in food, that can be poorly absorbed by some people. When the molecules are poorly absorbed in the small intestine of the digestive tract, these molecules then continue along their journey along the digestive tract, arriving at the large intestine, where they act as a food source to the bacteria that live there normally. The bacteria then digest/ferment these FODMAPs and can cause symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include abdominal bloating and distension, excess wind (flatulence), abdominal pain, nausea, changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both), and other gastro-intestinal symptoms.

For 8 weeks I had to avoid wheat, onions, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, beetroot, beans and a whole host of other things. It was surprisingly easy and my symptoms disappeared. I have gradually re-introduced everything except wheat and I feel fine.

On Wednesday there was a Groupon offer for “Celebrity Slim.” Whilst I would never go down the Lighter Life road I thought perhaps these shakes might give me the kick start I need.

So off I pop to Tesco to check the ingredients. They don’t do it it’s only available at certain pharmacies but as if by magic there were “Biggest Loser” shakes on offer at half price. Well it would have been rude to leave them. I’ve lost 9lbs. yes that’s right 9lbs. Unfortunately my “symptoms” have returned but it’s definitely given me the kick start I needed.

All in all a great week.

I'M Back

“She said his life would be like walking upstream in a rushing river. The secret was to take small steps and just keep moving forward. If he tried to take too big a step, the current would knock him off his feet and carry him back downstream”

Louis Sacher – Small Steps


Two weeks before my 44th Birthday, weighing 16 and a half stone I decided I was going to d o a triathlon. With fantastic support I lost a stone and a half and completed Chirk 3rd from last.

I’ve put back on that stone and a half plus another stone and a half and let my fitness slide.

Now 6 weeks before my 48th Birthday I’m starting again.

In 8 weeks I will do a 10K.

In April I will complete Chirk without walking any of the run and not coming in the bottom 10.

In June I will complete Bala whether my chip jets taken off me after the bike or not.

By the end of 2012 I will have run a Marathon.

Follow my journey. I can promise blood, sweat, tears and tantrums. There will be lows but the highs will be higher.

Tomorrow I take my first small step