I had hoped to keep blogging over my time in Wales but with an almost complete lack of signal and WiFi that did not transpire.
I ate a lot of carbs throughout the entirety of the time covered by this post.
Prior to leaving for Wales I was away on a genuinely inspiring conference with work which once again showed me that my team really is a microcosm for the passion and quality that makes up the DofE charity. Whilst there I went for a run to loosen up from the drive each way that I undertook and having managed to be blister and chafing free for some time managed to dent this record a few days out from race day on a 2.5 miler. Oh well.
Leaving for Wales was a slick operation in the Hurst household. Mrs Hurst had, with her usual project management skills, dragged order kicking and screaming (along with a toddler doing the same) out of the chaos that could have been our departure. There was an air of 'this is it' as we left the house, Mondeo almost filled to capacity, on our Friday morning excursion to Tenby. I had checked the security of my bike on the rack three times having recently been aware of two incidents of people I respect losing bicycles as they drove yet I was still very conscious of the Defy hovering behind me as we made our steady way West.
On arrival in Wales we found our cottage which was positioned directly on the run course, just adjacent to the access to the North Beach where the swim was held and about a 5 minute walk from transition. We settled in, I met Corin, I registered for Ironman and C registered for Ironkids. A quick glance over the merchandise had me certain that a return visit to the Expo was in order. I met the Macmillan team and picked up some supporting gear at this stage too.
On Saturday I arose later than intended but rushed off, abandoning the family to meet Corin for a pre race drive of the bike course. As I awaited his arrival Paul and Jenna said hello and gave me a potato.
The drive of the bike course was beneficial though I wish I had had an opportunity to cycle it previously to really get a feel for it as some hills that I worried about turned out to be mere mounds whilst some bumps that we felt in the car turned out to be leg and lung busters. Some of the downhill sections it was useful to see that I could take at speed or not in advance and it was good to get an expectation for how to pace myself as well.
The highlight of my day was racing Ironkids with C. We lined up in a pen with about 30 other nervous toddlers of C's age escorted by parents or guardians of varying levels of fitness. Two young volunteers were thrust up front to do a 5 minute warm up which only the front row could see. It was then anounced we had about 10 minutes to wait before the start. Keeping toddlers entertained, warm, attached, from screaming, focused etc was then a bit of a battle until we were given the 30 second warning. No count down aloud to stop people pressing forward but a 15 and 10 second warning had everyone on edge. The claxon sounded and the race became a melee of screaming toddlers being dragged or hoisted up under arms, competitive parents thrusting forward and a few steady heads (like C I am pleased to announce) who knew what to do and just started running. 500m felt like quite a long way with my 3 year old next to me. She looked a bit bewildered at times as the entire route was lined by screaming supporters whilst around us we either overtook those who had shot off too early or were passed by those who had suddenly decided a sprint was in order. The finish line approached, the same that I WOULD be crossing the next day, and she ran calmly accross, took her medal then was delighted to see her fan club, including her Granny who she had not already seen that day. I was really proud of her for just blocking out the hype and getting on with the run at a steady pace. She is an Ironkid.
The rest of Saturday was spent in relaxation, racking my bike and kit, drinking my traditional Guinness, spending time with the family, Paul, Jenna, Dad, Helen, Dilys, Corin, Peter and Rosie. My support team assembled. I went to bed about 2230 hrs after Jan arrived. I took him for a brief tour of the area then hit the sack, breakfast on my bedside table, alarm set for 0330hrs.
Next post the race but its time for dinner, 24 and some time with my wife.It might speed things up if you donate to bring me up to my target. Boy have I earned it... http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GeoffHurst
Did the potato come in useful?
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