New Year Resolution

I will post just my new year's resolutions for now (at has what has now become an annual event a small group of us have shared NYR's - this year I will keep them and ask for progress updates... and maybe post some details, if ok with them.)

Anyway mine are, summarised, as follows:

1. Finish Norseman 2009 (involves training regime which encompasses swimming and sorting logistics ASAP)
2. 'Work smart' (set goals at beginning of each month, week and day and achieve these AND achieving separation b/w work and home)
3. Healthy body, healthy mind (including eating balanced diet, cooking at least 2 x a week - one of these to be a new recipe - and reading a book every two weeks, and reading more work related literature)
4. Look after money
5. Write more (getting a book published would save me c £20 a year I pay to royzy for a bet made after Paris marathon 2004!)
6. Be less self consumed/ more embracing of others

Some broad headings above but I have given some thought to detail and have mapped out a weekly plan that accommodates the above. (yes I know, plans are the 'easy bit' for me!

In anticipation of starting 4 above I have spent a small fortune (£50+) on books and CDs today and I am now listening to the excellent Elbow CD, which won Mercury prize. (Admittedly I used to think the group were 'dull' and have consequently missed out on the opportunity to see them twice on their visits to Cornwall - maybe I should add another resolution 'be more open minded!)

Will be starting 2009 with a 10 mile run (and then start on my first new recipe - parsnip and apple soup).

Have now entered Endurance Life Cornish Coastal Marathon which is on 4 April - plan remains to have a 'tough' April event wise with this marathon followed by the North Cornwall Tor (19/4) and 3 peaks marathon (25/4).

Looking forward to 2009 (perhaps too much...)

Riding into 2009 with a focused mind

A few months ago I had asked myself why statue of Richard I was outside Houses of Perliament. Answer appears contained in the following quote on Wikipedia.

“The reputation of Richard ... has fluctuated wildly. The Victorians were divided. Many of them admired him as a crusader and man of God, erecting an heroic statue to him outside the Houses of Parliament; Stubbs, on the other hand, thought him ‘a bad son, a bad husband, a selfish ruler, and a vicious man’. Though born in Oxford, he spoke no English. During his ten years' reign, he was in England for no more than six months, and was totally absent for the last five years.”
—John Gillingham, Kings and Queens of Britain: Richard I[20]

I can now enter the new year with one less thing clogging up my mind...

Naked ladies and the runs: Christmas in Normanton

Managed to get some running in whilst away in Yorkshire for Christmas. My favourite was a 4 mile run in Huddersfield: some nice hills. I think I totalled 15.5 miles all told in 4 runs - whilst not that impressive I felt I kept the habit going which was good.

Went to watch Castleford Tigers in their boxing day friendly against Gateshead Thunder - I do enjoy watching Rugby League and this was a good game, which managed to hold my nephews attention for the first half at least. (Have pencilled in Wakefield Wildcats v Wigan Warriors for the day after 3 Peaks Marathon in April - assuming I can get in the marathon: entries open January 12).

Festive highlight was probably me trying to show off royzy's animation and ending up showing 3 generations of Julie's relative naked woman as drawn by royzy!

I was robbed!

Well not exactly...

Well in fact nothing like...

I was comprehensively beaten 6-0 by Si in the 'winner takes in all 2008 challenge'. It was our first game of squash of 2008 and our first since early 2007. I had given up because I was not winning anymore...

Si even won* one rally after dropping his racket and hitting the next shot with his bare hand. (* = I claimed a 'foul' and took the point: having said to royzy and lisa the night before that I was going to beat Si with my bare hand, if I could not find my squash racket, I did not want to end up having to report back that Si had won points without his!)

Cut down to size x 2

Getting changed after surfing, I had stopped, with pants at bottom of legs and towel securely round my waist, for two women to pass. One of the women was obviously (judging by attire) kitchen staff from Hotel in whose alley way we were getting changed. (I could, and did, envisage this lady with a meat cleaver.) I can not remember how the dialogue between me and her started, or why, but it featured the lines; 'do not worry I am not looking to cook it', 'who said I was going to share' and finished with 'nothing worth cooking there!' as she went back into the Hotel.

Quickly following this rather demeaning (and somewhat frightening exchange) I asked Si what he was doing on New Year's Day and reminded me that we had scheduled a fight on Fistral beach* against a 'boxer'. I pointed out that the fight was scheduled for 2 years ago and Si 'ran away up to Yorkshire to avoid the showdown'. I then did a little shadow boxing - only to be stopped in my tracks by Si's Taekwondo leg kick stopping just short of my nose...

(* on New Year's Day 3 years ago Si and I had decided to take up Taekwondo and boxing respectively and then meet up in a years time in a ring marked out on Fistral beach - suffice to say I have not taken up boxing and Si has now several grades advanced in Taekwondo!)

Compliment from (my surfing) Yoda

Went for my first surf* in almost a year this morning and really enjoyed myself - especially the first wave I caught.

Admittedly it was white water but I still felt pleased when I got to my feet reasonably quickly and smoothly and then was nicely balanced and managed to get some sideways movement.

Was even more pleased when about 3/4 later Si said he had seen me catch the wave and complimented me on some movement across the wave...

(*= still embarrassed to say I 'surf' and whilst it is true I have had a surf board for probably 3 years and up to until the beginning of this year I would go in sometimes Saturday and Sunday - it is also true to say I have not mastered any of the basics. Which I would stress is no fault of my Yoda, Si, rather an inability of the pupil. It is just as I have not been tasked with blowing up the Death Star; otherwise there would have been no need for 'Empire Strikes Back'...)

