The training for the Sussex Original Triathlon to raise money for Blind Veterans UK is going well with plenty of miles put in and donations still coming in.
The latest big donation has been made by the practice management software and IT company Optix. This is great news and a big boost to training now the weather has started to become a little autumnal and the morning a bit darker.
On the bike I have been commuting into the office a bit more. This proves great training as it forms part of the day and doesn’t require special journeys or losing an evening or a day of the weekend. Last week I managed three cycle commutes which is just short of 200km. As Lance Armstrong used to say: “cycling is a blue collar sport, you have to put the miles in”. He said that before all of the EPO scandal obviously, but I think it holds true.
Swimming for me has meant getting to grips with the Racer wetsuit Aqua Sphere has kindly leant me for the event. It’s a high tech suit which definitely helps my swim. It holds the body in the right position in the water by supporting the legs but allowing the arms to sink. Other touches includesoft panels at the ankle for a fast exit from the suit at transition.
During the week I have been using the Brockwell lido without the wetsuit and then at the weekend I head off to the Surrey Hill Adventure Company’s Buckland lake near Reigate. This Sunday morning it was stunning and, despite it being a bit overgrown with weed, gives a race-like experience.
One word of caution: Don’t take your Garmin for a swim, it doesn’t like it. Charting your training is a high tech business these days and my Garmin Forerunner 305 has served me well for getting on ten years. On Sunday I thought I would see how my swimming was getting on so popped the Garmin into, what I thought was, a sealed bag and put it in my wetsuit. Not a good idea. It came out a bit like one of those goldfish you used to win at the fair. After tipping out the water the Garmin fell into two pieces. It has come apart rather than broken but two halves all the same. I am now hoping a thorough dry off and a bit of glue will put things right.
I’m being quite cautious on the running side of things. Peter Greedy has helped out with a pair of Greeper laces, and a donation, and they have proved really useful. I find hammered toes and blisters my limiting factor with the run so at the moment I am keeping my runs to 12km or so to leave my feet intact. Saturday’s outing was a very hilly 11km at a tad over an hour.
Big donors so far are Marchon, Hoya, Optix Software Rodenstock, AEL Markhams, Nikon, Specsavers, Martin Smith Opticians and Louis Stone. They have helped me to hit my target of £1,000 and go on up to £1,600. In addition I have had help with Kit from Aqua Sphere, Greepers and Marchon has provided a Nike Hyperforce frame. Rapha has also made an offer of some cycle training kit.
The event takes place on September 23rd and consists of a 2km swim, an 80km cycle and a 20km run. It similar distances to a half Ironman triathlon. It’s set at Ashburnham Place near Battle in Sussex on the south Downs so it includes lots of hill on the bike and run. I
I’m still looking for donations. Follow my story and donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/opticianedi...