6th June 2010

On a fine day at the “royal” water beckoned as the temperature soared to unprecedented levels. Despite the distraction of the challenge of putting the wetsuit on, the nerves were growing with anticipation. Before entering the water the thorough safety briefing meant the wetsuit started to heat up like the preparation of the tyres on an F1 racing car; I was a coiled spring, ready to go. Wave 3 saw over 200 yellow hats bobbing up and down treading water ready for the 10.40am start. There was no turning back as the Claxon sounded.

Immediately my swim training paid off with 750m completed in 22 minutes. Now the hard part, removal of the wetsuit!  An uphill dash to the bustling transition area without my specs on I had to find my bike amongst 3000 others. After a quick change into socks, shoes and helmet I had a brief moment to take on some jelly babies!

With the swim over it was all downhill….. if only! Bursting out of the blocks on the bike to start 3 laps of the beautiful palace grounds, the support crew were going wild on the sidelines and my energy levels were high. In the distance, looming ahead came the mountain that even the Tour de France “King of the Mountains” would have struggled with (note to self; training on tow paths doesn’t pay off).

At this point I drew on the strength of all your messages of support leading up to the day, helping me to burn up a number of my competitors en route in some fantastic overtaking manoeuvres as in the heat of the day the St Johns Ambulance team were kept busy. 

With 3 laps completed in 48 minutes and a very quick transition, it was time to stretch out the jelly legs for the final gruelling section. Starting to slow and tire on the run, I powered through the first lap. I was now almost down to a walking pace but refreshed by a welcome water station, the palace came into sight. On the final hill climb I persevered into the home straight, with the crowds cheering, to complete the course in a PB time of 1 hour 49 minutes and 16 seconds.

Phew!! Made it, a fantastic feeling crossing the line and a really enjoyable day out.

A massive thank you for your support and helping me raise over £2500 for LJMC with more still to come in it is really appreciated. If you live locally and are looking for a challenge how about considering this one http://www.moorpark10k.org.uk/

And on that note many thanks for your support.

xxDavid

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April Update:  Made it to Rawtenstall

Well, with 6 weeks to go I have now achieved over 75 training sessions that have seen me swim, cycle or run a total distance of over 300km!  That’s enough to get me to Rawtenstall; a town north of where my sister Clare lives, who is expecting her third child this week, maybe even on my birthday.

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Firstly, thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On the 5th June I plan to take part in my first ever Triathlon which will take place at . This will involve a consecutive open water swim of 750 metres, a 20km cycle and run of 5km.

Whilst undertaking this challenge I am really keen to raise some money in support of a friend of mine whom I have known for over 35 years as evidenced in this photo of the pair of us taken many years ago up Coombe Hill in Wendover.

My friend has just started receiving treatment from the Mount Vernon Cancer Treatment Centre in Northwood.  This unit is supported by The Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre that has to raise 50% of its annual running costs through voluntary donations and fund raising activities.

This Centre provides support and information to people affected by Cancer and provides a service that supports patients and their families and helps them cope with all aspects of the disease from diagnoses through treatment and beyond.

As I continue to train and prepare for this race it would be a real encouragement to me if you would consider making a donation to support this organisation and the work it carries out.  

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Many Thanks for reading this.

David

OFFLINE DONATIONS (a big thank you to you all)

Ralph & Jill Webb, North Walsham

John & Magaret Pruden, Milford on Sea 

Neil & Janet Macdonald, Bovingdon

Tina & John Ryan, Pinner

Derek & Kay Barrett, Pinner

John & Laura Bransby, New Zealand

Graham & Gill Dale, Rickmansworth

Arthur & Mildred White, Marlow

Mrs Barbara Morris, Burnham Beeches

Geoff Williams, Pinner

Roger & Barbara Wheeler, Ampthill

Linda & David Rumsey, Pinner

Pat Saunders, Pinner

Joan & Ivor McCall, Pinner 

Clive & Audrey , Pinner

Martin & Penny Grossman, Pinner

Terry & Christine Burch, Pinner

All the folk at North Harrow Towns Womens Guild (evening)

All the folk at Harrow Folk Dancing Club

Mike Stratton, Bengeo

Mike Sanders, Southborough

Dave Hilton, Hemel Hempstead

Laurie Tricker, Hertford Heath

Brian Julius, Hertford Heath

Robert Beales, Pinner

Len Doree, Harlow

Julie Forryan, Standon

Ray Garrood, Hertford Heath

Patricia Flower, Hertford Heath

Pat Murray, Ealing

Ray Nunn, Hertford Heath

Mike Leppard, Aylesford

Wendy Sanders, Maidstone

Colin Porter, Hertford Heath

Mark Lovell, Kentish Town