Kilimanjaro by bike

On the 24th Jan, 4 of us attempted to cycle to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro all 5,965m of it, here are my notes from the trip

Day 1, 

Felt nervous and emotional when leaving John and Amanda’s, typing message to the family was hard.

The car journey was pretty long but nice to see Moshi and other places I often hear about but never see, the drive up to Marangu Gate was very beautiful, a lush winding tarmac road.

The gate was fine, plenty going on and we were there for an hour or so having lunch and reading about the mountain - definitely a palpable sense of nervous energy amongst the group. Chatted to some Ozzie’s who were nice, though I bridled at being called a POM to begin with?! We then drove to the Kilema gate as we take the rescue track up rather than mingling with the hikers. Quite a long drive but all good. The Kilema gate was at 1,800m odd I think.

From there we unpacked, had a photo and set off. Straight into it, steep jeep track with loose rock/gravel. Keeping as slow as possible is hard to not lose the front end, standing not an option as no traction. 

The steep bits aren’t too long and nicely interspersed with some flatter sections and steadier gradient. The other 3 were comfortably powering away from me, and I’m concerned we’re going to fast, so I’m not changing out of my 28*50, even on the flats. These are such a wonderful opportunity to breath in the air and the sights and smells of the forest. 

The forest is so beautiful and a lovely temperature, like a hot English summer day but with a gentle breeze. Occasional fireball lilies intersperse the old mans beard on the trees. As we break out of the forest after 5 miles we can see Kibo peak and Mawenzi peak - they look super impressive and very high up.

 

Camp is in a grassy area and enclosed in trees but it’s comfortable and nice. We relax for a bit as the porters catch up and then we settle down and have a wash/unpack.

Felt a bit poor on arrival but settled down once I’d washed and relaxed. Amanda not well at all but think it’s nothing too bad and rest will solve it. Fitful nights sleep and was so hot in bag, found the zip opened from both ends after a while which helped sort me out! 2,800m so the air is thinner and it’s noticeable when standing up. Blood oxygen at 92 though it started at 88 which was a worry, machine wasn’t quite reading correctly though.

Amanda fine this morning - tangawezi tea is a winner

Day 2 - another beautiful day and a fairly slow morning before we set off at 8.30. Steep from the word go and never let off, we covered the first mile in 30 minutes, which was way too fast and eventually we started to slow the pace. I brought up the rear which is were I’m happiest just cruising doing my thing. All in moorland now and can see Horombo clearly but it’s a lot higher.  

The track continued to wind up with sustained steepness, we took plenty of breaks which was great, keeping the front wheel of the bike on the ground was hard as it was so loose and steep. Gravel interspersed with concrete tracks for the ambulance to get up the steep parts, these solved the traction problem but it was steeper and the tracks were 2ft or so wide so it was hard to stay on them.

I pushed up one but nailed the rest of it! Doing a lot of the riding by heart rate, once it hits over 160 I rest till it returns to 100/110 and then go again, seems to be working well.

Much slower progress but no surprise there, after 3.8 miles and 1,000 metres of climbing we had a nice little drop into Horombo Hut and finished for the day. I felt fine and organised my stuff then had lunch which was great. Then went for a shower where the tables turned and I got a bad headache, I rested in the tent but felt worse, took ibruprofen but no good. Went for a slow walk and the fresh air and cool wind sorted me out! Headache still comes and goes but it’s manageable. 

Really not sure about tomorrow, I want to get out and ride but will listen to the body! Hoping I wake up feeling super perky. Bit of a snotty nose which is worrying but hope to be okay!

Giles in a bad way, hoping it’ll pass with some rest. 86 on my oxygen test which is about what I would expect, John and Amanda at 92.

Giles took some Diamox & big improvement, which is a relief for all! Lights out at 9pm!

Day 3 -

Much better sleep, out for a wee about midnight and the moon was lighting everything up like daylight, it was stunning! Sleeping bag a great purchase and nice temperature most the night! HR dropped back down to 47 overnight from around 70 most of the day which is a good sign! Feeling okay this morning and refreshed though the headache is not far away.

Decent breakfast and getting ready for the saddle loop.

Set off at 9am, thinking it would be a steady 4/5 hours. It was mostly walking/carrying for the first 3.5miles and 400m or so of climbing, that took a long time and the best part of 3 hours before we got on the bikes for real. Giles turned around at that point which was sensible after yesterday’s illness. One last hike and we crested onto a smooth trail into alpine desert. From there it was a long steady climb all the way to just below Kibo Hut. The gradient wasn’t massive but the air was so thin, I was just turning the pedals in my lowest gear and resting when I wanted too. It’s a very odd landscape and epic is not a word that falls short. Excellent view of Kibo Hut, Hans Meyer cave and the crater rim....it’s scary how high and steep it is up there, I’ve no idea what to expect other than it will be super super hard. 

This trip is an odd one, it’s not about getting to the top, I either will or I won’t, it’s about pushing boundaries and I definitely did that today.

At the turn around point I had a bad headache and so we started for home. The first downhill was 2inches+ of loose gravel and super fun across the saddle. Carving lines and hopping rocks when I could was mega fun! 

We had a bit of up and down after that with some technical sections, I did some pushing and some riding through there but all fun and some good rock hopping opportunities. Once over the crest of a ridge it was downhill to Zebra rocks, a gully of loose head sized rocks once fun, if pretty dicey. A few loose moments but no crashes. 

Zebra rocks is okay but we didn’t stay long. The next bit of downhill to camp was slightly smaller rocks so more fun, took it quite steady but had a lot of fun! Had an OTB but other than a bruise it was all good. Picked up a KOM which was cool! 

Home for lunch after 5hours and 50minutes of riding and a whopping 10 miles, scoffed down food and drink and felt a bit funny! Nice wash and a rest and seem to be okay! Poured with rain but avoided the worst of it, hiding in the shower.

