Sea swimming update .... Christmas morning I was roped into a sea swim with my Ironman coach - Tony, my swim coach - Liz (my coach's partner) and my nephew Troy and his wife Monique. I did try to get out of it, but Liz wasn't having any of my usual excuses, and I had to do it.

So 7.30am Christmas morning I made my way to the Takapuna boat ramp and unfortunately all the others turned up to! I was really hoping they were kidding!!

The weather forecast had not been great, so I was amazed that it was a pleasant morning with no wind. Somehow I think Mike was looking after me and giving me some of his wonderful encouragement he used to dish out - boy, I do miss you Mike - I can only imagine what you would be saying if you could see me now! Laughing your head off, I am sure, as you knew how much I HATE the sea!

The tide was one of the biggest I have seen at Takapuna and it was choppy - great! (My stomach didn't have butterflies, it had stampedeing reindeer!!)

After some encouragement, we wandered into the water - which was actually not too bad - quite warm in fact, and that is saying something from me.

Tony decided we would swim parallel to the shore for a while, to get me used to being in the sea. Well, that's what we did, but I stopped every 50 metres or less breathing very hard due to being in a slight panic. Afer about 500 metres, Tony then said we were going out to the white buoy - oh no!!! My biggest fear - deep sea water. Unbelievably after many stops and panic attacks I got to the white buoy and punched it with sheer joy - or was that frustration? We stayed a short time at the buoy so I could get used to bobbing in the sea and using my wetsuit to keep me afloat. I certainly wasn't relaxed at all which didn't help one bit - but to cut a long story short, I eventually made it back to the beach again. I did it! I survived the deep sea water.

There was no way I thought that I would have been able to get out to the white buoy at 7.30am - but I was pleased I got pushed into it. My Christmas dinner tasted all the better for that - I am sure I used up 100x more calories than normal due to nervous energy.

But, it didn't stop there. Liz told me I was meeting her same place, same time tomorrow (Boxing Day) - oh no! So, that's what we did this morning. Troy + Monique also joined us to support me.

Now, today's effort was 100% better than yesterday. Again, a big tide (so I have more swimming to do to get to the damn buoy) but we swam straight out to it instead of swimming along the beach. The water was also flatter than yesterday, thankfully. Although not totally happy about being in the sea, I was much more relaxed than yesterday (which wasn't hard, I can tell you). Then when we got to the white buoy, Liz made me go beyond it!!!! Wow, I was out in the deep water and still alive - yay!

Then the swim back which was much better than yesterday. For some reason yesterday on my way back I had some major panic attacks, but today only a couple of minor incidents.

I certainly feel that I will be able to survive the Tauranga swim now, especially if I do the sea swims most days until the Half Ironman in Tauranga. I know that it is going to be slow, but it will be my first ever swim and my first ever triathlon, so all I want to do is survive it.

I feel much more confident and in a pretty good place at the moment (a big turnaround) - so a HUGE thanks to Tony, Liz, Troy + Monique - you are my rocks. Thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement you give me - I do really appreciate it, even though I do moan at the time!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Tauranga, here I come ....

Hi there everyone - yes I am still alive!!

I am writing this feeling as if my body has been in a car crash. The last couple of weeks have been fairly hard and the body is feeling an accumulated fatigue feeling.

Yesterday morning, the alarm went off early in order I could get up and ready to meet the bunch ride. Well, getting out of bed with the legs fighting with me all the way to the bathroom, I knew that the long ride was going to be HARD!

But off I went, across the bridge to meet the group in Parnell, however the girls bunch was not there, so headed off with Tony's group of guys who are fast. I just resigned myself to the fact that I would do a solo ride, but that's ok, as I don't mind riding by myself.

But, one of the boys always came back for me when we got to a hill and got me up back with them, and then when we got to Sandstone, Paul and Dene stayed back with me, and let the group go on to Clevedon (via Ardmore) without us. That was really lovely of them, so I had company and assistance through to Clevedon (via Twilight). So we just bet the other bunch to Clevedon by going via Twilight Road!

As the boys were in the shop in Clevedon buying Powerade and Coke, I decided to buy some coke to try on the way back. Today I needed everything possible, as the body was soooo tired. So poured the coke into one of my empty drink bottles. I must say that I think it really helped. I have always wanted to try it to see if it helped, and pleased I did. Will definitely have to do that again, for sure.

On the way back a few more of the boys stayed with me so I had 5 of them - I think I was a convenient excuse to have an easier ride!!! But as the wind came up and was pretty gusty, it was great having them when we got through to Botany Road, as it really hit us there - otherwise, it wasn't too bad.

