After many years of fighting my way to the top I ended my successful career in endurance drinking events (sponsored by Guinness) 18 months ago for more physical challenges. This August is exactly the half way point to my ultimate target of completing an Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and then a marathon without any sleeps or even breaks in between) next year. To mark the occasion I have decided to take on a massive challenge through the month of August and to raise some money for the Anaphylaxis Campaign, a charity very close to my heart.
I know everyone gets bombarded with charity donation requests but please spare a few ££s and your thoughts as I drag my broken body around Scotland for a month. I go into the challenge nursing a calf injury earned as I ran my fastest ever 3k (unfortunately the race was a 10k) and a broken shoulder earned in the most spectacular moment of cycling incompetence. By bucking me from the saddle my beautiful new bike clearly demonstrated that she is out of my league and left 4 metres of the Borders Council's most abrasive tarmac liberally covered with my DNA, a considerable amount of lycra and most of my dignity. However, not to be thwarted by one-legged running and one-armed swimming I am going to take on the events for a fantastic cause.
So, the agenda for August looks like this:
8th Aug - Ayr Sprint Triathlon (750m River Swim, 20km Bike, 5km Run)
15th Aug - Aberfeldy Half Ironman (1.9km Loch Swim, 90km Bike, 21km Run)
21st Aug - Great Scottish Swim (1mile Open Water Swim)
My pain and suffering is insignificant, however, when compared to the charity that I am raising money for. I have two nephews who suffer from nut allergies and it is terrifying prospect to allow them to live quality lives while protecting them from the massive risks of contamination. The Anaphylaxis Campaign was founded in 1994 following the deaths of 4 young people from severe allergic reactions and it's aims are to create an allergy aware world and to improve the lives of people with severe allergies. It is not as big or popular as other charities but for those that live in the shadow of life threatening allergies and anaphylactic shock it is an opportunity to a better quality of life.
I will keep you posted in the last few weeks of training with my injuries and the constant mental anguish at the prospect of dragging my fat ass up Schiehallion on a bike before running a half marathon. My blog (as I believe the kids call them) is almost as big a challenge as the events themselves - those that know me well are aware that internet stuff like The Spacebook terrifies me.
http://august-challenge.blogspot.com/
In September I plan to sleep and invest significant amounts of cash with Edinburgh's finest physiotherapists.
Thanks for your kind donations
Dougie