Felt really bad again before supper but forced some food down, banana fritters and dark choc for pudding helped me feel a lot better. Oxygen fluctuated between 82 and 86 which wasn’t great, everyone else’s had improved.

Terrible night sleep, kept waking up with horrible headaches and felt very sick at one point. Don’t think my ‘pillow’ is helping, I’d give anything for a goose feather pillow about now.

Day 4 - woke up to a frost but the sun is shining! Feeling really nauseous and quite low, got some breakfast down me and felt a bit better, changed brake pads which took my mind off things for a bit. More rest before we head up for a hike to zebra rocks. 

Hiked up to Zebra Rocks for a bit, was longer and steeper than I remember riding down yesterday, no after effects of the crash thankfully.

Pretty valley with lots Giant sinosio plants around due to the underground streams. Nausea went but replaced by headache, then more nausea on the way back down - feels like the hungover/still drunk feeling- not nice! Had a small doze before lunch but nearly vomited when the veg soup was offered! Banana pancakes went down well...back to the tent for a snooze. 

Couple of hours of rest, not sleep as such but eyes shut and not moving, feel a touch more positive but still nauseous. The end is in sight. 

Last few messages to Kel, can’t wait to see them all again in 6 days 

Day 5 -

No sleep again, brain just works overtime, soon as I wake up it takes hours to sleep again. Felt low when we set off but prepared, my mood picked up as we progressed along the trail and when we hit the saddle I was full of the joys and felt strong.

It’s such a privilege to be up here in this place, it’s quite incredible. Riding across the saddle was good and I ticked along until Ju lolo coil when I was okay but a bit tired. The final few metres to Kibo Hut (200m of climbing) finished me off and I pushed most the way. Felt sick when here and lay down. 

Got some lunch down me and prepared for the hike to Hans Meyer cave. We set off and I trudged along, it was hard but I carried on.

After 70m of height I suddenly thought I would be sick, someone took the bike and I sat down. Cyppy the guide did some checks on me and said I should go down to rest. Going down was hard and I was pretty melancholy. 

I got into my tent and lay down, Alex took my O2 and it was 60...he grabbed me out of the tent and sat me outside, the oxygen picked up but I felt sick and headachy.

After a while we went into the mess tent and chatted, my bloods stayed low and rarely picked up above 65. 

In my head I’ve already called it, that number is too scary for me to continue - maybe I could do it, maybe I couldn’t but I’m never putting myself at that risk level. It’s about the journey and mine just ended, I rode my bike to 4,800m and that’s fine.

The night was not a good one, terrible headache and no sleep, checking O2 a lot and flittered around 57-60 throughout. The others went off at 3am and looking strong.

Cyppy kept monitoring me every 45 minutes and at one point I dropped to 45 but it picked up enough for him to be happy. We left at 7 and made our way to Horombo, I was on a guides bike as mine is at the cave. Euro style brakes which didn’t work was terrifying but made it in one piece. 

I’m happy with my decision not to go again, this was never a goal to put myself in danger for.

Can’t wait to get home now and see everyone.

The others all made it and saw them back into Horombo, dead pleased for them. Mega achievement - pleased I didn’t push myself to do it as sounded pretty miserable to the top! Final descent was fun, brakes boiled and then wheel broke so I walked for a mile before a passing truck picked me up, nice to chat to the local guy.

Beers back at the gate with lunch! 

Post ride notes: - 

Once we returned from the Mountain to Usa River, I started to have breathing difficulties, after an X-ray and some doc checks, it turned out I had some Pulmonary Oedema (water on the lungs) which then turned to Pneumonia. All caught early enough and sorted with some antibiotics, but it proved that my decision to come down was the right one and PO is a killer at altitude. No regrets and certainly no desire for unfinished business! 

January Review

Really pleased with how January progressed on the fitness side.

I managed 84 miles of cycling (all offroad), not a bad achievement considering the weather! A lot of them have been wet and wild nights where 10 miles through bogs is like a summer 80 miler on the road!

I am only able to really cycle once a week on a Wednesday night so averaging 20 a week isn't bad. I would commute more (only 2 miles each way) but its pretty heavy traffic and I feel quite exposed in the dull light and crap weather.

I've bought a new turbo trainer so will start back on Zwift soon which will be good to boost fitness, I found it a great tool for fitness and avoiding boredom.

The big thing for January has been a return to running, I have set out with the small target of running Mon and Fri and cycling Wednesday and up until injury that was going well. 4 miles on a Monday and building up to a longer run on Fridays.

I ran a total of 46.5 miles in January, missing 2 Monday runs due to a hip injury. I pushed out a fast 9 miler but picked up some hip pain and so rested for a week before going on a 12.5 mile cross country run (and bus back), by the end of that run my hip and gone bad again and so I missed another Monday night run. I am now away in Africa for a few weeks with no running....you can't just go for a run in the Serengeti! I will try an rehab my hip back to full strength in that period though, I consulted Dr Google and we think it is bursitis so rest and massage should see me back on form to build up.

Sadly I think the 20miler I had planned for early March is a no go with this enforced break, but we'll see how it goes when back from Africa. If it is fine and no issues then I may just enter and go steady...but don't want to injure myself again when I am really happy with my progress.

It felt really good to be back over the pain of running and into the enjoyment side of it again.

Aside from fitness, we got through the mega stress of redoing the kitchen, fire and other building work in the house, lots still to do but the major bits all done at last!!

...and picked up my new van..T5 Kombi sport line...the dream van!

2016...

I haven't blogged for some time as had nothing to write, life got in the way mostly!

2 kids, big project of a house and busy job didn't leave much time for blogging! I wanted to write some notes about 2016 though. The entire year was overshadowed in the latter half by the death of my stepfather from cancer.

