Countdown to Ironman Wales

It’s now 5 weeks to the day since the Outlaw, and two weeks until Ironman Wales. The last 5 weeks have been an absolute whirlwind. It’s had everything from changing jobs, having to move house, a heavily pregnant wife and a sick relative with an emergency operation. It’s fair to say it’s gone in a blur.

In terms of my own health, I’ve picked up a few illnesses and niggles along the way. I should have listened to my body and taken more rest, but was conscious of IM Wales looming on the horizon. It definitely took a couple of weeks before I could run with little pain. However, after that I started to try and pick the pace up on the runs and have picked up a knee injury which makes it sore to run.

The first two weeks after Outlaw I was living off the buzz of having achieved an amazing life goal. However, as the time drifts by, and the elation fades, the overwhelming feeling of tiredness has kicked in. This was always going to be the case, but I wish I’d been more prepared.

As it is, my best mate Jeremy came over this weekend. We ended up doing a 140km bike ride on the Saturday, and a 20km jog on the Sunday morning, with a night off on the beer in between. I felt a bit stronger on the bike, and other than the bad knee was comfortable on the run. It’s made my mind up that it’s all systems go for IM Wales in 2 weeks. It’s not going to be pretty. It’s not going to be enjoyable. There’s a very real chance I could do my knee some serious damage. But when have I let common sense get in the way ….