On with the show

Oh dear! Someone has sponsored me.

Well, actually, lots of people have sponsored me. Although quite why I am so surprised about this, when it is what I have asked people to do, I don't know. [See previous blog for details about what I am doing and the reasons why]

The results of this though are pretty darned clear. I had better actually get in to gear and do this thing.

So far my training has consisted of several Google searches about triathlon training programmes, which all assume you are already a competitive runner, cyclist or swimmer; being given some magazines by my aforementioned sporty friends; a chat with a champion duathlete who might take part in June "for a laugh"; and buying a new pair of trainers to not run around in.

Still, I feel like I have achieved something. Research is part of good preparation. Right?

This week in truth I stand little chance of getting any training done as I am directing the school show and will be in work every evening until late. After this I shall need a glass of wine, a bath and my bed. I have been informed that it is possible to run in the morning, but frankly that is absurd.  A friend has offered to run with me, and another to swim with me. I made some vague references about 'after Christmas' and dodged that rather well I think.

This having been said, I really will have to start doing something. My first aim is to be able to run 20 minutes without stopping and to swim 8 lengths. I will worry about cycling when it is not freezing cold and icy - I had a rather bad experience falling off my bike in May and it will take me some time to want to get back on it again.  I am aiming to be able to do the running in 1 month, when I have to go skiing in Switzerland with a bunch of skinny fabulous people.

Also, getting a message from Pauline, the (not so wicked) step-mum of one of my greatest friends Claire, reminded me why I am doing this. When I was at school, Claire's sister Laura, who died from Leukaemia and in whose memory I will be racing, found it funny I was doing a triathlon. In fact, I think she and others laughed at me for a week before and afterwards! Laura would have appreciated the sentiment though. Every morning I must remind myself that I am racing for Sue and Laura, who were taken too soon, and who are missed by so many of us. Anything I can do to raise money to help fight Breast Cancer and Leukaemia will be worth it in the end.