Signs

This mornings' cycle was a brief, sluggish affair - probably did 15 miles (max).

Felt morose from the start, even a little tearful whilst standing outside Blue Bar in Porthtowan (no particular reason).

Cycle was directionless (as a consequence of which I ended up in Porthtowan looking for a Origin coffee...) and unispired apart from a brief spell when cycling up my favourite hill (Blackwater) after seeing a number plate that looked like it kind of spelt 'JESUS'. This made me smile.

A wake up call? perceptions

At an internal meeting this week, the fact that I had been working some long hours and been in at weekends recently, was attributed by one of my bosses as simply resulting from 'the way I work' - the implication being I 'liked' to work the long hours.

I thought I 'needed' to do put the hours in to get 'important stuff' done so initially felt peeved and displayed some (mock) anger when I was relayed the comments; making assertions to the effect that 'you won't see me here past 5pm anymore!'

Suffice to say I was late leaving on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday... which 'meant' no run after cycling home and no swim on Friday (just typing this now makes me feel 'shame' after my convincing blog on Tuesday night.)

It looks like 2009 is going to be the year I have to challenge my perception of me and 'what I am about'.

A comparison to Patrick Viera

In an internal publication disseminated at work today I was compared to Patrick Viera.

The piece was drafted to 'commemorate' my retirement from 5-aside.

I was touched...

Swimming: an undertaking to myself

Today was another Tuesday where I took my swimming stuff into work and brought it home unused.

Make that....

Today was the last Tuesday where I took my swimming stuff into work and brought it home unused!

Regular swimming starts on Friday: I will go the pool on Tuesday's and Friday's.

Went for a short run on the beach this evening - still stiff from run at weekend so it was a bit laboured. The remnants of my running efforts were even more apparent in yesterday's cycle into work, which took me approaching an hour as opposed to norm of 3/4.

Feel good now...

the curious incident of the smell in the entertainment shop

Gave 'my all' today whilst out running with Anthony and felt great that I had at least make him work a little bit. In the end he eased away but he did say ' you are killing me' as we got to the 7 mile mark - which I took as a good sign...

Calf muscles tightened up as soon as I had finished and my walking cycle (to coin the digital animation phrase) was not the smoothest as I hobbled round town. Also felt a little feint whilst standing up in one shop and realised I had lost control of bowel muscles when I let a rather smelly bit of wind slip out in HMV. Julie did blame the smell on a couple of young ladies who moved away shortly after (Julie had assumed the move was as a result of their embarrassment) - I confessed (to Julie, not to the young ladies - I think they knew!)

So was it all worth out it - the aching calf muscles etc for those few words from Anthony?

Yes!

(P.S. 'The curious incident of the dog in the night time' is one of my favourite books: well worth reading)

Walk on by?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdXdWwE1YNI

By royzy... I am impressed. To see (and read) more of royzy's 'walk cycle' course work check out http://www.royzy.co.uk/2008/12/holy-briefs-batman-another-walk-cycle.html

I am on the start list for Norseman

Just looked at Norseman website and they have published the startlist. I am there.

Hopefully, I can use this as a springboard for a renewed focus on the event - may have been drifting a bit of late (evidenced by the fact I was checking out local boxing clubs* on the internet just now).

Tomorrow, I am running with Anthony. I am already regretting having done only one run since the last time I went running with Anthony... I am going to hurt!

Plan for next week:

• Monday - cycle
• Tuesday - swim
• Wednesday - cycle + run
• Thursday - cycle + run
• Friday - swim

The list above is so easy to write/ type... this week I AM going to DO.

(*= a blog for another day)

Congratulations to our 'A' team

Heartfelt congratulations to our 'A' team for bringing home the Professional Services 5-aside Cup trophy this week.

I had been hoping to get to watch 'finals night' on Tuesday but got detained at work. So missed the 3-1 quarter final win and the 1-0 victories in the semi-final and final. Well done to everyone, including Nick B (our B team captain) who played for the 'A' team on Tuesday night (and obviously brought with him the 'desire' that comes from playing in the 'lower leagues' in addition to his defensive quality).

A special well done to Richard who in addition to starring in a cup winning 'A' team got his exam results through on Friday and is now a qualified Chartered Accountant.

The team in full:

• Nick R
• Nick B
• Kevin
• Richard
• Shane

(I liked the picture of the Lego TV 'A' team so that's why it is shown - who knows in years to come they may immortalise our 'A' team in Lego!)

P.S. I was surprised more fuss was not about the Cup victory - I had played in a cup winning team I would have emails galore and a posting on our firm's website, at least...

Slow puncture and singing in the rain

My working week was (almost*) sandwiched between two contrasting cycling commutes:

• Monday night, when I had a slow puncture. I could not find the resolve to do the right thing and change the inner tube and instead put some more air in and limped home, ever anxious that it might go completely flat when I was going 'fast' and as a consequence I would fall off...


• Friday night, when in howling wind and driving rain I stormed home, enjoying the air - after 'angry day' at work: felt completely refreshed when I got home. (My mood was dampened somewhat this morning when I had to cycle in in the same wet through shorts and leggings that I wore yesterday...)

(* I say almost as my working week finished today: a report I needed to progress before next week. I am pleased to be busy though!)

