Game day! That’s what Keith greeted me with when I got up on Saturday morning. Over muesli he asked me what my race plan was! Race plan, what race plan? Since January this year all I had been focussed on was getting into the lake, making my way across to the other side, then getting out at which point I would feel euphoric and the rest was just fuzzy stuff. In reality, speaking as a new born triathlete (!!! woo hoo) it was so much more than that. Keith shot off to Blenheim ve

Two weeks ago I put my new swimming skills to the test, for the first time, in open water in preparation for the Blenheim Tri. I wasn’t alone on this maiden voyage, accompanied by the nucleus of our new triathlon club (Shed Triathlon), my friends, fellow ‘Shed’ members and Blenheim competitors, Bethany & Leigh were also taking the open water plunge for the first time. After apprehensive changing room banter, me, Bethany and Leigh casually walked out, wet-suited up, along the

When I last wrote, six weeks ago, I was off out to test cycle some bikes. I am with bike, but more of that in a minute. Swimming progress first. I am delighted to report that my arms now have a role to play in my full stroke swimming. In theory they are to play second fiddle to my core (it, my core, always leads!). I should not use them to balance with (intuitive swimming/old programming) or to haul myself through the water. Elbows should be emerging out and forwards and most

…however, the same cannot be said about the life span of my growing enthusiasm for swimming! It was only a month or so ago that I was doubting if I could ever fan a flicker of a flame into a burning desire to learn to swim. But, but, but the tide is turning. A couple of weeks ago I announced to Keith over tea “I think I’ll get up & go swimming tomorrow at 6.30 a.m.”. Keith shot a strange look of disbelief back as if the Tango Man had slapped him round the face & run off! I ha

Since writing my last blog and being ‘hung by my tongue‘ my motivation to learn to swim has quadrupled! So where am I then? Well having sorted out some gear to swim in, namely a 5 year old swimming cozzie (one careful lady owner, VGC, barely used!), some Aquasphere goggles purchased fromThe Swim Shed (essential kit) and a hand-me down bright orange swimming cap (a freebie from one of Keith’s triathlon events) my winter-white bod braced the tepid waters of The Swim Shed pool f