The following is the article published at the end of May / beginning June 2010 in Run247.com
Hope you enjoy it. Comments are always welcome.
What a couple of weeks. Certainly the events over the last fourteen days have reinvigorated my training and the focus on what I can achieve. Where to start…?
Shortly after my last installment, I received an email from Dick Kearn, Race Director for the Trail Runners Association. The email concerned the Grand Union 145. I had applied at the end of last year but didn’t get through the ballot. The question was, was I still interested in a place? Well with just over 10 days before the race to go and no time to train, I replied that I was. Two hours later, I was confirmed as entered!
To describe the whole run, would take more than I am allowed on here, but there will be a full entry on my blog asap. In short, though, really, really tough, the interesting thing about the 145 is that it is relentless but fun. It just keeps coming at you and your mind is the target. The continuous miles mess with your brain and sap the strength from your body if you are not physically or mentally strong enough. In the end the lack of training and sleep decided it for me. I called it a day at 120 miles. I was shattered, talking rubbish and in a little pain but very happy with my achievement. Even the Parkinson’s didn’t spoil the feeling. Notwithstanding, I am going to apply for next year!
As races go, except for the Thames 260 (which I have yet to do) the GUCR 145 and the Ridgeway 85 are my recommendations (so far) for the best races in the country! See the Trail Runners Association website for more info.
The swimming is getting there as the other day, I faced a lifelong fear and conquered it. You see, when I was about 5 years old, I almost drowned in a mate’s pool. I blame the lilo and not the fact that I couldn’t swim. This left me scared of water and being the brunt of my friends’ jokes about my inability to swim. The fear I had was so great that I didn’t learn to swim until 9 years old.
Now swimming in a pool is one thing but swimming in open water (lakes, sea) takes on a whole new level of fear. Well…it did until now. Chuck at Orca arranged for me to swim at the Tri20 centre at the Copthorne Hotel, Reading. The lake is big and the fact that both Kevin and Ceri, who run the centre and had faith in me, made it slightly easier to dive in. Thanks guys!! Trying to qwell the rising panic, I made it 400 metres. Not far, but certainly a leap in the right direction for me!! Great lake, good facilities.
The foot is getting back to normal and training has already started. I need to improve the swimming and cycle more. On that subject, anyone got a tri bike that I can borrow? Will insure it! Answers to www.alexflynn.co.uk
London Tri next… fingers crossed and keep on moving.
Cheers
Alex