Today I was supposed to be taking part in the London Triathlon as part of the Push PR and Simply Swim UK team. Instead I am sitting on a plane on my way to Australia to work (how lucky am I?!?)
 |
| The start of the London Triathlon |
Many people would have been quite happy and relieved not to have to do a triathlon, but I am not one of those people. Instead I was very sad not to be part of the triathlon team that have trained together for months.
 |
| The first practice session before I knew how to swim |
A triathlon consists of a swim, cycle and run. The last two stages didn't pose too much of a problem as I used to run marathons before knee surgery, but I was looking forward to combating my fear of swimming. Indeed when I started training for this I couldn't even swim properly and now I splash along and occasionally overtake people! That's a colossal improvement and I am forever grateful for Push PR and Simply Swim for teaching me this.
 |
| That's a very tiny me swimming properly in the sea! I'm terrified of the sea but now I can swim in it! |
Not wanting all the training I'd done to go to waste, and to continue to feel motivated to exercise, I have decided to sign up for another triathlon and so on 7th September I will be taking part in the Redricks Lake Triathlon.
 |
| The Redricks Lake Triathlon start |
My weekly training generally consists of 2-3 45 minute swims at London Fields Lido. The pool is 50m long and there are lots of very good swimmers wearing wetsuits in the pool so I don't look out of place even though I'm yet to get into the fast lane!
 |
| The beautiful London Fields Lido |
Then I try to run twice a week as I don't want to aggravate my bad knee too much. One of those runs is at Mile End Park Run, a 5km race each Saturday morning, which is great for racing practice.
 |
| Running shadow, swishy hair |
Then I cycle my bike 2-3 times a week for 45 minutes around London or on a turbo. Having a turbo at home is extremely convenient as I can cycle and watch Sex & The City simultaneously!
 |
| Doing some outdoor training at the Olympic Park |
Simply Swim UK very kindly provided my kit for the London Triathlon so I will be putting it to good use in September. I will be starting the race in my Speedo wetsuit which I hope will keep me buoyant and warm.
 |
| Wetsuit by Speedo |
Then for the cycle and run part of the race I will be wearing this Tri suit by Orca.
 |
| Tri Suit by Orca |
My ride is my beautiful Bianchi and hopefully by September I will have mastered using clip in shoes properly and not fall off.
 |
| My beautiful Bianchi |
Good luck to the Simply Swim Triathlon team today. I hope you all have a great race and I will be thinking of you and wishing you luck (& I'm very jealous I'm not there with you!)
PS...A special thank you goes to Timed Fitness for the personal training which made my arms ache like they never have before and for introducing me to the joys of rubber band running.
Images: Pinterest, Timed Fitness, Londontriathlon.co.uk
