A little off piste for an optical journal perhaps but I thought I would share. I’m competing in a half Ironman distance triathlon for Blind Veterans UK later this month, you can follow my story on my Justgiving page.
I have had fantastic support from optical firms such as Marchon, Hoya, AEL Markhams, Specsavers, Martin Smith Opticians, Nikon, Rodenstock and Louis Stone. Many individuals and other firms such as Peter Greedy’s Greepers laces and Rapha, the makers of exquisite cycling apparel have also leant support.
The event requires me to swim 2km, cycle 80km and then run a half marathon. It’s set in the South Downs so I’m expecting some testing terrain and this requires some training. I recently took a few days off to get in some miles but suffered a puncture. Technology has done many things and one is to try and replace the bicycle pump with a carbon dioxide inflator. It uses one of those CO2 bomb things that soda syphons used.
As you can see from the picture all did not go well. Once the carbon dioxide started going in it didn't want to stop, as the innertube got bigger I knew what was going to happen but was powerless to stop it. A brand new tube went off bang in deafening style. Luckily technology has also brought us the mobile telephone which I used to call my wife so she could come and pick me up. A good training lesson – know your equipment.