So a big thanks to Paul, Dene, Troy, Stanley, and sorry, I've forgotten your name.

My long runs of 2 hours each during the past 2 weeks have been enjoyable which has been great, as I used to enjoy them, but having been having more unenjoyable ones before that, so am loving them at the moment. Short ones seem to hurt more!

Swimming - well, in the pool things are going well. After a few bad episodes, I had a great swim last week of 4km which really helped. It felt good. Now, swimming in the sea is another story. I haven't overcome my fear of it yet. Time is ticking very fast to Tauranga, so not sure what I am going to do .... extreme panic is not an option. Stay tuned.

Merry Christmas to everyone, and enjoy the break off work. I hope that Father Xmas is kind and brings lots of pressies. Take care, and see you in the New Year!

Well, another week down. Last week all went pretty well thankfully, and it is good to be back running again even though I forgot to put my sunblock on before my long run last week - it was overcast when I left home, but then became clear and very sunny - so of course got some sunburn! Lesson learnt! At least it was only a little sunburn and didn't cause any trouble - I am so fair skinned that I can burn pretty well, so told myself off for this little lapse in attention.

Swimming remains and will until the event my main challenge. Sea swimming especially, as I hate swimming in the sea. Lots of people tell me that swimming in Lake Taupo is easier than the sea, so am holding onto that hope! Mind over matter they say - well, you try and tell my mind that! But am staying positive, and am DETERMINED to overcome my fear as I do not want to be ruled by it.

I do love my new bike .... sorry don't have any photos yet. With having no budding photographer on hand like Kathy, you will have to wait a little longer to see it.

Well - that is about all - nothing specifically to chat about.

Fantastic effort to Dene Coleman in Busselton yesterday (Ironman Western Australia) - great race, and I even managed to be watching via Ironmanlive when you finished - congratulations!

Last weekend, I headed to Taupo with many thousands of others. I decided on the Friday to not ride the 160kms and let my leg fully recover. Instead, I rode a lap (90kms) of the Ironman course - to Reporoa and back.

The weather was perfect - overcast and more importantly no wind. There were about 20-30 others who were doing what I did, so it wasn't too lonely out there, but I must say that it is one of the most boring rides I have ever done. There is not a lot to see on this ride, and Broadlands Road just seems to go on and on and on. Contrary to many people's description of the course - IT IS NOT FLAT! But it doesn't have the hills of the Round Taupo cycle, which is what I didn't want to put my leg through just at the moment.

Thanks also for the roading contractors for digging up part of the road just before Reporoa!

I must admit that I did have a period of time coming back that I threw a little mental wobbly (as my right leg has lost a lot of strength with the quad strain) but once I got back into Taupo, I soon forgot about all that, and enjoyed actually riding the course. It took me 3:11 which I was pleased with as I took it very easy, and I still haven't put aerobars on my new bike.

Of all the years I have been going to Taupo for the cycle event, this weekend was the best weather they have had - not too hot, and not cold or windy. Sunday morning was a cloudless, sunny, no wind day - even better than Sunday - but there would have been an awful lot of very sunburnt people if that was the weather on Saturday. So thank you Taupo for the glorious weather last weekend.

Now it is back to the grind of the weekly training regime ... swimming, biking, running ...

Well, the physio has given me the green light to do some easy, controlled running - YAY! Just need to ensure I don't stride out too much - short stride, high cadence (she must have been speaking to my podiatrist!!!).

So, a bike and a run planned tomorrow - all out in the glorious sunshine that is forecasted this week - Summer is here! Lots of sunblock required for my fair skin, and have just bought new stocks thankfully.

Ok, another week down, with some ups and downs.

Monday I had the running session at Millenium Institute with NHTC and during one of the last drills, I suffered a quad strain on my right leg - ouch! It hurt a lot and didn't feel good at the time. So with a physio working on it, and resting it from running and heavy loads on the bike, hopefully it will come right quickly.

So, that left swimming and windtrainer sessions to tackle. I had a few sessions at Parnell Pool which is still very cold, but I am now able to relax more in the deep water, and get the swimming going OK, as per the nice heated indoor pools. The wetsuit makes a huge difference and I really love swimming with it on. My longest session I did in Takapuna pool, which was 3.8km - my arms felt like falling off by the end of the session! It was fairly slow (1:39) but at least I did the distance .... phew! Another step there.

On the swimming theme, I did my first ever experience of sea swimming today at Takapuna beach. Unfortunately the sea wasn't flat like a mill pond which it was on Saturday - instead we had chop and a swell - oh great! The water was VERY murky - struggled to even see my arm in the water below me so there was no way of seeing any "fish" in there!!! Not much swimming went on, as I need to overcome some major fears with swimming in the sea - mainly just the moving water and it being "DEEP" ... but I am determined to overcome these.