Managed one run during the week, a nice little jog out on Wednesday evening. The beach was lite up by a full moon in clear night sky - beautiful.

Breaststroking round the Headland

I was all set to go for my first surf for a good 9-10 months this morning (ie I had with me my winter wetsuit) when I arrived at Si's. So we put a leash on my board and packed both boards into the car...

However, on inspection of sea at Fistral it was decided that there was insufficient swell - I was actually accused of a It's a Knockout 'playing my joker' moment by Si (ie he suspected that I had not really wanted to go for a surf and had gambled on there being no surf...) and further to illustrate his point he said he suspected that a large costumed person with overly large feet would appear up the steps from the beach as we spoke. They did not but it was a nice image.

So we decided to go for a swim - from the slipway off the North side of Fistral headland round to Fistral beach.

Water was cold but ok: Si had advised water temperature 12 degree; which is low end of anticipated water temperature in Norseman per Endurance Life website.

Distance was longer than expected - particularly the bit from Cribber area to the beach. (We were quite impressed with our efforts when we looked at where we had swum whilst eating breakfast at Lewinnick after).

My only disappointment was swimming more of the distance front crawl - went to ever dependable breast stroke for most of section from the Cribber area in. More self discipline (and a new pair of goggles - I lost the pair I wore this morning when they flicked back over my head into the sea whilst I was trying to adjust them, perhaps a little too aggressively) required for next time.

Nonetheless, a truly glorious morning...

Seminar and Somalia: a lesson in context

Why I am blogging about a seminar? Well it was the reason/ excuse for me not doing much exercise in the week just gone and it will useful to remind myself of a sequence of events/ emotions so that I can learn lessons hopefully.

1. Seminar was on Wednesday so that meant I had to take a car to work on Tuesday so that I could take equipment that I would need for next day and I also drove to the event on Wednesday - so no opportunity to cycle to and from work.


2. Was a tad apprehensive/ anxious about the event so spent Tuesday evening fretting about presentation (Note: Should have gone for a swim after work would have dispelled some of the aprehension)


3. Was 'down' about aspects of the event on Wednesday so did not feel enthused to do anything when I got home afterwards (Note: Should have gone for a run - would have felt more upbeat after; I always do)
   
4. Let certain aspects of event colour my feelings of event as a whole and was less than positive when I spoke to a very nice person at host venue (Note: be positive/ put any negative comments into context)


5. Snapped out of 'down' spell when watching footage of live in Somalia on Channel 4 news by local cameraman Abdullah Farah Duguf (Note: should always appreciate how lucky I am: put day into context before I wallow in self absorption).

P.S. On searching for the cameraman's name I found the Channel 4 award winning footage from Somalia which was referred to in the news article on Wednesday night. This can be accessed by clicking here. Be warned the video footage which can be accessed by following the link is extremely harrowing!

!!!!!!!!

I was corresponding with a lady at one of the bank's early in the week about someone from there attending a seminar I was co-organising. The email which contained the name of their delegate contained a phrase something along the lines of '...I believe you have played against him at football!!!!!!!!'

It was the gentleman I had 'squared up to' (in a less than convincing manner) in my last game.

Small world.

P.S. He is really nice chap.

Exorcising one little demon on the A3075

Superb bike ride this morning. Went from Perranporth to Devoran, then onto Bissoe (where we stopped for a lovely coffee), then onto Portreath, via Redruth and Illogan, before heading back on A3075.

Managed to stay on my bike - did almost career into the back of Stephen at one point, when he stopped surprisingly (for me) but did not lock brakes so all good. Definitely more nervous down hill in particular than I was a week ago (and I was not the most confident before my crash!) - so still some work to do that particular demon.

One demon I have gone some way to exorcising is my fear that I am lot lot slower than the Perranporth Posse - I was still not sure how much my deflated tyre contributed to me getting dropped by the peloton 2 weeks ago and when I started to get dropped by the group on the A3075 I thought 'oh dear'. However, I tried really hard and did manage to catch them back up - so feel a little more confident that I can improve my speed (not quite up to the Posse speed yet though...)

Decided I find United Downs quite picturesque.

And it seems all roads lead to Lanner: saw Tom to shout 'hello' to as we cycled past his house - which was nice.

Exercise and daemons

Not a good week on the exercise front - only 2 cycles on the credit side. Still, Saturday tomorrow so that means a 30 mile + cycle (hopefully I can stay on this Saturday). Showed off my knees to all at work who were even a little bit interested in my crash story and some who were not!

Hopefully, my limping and slow movements on Monday in particular were attributed to cycle fall - they were I confess more due to aches inflicted on calf muscle and upper thigh muscle by Sunday's run with Anthony...

Highlight of the week on the work front was a presenter at seminar describing solicitors as 'daemons' (as in Philip Pullman's Golden Compass) - not sure my friend (a solicitor) who had asked the lady to speak and may have thought he was being referred to as a 'demon' (as I did at the time) was as tickled by the description as I am now.

Anyway, more of the seminar in a blog tomorrow - as it was a major contributing factor to my dismal effort on the training front this week (that and my lazy/ work excuse daemon). For now though everything is good - listening to Kings of the Leon while Julie decorates the Christmas tree.

Easy runner

I have come to the conclusion it was just as well I did not go on an expedition to find Livingstone in the heart of the Congo in 1870's as it took me 15 minutes to find Illogan in a car from a roundabout about 2 miles outside Illogan - the dangers of being 'intuitive' and ignoring directions.