He had a huge impact on my from the age of 11 and it still hasn't sunk in. So this post is a way for noting down all the incredibly positive things that 2016 has brought: -

• My daughter Martha, born in March - a very happy & healthy little soul, though quite the independent young lady! 
• My son Theo, growing up in to a bright and happy boy. 
• New house, project yes, but will be so amazing when finished and in a great location 
• Selling the old house of enough to do most of the work on the new house. 
• Being fit and healthy and living in an amazing place - with all the shit going on in the world I feel really lucky to be able to have the life I have.
• Job continuing to challenge and grow. 

So that is it really. Just a short note. 

On the fitness side of things, I have cycled 1,448 miles (only 70 on the road), run 182 miles and 12k. So nothing to go mad with. 

Plans for the year are to get up to a decent running distance and pace, poss 20 miler in March. Continue to cycle and try and do 2017 miles this year. 

I have started riding motorbikes a whole lot more and have a modified C90 and KTM400 for riding offroad which is great fun.

Maybe even blog some more. 

Tanzania and into Feb

Been a hectic few weeks since my last blog, continued to get some good road miles and a few swims too, also started to run again (very slowly and short) with lots of stretching to bring the hamstring up to speed!

As it turns out the best thing appears to be warm weather and some resting it which is good to know and it now feels great and I can run at a different speed - am hoping to be able to play some more rugby in March so fingers crossed.

For the last 10 days I have been in Tanzania and took my bike out (I work for a safari company and go out every few months) for the first time.

Did some good rides including a commute (30 miles round trip), a great ride up the mountain and then some smaller mess around rides! I bummed out on two of the rides though - first one I was feeling crappy and dizzy (blaming it on dehydration and altitude) and the second one I was hungover (ahem) but was good otherwise.

Some photos: -

 Pre ride

 Yeah I fell off, and rode through savage bushes!

 Mount Kilimanjaro at dawn on the way to work

 My Cube and John's Santa Cruz carbon tall boy - a seriously nice bit of kit 

There is loads of singletrack in and around the jungle, but a lot of the riding is done on tracks like this, which are very rutted and rocky which make them super good fun and just as technical as windy single track. The riding here is better than anywhere I have ridden - it really is incredible!

It was a great experience and great to ride with people a lot fitter than me, John & Amanda currently coming down off the Trans Andes race. One thing I did notice was how unfit I felt riding out there, unsure if it was tiredness from travelling or just affected by altitude. I do always get a slightly dodgy stomach from the water but it was frustrating. when I just could get that free spinning feeling, ah well maybe next time - annoyingly to no be able to ride at max effort though!

So back to wet & windy England! Lots of running and turbo-ing I guess, plus getting to the gym for some strength work to see how the body responds.

Anyone interested in riding in Tanzania up Mount Meru, let me know and I can hook you up!

For anyone interested in bike bits - the new Pike forks got much better as they were used more and really freed up - very impressive so far! I also used a new one-up 42 tooth rear sprocket on the cassette...not really needed that much at home, I used relentlessly here - so many steep drags to wind up! 

Laters....

January continued...

I gather today is blue Monday, though have heard that said every Monday in January! Anyway not applying to me, having a cracker of a January!

Last week I swam once and that was it…we had some norovirus in the house which didn't get me but I was cleaning up and looking after Theo until all back on their feet, then I got a cold. That and work meant didn't get much done, but never mind, had a great ride on Saturday.

Sunday would have been the better day to get out but with Theo's swimming it has to be Saturdays - and I am quite enjoying the wind and rain in an odd way!

Route and stats: - http://app.strava.com/activities/107157093

Some photos below: -

Sun looked awesome when it peaked out!

Road closed due to flooding (only an inch or two in places, new tarmac and no cars = fast fun!!

 This is supposed to be fields

                                                     Timmy G

On Sunday I finished building the MTB with it's new forks, seat post and extra 42 tooth cassette sprocket, just one more little bit and I can ride the thing again…been a while since in broke back in December!!

Cleaned and ready for action!

Photos from Saturday's ride...

Stunning ride on Saturday with Timmy G, not fast but good winter miles in lovely sunshine…

http://app.strava.com/activities/105500342

In the Wylye valley about 8.45 am...

Above Mere looking toward Shaftesbury...

Panoramic with Tim...

Starting again...

It's all go back in my little world of exercise and it feels good to have that motivation back to be getting back out there and putting in some time.

This weekend I knocked out a 55 mile ride down to Wareham and back, we wanted to do an 80 but the weather was quite ridiculous (flooded roads over the bottom bracket at times!) so we did well just to knock that one out. Gully was super fast as ever and I felt pretty heavy and with a lack of power for a lot of time but still got it done so happy with that.

Very amusing when we realised that Gully's new (and very sexy) carbon aero wheels had filled with water…at least it slowed him down!

Sunday I had a couple of hours to spare so went out again and the weather was even worse with savage wind, rain and cold. My legs were also tired so I knocked out a slow 19 mile spin around the lanes…I was happy just to get home to be honest, feeling very hungry with a lack of energy.

This morning I went swimming for the first time in 18 months (proper swimming that is, not just pootling about), knocked out 6*250m, a 50m sprint and a 50m warm down. I won't lie it was hard and I got tired as it went on…but overall felt good and oddly enjoyed it - need to dig out the proper swim shorts rather than board shorts!

Changed my diet to a more paleo try at things, i.e. no grains or carbs or dairy basically. I am not being super strict about it but trying 80% of the time. It is basically meat, eggs, veg & fruit!

Not easy but need to lose some fat and get trimmer…even though I weigh less now than during the entire Ironman training (not the actual race though).

Laters

It has been a while since I blogged…mostly because I have been too busy & lazy to write anything.

We are now into 2014, my little boy Theo is six months old and I am back starting to exercise on a more dedicated scale.