A big thank you to Monique and Emily who accompanied me today at Takapuna beach - and good luck Monique in next week's Harbour Crossing swim - go girl!

With most of the biking being on the WT this week - I haven't used my new bike much. Did a short easy ride today and must say that it is very smooth to ride. Obviously technology changes over the years, and although my old bike is carbon, the new one is lighter, and more carbon components - all making a difference. The true test will be on the long rides.

I am down for doing the Taupo Cycle Challenge although whether I actually do it or not, rests with what happens with my quad. My physio warns me that I can easily go from a minor injury to a major one if I push it ... oh great! So on hearing that, I am not wanting to push it. I'll decide next Saturday morning. I'm heading to Taupo anyway as the weekend away will be good. Fingers crossed it holds up and I can ride it - even if I take it slowly, it will be nice to do a really long ride and the weather report so far looks good (YAY!).

This week the weather looks fantastic, so am looking forward to getting out in it. Roll on Summer.

Well a bit of a mixture this week. It has been a fairly steady week, and my body decided to give up on me today - having a revolt I think. Which is a shame, as this morning there was a fantastic sunrise which I looked at briefly when my alarm went off at 5.30am - but I felt awful and couldn't wake myself up - so how was I going to keep up with the bunch ride for 4-5 hours??

I went back to sleep and woke again at 11am! My body was in shut down mode in a big way. Thanks Hamish for phoning me at 7am to check I wasn't running late .... hope you enjoyed the ride in the lovely sun.

Saturday my coach told us we were doing the waterfront time trial (run by AvantiPlus, Mt Eden every Saturday morning at 7am). I was very nervous as have never done one before. I was praying for the weather to pack in so we didn't have to do it - but it was a perfect morning ... so off I went. I had my new bike, and it was only the second time on it (1 hour on Friday testing it), no aerobars on it yet, and feeling rather lethargic from the week's training. I am not sure of the distance (around 15kms I think) and will need to check that out - but my time was 30:17 which was slow and I am sure I can do a lot better.

The bike ... well it is lovely to ride and looking forward to doing a long ride on it. It is very light and I do notice the difference on hills - so let's hope it helps me out where I need it most! Photos will no doubt appear in due course when I get organised.

Parnell Pool hasn't got any warmer yet ... did a short swim yesterday late afternoon in the sunshine. But after a few lengths, it does get better - although I am sure it will be a lot nicer just a degree or two warmer! I do like the wetsuit though - it makes it so much easier with your body position and of course the buoyancy is great.

Well - that's all from me - sorry for the lack of excitement as feeling very tired still - just hoping that today's forced rest will allow my body the rest it needs and bounce back tomorrow.

Just thought I would let you know that I passed another milestone with my swimming today - my first wetsuit swim. My coach met me at Parnell Pools to help ease my nerves. This pool is 60m long and DEEP the whole length - two big fears - especially deep water. Also, it was raining, cold and the water is unheated, so was very cold too! I really did want to chicken out, but didn't.

It was only a short session, as we were getting very cold, and I needed some encouragement the first time. I was not totally comfortable in the deep water, but was probably better than I thought I would be. With a few more swims there, I think my nerves will settle down, and I'll forget about the depth of the water (here's hoping).

I intend to now use this as my regular training pool (hope it warms up though!). Today with the winterlike conditions, there were only 3 others there swimming in wetsuits during the whole time we were at Parnell - in a population of 1 million people, it shows just how crazy we are! Not many people had swimming in Parnell pool on their list of "to do" things today.

I must confess - in the pool, I live for my pull bouy (much to my coach's dismay) and it remains glued to my thighs. I have always been stronger in my upper body, so it suits me just fine. I have also used the argument that wearing a wetsuit is like a pull buoy, so why bother trying to kick in a pool? (Remember I am a beginner swimmer) So I was hoping like hell that today's swim in the wetsuit lived up to all expectations of buoyancy .... and it did - PHEW !!! And I even pointed out to her that I actually kicked today - a miracle in itself too!

So - another small baby step towards the open water swim ....

Right - the first full week of training was successfully achieved - so onwards and upwards (I hope!).

Surprisingly my legs felt pretty good from the Half Marathon last Sunday, and actually did another long run on Thursday (1:45), so was pretty pleased with that.

Today the weather mostly behaved, and we got in a 4 hour ride from Parnell to Clevedon and back. It did try to rain at times, but held off with just being overcast, and not too windy. The forecast was pretty nasty, so we were expecting it to pack it in anytime, but thankfully it didn't.

