So... having never done a triathlon before last year (or indeed any physical exercise) I seem to be back for more this year! You may be asking why, believe me I am asking the same thing, and I'm not sure there is an easy/sensible answer. Those of you that know me will know that I am good at starting things and not quite so good at finishing them, so maybe this is my attempt to prove that I can see some things through ;) . Mainly though, I think that it is because the reasons for, and work of, Thinking of Oscar remain ongoing and this is my attempt to support that.

Thinking of Oscar was founded in memory of Oscar Cole who died suddenly and unexpectedly aged only 16 months. The charity has already achieved so much and made a positive difference to the lives of children whilst they are in hospital. The big aim remains to open a children's procedural unit at the John Radcliffe; a child-orientated place where some of the scariness of a hospital can be removed or at least reduced. The cost of this is a whopping £100,000 but the thermometer is already over halfway and hopefully will be full to bursting after the triathlon! A massive 85 people will be running in blue and yellow for Thinking of Oscar. I can honestly say I have never been prouder to belong to a team.

For more detailed information, visit www.thinkingofoscar.com

I have attempted to keep some level of fitness from last year but I must confess that my drinking arm continues to maintain a natural advantage in strength training... On 5 June I will plunge in to what I now know will be a green, slimey, fish-infested, cold lake. I will watch all the people that can actually swim disappear in to the distance - what is it with sports that the worse you are, the longer you have to do it for?! - before hauling myself up a hill and jumping on a bike.  After 20km of that and a butt full of saddle sore, I will launch myself onwards for two circuits of Blenheim. Having crossed the finish line, I will ignore the proffered alcohol free beer and demand champagne on an IV. Any support is always welcome; from cheering spectators to generous donaters. Thank you all :)