Last year I only had one aim and that was to cycle 2000 miles, final amount was 2017 of which 1300 odd were on the mountain bike so not too bad! Plus I had a few months of nothing when Theo was very small.

This year I have entered the dartmoor classic again which I did in 2009 & 2010, 107 miles and about 10-11,000 feet of climbing.

I have also entered the Drovers MTB mission and the Wiltshire Wildcat - both sportives, one on dirt one on tarmac and on consecutive days…so that should keep me busy.

I played rugby again last season, but this season time, energy and too much aches & pains have kept me away. Torn between my love for playing and the time/dedication and pain from playing means I am a bit hit and miss this season so have decided to almost write it off but work on my fitness and strength and maybe hit it again next year!

I have resurrected my little training spreadsheet and rejoined the pool, so lots of cycling swimming and gym work to come. I also want to start running again but my knees seem to be a bit shot at the moment but I think it comes from very tight hamstrings, glutes, IT bands and calves. I also have a slightly pulled right hamstring too.

Which brings me to my only New Years resolution - use the foam roller everyday!

Hopefully I'll remember to keep blogging but we'll see…laters

Its been a while...

It's been a while since I last blogged, mostly because I haven't had much to say...that hasn't changed but seeing as I am about to reach 31 tomorrow I thought I had better do something of a blog so I don't forget!

My last post was July 3rd 2011 since then actually quite a lot has happened...in bullet points: -

Got married!

Went on honeymoon

Went back to rugby...pretty much takes us up to Christmas

Started mountain biking again in a big way

Did very nearly no road biking

Tore the AC joint in my shoulder (no more rugby)

Travelled lots, including Brussels and Costa Rica

Organised and took part in the FRFC 48 hour run challenge, we covered 297.21 miles in 48 hours for charity and raised nearly £3,000 in sponsorship

Finished the season for rugby (including top forwards try scorer)

Bought a house (well going through the motions now)

So actually a pretty big year for a small 12 months since my last Birthday - Ironman, Wedding, 48 hour run and bought a house!

Not sure if next year will hold the same...well actually I can guarantee there will be no Ironman, weddings, 48 hour runs or house buying...but I am sure it will hold other areas!

I have been asked to take part in various marathons and other endurance events but not doing any of them, I figure I only have a few more years of rugby before it hurts too much so I am going at it full tilt this year, the only thing that may change towards the end is the London Marathon which I have entered the ballot.

Other than that I am still doing lots of cycling, both on and off road plus rugby, gym and football! Shoulders give me pain but they are getting stronger and confidence is building.

Ciao for now!

Whats next?

The Forestman iron-distance was always going to be a one-off for me but even so I was surprised at how much I wanted to do another one in the days post race, its a similiar feeling to coming back from holiday - you build up to it, have a great time then when it's over you want to go and do it again! However I am going to stick to my guns for the foreseeable future mainly because -

• I don't want to commit that fully to another IM now
• It was such an awesome, amazing day that another one so soon would likely erode that feeling and maybe belittle that acheivement
• There is always an element of been there, done that

However in ten years I will be 40 (Unless something changes of course) and it could be a fun thing to do when I hit that and to ensure I am in shape then! I would go for an European M-dot race, purely to experience the flipside - I don't believe that the Forestman can be beaten for experience (and pain). So it is done for a decade at least!

So what is next...

Well I have a list of challenges I would like to do anyway: -

• Lands End to John O'Groats
• Dart 10k Swim
• An Ultra-run (well a 50k if that counts)

but they don't need to be done just yet so...

....I am fit right now and I don't want to lose all that fitness just yet, I am also carrying some 5 kgs of fat that could do with shifting - so in essence I want to get fitter, stronger and more powerful! I am going back to playing rugby for a few more years but this will be alongside swim, bike and running - so hopefully I can become really fit and at the same time much stronger and leaner! Lighter doesn't bother me now I don't need to drag myself around 140.6 miles!

So how do I go about that...well for the summer...alongside the rugby training, I will be swimming 1-2 times per week at varying intensities, I will try to cycle a couple of times, including at least one longer ride as and when I can fit it in, running will be a different matter. I would like to keep my long slow runs (10-12 miles) as they are enjoyable and Kel wants to build back up to these distances so we can go together. During the week if I have time I will do shorter, faster running including spring sessions (unfortunately track sessions fall the same days as rugby).

On top of this will come quite a few gym sessions (4-5) will be all about power and strength - lots of squats, bench, legs etc!

So all in all it will be tiring, hard and a higher intensity but under no pressure so rest won't be an issue! In terms of goals well they are slightly harder to nail down because of their nature!

• A faster 10k - my pb is 46.22 set on a hilly course May 2010, I am confident I could see that off now but I would like to get close to pushing the 40-42 area
• Seeing as I have done super sprint tris and Ironman I think an Olympic and half Iron are on the cards at some point if they come up suitably just to round out the set! 
• Get my confidence back in my shoulders for rugby - should come back pretty quickly! 
• Knock out a reasonalbe mile time - only one I ever timed was 6.47 but that was in a set of 4 so should be easily brought down
• My two marathon times are 4.25 & 5.40 which don't really do me justice as I have done an easy 2.55 20 mile - a sub 4 needs to be done too.

So all in all I have a lot on my hands but not till I am recovered - this week since FM has been a tough learning curve - Monday was okay, just stiff and tired, Tuesday was really bad as I ended up in a meeting and therefore didn't eat till 3 pm and started to suffer a bit! Wednesday I felt loads better and the blisters were better so could walk properly so that evening I went to help referee at a rugby touch tournament......I ended up playing instead which was great and freed up my legs no end - I wore my compression tights which saved my tight muscles without a doubt, it was only a gentle hit out though! However once I got home, ate and showered I started to get cold and once in bed I was shivering quite bad......horrible night ensued of sweats, shivering, headaches etc etc and then come morning I felt awful so it was a day in bed, I'm not one for being off work but I then intermittantly slept till 4pm but with a nasty temperature still....since then I've been getting better and nearly 100% - my body has no desire to start anything yet though and so I have allowed at least two weeks of total chillout before doing anything focussed - I may have a few gentle swims and stuff though!

