Well the Challenge is now over!  I am knackered, but delighted with my time (67 minutes) and the fact that I was 17th out of the 27 who did the entire triathlon - especially when quite a few were less than half my age!   400 metres in the Serpentine was as cold as I expected, but longer than I hoped!  The 10 mile cycle ride whizzed past (thank goodness for my son's bike, rather better than mine).  The final 3 mile run was a slog but I can't tell you how good the beer tasted at the end of it!

I was concerned that having just got back from Afghanistan with the Defence Select Committee with no opportunities to train, I would not be fit enough, but somehow I got an energy spurt and was very pleased with my performance.

The prize I am receiving from Olympic Gold Medallist (watched by Big Brother finalist Derek Laud) was not for the best time, but for being the competitor who raised the most amount of money for SPW. 

Whilst I am obviously delighted to have been supported so generously by my friends, you will see that I am now just a few hundred pounds short of my target.  If you can see your way to helping make up the shortfall both I, and the young people in Africa you will be helping, would be tremendously grateful.

ISo if you haven't already, please sponsor me now and help me reach my target. If your company or foundation would like to sponsor me I would be grateful. Remember every penny counts -and every £5 can save a life.

"The SPW Mini Triathlon is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to use their passion for sport to bring lasting benefits to young people in countries throughout the world."

 

 

       Paul Collingwood MBE. England International Cricketer

Many thanks for your support.

 

Bernard