Thanks to Matt for all your support with my challenge!

Finished-1hr and 1 min with transitions (51mins without)

Its been a long time since I updated this - well been so busy!

However first experience good - Swim well - not so scary but very difficult - no go with the breast stroke - wouldn't get you anywhere apart from rest periods - front craw being the best option. 400mtrs is quite a long way believe me - but once your past the half way mark it goes so quick. Just keep swimming.

1st transition good - a little slippy on the ground - change over goood - bike

Now this was my best element of all three - I loved this - nothing more to say but bloody fantastic!

2nd transition - not as bad as I was thinking - legs a little like jelly but soon got into it - have to admit didn't train as hard as I could of.

Run - not bad have to admit was getting tired - three major elements not as easy as you would think - muscle groups changing a little getting used too.

Overall a great experience - first time a little nervous.

Tips -
Arrive plenty of time at least an hour and a half!
Go to registration area first to collect your tag
Go and put your bike in the racks - very safe - looked after well
Lay your kit out next to the bike
Get your kit on and wetsuit and make your way to the swim starting point
Apart from that just try and enjoy
Oh have someone with you - helps to keep you calm - there were lots of first timers so don't worry!

Would I do it again - two years time - am thinking Ironman! - Well who knows - next challenge as I am hitting 40! next year is a Marathon - Watch this space! Started training today - Preliminary training program Step 7 - Jog 15mins, walk 5! - Once up to Step 10 can start the 16wk training! Click on this link for my next blog!

So think you can't - no word as can't - Go for it! Paula xx

Well!

A week of running - followed by the 10km Bluewater run on 14/06/09, a quiet week no real exercise - but back on board with a run and a bike ride this afternoon.

Run not so good, did better in the 10km than my run today - but you have those days I suppose - not getting any easier! - need to practice more. Bike just gets better and better each time I ride it - just becoming one with it, know what it can do and can't do.

Either way it is the best thing I ever learnt to do in my life - it is just awesome!

Well can't wait for the hols - a whole month of cycling - Chatham Hill here I come I will go up you every single day! - Still scary - only about five weeks to the challenge - God I hope I am going to be ready - Running seems to be my weakest link at the moment - it just hurts - mind over matter I think - training on your own is some what difficult, no one to edge you on, listen to their feet as they hit the ground.

Still the trains your mind into working that little bit harder.

Until the next time - oh yes and hit that magical 39! this week. Joy!

Well done to Matthew Loughrey and team for completing their Chatham to Gibraltar bike ride - now that is amazing xx Em will be so proud~!

Feeling much better!

Well this week I have managed to get up Chatham Hill in one - of which I thought I would never do, its a tough hill - but you only master if you try in the first place.

So today - Sunday 31st May 2009
Done my short route today just until I get used to my new bike, much better got to grips with the gear changes fine today, passed a man walking up the hill which is always good for the motivation. Its a hot day, but a nice breeze.

Just not feeling good as in health wise - need to start reading some books this week on eating for energy seem to be a little low of it this week for some reason - don't know why. Still just another thing to master.

Well its going to be a busy week - Matt and team go on their adventure from Chatham to Gibraltar - good luck my good friend! Will miss you all. These four guys are on the new weight loss program - only cycle 150miles a day!

I will be gym it on Monday/Tuesday - bike Wed-Fri, finishing on a bike/run/swim at the weekend.



p.s - going to try the bike out on my 23miles next weekend - lets see if I can master Pear Tree Lane?

So end of my diary for today! Paula x

Well good and bad!

So on taking my new trek out for another ride, I find myself trapped between no pedal and an on-coming car, making my way in front of the car with only one pedal attached to the bike and the other attached to my shoe I coast to the to a stop.

No tools on me - I find myself getting a little frustrated with my bike, throwing my toys out my pram for 10mins, I calm myself down three miles from home, no shoes on a country lane - hmmmm - seeing the funny side as I walk along with the most amazing bike by myside, shoes in hand walking in white socks home, where were all the nice people to stop and help?

Any not to let that stop me.......

Its Monday - ready to take it out again, this time with shoes and tools I go for the most amazing ride - tired, not wanting to give in to those lower gears on the hills - thighs burning I tackle every hill as if it was the first. In my head I see that triathlon coming closer and closer, need to get out and do more running. So in my head, cycle every morning this week, run every evening - hmmmmmm will have to have some motivation!

Still all good intentions - well very hot, a little sweating off for a little afternoon nap before going to see my new born grand daughter - Summer Jayne! Born 23/05/09 my little angel!

Until tomorrow - night night! Paulax

Feeling the burn!

Still finding how my new bike works - which can be really frustrating at times. Will have to get it sorted - not good when you can't get it the right gear going up a hill, so it burnt a little on the legs but hey it will help me get fitter quicker. So the ride was good, always enjoy the freedom it gives, and the speed this bike can do is awesome.

Drop my bike home, slip a t-shirt on and off for my run - your legs feel like jelly, transfering the different muscle groups from cycling to running, chest hurting, back aches but still.... Not the best run again but seemed better than last week and I have done alot running everyday this week.

However word of warning for those ladies - dyed hair the day before - don't wear a white t-shirt (he he) unless you want it with a tint of pink.

Still I have to say I brought a Tri-suit for my Triathon - recommended - holds all the lumps and bumps in place and very very comfortable.

So until tomorrow when I do this all over again.

Paula x

WOW - that hurt!

Well been to the gym during the week - got myself a new bike but this has to be the first run following a bike ride since the last time I posted a blog. Its like going back to the beginning all over again - well enough is enough I will do this no matter how much it hurts. I can understand the pain in the legs etc - but when you have asthma it feels like someone has put something heavy on your chest, you go into a panic where you can't take the air in. I try and listen to the music on my ipod, just following the words and not the air I am breathing. I try and imagine a running partner running next to me or set myself a goal to get to.

It beat me several times in that short 3km run - but I will do this no matter what - I just need to close my mind - I only have 88 days before the event. I am fitter than last year when I did the trek in Iceland but this is a completely different challenge. Well I need a bath and sleep - so catch you later... Paula x