Anyway...will keep you updated!

Forestman 2011 - THE big day!

For my own records I wanted to write up the whole weekend so I have split it in to two parts so you don't all have to read everything unless you want! Also because there are so many different groups of people that I have met/spoken to etc across various networks that I have just used their names and you either recognise them or you don't!

So Saturday is here: -

http://ironmantd2011.blogspot.com/2011/06/day-before.html

And the race starts here: -

...so the alarm went off at 3.20am and I got straight up and got straight on with my breakfast of porridge and muller rice mixture which went down fine, I then got lubed up and put on as much as my kit as needed, checked all my stuff over and headed to the lake at about 4.20 ish! Once at the lake (about ten minutes later) I set-up my bike, filled my bottles, put all my gels and flapjacks on, pumped up the tyres etc etc, once done I stuck the bike bag in transition, went to the loo and then headed down to the shore to slip on the wetsuit! As we waited I had a chat with some of the other racers with everyone getting more and more excited! More of my friends turned up which was cool and as became a theme throughout the day I already had the biggest and loudest support of anyone!

After a gel, mini briefing and a blessing from a local priest (last rites??) we all entered the water...

Swim - Chip time 1.02 including transition, about 55 minutes for the actual swim

The mist was pretty heavy on the lake so they delayed the start by ten minutes and checked you could see from one buoy to the other which was fine so we all got in and lined up - the water was a relatively warm 17 degrees which is perfect for long swimming!

I sat in the middle near the front and got ready for the hooter to go....a count down and a cheeky wave to the supporters and off we went...there was some bumping for positions and a few close shaves but nothing bad that I imagine you get on the big IM swims! I tried to find some feet to draft behind but they all seemed to be pulling away from me so I just headed for the next buoy each time and settled in to my rhythm! I could still feel people passing me on either side and felt as though I was going slow, but concentrated on a catch and pull all the way to the thigh, high elbow and drive forward using the body rotation, this totally took my mind of things and after a lap I was in some space with a few about 20m behind and then a gap of 20m or so in front of me! On both the 1st and 2nd lap I was sick a bit about 3/4 of the way round, but not badly, just a bit of breakfast saying hello! The first thoughts I was going quite quick was when I started to feel a bit burpy which usually means I am pushing harder and not breathing correctly so focused on this and carried on.

After the first lap I thought we were supposed to head back to the start buoy (in fact I know we were) so headed that way before getting re-directed by the canoes - turns out the leaders had got it wrong and not been corrected so everyone now went that way, lost about 50m but so did a load of others so no dramas! On the third lap I caught up with someone feeling very slow and it was only when I caught a few breaststrokers that I realised I was doing okay!

Lost a place in the last 300m and felt good coming out the water, with a hand from a marshall! it was cool running through the tunnel of supporters and through the crew though the sandy ground was not good!

In to transition and Jen mentioned that she thought there were only 7 or so in front of me (turns out I was 11th out of the water) so immediate panic that I had gone to fast (actually I was chuffed to bits)! I had sandy feet but stuck my socks, shoes and t-shirt on and cracked on! Out to the bike and put the rest on before heading to the road and getting started

Bike - 6.34 chip time (17mph ave. inc stops) HR 134 bpm ave

Out on to the bike and I felt amazingly good and the temptation was there to smash it but I'm well aware of the ironman graveyeard after big bikes so I stuck in the gear I knew would keep me fresh and set off on the first lap, at around the 18 mph mark, the weather was perfect for long cycling with the mist keeping everything fresh while it was warm and no wind at all.

The trouble with being a good swimmer, average cyclist and poor runner is that you get overtaken alllllll day but I soon got used to it and it just made catching people more entertaining for me! Fuzzy overtook me at about 6 miles and zoomed off like a rocket and then a pee stop after 10 miles saw a raft of people go flying past but this was fine.

Someone came past me a 15 miles and we had a brief chat about the swim - he commented he was out the water bang on 59.59 so I reckon 55 mins was about right - I was pretty chuffed with that!

On to the A35 which was the bit I was dreading but actually was great, the hills weren't bad and the long fast downhills were great for some free speed - so this went well on all three laps even when it got busier! Up the Ornamental drive was all fine and the first aid station at Ocknell came at the right time, I filled up my aero bottle at every station and forced myself to drink the while lot in between them which worked really well in the end, plus highly concentrated salt tabs in my bottle which I sipped when it got hot.

Nomansland hill was fine as well and I still felt really fresh which was great! It was definitely tough reining it in across the top of the forest which is fast and very slightly downhill to Sandy Balls (SB), I stayed rigidly in my gear here but span pretty fast, by the time I hit 38 miles I had averaged 20 over the last 8 and overall my average was 17.7 inc stops so I eased back on the run to Frogham and up to the Forresters where it was nice to see Martin and Jane G! The rest of the lap went fine and as I came in to Poulner I sat up eating a gel whilst riding no-handed...just at the time I happened to past beefy outside his house with a sign! Guess he may have though I was taking it quite easily!! It was great to see him though and I got a massive boost every time I saw my supporters!

The rest of the ride was fairly uneventful, it dragged a bit as I approached the 56 mile mark but only psychologically and the bike was performing fantastically so counting down the miles in my head was great! Knowing you've only got 30,20,10 to go etc is a good feeling! I saw a few accidents which was less cool and I hope they were all okay.

The final stop at Ocknell aid station was great to know that there was only 7-8 miles to go, it was very hot by this time and my overall speed had dropped to about 17 average which was great, I had planned for 17.5 exc stops so 17 inc stops was about the same. Back towards SB and some annoying guy on one of the relay teams overtook me on one of the hills and then slowed right down....grrr...couldn't be bothered to overtake him and wasn't slowing down so I was right behind him for about 50 yards before he got going again....if you read this...don't be a  plank!