Swimming is going ok with a 3.5km session achieved during the week. This week though, I start at Parnell pool in my wetsuit. A little scary, but I am hoping that the wetsuit will help me in the deep water and longer pool (both of which I am not comfortable with). But considering I couldn't swim at the beginning of the year, I suppose I have come a long way - just have a long way to go yet!! Baby steps though ...

I am crossing my fingers that my new bike arrives this week. I think it will give me a big boost and I will want to hit the road more ... well here's hoping!

Well, that is about all - nothing of great interest happened this week, other than I am back into my programme fully again ... yay!

I must apologise for the slackening off in my blogs - I just don't know where time goes! So to all my readers - I will try to get back to weekly blurbs on my training escapades.

Today, I lined up with an awful lot of people in Devonport for the Auckland Half Marathon. I had been in the past week or two, considering not doing it, and letting someone else use my entry due to my lack of running training, thanks to the long lingering virus. But, then I decided I will do it, but take it easy, and see how I go.

The past week I have not been able to run continuously for more than 10-15 minutes, before having to do 2-3 minutes of walking - then another 10+ minutes running etc. So expectations were very low - my goal was to just survive.

Well, survive I did. I decided to start jogging slowly, and just keep going until my body decided it could take no more. My heart rate was relaxed as I put no prior pressure on myself - this helped immensely I think.

I kept running along, and along and felt quite good (remarkable I thought). Then the bridge came up, and I took a short stint of walking on the uphill section - but then got back to running and kept going until the end. Noone was more amazed than me that I was able to keep up the running! It has done wonders for my headspace - as this journey is such a mental one.

The time was really slow - 2:17 on my watch - but hey, when I was contemplating walking most of it before the race started, I am very pleased with this. Now I can get back into my running training seriously again! Yay! I'm a happy little bunny again.

The rest of the training regime is going well. I have purchased a second hand wetsuit to use for training, so am looking forward to getting into the Parnell openair 60m salt water pool when it opens (believe it can't be far away). I have never swam in a wetsuit before, so want to get used to it. I plan on getting a new wetsuit in due course - but don't want to have all the worry of a lovely new wetsuit while learning how to get in and out - and not getting my fingernails through it!.

The other exciting thing on the horizon is my new bike. I have ordered it and hopefully arrives early November. It is a 2008 Specialised S-Works Ruby (women's specific). I can't wait for it to arrive and get a really good ride on it. Hopefully I can get used to it in time for the Taupo Cycle Challenge (160km) on 24 November. Stay tuned, as no doubt there will more on this in future blogs (I hope I won't brag too much about my new toy - but it doesn't matter how old you are, a new bike is always exciting!).

Well that is about all from me this week - looking forward to a lovely soak in the bath tonight to rest my weary body before next week's training begins.

I thought that it was going to be the start of getting back into full training, but it seems that I have not shaken off this virus yet.

Swimming has been ok with doing a couple of 2.5km sessions without too much trouble, but the running has been very hard. The body just doesn't have enough energy to pound the pavement much yet.

I was feeling rather down a couple of days ago, as I am eating very well and trying to do everything right, but this virus is having the last say. However, today I logged onto Ironmanlive.com to watch the Ironman World Champs in Kona, Hawaii. The spirits have lifted, and I have regained the enthusiasm to fight this virus and continue the journey. It is certainly inspiration watching Ironman events.

A friend of mine was competing in Kona, so I took great interest following his progress and he had a fantastic day. Bevan McKinnon completed it in 9:50:14 which is a fantastic effort - well done Bevan!

As I mentioned on the last blog, I went along to the running course at the Millenium. It was very scary as the others "looked" like real runners, and they turned out to be as well! We learnt about lactic threshold running intervals which is something I am keen to do more of when I get the running back on track. I wasn't able to participate fully but it was still great to learn and get other peoples experience and ideas onboard. This Monday is on Tempo runs ... it involves 1 hour of running at race pace - oh dear, somehow I don't think I'll be doing all of this one either unfortunately. Very frustrating when I was doing 2 hour runs relatively easily not too many weeks ago.

So here's to trying to get 100% healthy again, and building the training back up.

Well, I must apologise for the lack of anything for the past couple of weeks.

It has been a frustrating time to say the least. The week after being in hospital, I had a great week of training, then it all came to a complete holt for 2 weeks. I seem to have come down with a "virus" (what it is called when the doctors don't know what is wrong!) that sapped every bit of energy from me. I slept an awful lot, and found it difficult getting the energy together to get out of bed and have a shower! You can imagine how frustrating that is, and what it does to your head when you are trying to train for Ironman ....

