Triathlon Update:  2 down, 1 to go....

I've now done two triathlons - Bleinheim and Allerthorpe, with the last triathlon at Blithfield in Staffordshire on 31 August, so another 7 weeks training.

Bleinheim on 8 June was a great event that targeted "newbies" - but the tough, hilly course was designed for hardened triathletes!  It was hard, I'd pulled a muscle, it was the hottest day of the year and it was the first chance to combine all 3 elements, so it was good to finish in 1 hr 37min. I hated the swim and made some mistakes, but the support was amazing and kept me going.  5000 racers over 2 days and a carnival atmosphere made it a full weekend celebration.  Definitely one for next year.

Allerthorpe triathlon on 22/06 was totally different; a small event c.200 people.  A flatter course, but windy (gusts at 50mph) made the swim and bike tough. Having learnt from Bleinheim, the swim was bumpier (150 men trying to squeeze through a narrow door in the water, whilst racing).  The bike was excellent fun, a great course for speed.  The run was still hard, but getting better.  I finished this in 1 hr 20min - 17 minutes faster than Bleinheim and personal bests in everything. I'm absolutely delighted with this time.  There was a fantastic atmosphere - small and supporter friendly.

So after a pause to recover, I’m preparing for the last one.  Training is getting harder to maintain, so donations now are just the encouragement I need.  Central Manchester Women's Aid are really grateful for all the support.  They're planning a number of treatment days for their women, and circus skills fun days for their children over the summer.  They couldn't do this without your support.  I've been humbled by the level of support and encouragement from everyone.

Thanks for everything.  I'll keep going until 31 August, and then I think a break beckons.  And by the way, I was as tired as I look in the photo.

Steve Cooley