Across the top and I took it steady to try and freshen the legs, they were tired but when I stood up there was plenty of power still there so all good, I wasn't sure about the run though and was feeling apprehensive...however I normally run well off the bike so tried to remember that. Coming over the rise before the Fighting Cocks was great and to see such a big crowd of all my supporters was a phenomenal boost! It was amazing!

In to T2 and I handed my bike over before getting in to the tent to see Bungleduck who brought me some much needed water! My feet were burning and I could still feel the sand in there, I had a dilemma about whether to change socks etc but couldn't be bothered so stuck my trainers on, more suncream and my hat and set off! Louberforce and overtaken me a few more miles before on the bike and left T2 as I entered looking fresh - big shame about the DNF, no accounting for Bee's!!

Breakdown of the ride per garmin http://connect.garmin.com/activity/95198928

Run - 5.45 chip time, 5.43 per Garmin

Out of T2 and the tannoy gave a big shout to all the runners, as I passed them I heard him say I was a local hero (that was very cool).

After about 500m I was running about 8mm pace which is way too fast so backed right off, by the time I reached the pub and my support (about 1k) I was really suffering and was super hot but again amazing to see so many people out there! As I turned off the road on to the Forest tracks I grabbed some water and scooted down the first hill, at the bottom I began the walk up the first long hill, this was THE big low point of the day, I was really hot and didn't know how I would get through 26.2 miles....as I walked up the hill and began to cool slightly and by the time I hit the top at 2 miles, I realised it was only 24 to go so I ran on across the top and down to the stream which marks the steep hill up to the main aid station in the middle of the race course, I stopped for a pee here as was feeling a bit full! At the top, I ran on to the next aid station and then down in to the Forest feeling a bit better minute by minute, at the Fritham turn around I had my gel, water and coke and set back along the course, my stomach was feeling pretty dodgy and eventually I just found a big bush and hid behind it, a few minutes later and I was feeling a whole heap better (turns out I was far from the only one disappearing behind various bushes and trees on the course) I also dropped my tri suit arms and ran in my white t-shirt only which was much cooler! Back on the top of the course and its a flat run toward the hill down to the aid station at Abbotswell, although in the sun there was a nice wind blowing and I always felt best running back along this bit!

When I hit 8 miles just before getting my red band marking the first lap I knew I would be finishing the race...I calculate how long I have got etc all the time while racing to take my mind of things and even if I walked all the way I had it in the bag within 16 hours! This was an amazing feeling to have...it took the pressure off and I relaxed in to it! Running down the hill to the cheers of my support was fantastic and back to Fritham I headed....

I had more support out in the middle of the course which broke things up nicely and it was always a boost to see a friendly face! I was also being recognised as 'Donkey' from a guy who had seen the support crew and 'Twitterman' by another lady! It was a really friendly place to be with all the competitors willing each other on, high-fiving and rooting for each other! I was running next to someone about 9 miles in when the leader or 2nd place (blue shorts, black top or vica versa?) came past on his way home and HE wished US good luck....! Amazing! We both commented that he couldn't do the ironman shuffle like us though (tri-joke...I apologise)!

Anyway it seemed to take a while to get back round to my white band (2nd lap) at I had a wee bit of cramp at the top of my calf from the hills, I was still running all the flats but had slowed down a fair bit elsewhere by the time the white band came! One more lap...one more lap! Off again and round with slightly more walking and my time was dropping slightly and at the last Fritham stop I was significantly tiring, however I felt really positive and was genuinely excited about getting the blue band....although by this point the sand in my shoes had caused blisters which burst...quite nicely!!

My original plan had been to get as far as possible before I hit a really bad patch and then just drag myself the rest of the way, but it never really came after the first two miles, when I realised that I would complete it I relaxed and enjoyed it in an odd way! Yes, it hurt and yes I felt really bad at times but just moving forward was always possible, especially as 9, then 14, then 18 miles came and went seemingly quickly! As I got the final blue band at 21.5 miles I said good bye to my support crew, picked up my charity t-shirt and headed for home!

My legs were really tired now and that cramp was pretty bad in my calves so that I was running with straight legs where I could and walking everywhere else! The turn for home was very welcome and the steep downhill to the stream was an odd experience, I caught up two others here and we had a good chat as we walked up the other side, we then ran off down the next hill and walked up the other side, annoyingly we walked around the loop of the path where as two people cut the corner off and over took us...I didn't mind losing places but it felt a bit like cheating!

Back on the road and I put my trisuit on properly and the charity t-shirt, then it was a downhill 1.5 miles to the finish, which was nice and easy even with my funny shuffle I had going on! I saw Soobeedoo and another lady at the gate who also referred to me as Twittertim due to Mat's updates from the day that had been keeping everyone amused!

As I came towards the finish it was great to turn in to SB on my own and see all my friends and family there with big cheers and what an amazing day all round!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/95198748  the breakdown of the run as per garmin!

Finished in 13 hours 22 minutes!

I can't thank my support enough for everything during the day - its been incredible! Especially Kel who was in tears as I came in!

Thanks to Clare - who put loads of photos on here https://picasaweb.google.com/113577451981159074975/TimDonellIsIronman#

Its been an amazing 18 months and worth it, yes on one of the easier European courses I would have gone faster but nothing could ever beat the atmosphere and experience that a small event can put on!

As at today with most of the sponsorship the total raised for both charities stands at £4,165.22 inc gift aid ....I am absolutely blown away by everyone's generosity and can't thank you all enough!

I am now feeling better as Tuesday was a tough day with the blisters but I'm getting there!!

