This is my last training log before the big event. On Saturday I will take on the biggest physical challenge of my life to date, and I have to admit I am excited about it. I read recently that you should never let your fears get in the way of your actions, and in a way that is what I have been doing for the last 10 weeks or so. It could also be described along the lines of fools rushing in where angels fear to tread, but I prefer the positive approach.
Being excited about the race and being ready for it may be two different things. I’ll find out one way or another on Saturday. But I feel ready to take on the challenge and all going well I will finish it. The fast crew will get around the course in somewhere in or around three hours. I’m allowing double that time for it, but hoping to finish a little sooner. I want there to still be some stewards on duty when I finish, even if they are on overtime by then.
I’ve no idea if there are other novice competitors entered into this year’s race. I hope there are or else I am going to be very lonely for a lot of the event. I fully expect to be at the back of the course but it would be nice to have a few other MAMILs (Middle Aged Men In Lycra) to keep me company. MAWILs are also welcome. In fact anyone struggling through at my pace is welcome regardless of gender, race, colour, creed or sexual orientation. I just want company as I huff and puff my way around the wilds of west Waterford.
My training in the last week has been full on, but in a very enjoyable way. I spent two mornings with Martin Lacey in Clonea Leisure Centre working on building my strength, I did three runs; a three mile interval run, a four miler, and on Friday morning before work on Martin’s advice, I ran nine miles. Nine miles! That is the furthest I have ever run in one go and I did it without stopping or slowing in 90 minutes. So that’s ten minute miles, but nine of them.
My kayak and I have made friends again after it nearly finished my prospects of racing by injuring my neck while dumping me into the sea a few weeks ago. But last night Peter Burke from Union Chandlery in Cork who is sponsoring my kayak took me for a trip down the route we’ll be doing on Saturday from Lismore to Cappoquin. I was so nervous before setting off, but within a few minutes I was loving the serenity of paddling down the Blackwater, and experiencing the countryside in a way I’d never done before. Before I knew it we were at the boat clubhouse in Cappoquin. I found it a lot less physically challenging than I had expected and on the day I think the kayak section will be a good opportunity to stock up on food and drink to give me the energy for the last two sections.
I’ve just been reading about the essential kit for the race. Apart from the usual about helmets, life jackets and runners, there’s talk of survival blankets, whistles, and first aid kits. I’m more used to picnic blankets, white wine and tasty titbits when I spend time in the great outdoors. I’ll be back to the treats soon but first I’ve got a race to finish. Wish me luck and tune in again this time next week for the latest and probably last instalment of my training log.
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