Anyway, got to Anthony's late, then had to ask for some drink to take with me (I left mine at home) and then off we set...

It was about 30 seconds in to the run that I came to another conclusion: Anthony runs a lot lot faster than me! I was unable to hold a conversation, in fact I was hardly able to breath with any pattern, so I struggled to say 'you will have to go a lot slower' in the cool/ offhand manner I had intended.

Settled down into a pattern once we got on the North Coast road between the top of Portreath and Hells Mouth: Anthony would glide out in front, ease back, let me catch up and overtake and then repeat the process.

Towards the end I really did try to keep in front but to no avail. Time was 1 hour 27 minutes for 11 miles - which is 'not bad' for me. Anthony's normal time for this circuit is 1 hour 20 minutes...

I did enjoy myself (particularly the bit towards the end where I deluded myself that I was going to stop Anthony overtaking).

Superb fun. Excellent workout for me. (and something I will hopefully make a feature in my training programme).

'Better to clip a wing mirror'

'Better to clip a wing mirror' is a piece of advice passed onto me today that I shall hopefully remember next time I have to decide going down hill (c20 -25 mph) on a cycle between:

a) possibly clipping a wing mirror by getting close to a car; or,

b) giving the car a wide berth, clipping the edge of an area of removed tarmac, losing control of bike and broadsiding across the road on my knee...

I felt like crying after I had picked myself up from the my resting place in the grass verge (but could not as Simon M is an ex Marine).

Was grateful for helmet, as this took the impact when side of head bounced (gently) on road, and leggings which took some of brunt off grazing and also meant I did not have to look at bloodied knees until I got home! Was also grateful for lovely coffee and cake bought by Steve at Godrevy Cafe.

Did not exactly 'scrub' the wounds as Simon M had suggested but did pat them with soap whilst in shower and Julie used dettol wipes (with relish) after to ensure clean.

P.S. Apparently the reason why cyclists shave their legs is to reduce chances of grit etc getting caught in hair follicles.

Thanks for memories

'This is a not a love song' - a song that always take me back to a time, a place and a slight regret (not seeing PIL play at the St Austell Coliseum in 1984/85). Apart from this and an association of 'This Corrosion' by Sisters of Mercy and 'Sweet Child O'Mine' by Guns and Roses with my final exams at Sheffield Poly I have a very poor memory; which is a shame.

Having hung up my 5-aside football boots on Tuesday I hope I can hold onto/ recall some of the memories of playing for the 'B's': a team that played with passion and fight. Some would have referred to us as 'bad losers' but to me we were just displaying passion...

I do hope the memory of my last two games soon fades - a 'pass' across the face of my own goal that led to the oppositions (are biggest rivals) first goal in the first game and then the ignominy of being pushed over and then feeling to need to square up to a lad who would have pulverised me if it had 'kicked off' in the second game; among the 'highlights'. (Nick, maybe you were right - I am the 'Bs' Phillipe Senderos...)

We did finish 2nd in the league twice, once losing out in the last game of the season, got to the cup semi final once and beat our 'A' team once. My favourite games (those that I can remember) were 2 draws; one against a firm of solicitors which we drew 4-4 (in an superb game) and one against a bank where we drew 1-1 (I did not play much of that game but our team which featured two ladies, fought superbly and our goalie was superb). My proudest moment - picking up a (one) nomination for 'best player in a season' (Alright, it may have been someone having a joke!)

But main thing is difficult to put into words - a feeling of being part of something at one level and most intimate was being part of the 'B' team, on a wider level being part of the 'Professional Services League' often a topic of conversation within the Cornish Business Community. (honestly!).

I may return to '5 aside memories' in future blogs but for now thanks to; Nick, Andrew, Ian, Jason, Jess, Sara, Jon, Nick and all the ringers who have played for us particularly Rob, Hugh and Dave (Dave, I hope your calf muscle is better). And to all those who played for the 'A' team.

Thanks for the enjoyment and for putting up with me!

Stargazer - a faller at flat rocks

Went for a run on the beach in Perranporth this evening. At the start of the run I was pelted my hail stones - which stung. The sky then cleared up in large patches and these patches were filled with stars.

It is not normal for me to think too much about the 'universe' but tonight I was. I do not generally have much admiration for space travel - feeling that the money/ effort could be 'better applied sorting out this planet' but as I gazed at the night sky I could understand the pull of unknown.

As a plane's lights mingled with the stars I also had a feeling of wonder at what man had achieved (technologically).

I was just beginning to think of trying to draft a poem when I splashed into a knee deep 'moat' that was surrounding an exposed rock at flat rocks. I then hit said rock with shins and knees.

Could not assess extent of any cuts until I got back into street lite area and was then pleased to see some blood - which I could show off to Julie. Her response was 'properly looks worse than it is' - which was factually correct.

Wind is howling out there now - cycle in tomorrow is going to be fun!

Flat and dropped by the peloton - 2?

Flat and dropped by the peloton - 1

'Must have more self belief' was an expression Dave used at work this week and it was a phrase I thought of when I got home from cycling today.

Really struggled from Quintrell Downs all the way back to Perranporth. I was working really hard (most of the time) but just could not get momentum. Got dropped off the back of the small peloton and could even see the other 3 once we got to Rejarrah. All the time I was thinking 'my back tyre seems flat' and I would look down and it seemed a bit flat but I was not sure. Anyway when I (finally) got back home I checked and the tyre was flat - not completely - but significantly deflated.

