On Sunday it'll be 11 weeks until the UK ironman starts. This will happen at 6:30am, 1st August in a cold lake near Bolton.

Back in 2003 when I started thinking about doing one of these I had a million and one questions; Was I capable, what stuff did I need, what/how would I eat, how much training would be needed - could this be done in a town like London, maybe I would need a break from work, etc etc,

This is why I have started the blog - to try and answer some of these questions.

Most training programs I have followed (usually by paying a coach) are in 11 week chunks. This year I will attempt to take the best parts from all of these and follow them. I have never managed to stick to a week perfectly due to work, family or fatigue. Hopefully that will encourage you, it's progress not perfection.

In five weeks time I have entered the UK half ironman. This will give me some idea of where I am, and can trial most things out. As the focus is the Ironman itself, I wont taper (reduce volume of training) for this.

As well as the specific swim cycle and run sessions I hope to cover some of the following topics;
Injury prevention
Strength training
Stretching
Nutrition
Psychology
Equipment

And my favourite - what music is best to train to

There are also a lot of people out there who know a lot more than me. I would love to receive your feedback both good and bad especially any tips you may have picked up.

Previously I have raised money for the Cri Du Chat Support Group . My son George has this condition and the charity do some great work to help individuals and families affected. If you find this site useful I would be enormously grateful if you could show your appreciation by leaving a donation.




Please note this is my first attempt at blogging and so far have an afternoon's experience. Hopefully it will get more professional as the weeks go by!


James