So, Friday I managed an OK swim - which probably did more for my head space than my swimming. I was pleased that I didn't crash in the afternoon and felt relatively OK. So Saturday decided to join Tony O'Hagan's group training - but did an easy session instead of their time trial cycle and run session. It was nice to get back on the bike, and actually manage 15 mins of very light jogging - something that I just couldn't do a few days earlier.

So this morning, a couple of friends and I went for a very easy jaunt along the waterfront as I knew that I would "bonk" if we headed off for a long ride - and on the way back the rugby was blearing from a bar in Mission Bay .... it made us stop, order coffee and settle in to watch the last 20 minutes of the 1st half. Pleased that it was 13-3 at half time we set off again. About 10 minutes later I got a flat (first one in absolute ages, so can't complain) then as we got to Beaumont Street - we got distracted again, and stopped at HQ for more coffee and breakfast. The bar/cafe was quiet ... it was 13-13!!

So, we sat down, ordered our food and watched the end of the second half. Well, you can imagine what the outcome was. Complete and utter shock with the AB's losing 20-18 - we still can't believe it. I think the omen of England beating Aussie was against us .... Bugger!

Kate, my step daughter was in a bar in Earl's Court, London watching (and texting me) and was gutted as well (major understatement). I think it would have been awful being in London, with the English gloating of their victory, then giving us absolute sh** for losing. Mmmm isn't sport great.

But, well done to the French (I can't believe I wrote that). It all sums up the horror rugby for me lately - last weekend we lost the Shield (yes I am a Cantabrian - NOT an Aucklander).

But - back to training. I am feeling almost normal again, and really really looking forward to getting back on track with my program.

I am attending a running course (Improving Your Triathlon Running Performance") at the Millenium Institute tomorrow night - goes for 6 weeks every Monday night, so looking forward to that, although not sure if they will be able to make me run faster! Gotta try though. May have to take it really easy though tomorrow, but keen to learn tips that I can practice over the coming weeks since I won't be watching much more rugby!!!

Last week was about getting back into the swing of things after my head cold - but swimming and running were challenges as I had to ensure I had a store of tissues with me as I was just so full of thick stuff ... but did feel better afterwards by clearing out the sinuses!

Friday and Saturday were off days, due to a hospital visit on Friday. I won't bore you with the details, but I think all is now ok and we are back on track with training. Being in hospital twice in the last 6 months is more than enough !!

Anyway - the Spring weather has arrived and it is such a wonderful feeling running out there in the warm sunshine and only wearing summer running gear. Sunshine certainly makes it more inviting to head out the door and want to train. Goodbye Winter (I hope).

Well, yet another week down. The last week was a bit of a non event, as Wednesday afternoon (just after my long run) I immediately came down with a raging head cold which saw me very sorry for myself, and a very early night.

I don't usually get colds or flus, so this was rather surprising and annoying. But with my head feeling like a stuffed pumpkin, my throat on fire, and my nose dripping constantly, I reached for all known remedies and saw it out.

So a fairly hard week turned instead, to a week of being sick. I did think of trying to sweat it out, but my energy levels were so low from the bugs I think I would have made myself really sick if I did.

Anyway - things are now on the mend, and today tried a short 40 minute easy run, which was not easy, as my heartrate is 15-20 beats above what it normally is - obviously still trying to fight the bugs in my body. The bugs have headed south to my chest, so breathing is not the greatest yet .... but at least I am recovering.

Sunday afternoon was a bit of a treat. Our sponsor Alpe Gear got us all together for a meet and greet, and a photo session. It was a little strange meeting everyone else, as it feels like we already know each other from the blogs and email correspondence between us. Thank you Steve and Simone for your support and encouragement. Rumour is that our photo will be in the next Endurance magazine .... eeks!

Yet another week down and we are into September. I don't know where the past few months have gone, as it feels like yesterday when I started on this Ironman journey but it has been at least 6 months! It makes me realise that the remaining time is going to fly by without me knowing it so I can't skimp on the training.

The last week was an easy week - YAY!! I am getting to really love my easy weeks which come around every 4 weeks. The next 3 weeks are building up to some pretty heavy mileage for me, so am a little concerned on how the body will cope - but we can only wait and see.

My right hamstring had a little niggle last week causing me to miss a run session, but it was well timed as it was not a key session. I ended up going out for an hours walk to try and get it freed up, which seemed to help enormously.

So, not too much to grumble about (yet) and overall am enjoying the challenge.

The last week all went pretty well, until I got a killer of a migraine on Thursday afternoon, which took me out of action all of Friday as well. So lost a couple of swims, and 2 short runs - but got all the key sessions in which is the most important thing.