Next time I must:

a) have the self confidence to think 'flat tyre' as opposed to 'slow rider'

b) get it fixed straight away

I am absolutely shattered now...

(Pictures are of Chrissie Wellington who recently won woman's race at Ironman Hawaii for the 2nd time. This 2nd victory even after she had a 10 minute stop for a puncture. To slightly modify the phrase used to describe Rimmer's alter ego in Red Dwarf - 'What a lady')

Ethereal realisation

Ran out of everything* (resolve + enthusiasm) by the end of the week -

1. No run on Wednesday or Thursday
   
2. No swim tonight
   
3. Increasing numbers of coffees and cakes/ biscuits
   

Reason = work** or rather I allowed work to be consumptive.

Still I did manage 60 miles of cycling, 6.5 miles of running and 40 lengths of swimming.

Also have got myself a 'running mate', Anthony, who I will be going out running with at weekends - starting next Sunday at 9.30am (I am writing this so I do not forgot). Anthony, will be planning a route of between and 10 and 14 miles - which is going to be tough for me as a) further than I have run since March/ April and b) Anthony is faster than I am. It will be good to be challenged... other challenge this gives me is fitting in swim (surf) with Si!

Was good to catch up with royzy yesterday and hear of his trip to Bradford - you can read about adventures on http://www.royzy.co.uk/

* have just watched 'Unreported World' on Cult of the Thugs - Venezuela, Caracas, which it self followed an appeal for aid from DEC for people suffering in the DR Congo. So fully appreciate the scale of my exaggeration.

**Also appreciate I am fortunate to have a job; particularly one I enjoy.

Voices in the desert

Did my cycle and a short run tonight; which is a good start to this phase of training.

Did not do as well with 'one coffee' a week - with Dave making me a cup at 9am and then buying a cafe nero at lunch time. I had felt a 'need' for coffee and had a voice in my head (Dave or Julie's?) as I was in town at lunch time repeating over and over 'need coffee', 'need coffee'...

I have also struggled to say 'no' to biscuits with Tom leaving them on my desk! Have withstood that temptation better than coffee.

Tomorrow is a business/ network breakfast at Bedruthan Steps Hotel. I will try and run the beach before I depart and then go swimming after work.

My evolution?- a new resolve

After Arsenal's defeat yesterday I got a bit teasy and as soon as game finished decided to hoover the car and then destroy the copious lists of goals and tasks that littered my Filofax (very 80's I know!) - and start again.

Have 20 'new' items to clear in the week ahead... (or should I say 'that I will clear in the week ahead').

Saw Dylan Moran at HFC last night. Whilst not as good as Eddie Izzard was still excellent and I am finding myself smiling as I type this as I think of some of his material (observations). Dave and Dean took tickets that I had bought for royzy and Lisa (royzy being on his way back from Bradford last night). Hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.

Interestingly, both Eddie and Dylan had more than a few words to say about creationism (as well as God(s) and Silvio Berlusconi).

Dylan's choice of music just before he came was good, including as it did Arctic Monkeys (which I have listened to today as a result) and the theme from 'the Wire' - best TV series ever?

Anyway, a 'new me' is going to sign off and make a 'traditional cooked breakfast' (well traditional for a vegetarian....) for lunch.

P.S. I do know how lucky the 'old me' was.

Run: slow but satisfying

After some deliberation decided to run to St Agnes and back this morning - returning along the cliffs. I had thought about running toward's Holywell Bay so I could have a James Bond 'theme' to today (off to see Quantum of Solace this evening and a scene of Die Another Day was filmed at Holywell Bay). In the end the allure of the cliff path between St Agnes and Perranporth won.
Wore my Walsh's. Terrain was not ideal: I am concious that any running on roads may damage/ wear down the 'spikes'.

Started sluggish but felt good at the end (but isn't that always the way!). Took 1 hour 45 minutes: about 15 minutes slower than I would liked but this was the first time I had run that far since probably May/ June.

Shoes = superb (bit of discomfort on ball of right foot when on road but this disappeared towards the end).

Have mapped out a exercise regime to experiment with over the next 2 weeks:

• Monday: Cycle + Run (beach)


• Tuesday: Swim or 5-aside


• Wednesday: Swim + Cycle


• Thursday: Cycle + Run


• Friday: Swim


• Saturday: Cycle (with Perranporth Posse)


• Sunday: Swim (and Run?)

Aim for next few weeks is to do the least equivalent of 1/2 ironman each week - 80 lengths swim + 56 miles on the bike + 13 miles of running. (this is not based on any scientific rationale - I have various books that I should refer to in putting together a 'training plan')

P.S. When looking for a picture to accompany this blog I came across the Cornwall County Council website which nicely describes the coast path. Not sure about the distance they give of 4 miles though! (I always thought it was further...)

Fine example of lack of resolve

Yesterday when I got back from cycle I resolved (again) to give up coffee. About 1/2 hour later Julie said did I want a coffee, I said 'yes'.

(Is it coincidence that Arsenal's new found resolve/ purpose faltered - leaving them 'outplayed' by Aston Villa, after sparkling performances against Man Utd and Wigan?)

