Surprised by rest

So many plans for today, whether to do a run or a bike ride or both - and in the end, did nothing but rest. But rest is an important part of training - especially when there it's raining cats and dogs with gusty wind outside! I don't mind rain, but hate cycling in the wind. And it was good to have a whole day off from any form of exercise.

Running rule

I've just been reading through the rule book from British Triathlon and came to 28 - Running Conduct:

28.1 No form of locomotion other than running or walking is permitted. Crawling is not allowed.
!

More fun than it ought to be

Tuesday and another bike ride from work through sleet and snow; the worst thing is not being able to see properly because of snow in the eyes. But I was reminded of a similar ride through town the other day in equally bad weather and a chap pushing his bike in the opposite direction called out; 'It's a lot more fun than it ought to be, isn't it?' And it is! Non-cyclists / walkers / runners might not understand it, but cycling through snow and rain can be really huge fun - especially when there is somewhere warm and dry at the end of it.

Introduction

I can't remember the exact date of the big idea. I do remember reading the CTC (Cycle Touring Club) pages and getting onto the discussion board about cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats. I quickly realised that this was possible, and that even I could do it. After all it's said to be possible with any bike (it's been done on a penny-farthing) if one is reasonably fit and willing to take up the challenge. So I started planning. Most of the gear I had from doing long-distance walks would suit the cycle ride, but I needed a new tent and decided to get a good touring bike and trailer to take the weight. There was a great deal of thinking and planning over several months, and then came my 40th birthday. My mum and sister made the most amazing cake - three cakes representing the three sports of triathlon. So I began to think about three challenges... why not? I'd always had in mind to try for an Olympic distance triathlon but thought it beyond my capabilities - well I could train, couldn't I? And why not top off the challenge with a half-marathon? That should do it. So a year of swim, bike and run. But mostly bike.