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!