Wesley Road

Cycled to Mum and Dad's this morning (Mawgan Porth). Felt tired, especially at Cubert on the way back when I got 'lost'. (Must remember to turn left at roundabout at end of Wesley Road - I always go right! Some quite challenging hills on route and I was over dressed for temperature (extremely mild).

My plan for months leading up Norseman is beginning to take shape. I aim to do a number of challenging events in April 2009 and then 'rest' in May before picking the intensity up in June and first two weeks of July 2009. Events considered for April include:

• 19/4 - North Cornwall Tor (100m cycle - very tough)


• 26/4 - 3 peaks race (marathon in Yorkshire Dales)


• 4/4 - Cornwall Coastal Marathon (very tough)


• 5/4 - Cornwall Coastal Trail Quest (?)

The only one I have entered to date is North Cornwall Tor (and despite my best efforts I have yet to persuade either of the two James' to join me...).

(I had not noticed that the road out of Cubert was called Wesley Road until this morning - maybe a sign should restart my project to write a play about John Wesley!)

My default settings = Not good

This week saw me getting in a bit of a flap at work (I say 'bit' - if I had wings I would taken off!), drink coffee by the bucket load, spend too much time, unnecessarily, in the office and only cycle twice. No swims and 1/2 a run... Hardly the stuff of a focused Norseman in the making.

Also, messed everyone around re 5-aside - I thought Julie might like to watch my play as a 'warm up act' for Eddie Izzard. (Well to be honest I never actually thought Julie would, especially given the fact that despite the fixtures being rearranged to give me a chance of playing and getting to the theatre it would have been tight...). The team did well without me and probably would have done better still if they had not had to play twice in a row - due to my rearrangement of fixtures!

Eddie Izzard was superb... Click here for a review. Some people can ad lib...

Snarly sea

In the sea this morning at Newquay Bay. Si went for a surf at Towan I jogged up the beach (tide was out) to Great Western/ Tolcarne before entering the sea for swim back towards the harbour.

It was a snarly sea even when I got out behind waves, there was a lot of (wind) chop and I swallowed more water than I usually do or than I liked!

Si confirmed it was 'ages' before I came into sight of the surfers who were at Towan. Realised I had not been in for proper swim for 3 weeks and it was only towards end of swim that I felt I was swimming with any strength or purpose. Now resolved to get in pool at least 2 x week, starting on Wednesday morning before work.

Si said the sea was not that friendly for surfers either - dumping.

No sea swim/ surf next weekend as Si is away so I will go for my first long run of the Winter (may even wear my Boltons).

Obama - T shirt

I had texted Mark to bring me back an Obama t-shirt from his visit to USA for New York marathon but apparently his search was fruitless apart from XXXL sizes.

Anyway, over the last couple of days a thought has formed or rather a series of thoughts:

1. I could approach royzy to design an Obama t-shirt; and,
2. Ask Advertees to produce a small number of the royzy designs

From the news footage of the US election there would appear to be a multitude of designs out there so an alternative would be look on internet to see what is available.

Or I could just buy one or both of Obama's autobiographies, which I will probably do today.

'Siege mentality'

Well done to Arsenal team (all of you) for beating Man Utd yesterday.

I listened to the first half of the game on this laptop clothed only in my underpants. I say this not to excite or to vomit induce but as a statement of fact. I was feeling really warm after my Saturday morning cycle: I have to work to keep up. Really enjoyed the cycle, down to Godrevy via Camborne and back and can highly recommend coffee at Sunset Cafe at Gwithian: excellent.

Just three of us were out cycling yesterday and talking to one, Matt, on the home stretch discovered that he and I had been in a number of events together over the past few years. However, Matt finishing positions (towards the front of the field) contrasted to mine (towards the back) probably explain why our paths have not crossed in a conversational sense previously - as I said to Matt I would not have seen him unless it was an event with laps...

Title of the blog is reference to phrase Steve Claridge used on a few occasions yesterday to describe the atmosphere at the Emirates and perhaps the attitude of the players (after receiving stick from press over the last 10 days).

Resume of training over the last 4 weeks

On cycle into work this morning I compiled mental list of training done in the four weeks after we returned from Yorkshire.

Sum total:

• Cycled (14*20 + 35 + 25) = 340 miles;
• Run (3*2.5 + 2.5) = 10 miles; and,
• Swim (1 x long + 1 x short + ?) = 1-2 miles?

Need to 'ramp up' the running and swimming but good foundation for cycling.

(Note: could not go swimming on Tuesday as pool closed for refurbishment. Pool reopens on Monday and I might try and go before work on Wednesday's as well as after work on Tuesday or Thursday - depending on 5-aside)

I am in the Norseman

Received email today to say 'This is to inform you that we have accepted your entry for Norseman 2009!'

'Excellent news' response to my text informing Si summed up my feelings.

Julie had responded with 'you are the Norseman...' which may be a little premature - a lot of training lies between now and completing the event. Looking forward to it all of it.

I tried to explain to one of my bosses about the event, the swim in fjord, the first 2 hours of cycling being up hill, the final cut off point after 37.5 km of the run and the different t-shirts awarded to those that complete the final mountain run... Anyway, at the end of my little resume of the Norseman, John commented 'all of that for a t-shirt!'

I am excited!

Lack of spine?

'Lack of spine' is a criticism being levied at Arsenal at the moment (by Thomas Sorensen, Stoke - among others) and with a little change (to 'lack of resolve') is a charge I would levy it at me...

