Easter weekend

I've been very good and had only the merest nibble of an Easter egg. I can't say I've been quite so abstemious with the Rolo biscuits. They're so tasty!

On Friday I went swimming and did the 30 lengths which are required on the swim leg of the Triathlon. When I first had the idea of doing a triathlon it was because I felt I was fairly good at swimming and could work on the other two disciplines. I could swim breast stroke pretty much indefinitely. Then I discovered that in a triathlon you swim front crawl - particularly if you are swimming in open water and wearing a wet suit. Gulp! I would do about two lengths crawl and be gasping for breath. Thankfully having upped my fitness by running a lot, and concentrating on my technique, I can now do the 30 lengths crawl without resting. I do have issues though, particularly with the dreaded nose clip. The first one I had, I could feel slipping down my nose as I swam, and I'd have to keep getting out, drying my nose and putting it back on again. I bought a new one, and this time I actually saw it floating in front of me and had to fish it out. I think I need one like the synchronised swimmers wear. Very attractive, although with my swimming hat, goggles and nose clip, I'm not winning any beauty contests anyway. I've also noticed since swimming crawl, that water tends to rush into my ears. I've thought about ear plugs, but quite franky if I start plugging up more orifices I'll probably just bob along like a cork.

Saturday was a day off as I went to have my hair cut. She did it really nicely and I didn't want to have to wash it again that day as I can never get it to look how they do it.

Yesterday I went running. It was just a short run, but I ran quickly and I was pleased to knock a minute off my previous best for that route. Washed my hair and failed to get it looking like the hardresser did.

Training will be more tricky this week as the children are off school. It's very selfish of them.

Thursday

I didn't train yesterday as I went to the dentist for a filling. I decided that after that experience I needed a bit of a treat and I went shopping instead!

I went running this morning though. I ran to the Chinese Bridge (the actual river crossing, not the the takeaway) in Godmanchester and back. It took 55 minutes and it was very pleasant to run along the riverbank and see the swans and geese. I was a little worried by the guard dogs at the Marina. They looked like they were just waiting for the opportunity to tear a jogger limb from limb. I need to get one of those running belts though, as it was fairly warm today and I'm running in my coat (It's not a duffle coat or snorkel parker though) just so I have somewhere to keep my phone and house key. I can't still be doing that in August! My knees were a little sore today, so I'm going to swim tomorrow.

The Blog begins!

This is the start of my blog/diary for my preparations for the London Triathlon 2005 which takes place on August 6th. I am taking part in the 'sprint' event, which begins with a 750m swim in open water, followed by a 20km bike ride and topped off with a 5km rum. At this point I'm not actually sure where the sprinting bit comes in. I'm doing this in aid of a great charity called SOS Children. Please consider sponsoring me, which is easy to do as I have an online fundraising page - just hit the link at the side. I've also put the charity's link there too so you can find out more about their work.

OK on the training front I went running this morning, in the pouring rain. I reckon it was around 5 miles, but I was running the wrong way round (if you were driving) the ring road so I can't measure it. I was then extra specially good and did some sit ups and stretches.

I hope that posting in this blog will give me a lot more incentive to train, because if I slack off, everyone will know. I must stop thinking that it's the beginning of the year and that there's plenty of time before the Triathlon - there isn't!