My long run was on Thursday morning, and it was well timed - the weather was a stunner. Clear blue skies, no wind to speak of and temperature not too warm, but not cold - perfect!

To make the most of the glorious weather, I decided to do a North Shore run which took me alongside Takapuna, Narrowneck, Cheltenham and Devonport beaches - all which were sparkling and beautiful. It made up for the crap weather we have had.

Sunday bunch ride was also great - no wind - YAY!! Great morning, a little brisk at the start, but it warmed up as the morning went on.

This week coming up is back to an easy week, but in saying that, I still have 1:30 run to do today, and have been told we have a run time trial of 6km to do on Saturday - eeks!

That's about all for this week - nothing much else to report - yet ....

Another week down - they do sure fly by. Had a pretty good week overall, so can't complain.

I am so over the Winter weather - the wind and rain in Auckland this Winter has been awful. However, today it is a stunner - clear blue sky and no wind - just wish it would stay around a bit more as it really makes you want to go out and enjoy it.

Well, my body feels a lot better than it did after the Taupo Half Marathon. On the day, my hamstrings were very sore and causing me grief, especially my right one. After the run and several times on the drive back to Auckland, I stretched them to try and relieve some of the pain. When I got home, I ran a lovely hot bath and put in some D'Lux Bath Recovery that my massage therapist put me onto, and it was lovely to have a soak. I then followed this by more stretching.

So, Monday morning I was not prepared for my quads to be on fire and totally cease up! My hamstrings were great (amazingly) but now my quads were very unhappy and painful. It took about 5 minutes to be able to straighten my legs when I tried to get out of bed, so I could walk to the bathroom - just as well I wasn't too desperate to get there.

After doing regular stretching during Monday, I had a massage booked for Tuesday afternoon. My regular massage therapist is away, so tried a new one. And it was just what I needed. My quads were still painful to touch, but nowhere near as delicate as Monday, so it was great to get them massaged - I must say I do like the pain of deep massages.

So, attention this week has been on swimming, and I have had a pretty good week (for me). I feel that I am getting somewhere with this frustrating sport. Longest session to date: 3.3km, so slowly getting the distance up. Then I had a lesson with my swim coach, and she introduced me to paddles.

Tip: put your goggles on before putting your paddles on.

So after a few lengths of total uncoordination as they felt weird and had minds of their own - I started to get the hang of them. I have always had fairly good upper body strength, due to my earlier years I spent in the gym and pilates, so am looking forward to using these to develop my technique and strength.

The long ride on Sunday was aborted again this week, due to the wicked weather that went through Sunday morning. Why is it that Sundays seem to attract a storm in Auckland? So got on the trainer again.

The next 3 weeks are going to be hard. They are building up to a very big week - I feel tired reading the programme. Thanks Tony! Let's hope the body and mind are willing.

Well, yesterday was the Taupo Half Marathon. Unfortunately I had an awful run so trying to forget about it quickly!

It was great to meet Kathy on Friday night (one of the chosen 5) and hear how she is going. I have just read her blog - and like she mentions, it is as if we know each other, due to our blogs and Alpe d'Huez's sponsorship. Well done Kathy on your PB.

After having weeks of really great runs, and being on course to run around 2 hours, about 8 km into the run, my old problem with my right leg emerged, and caused me grief. So from there it was a limp/hobble home as best I could. Never mind ... will just have to work harder and ensure this doesn't happen again.

Thanks to Wendy from Catelli's Motel for cheering for me - and my friends in Auckland for their txts.

Easy week was great, but somehow I had crap training sessions. I hear that that can happen, although I wasn't expecting it. My runs seemed to be a chore, swimming awful, and cycling seemed a struggle - and they were all easy, short sessions! Maybe the body just needed time to regain strength again.

Well, this week has started off OK although nothing too strenguous, as I have the Taupo Half Marathon on Sunday. Have 3 swims, 3 cycles and 2 runs, plus the half marathon - all low intensity, so should have plenty of energy on Sunday. I'm not sure what the weather forecast is, but as a 'soft' Aucklander, it is bound to be very cold - just hope it is not really windy making it even colder. I think I will pack every thermal I own just in case!

I am aiming to do around 2 hours. My previous half marathons were done with extreme back and sciatica pain - but have none of that now, so looking at possibly a minute or 2 better - but aim is to enjoy it and pace myself.

Will let you know how I get on next week. Happy training everyone.

The last week was 'hard' and left me exhausted - so much so that I skipped my Saturday group training as couldn't drag my body out of bed. Sleep seemed very important. Not wanting to have a few disastrous sessions to "do my head in", I opted to stay in bed and get some sleep.