Now that the race is done I shan't be bothering you all with my e-mails (I'm sure you are all desolate) but it has been incredible! I won't do another in the near future, partly because Kel would kill me and also because nothing would ever live up to that experience!

I do have other plans though!

The day before....

Split the race report and preparation in to two parts so that you all don't get too bored!

So up early Saturday morning to get to the lake for a swim, there were plenty of people down there and it was a perfect morning with no mist...a sign of things to come? I met up with a super fast swimmer from Salisbury and we se off to do a lap, I wanted a gentle lap but Seb is fast so I hung around near/behind him and we had a quality lap around the bigger waterski buoys which are roughly the same as the course for Sunday - we went round in 19 minutes 20 seconds and I felt good so was confident that I could hit the one hour mark for Saturday!

Caught up with Fuzzy and met Slacko (fellow racers) on the lake side which was cool and had a chat with them which was great - everyone seemed excited but relaxed for the race start tomorrow!

Headed home and had some breakfast or porridge/protein and muller rice mixed in then slept for an hour or so, two more muller rice (I was hungry and they were handy)! Then it was time to register so I headed up to race registration and signed in, picked up my numbers, goody bag etc and spoke to a few of the racers. A little while later we all sat down for a big lunch and the race briefing (lunch was superb, loads of potatoes, pasta, salads etc)! Then we had the race briefing for about an hour or so that went fine and as expected!

Back home and I was stil hungry so ate another bowl of pasta before Steve, Gina and Chris turned up for a drink (non-alcoholic obviously)! Chris and I later wandered in to town and picked up supper (yup more pasta and rice pudding) and then watched a film before I retired about 10pm with the alarm set for 3.20!

Lay there for about an hour getting hot and couldn't get the thinking out of my head! Eventually must have fallen asleep before the alarm got me going.....the rest is under race report...

Nearly there....

So this is probably my last blog pre-race and I am feeling good!

My exercise this week has been easy and last nights spin on the bike felt really good....bit of goal creep maybe?!? (only joking)!

My shoulder and back were seen to by the osteo (more later) but just feel amazing generally and a real release of tension there, still a bit tender on the tri bars but with some rest over next couple of days they'll be fine!

I have struggled to eat as much as I probably should have done...just feeling a bit rubbish on the carbs, however I have eaten little and often as opposed to big meals - I'll make up for it over the next 24 hours! So what do my final figures look like for this entire journey well here you go:-

Swim - 160 miles, 104 hours
Bike - 3409 miles, 207 hours
Run - 1090 miles, 179 hours
Cross Train - 135 miles, 32 hours

The swimming I have really enjoyed and its something I haven't found too bad (despite some early morning wobbles) definitely some thing to keep working on.

Cycling has been good and bad, when the weather is nice and with company its great....cold and miserable and on your own...not a nice place to be in! But since I always have and always will cycle then this will carry on anyway!

Running - definitely not a natural runner by any stretch and far to heavy for it, but there is an enourmous sense of satisfaction gained from long steady runs out in the middle of nowhere enjoying the fresh air! I aim to carry on with long runs though more around the 10-12 mile mark!

So thats where we are...confident and excited!

Right then...the race strategy itself: -

Swim: - this I plan to go in to with a steady head and not get carried away, try and find some feet to draft on and get in to the groove, not get out of breath, if it was a pool I would be aiming for about 6.30-6.40 per 400m so I will try and replicate this feel in the lake which should be pretty easy! I may go slightly harder in the last lap.

Bike: - for the first hour I will be just riding along, letting the legs get into it and get some food on, not worrying about any positions or anything just controlled gentle riding, after this I will hit some hills which I plan to cruise around before upping a bit for the last ten miles of the first lap, lap to will be similiar though consolidating my average around the 17.5 mph mark and then the last lap making sure that I feel good and am on time!

Run: - only strategy is walk the hills and run the flats and keep pushing the line away from me! I figure I am going to hit a line where I just have to 'giterdun' and the further that line is away from me the happier I will be! Once at 21.5 miles we turn for home and this I will be looking forward to - yes its hilly after that but...its hometime!

For a finish time I reckon if it starts with a 12 is been beyond my dreams for the day...begins with 13 and its gone well, 14-15.59 and it didn't go to plan but all good as its all about the finish!
One thing that has struck me in the last week is the amount of support that I have had from friends, family and people I don't even know! I won't lie to you, there were a few times during training that you do wonder 'why?' and feel like giving up....getting whinged at for being muddy and wet and generally feeling sorry for myself! However the level of support in donations has been amazing and the total with more to come stands at..............£3,306.47 inc gift aid which is genuinely breathtaking for me...I never imagined it would get near that and I am so humbled and grateful to everyone for their support!

I have also been promised lots of support from people coming on the day which is amazing so thank you in advance! I also want to thank all the training buddies from the pool, running (ed) and on the bike (bonnie, lunty, p o'c, dymo etc) its been a great experience!

There are two people that I couldn't have done it without though: -

Gully - big thanks for all the long bike rides and the mental support, back in January I had nearly quit but he talked me round and kept me on the straight and narrow - I can't thank you enough! He also is the greatest Osteopath in the world and if you have any problems he has magic hands.....in fact make some thing up just to go and see him at the Arch Clinic in F'bridge!

Finally a massive thanks to Kel, for putting up with me feeling sorry for myself, being muddy, sweaty, wet, cold, hot, tired, early mornings, going to bed when it is light etc etc - I would never have been able to get this far without you!

See you on the otherside

3 days to go...

Well 3.5 including the rest of today....

I wasn't sure how I would feel at this point 18 months ago....it was so long ago and I never though it would happen so here I am....not the super athlete I expected to be but fit and ready to go! I'm in that mental state where I am not worried about the race which is good!

Before some of the big bricks I would be in this frame of mind where it just needed to be done, no thoughts of not getting it done, it had to be done and it was, all good! Some others including London Marathon I was worried about and they never went quite so well so I am happy and feeling good!

