and uncontrollable addiction to Kendal mint cakeWhat I learnt this month:Official IM training is due to start on the 8/11/04.(as directed by an evil IM training plan being compiled as I type).Please send Kendal mint cake to the usual addressPrevious - Next

was that despite what seemed like careful planning, I missed all of my support crew along the way - there seemed to be so many more people watching than in previous years that we just never found each other at the agreed places. For some reason, I even managed

and I definitely hope it won't be my last. I did almost all my training alone, stuck religiously to my training programme and came in at 4:42:52. Although it was a bit short of my 4:30 target, I was chuffed to bits. I followed my race plan and did

another week! Then my plans are: The Thame 10K in June, and some other local races including the Otmoor Challenge (half-marathon) in July and then a September/October marathon - and I will be back to London in 2006!Cheeko, 3:55To quote from Lock, Stock

training diary how long it took. Revisit the distance every fortnight or so (as suits your training plans) to chart your progress. You could also try timing every length for a longer distance, to see how you pace yourself. Ideally, you should hold a steady

can start before you even put on your swimsuit by making a plan, sticking to it, and not expecting miracles. There's been too much technical information to take in for one day, but I'm left with a very strong image in my head of gliding through

progress by regularly timing how long it takes » you to swim a certain distance. Swim a timed 250m, 500m or 1000m and note in your training diary how long it took. Revisit the distance every fortnight or so (as suits your training plans) to chart your

that in order to complete a triathlon a certain level of fitness is required, but to reach your full potential you need a training schedule. "A plan is crucial when preparing for triathlons," says Shepherd. "Without it you will never reach your full potential

boredom at bay by watching TV, listening to the stereo or playing your favourite film. PlanDecide what you want to achieve before you climb aboard, and don't do interval sessions every time you train.RecoveryEat and rehydrate afterwards, since you

't want to be part of a club where runners don't want to get involved in the dirty work, the same applies. 10 Golden Training Rules of Top Club Coaches Plan ahead Always make sure you know in advance what your training schedule's going