James in his new black tee shirt on the ferry back from Eidefjord
Towards the end of my mammoth ride at Clearbrook - lovely weather!
Having just descended the amazing windy road behind we started up another of Dartmoors infamous climbs!
Setting off from home
Jimbo crossing the line on top of Guastatoppen, Norway
AArgh, week 26 already, where does the time go? (I have a feeling that I know exactly where - 3 swim sessions, 4 run sessions and 3 bike sessions a week may be taking their toll!)
So, as you have guessed, I have been superbly busy for the past couple of weeks - obviously training - a mammoth ride at the end of week 24, then week 25 was pretty much taken up with going to Norway for the Norseman - truly inspirational to see James, James, Andrew and Darren getting the black tee shirts for their stonking efforts, I feel honoured to have trained with them and really hope some of it rubs off on me for.......1 month from today, crikey!!
I have also been very busily trying to get as much press coverage as possible to help to raise my pledged funds for the RNLI - last Tuesday I cycled to the Totnes Times office to have an informal interview with Richard about my goal, this is the front page of this week's paper. He also passed my story on to Totnes FM, so after getting a message on Weds am, I promptly headed over to have a quick chat on air. Finger's crossed this will help donations to pick up!!!
So, on to Norway, stunning, stunning place, I LOVE it!! If ever there was a place that was on a par with NZ, this would have to be it, I am definately planning to go back in the snow!
As I was in Norway for work I didn't get to do as much training as I would have liked, and being mega busy with work before leaving meant I was pretty knackered and had missed my quick change session for the week. I did have a lovely early evening run along the valley - which had a real gradual climb to it, when we turned to head back everyone's pace picked up quite dramatically! Back at our campsite we made a bee line straight for the fresh water lake, which was exactly that, very refreshing!
The night before the Norseman Gary and I took an evening dip - we didn't swim far, only about 600m, perhaps not even that, but the water was so cold it felt completely effortless. Next morning we rose at 2am to start a crazily long day supporting the Norsemen and one woman. I did get to escort James and Tobias up the mountain, from 32.5km to the top - which I have to say, was the toughtest 10km I have ever done. The road was lovely and smooth and I encouraged the exhausted but elated guys to keep up the pace, while snapping away to capture the moment forever. Once off the road on the mountain track the terrain was altogether something else, huge boulders and scree, with necessary scrambling to get over. I don't know how the guys kept going, but I guess I'll find out on the big day - though I hope Tenby hasn't chucked in some boulders for good measure!!
So, back from Norway and I am back on it, I only have 1 month to reach my peak fitness, then taper off (I have to say, I am really looking forward to this part!), then its on to Tenby and my big day. From the race day performances of all we supported I have set some new rules for my training:
1) No more pool swimming - unless it's really necessary. Drills can really help, but now it's all about getting used to the water and the sea! And it is imperative to RELAX!
2) I will be finishing at night, even with the fastest legs and the greatest will on earth, this is England and the race is in September - with this in mind, I am leaving my running until as late as possible at least once a week to get used to running at twilight - it'll soon be winter and I intend to keep my fitness up!
3) Although I don't feel any stronger on the bike I have improved - I just have to keep going and keep thinking positive.
4) My new mantra for the bike is 'descend is my friend' I have to practise going downhill faster - it's pretty scary, but also kind of thrilling!
5) When I get tired and can't be bothered I tell myself that I have come too far to give up - backing out is NOT an option, I am not a quitter and intend to remain that way!
James and I just had a pretty amazing swim this evening in Kingsbridge estuary, well, as far up as we could go before it turned to squidge underneath us...... about 45mins, which is a little short, but it's still open water, and was against the current for half of it, so it still count in my books. Some people stopped to ask what we were doing as we got out of the water, we were paid much respect - I like to think that at least one of them will give open water swimming a go in the future!
I followed the swim with a ride - from our swim point to home, via Malborough and against the wind in the fading light. Must remember to start carrying bike lights! Several times cars slowed down and smiled or gave me the thumbs up - maybe they've read the Totnes times? Or maybe they were telling me to get some lights?! Either way, on a grim evening I found it encouraging - if only more drivers were so courteous!
Right, time to get some more sleep - another swim tomorrow plus 1.5hr run - strange, but I am looking forward to the run!
Thanks for reading, and don't forget to sponsor me - every little helps......!
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=IronCat
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