I have failed my traffic light system. As a reminder to myself on October I came up with a traffic light system to govern / try and influence my behaviour. Lights were:

• RED: Not to work past 5pm (unless imperative to do so)


• GREEN: Blog at least 3 x week (makes me feel better - exercising creative muscle!
  
• GREEN: Swim at least once during week - Thursday? Need to sort membership of pool.
  
• AMBER: Sell Endowment? Look into
  
• GREEN: Keep track of money spent/ log all expenditure AND make expense claims
  
• AMBER: Research costs etc for Norseman (to conclude by 27/10)
  
• RED: Coffee + cake during the week
  
• RED: Stop personal emails to work address etc
  
• AMBER: Friendships, start by returning emails, reading Blogs etc (Monday nights?)
  
• GREEN: Out with Simon M for bike ride on Saturday morning

So far I have kept to one green! I should find out about Norseman entry tomorrow and it is time to find new resolve. A positive outlook from now on (in recognition of how lucky I am - Julie is watching a programme which includes references to Aids, selling daughters and forced prostitution).

On a lighter (and a less self consumed) note I have been researching Richard I and to add to my existing knowledge ('I would sell London if I could find someone rich enough to buy it') I have discovered three unlucky omens shadowed his reign:

1. His father's corpse bled at the nose when he neared it. It was said that a corpse bled only in the presence of its murderer.
   
2. A bat flew around him in daylight at his coronation.
   
3. His sacred crusader's staff broke when he leaned upon it.

Still not sure why his statue is outside Westminster Abbey.

(P.S. Arsenal appear to have played ok tonight wasting 'a host of chances' in 0-0 draw).

President elect Barack Obama

Yes!

Vampiric self hate

Felt a tad down/ flat on cycle home tonight. Ended up composing a little poem that featured the lines.

False promises
Dissipate
Into vampiric
Self hate

(Or something similar). Anyway, I have cheered up and I am now blogging in front of open fire.

Norseman website indicates that event oversubscribed but I should hear by Thursday whether I am in. Fingers crossed.

Will go swimming tomorrow and start a Tuesday and/or Thursday night regime. Will aim to swim a least a mile each time I go to the pool this month and then step up to 160 lengths once a week by February/ March 2009: the Iron man swim is 3,800 metres - the equivalent of 156 lengths.

Watched the last 4 laps of Brazilian Grand prix yesterday and had not realised I could become so emotionally engaged in a motor race, particularly in such a small space of time. Well done Lewis.

Also congratulations to Mark and Rachel who both finished the New York marathon and to Paula (whose autobiography I will put on list for Santa...)

Good luck to Mark, Rachel and others

A friend of mine is doing the New York Marathon today - and has in fact just left for the start line at some ridiculously early time in the morning. Good luck to Mark, Rachel (his wife) and the rest of the team doing to marathon. Also, good luck to Paula.

Mark and Rachel will still be in New York when the US Presidential election results are announced: good luck Obama.

Also, good luck to Lewis Hamilton, in today's Grand Prix. Here's hoping you are crowned world champion.

(P.S. No news yet on whether I am in Norseman)

A sunday morning treat!

Met up with Si for a sea swim (no surf) this morning. Went in a Tolcarne after noting the waves were coming in sideways at South Fistral - wind swept. In the end we went in 3 times to get 'out back' - there wasn't really an outback today - and each time made little progress out and quite a lot across the beach: taking it in turns (it seemed) to see who could get closer to the rocks on the way back in... Superb fun (although I felt the sea was definitely reminding me who is the boss.)

Found an oasis in which to get changed after. I will keep the location secret on the remote possibility that someone reads this blog AND fancies an early Sunday morning swim in Newquay bay AND are there the next time Si and I want to use the spot again. Anyway, the spot is sheltered and has warm air coming out of some outlet pipe. As Si said it created a micro climate system. While we getting changed at a leisurely pace people began to exit nearby Hotel and one lady remarked she had looked up and saw 'a man taking his trousers off' and that was 'a nice Sunday morning treat'. So everyone happy.

Norseman registration submitted

Today I sent in my Norseman registration - now have fingers crossed. Should hear in the next few days.

Went for a cycle this morning with the Perranporth posse: which today included Stephen, Chris, Gareth and Matt. Three of these are doing an Iron man next year (2 doing Austria and one Switzerland). I have to admit I was found wanting when the pass was upped. In the end I took shorter route back - the excuse being that I wanted to get back to register for Norseman (registration opened at 12 noon) but I was tired...

Now listening to Metric (ok), and keeping an eye on teletext for sign of Arsenal recovery (currently 1-0 behind at Stoke and I can almost sense the collective head drop among the players - following chucking away 4-2 lead in closing minutes of last game out against Spurs...). Must be positive.

Julie has come up with great idea for accomodation / transport in Norway - a camper van. I will explore this further...

Snow: drift

Was on a course with Dave in London on Wednesday. Had travelled up night before and was able to experience the first snow to fall in October in London since 1934 whilst walking from our Hotel on the Strand to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey and back. (I am interested to find out why Richard I's statue is outside the Abbey - will research this)

Had packed my running shoes with me and actually got up and went for a short run on Wednesday morning. Did an even shorter run this evening (30/10) - I am just trying to do some exercise 6 days a week to maintain habit (but conscious I need to start doing something more...).

Spoke to Si tonight and he has confirmed 'up' for trip to Norway - so all set for Norseman registration on 1 November.

