I'm Going To Have To Face It, I'm Addicted....

Hello. My name is Ian and I'm an addict. Ok, I admit it. Fitness training is addictive, and I am addicted. You'd have to know me to know how ridiculous a concept this is.  I'm one of three children, two boys and a girl. My brother and I were useless when it came to sport. We couldn't kick a ball out of our way and had less interest in doing so. This was not a source of pride for my father. Over the course of his life he played every type of sport imaginable. He was a footballer, a show jumper, a handball player, a golfer. The list goes on. When my sister turned out to be a handy tennis player, there were tears in his eyes as he told her, "You're the only son I have". So you get why me admitting I'm addicted to this fitness buzz is a bit out of character. It is, but I'm delighted it has come to pass.
So what constitutes addicted?  Well, I have begun to crave the endorphine rush that a good workout gives me. We spent the weekend in Dublin where drinks were drank and gorgeous food was eaten and less than adequate sleep was had. But because I had done no exercise over the weekend I was bursting to get going yesterday. Tiredness was not a consideration. So I ran out to Clonea from Tournore, did a good hard work out with Martin and ran a good distance of the way back in again.  Twenty four hours later I am looking forward to going out running again tonight ahead of another work out with Martin tomorrow.  That is addicted.

My kayak awaits. Peter Burke of Union Chandlery in Cork  who are lending it to me until after the race rang me last night to tell me it's hear in Dungarvan and he's taking me out for a spin on Sunday. For those of you who care, it's a Necky Rip Ten Six, whatever that is. He's going to teach me how to get out of the kayak when I inevitably capsize. That is an essential skill if I want to complete the race. Apparently the kayak is all singing and all dancing so I won't be able to blame the equipment for my shortcomings come May 21st.

Last week I said I was going to tackle the last cycle of the race before this week. That's the section from just outside Cappoquin to Mellary along the uphill hairpinned boreen. The gears on my bike have been giving me trouble particularly on climbs so I had to get those sorted before attempting it. They are now fit for purpose again, so I hope to have a go at the hill this weekend, all going to plan.

Finally some credit where credit is due. Waterford County Council have had their roads division drive the route of the race to assess the state of the roads. They have already been working hard to do what they can to make the surface as race friendly as possible, in particular addressing the pot holes which are so dangerous for road bikes with their skinny wheels and giddy handling. Thanks for that. We appreciate your help. Lord knows I need whatever help I can get to run nine miles, cycle twenty five and kayak 4 miles. I'll need to get more addicted to have any hope of finishing it.

(Ian Noctor presents Noctor 'til 6 weekdays on WLRfm)