Done it - what a relief!

What an amazing day! Blenheim Palace was a spectacular venue for an incredible event. 4000 people took part in various "waves" over the weekend. Mine started at 11:00 on the Saturday so we got there for 9am to allow time to rack the bike collect the timing chip, get changed, visit the loo - a few times!!

The weather warmed up nicely so by they time we were to enter the water it was a balmy 17 degrees! (the water that is). It was an in water start so there was none of the pushing and shoving you might expect from a pontoon start. I started at the back as novices were advised to do. It was so relaxed that some swimmers were chatting as they went along, some stopped for a breather and to admire the view! I got out at 22:49 minutes (750m) and tried to run whilst taking off my wetsuit UPHILL!!! It was nice to see the family cheering me on as I approached transition.

I got changed in to my cycling gear grabbed my bike and started off on the bike course, which was 3 laps. This was quite gruelling as there were many hills requiring the use of all 24 gears. Other cyclists were racing past me all the time at frigtening speeds. I even saw a few collisions. I managed to stay on my bike and complete the course (12 miles) without stopping in 58:53 minutes.

Then it was back into transition to return my bike and trot out for the last leg! By this time I was exhausted and wobbly but I had to carry on. It really helped to remember all the encouraging messages from friends and family. The route was two laps around a lake and the scenary was stunning! Well placed water, energising gel stations and loo kept me going! I managed to trot slowly finishing in 32:01. This gave me a total time including transitions of 2 hours 6 mins and 48 seconds.

It was an incredible day and I am glad it went smoothly for me and the weather was nice for the spectators! I would recommend it for first timers as it was a very friendly atmosphere and all manner of people took part. Whether I would do it again is another story.....

Anyway I would like to end by saying a HUGE thankyou to everyone that sponsored me and encouraged me along the way. YOU have made the whole experience worthwhile and very rewarding. It has been a great way to mark my 40th and makes me feel I can still compete even though I came 3720 out of 4008 (not including the 100 or so that failed to finish). You have donated to a great cause - Kamla Foundation has many projects on the go each one helping individuals to better their predicament. Please visit the website for more details.

Update 2 days to go!!!

Training has had its ups and downs! I covered the full 750m course in my second swim at Boundary Lake, it was a freezing 14 degrees and not a pleasant experience, however I completed in 20 minutes - this was mainly breast stroke but I'm just happy I got round the course in a reasonable time despite getting caught up in weeds at one point - I hope Blenheim is not an underwater forest! The Elite probably do it in half the time but I'm not in that league!Yet...

A few days later I decided to attempt the full 20km cycle followed by the run, however I picked the wettest day - BH Monday and ended up being covered from head to toe in wet grit and mud! My nephew had a fun time hosing me down. It took the best part of the day to clean the bike and kit and my trainers have only just dried out. Not the smartest thing to do less than a week before race day!

Anyway - now I am packed and looking forward to the day. Infact I cannot think of anything else! Keep going through the transition routine in my head.

I shall let you all know how it goes - complete with photos! Thank you so much for sponsoring me, the money is reaching some of the most needy people and if you look at our website you can see the difference it is making!

Update Mid May 2011

Attended a training day at Eton Dorney Lakes (near Slough). The day comprised of 4 sessions - Bike, Transition, Run and Swim. A very informative day to improve technique and give hints and tips to shave seconds off our time. I learnt about drafting, cadence and sighting and can't wait to put them into practice.Gained a slight injury pulling a calf muscle in the mass start race, must remember not to get too excited!

All I can think about is the race now, just want to get around the course and finish without too many mishaps. I can't let all my sponsors down!

Update Early May 2011

Thought I would update you all on the training! I have been casually trying to fit a swim, run and cycle in each week in the months of March and April. Trying to build up front crawl in the pool and cycling distance on the bike. With a month to go I decided to attempt an open water swim.

The first week I met up with the Uswim coach Dave Quartermain, at Salford Quays. It was a lovely sunny day, slight breeze but the water looked black! and ice cold!  Tugged on my wetsuit in the marquee and waited for Dave's instruction. He said I should swim to the bridge and back so he could look at my front crawl stroke. Well I thought I could swim pretty well until I entered that water. It was a cold 14 deg, visibility was zero and the wetsuit was unbelievably tight and restrictive. Dave didn't ask me to try the measured 400m course so I guess my attempt at front crawl didn't cut it! Well after 45 mins in the water I tried to talk to Dave but my teeth wouldn't stop chattering then my whole body joined in! So I had to rinse off in a makeshift cold shower in the car park and peel off the wetsuit!

Not to be beaten I tried again the following week - this time at Boundary Park lake (near Knutsford). Here the water was a warmer 17 deg (makes all the difference!). This time there was a family atmosphere with children playing around the periphery, a barbeque and massage service. No sign of Dave - I decided to attempt the 400m course alone! The only thought in my head was to reach the next buoy. I managed to do two laps with a mixture of front crawl and breast stroke, but at least I know I can get around the course! Next time I might time myself!

Have just discovered the Middlewood Way as a good cycling training route. Managed to cover 14 miles with Selena in 1.5 hours which sounds really slow but we weren't racing, the wind was against us (both ways) and did stop to fix someone's chain! Will have to take my basket and mudguards off next time and and learn to drink on the go to look a bit more professional!

March 2011

This year I am turning 40! To set myself a personal challenge I have signed up for the Blenheim Triathlon! As the day draws closer it’s dawning as to what I have let myself in for….

The event comprises of a 750m lake swim followed by a 20km cycle, followed by a 5km run. Though I can manage each discipline separately, attempting them back to back and swimming in open water will be a challenge!

I am raising funds for Kamla Foundation – a charity set up by my husband, Bhupendra, in memory of his mother. The charity works with marginalised communities, especially women and children to develop sustainable ways in which to lift themselves out of poverty.

I am aiming to raise £1000 through completing this challenge, so if you can help, please sponsor me here. Remember to add gift aid if you are a UK taxpayer.

Many thanks for taking the time to visit this site, if you would like more information about the work of the Foundation then please visit our website; http://kamlafoundation.org/

If you fancy supporting me on the day - (it would be a real boost to see a familiar face in the crowds!) then please follow this link for spectator info.

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 UK 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.