Sunday bunch ride was cancelled due to awful weather - so went for a run instead. For some reason, I just couldn't face a long windtrainer session. I don't usually mind doing time on the windtrainer, as I am used to it - but last weekend I did for some reason. Never mind - had a great run instead!

So got about 95% of last week's schedule completed .... with this week being an easy week - YAY! Easy weeks are becoming an exciting thing to me (now that is getting sad, isn't it?).

Now, I do have to brag about a success I had last week. My long swim was the best yet. I had to do 3km, (the 2nd one to date) and wasn't really looking forward to it. But, I just seemed to get into a rhythm that has been lacking to date, and did it in 15 minutes less than my first 3km attempt. Now it wasn't fast, but for me I was rapt. It took me 1:15, so each km took 25 minutes. After weeks and weeks of doing no better than 30 minutes per km, I couldn't believe it. It was a great boost to my morale, as you know I am a beginner swimmer and am finding it a huge challenge. Trouble is, I have to keep this up now, or I'll get depressed!! You just can't win, can you.

Running still going well, and looking forward to the Taupo Half Marathon. No doubt it will be very cold, so will pack lots of thermals.

The Tour de France coverage is great - very inspiring. They make it look easy climbing up those mountains at great speed - just incredible. I can't believe the average time per stage for the mountain stages ... makes my average speed seem miserable!

A big thanks to The Port of Tauranga for supporting me in the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman in January. So I am now committed to this Half Ironman as my first Half Ironman as an individual, as I have been in teams for the past 2 years. Oh boy .... The Port of Tauranga sponsors Shipping Company teams and it is great to see "OOCL" entering a team (with just a little encouragement from me...). Go Hamish, Peter and ?? Wendy maybe? Just because I have abandoned the post doesn't mean you can slacken off!!!

Righty-O,
Last week was a bit of a disaster due to getting a viral headache from hell which lasted from Friday to Wednesday, so lost a good 5 days and then took it slowly for the next couple of days.

But did manage to get 2 runs, 3 bikes and 1 swim in this week so not totally lost.

This week is a harder week with 3 swims, 5 bikes and 4 runs planned, along with pilates, stretches etc. The amount of hours this week will be approx. 4 hours of swimming, 4 hour long road ride, plus 5 hours on windtrainer, and around 4 hours running.

I feel quite refreshed after the forced rest, so looking forward to getting back to normal.

After the last blog, I went off to do my 3km swim session, and got there (just). I didn't do 1 metre more, as my arms were pretty tired. There is another one scheduled in this week, so hope that one goes better.

Today a few of us (8) started a new bunch ride with girls in mind, but boys are welcome, as long as they don't want to go at race pace, and are prepared to wait for the slower riders ... something that the boys are not well known for! It is good to find a bunch of like minded riders who want to get together and do a long ride on a weekly basis. Thanks Liz for being the leader.

Running seems to be improving ... since my spinal fusion my speed has decreased, and I suffer some nerve damage in my right leg. But the perseverence is paying off with the leg getting much stronger, and I am running probably better than I was in 2003. I have been trying to do plenty of hills and undulating runs, which is really paying off. Some routes which have brought me to walking at various points due to the hills, I am now running up and not stopping at all. Although still slow, this is a great joy to me, as I did not think I would see this amount of improvement in my right leg - it almost feels 'normal' now - which I am so excited about. This is also helping me in my cycling, as it is not tiring anywhere like it used to.

Next event is the Taupo Half Marathon .... hope it isn't too cold this year (5th August).

All these small victories are important to boost up one's spirit and belief in the achieving the goal in mind.

Oh yes, yesterday I did something very brave .... I submitted my entry for the NZ Ironman 2008 which has been accepted. The butterflies were swarming and flying in circles, I can tell you! But it is done, so one more step towards getting to the start line on 1st March.

I still don't really believe that I will be competing - it just seems too surreal. Isn't it something that really fast, fit athletes do? Well yes, I suppose so, but a lot of ordinary, everyday 'athletes' do it too - and SO AM I!

A couple of friends have suggested that I expand in more depth my background and specific challenges that I have to tackle. So here we go with some probably boring story of my journey to this spot.

I was fairly sporty back in my teens and early twenties - then took up being a couch potato which I perfected pretty well. Then in my thirties I moved to Auckland and met Mike (who I married) and he was the opposite of a couch potato. He was the most energetic, lively, on the go person I have ever met.

