Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I will be taking part in my first ever (& hopefully not my last) Triathlon at East Grinstead (15th May if you want to come and cheer me along!). I realise this could be viewed as madness given that I've not really done much since my rugby career finished nearly 20 years ago, and I am certainly not looking forward to the running (5K), closely followed by the cycling (26K) whilst I am happy with the swimming. I’ve started training so in order for me to finish in style I need your help by giving generously as it will get me through the remaining winter training.
The Caldecott Foundation (http://www.thecaldecottfoundation.co.uk) is a children's charity based just outside my home town of Ashford in Kent and it cares for the most vulnerable children in the UK who have suffered cruelty and neglect (verbal, physical and sexual). They provide a full range of care services including Assessment, 52 and 38 week Residential Care, Education, Therapy and Fostering. Many have suffered multiple breakdowns within the family setting, foster care and education. I have been to several events at Caldecott and have seen that the staff are totally committed to helping every child as they provide a wide range of specialist services which can be completely tailored to the needs of each individual child. The Caldecott is 'celebrating' its Centenary year this year so please make a special effort now.
All of the childen at Caldecott have really suffered and need our help so please dig deep and donate now.
Thank you very much :-)
28th March Update:
Thanks to all who have generously donated - over half way to my target. Training was going pretty well until two weeks ago when a cold and then Bronchitis struck so I am now behind on the training 'plan' I had. Getting back into it this week so will be fitter in a few weeks time and may even enjoy it (on second thoughts I don't think the running will be enjoyable until I see the finish line behind me). I may have to fly off to a warm climate to get some fair weather training under my belt!
4th April update
Swimming going well and cycling too but the running is a nightmare so will just have to do more of it and grin and bear it. I now need to combine the cycling with a run straight afterwards which is essential. 6 weeks and I'll have done it! Thanks for the recent donations - nearly at my target!
21st April
Just had a great week in Andalucia and managed some training including 2 runs in Sevilla where the temperature reached 36C but I was out at 8.00 am so the temp was more manageable. Had a swim in the sea - it was warmer than I thought it would be and a session in a lovely pool. Back home to some serious (for me) cycle rides and even managed a combined cycle and 'run'. Cycled this morning - short 10 miler - and will run tonight, swim tomorrow morning and eat and drink copiously after that! Anyone with tips on how to enjoying running please let me know.
26th April: Great news - I've met the fund raising target of £1,000 and with gift aid it must be over £1,200 - fantastic - many thanks to everyone who has donated.
Not so good news - I pulled a calf muscle whilst out jogging this morning so hope that clears up fast!
4th May: Just back from a 28.5K cycle and followed by a 5K walk / jog and feel good. calf tightened a bit so walked mostly as don't want to damage it. Swim planned for tomorrow morning. 11 more days!
16th May. Finished it in under two hours (1 Hr 55 Mins - includes transitions) which is what I wanted to do but wasn't confident enough to put that in the blog as I'm sure some donations would have been conditional on that!! Nice sunny day with some wind and lots of support from family and friends - thanks to all. Facts - 9 mins and 3 sec for the 500m swim (happy with that but can improve next time), 1 Hour and 5 mins for the cycle (can improve on this with more miles in training) and 34 mins for the run (can improve here as well) Transition #1 was nearly 4 minutes and #2 was 3.38 so pretty useless on that score. Not sure where my next one will be but there will be more as it was a great feeling and I feel a lot better for being fitter. Met two Old Blues there (Jimmy Clarkson not taking part - just walking in the street) and Simon who is rather more serious than me - see below. Thanks again for all your donations - I know The Caldecott really appreciates every penny raised.
| 427 | SIMON MACPHERSON | M-OPEN | ONE TRIATHLON | 01:20:55 |