The other thing is that I have promised myself that whether I finish in 12 hours or 15 hours 55 minutes it is all the same - there is no bad day as long as I finish - all will be gooood!

Today (Wednesday) is my last day of fibrous food, i.e. wholewheat pasta, fruit and fibre etc and will move towards more white food and less solid protein (i.e meat) and avoiding bread big time!

Weather is changeable this week at best, but Sunday is looking better, warm, little bit of SSE wind and cloud/sun so won't be too hot and Sunday or pouring with rain! However who knows on the day!

My worries about getting a cold seem to have passed - just had a bad nights sleep and got a thick head which made me feel rubbish! My back has not been good though, a very tight hotspot on the lower left - I've been stretching, rubbing and off to osteopath tonight so hopefully will ease - it's only an issue on the bike but will hopefully hold out as long as possible!

6 days to go...

So the day is nearly here, in 6 days time I will be hitting the start line and preparing for my biggest challenge yet - the ironman! Just a reminder its a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run - total is 140.6 miles or 226 kilometres, my made-up target for fundraising was £2,260 which is £10 for every kilometre travelled and as at this minute the total stands at £2,220 which is incredible! I have been genuinely humbled by the donations from people, from £5 up to £200 everyone has been so kind and I really can't thank you all enough - it is incredible! I have tried to thank everyone individually (even those I don't know) but if I have missed you for whatever reason - THANK YOU!

I should also add that all this money (plus gift aid) goes to the charities, I have borne all the costs myself so the kids will benefit from all of it! It is however a made up target so please keep donating...!

So the last 2.5 weeks since my last post has been an odd experience, the first week was still a reasonable training week rounded off with a 60 mile ride/ 4mile run brick which was fine! This past week has been a little more subdued, almost entirely becuase with the rubbish weather I've not really fancied doing a cycling, but I've stuck to swimming and running as prescribed and still got a few hours in on the bike!

This coming week is also very quiet as expected and goes something like this: -

Monday - gentle 25 min run
Tuesday  - 45 min swim
Wednesday - gentle run and swim totalling 1 hour
Thursday - bike for an hour, very sedate
Friday - rest
Saturday - early morning lake swim, 1 lap which will take about 20 minutes

And then it's Sunday...Race Day!

The weekend will be all about preparation for Sunday (surprise, surprise)!

After the lake on saturday I will go and get my bike and kit for the run, then its registration and race briefing at lunchtime followed by bike racking down at the lake, then it will be back home to check over my stuff and chill out before trying to get to sleep!

Sunday: - Up at 3.30am to eat my porridge and golden syrup! Then get my kit on, drink fluids and head to the lake at about 4.30

The lake is at Ellingham Water Ski Lake and there is a BBQ etc for spectators...details to follow!

At the lake I'll check all my stuff, pump up tyres and get wetsuit on....

Then the race starts at 5.30 all being well, now in the pool this takes me about 65 minutes, with a wetsuit on and hopefully some drafting (following someone else really close) this should be about the same, possibly faster!

So out at 6.35 - then its get changed, if its a nice day this won't take long, if its raining and horrible I will put more clothes on so a little bit longer - so hopefully out on the bike at 6.45!

I am aiming to averag 17.5 mph for the 112 miles, this is not particuarly hard for me so I am reasonably confident that I will hit this, so thats 6.5 hours give or take, including stops I would add 15 minutes to this so would aim to finish at Sandy Balls at 1.30 ish, then I will be heading out for the run....and that is anyones guess! All being well I would hope to finish about 6-7pm!

The above estimates are based on everything going swimmingly and of course it may (almost certainly) not go to plan! For those spectating the details of the swim, bike and run and here: -

http://www.racenewforest.co.uk/PDFs/Spectator%20Information%20Forestman.pdf

Although slightly out of date and timings being wrong...you get the idea this has more up to date timings

http://www.racenewforest.co.uk/PDFs/Forestman%20Race%20Pack%202011.pdf

Quite a few people have asked where to watch and I would reccomend being at the Fighting Cocks at about 1 where I'll ride past and then run back about 15-20 mins later, then drive to Abbotswell and walk along the ridge where I will be running back and forth, back and forth and then back and forth again! Kel will have her & my phone so she can keep you updated...she'll also be attempting twitter updates....

Lots of people have also asked similiar questions so.....

What will you eat?

During the bike I have energy gels, flapjacks and a drink which has everything I need in it - if its hot I will also use Salt tablets in the drinks! On the run I will continue with the gels, drink and salt.....plus anything I fancy from the aid stations along the route. Basically its little and often!

This week is all about carb-loading - I reckon I'll burn aroun 10,000-13,000 calories on the day so it pays to stock up first!

What are you scared of?

Nothing.... he he! Actually the only thing that worries me is something I can't control (which is silly to worry about) i.e. if my bike completely fails or the medics pull me out for whatever reason! I can fix a lot of things on the bike with the little toolkit I carry around but anything major and its game over! I do have my puncture fixing time down to 8 minutes back on the bike! Be assured that if its just down to me then I will finish!

Are you nervous?

No oddly I am not, I am really excited (odd for me) - its going to hurt, I already know that, the thing I am looking forward to is the hurt - because that is where the test is!

Which bit will be the worst?

The run...its a marathon!

Which bit is your worst?

Again the run, I'm not a great runner so this will be tough anyway! But I am actually more concerned about the bike....the swim should be fine, I like swimming and its early doors when I should have energy and once you get to the run....you just got to do it! The bike on the other hand is a loooooong time and you have to get it right!

Whats your finishline song?

Yeah you get to choose! I've gone for Monster by the Automatic as I always listen to it when running, just exchange the word Monster for Timmy!

Won't you get bored?

No...its a race

I'll blog again during the week with a final round-up but until then its carb-loading time!