Well, in 2001, after Mike had completed his first NZ Ironman in 12 hrs 30 mins, we went back to the finish chute at 11pm to cheer in the remaining competitors. When the last person crossed the line, and being in tears with the hugh emotions that Ironman has, I turned to Mike and said the following without thinking of the consequences - "If they can do Ironman, I can do something." Before the last word spurted from my mouth, Mike found energy to jump up in the air and say "Yes, you can do the Taupo Half Marathon in August!" I knew I was doomed and to remember to think carefully before ever making any such statements in the future!!!

So when we got back to Auckland, Mike had me at Shoe Science for running shoes, and wrote me up my running programme to get me to my first Half Marathon. I won't bore you with the details of my training then - but there was a lot of swearing and cursing, complaining about sore bits that had never been sore before, but I did get to the finish line.

So since I had started on the running phase, I soon got a little bored, and blurted out that I might like to take up cycling as well - again Mike didn't waste time for me to change my mind, so off we went to buy my bike.

Things progressed well on both fronts, until early 2004 when I ruptured my disc between L5/S1 - which resulted in me having a spinal fusion in December 2004.

In February 2005, I was advised by my surgeon and physio that swimming would be a good thing to do. So, despite my fear of deep water and not being able to swim found a coach to teach me. I persevered for several months not making much progress - then went back to work and never got back in the pool again. I slowly got back into cycling, then running again instead.

Then, after Mike died in January 2006, and while taking time out in Europe I kept thinking about Ironman and the journey of getting there. For the 7 weeks I was away, it was a daily thought and I just knew that it was something that I wanted to do - if my body would hold up.

So upon getting back to Auckland, I told people of my intentions - which started the commitment - then put the plan into action.

Now I had to tackle the biggest problem of swimming. I only managed to struggle to do 100m freestyle when I gave up swimming in 2005 and here I was planning on doing a 3.8km swim in an Ironman event. Just a bit of a gap I think.

With the encouragement of my coach Tony O'Hagan, and my swim coach Liz Goer they took me on and were confident they could get me to the start line.

So putting my 'fear' of swimming out of my mind, and getting into the pool I am determined to get there.

In January I started on my swimming again and I could only do 1 length of the 25m pool and had to rest for 1-2 minutes before attempting another one. I tried not to "think" too much about the Ironman distance, and instead just focussed on what Liz + Tony had put in my programme for that session. It is easier to visualise and achieve small steps. The end goal is a little daunting at the beginning (and still is!). For the first month, I was lucky to get through 500-700 metres in a session.

Things have progressed, and to date my longest session has been 2.85km but this is due to be overtaken as have a 3km target for this week and next in my longest swim sessions.

Now, you are probably thinking that I have this sussed - but there are a few details that you do not know about. I have a huge fear of deep water. The minute I go into deep water above my head, I panic and can't swim. I am slowly working on this by swimming at the Tepid Baths which only has a short distance in deep water. My next step is to move to Newmarket pool which is a 50m pool, of which 25m of it is DEEP! Stay tuned on that one.

Then of course, I have to venture out into the sea - oh boy - I am trying not to think about that just yet. More fears - deep water, tidal currents, salt water, waves, things in the water ... the list could go on forever. But, once I get there in early Summer, I will be much more confident with my swimming, and a wetsuit will make a huge difference. So the power of positive thinking will get me through (and the help from lots of friends who know of my fears).

Now you know what the challenges of the swimming section of Ironman are for me. If I can do this at the age of 45, then so can you. I am completely outside my comfort zone, trying to overcome life-long fears, but the power of the mind is incredible and if you set your mind to it you can achieve whatever you want. Dream it, visualise it, then act on it.

On that note, I have a swimming session to do shortly - yes my 3km swim.

This week has been a fairly heavy training week, but with gale force winds outside today, just couldn't face doing my long road ride. Body feeling rather fatigued after this week, but did hit a milestone with my swimming - 2.85km session - the longest yet in my quest to learn to swim. This week will be tiring, as want to watch Team NZ races live on TV - the trouble is I can't get back to sleep easily after it so takes it's toll on me during the day. Go Team NZ!

May 2007

Wow - on 21/5/07 I was advised that I was going to be sponsored by Alpe d'Huez Clothing Ltd for the NZ Ironman 2008. Both excitement and panic set in. Excitement of being chosen and having more people to support me, and panic as it was further pressure to keep on training and get to the start line. Thank you Alpe d'Huez for this opportunity.

June 2007

14 June - my training programme said to cycle hills for 1:30 so off I went, despite having a dislike of hills. Then off to physio to get more acupuncture on my achilles which is now almost 100% after experiencing tendonitis. Thankfully body holding up at this stage and the winter weather hasn't set in too much yet in Auckland.