so farI had to start taking swimming lessons back in January since I couldn’t swim at all. The ensuing six months have turned me from being terrified of the water to a hardened open-water swimmer. Well, nearly.Last weekend, I took part in the Bewl
); took a goody bag; tried to drink water but almost lacked the strength to open the bottle; collected kit-bag and sat down. I only just managed to open the wrapper on the breakfast bar – it also tasted like sawdust and it took a long time to eat
was gainingfriends and really enjoying running and racing so I'm still here.Wanting to do something a bit different for my 30th birthday I decided todo the Concorde Sprint Triathlon, enjoyed it so much I was back for moreand jumping into my first open water swim
to keep going. Opened the bum bag to get one of those gel things out. My god they are disgusting but I knew I had to do things right if I wanted to finish. Took some gulps and a load more water. Somewhere around half way, you can see runners who are about
the other athletes in all but the swim. I came back mentally tougher and a bit leaner, having made most of the sessions, with a strong idea of what I needed to do and with no fear of open-water swimming (but still terrified of sharks).In early May I had
in these disciplines. But then I've not tried open-water swimming, or swimming in a wet suit yet, so let’s just hope I take to those like an Ironman to water, eh?Finally, the worst point of my training was a couple of weeks ago when I twisted my knee. With the top
of the railingsyet again.Do not misunderstand me. The pleasures of Mudchute are considerable. Firstthere is the anticipation. We look at our watches, the clear road, theorderly tables of opened water bottles, and hope to be the first to spy thevehicles
, support and the camaraderie was excellent, even if it was a little bit too hot for my liking.I’ve got sore legs, sore feet............. but bring on next year!People ask: ‘why does everyone want to run the London Marathon?’ Anyone who witnessed the event
. Suddenly I went up a gear, the eye floodgates opened and the finish was in sight. What was the key to your success? Not looking at my watch! I'd been just about keeping up with my pace band until mile 10, then gave up and thought, sod it, I'm just going
, and the last four miles were an amazing finish to a great event. Coventry Cat, 4:22What an amazing day!I woke very early, way before my 6am wake-up call, opened the curtains at my hotel to see the clearest of blue skies. I stuffed breakfast down before greasing