Shooting star (a sign?)

Was getting indecisive about Norseman last weekend; combination of doubts on money, logistics etc.

After a lazy (but enjoyable) day watching Arsenal and Liverpool on TV, I forced myself out of the house early evening for a short run. Was really glad I did - it was a lovely clear sky night and air was fresh. Got onto beach and ran towards sea's edge. Looked up from my thoughts to catch the tail end of a shooting star.

I am taking this is a sign that I should strengthen my resolve towards Norseman - entries open 1 November.

From Adams to Grimandi: Apologies all round

Played 2 games of 5-aside yesterday.

In the first I scored: a goal that reminded me of Tony Adams' goal against Everton in title clinching game of 1998 (to me anyway!). We won 5-3.

In the second I was a complete idiot. We lost 8-1 largely due to my 'bull in a china shop' (nice expression for the way I behaved) non-performance. Spent first thing this morning sending emails apologising to both my own team and the opposition.

Should also apologise to Giles Grimandi who I thought of when thinking of Arsenal player in terms of my performance in second game... Obviously not a fair reflection. Sorry Giles.

Lack of resolve takes me through 2 red lights

First day of a 'new me' went the way of many other first days of new me... By 10am (at the latest) my 'no coffee' resolve went; with Dave who had made the coffee to entice me commenting that I had 'no resolve'. This was further demonstrated when I was still in work at 5.40pm.

(On a positive note:

1. I did cycle to and from work and


2. I was not eaten by zombies... a dream I had last night)

Super Swim in Thermo Vest.

Had a fantastic sea swim on Saturday: in Newquay Bay, from off the harbour wall to Tolcarne and back. Bit cold and arms ached so much towards the end I could only do 4 strokes of front crawl at a time. Si led the way...

Had 'thermo vest' on for the first time since the summer and the slight extra weight in the arms was more than compensated for by the extra warmth. Whilst my feet felt that a tad cold when I got out the rest of me was 'ok'. Si did say after he bought his vest that it was the best £40 he had ever spent and this was more than sufficient endorsement for me to purchase one.

Traffic Lights

Time to start changing my behaviour. I am going to experiment with a traffic light system and shortlist of behavioural changes for forthcoming fortnight are:

• RED: Not to work past 5pm (unless imperative to do so)


• GREEN: Blog at least 3 x week (makes me feel better - exercising creative muscle!)


• GREEN: Swim at least once during week - Thursday? Need to sort membership of pool.


• AMBER: Sell Endowment? Look into


• GREEN: Keep track of money spent/ log all expenditure AND make expense claims


• AMBER: Research costs etc for Norseman (to conclude by 27/10)


• RED: Coffee + cake during the week


• RED: Stop personal emails to work address etc


• AMBER: Friendships, start by returning emails, reading Blogs etc (Monday nights?)


• GREEN: Out with Simon M for bike ride on Saturday morning

Two week experiment: prompted by running through red lights earlier in week. Was feeling a bit low after work on Tuesday and drove past line of what I assumed was parked traffic; only to see traffic light on red was cause of queue as I drove past last vehicle...

Maybe should add: GREEN: be more alert to whether stationary cars are parked!

Caught in a rip: behavioural change and the 'last packet syndrome'

Spent some time in the sea at the weekend: lovely weather. Admittedly, I accurately described my swim on Saturday as 'prating around' to 2 surfers I was close to when I stopped to tred water. I think they were impressed that someone would be out in '2 metre swell' - their exaggerated description - but I was not doing anything structured; particularly in the context of Norseman next year. On Sunday, I made the effort to be more swimming and try and concentrate of technique, which was progress. Did get caught in a real (as opposed to just a metaphoric rip) that resulted in me swimming and Si on his board paddling for 10 minutes (Si counted 250 strokes) with no progress...

I posted a comment on a friends (Jason, I hope you will allow me to use that description!) blog, which has made me think more on 'changing behaviour' or, to put it in the scenario of sea swimming, 'escaping the rip tide'. Jason has of, almost, 2 days ago given up smoking and started a blog as part of discipline of stopping - http://ciggiesbegone.blogspot.com/ - (which I recommend for excellent prose as well as enabling you to post supportive comment). Anyway, I questioned the need for the 'last packet' - on reflection I feel that maybe I need my own version of a 'last packet' to stimulate me to change behaviour. My own syndrome 'I will do it tomorrow' syndrome does not seem that effective (it is a good few weeks since I posted my 'can a leopard change its spots' blog...)

Date for change now set for 20/10: need to define objectives this week.

P.S. From recollection, if you are caught in a sea rip current:

1. Do not panic
2. Do not try and swim against rip
3. Try and gauge which way the rip is going and swim at right angles i.e., across the rip until you are out of rip and then head back towards shore

(As a more comprehensive guidance http://www.asrltd.co.nz/downloads/Reefs/reef%20safety/RipBrochure.pdf appears useful)

Crocked and curse of the weaver fish

5 a-side football last night -may be for the last time as I turned my ankle, which is still sore and swollen today; thus preventing me from:

1. attending 'Abbey Road' photo shoot (more of which in subsequent blog maybe)


2. running or cycling (today should have been a cycle day)
   

I thought talk of my retiring may have engendered a 'no' or 'please do not' from team mates but it did not... Lost both games last night.

Was keen to get back in 'Boltons' and do some more running but may have to wait for a few days.

Anyway, when I was trying to elicit some sympathy by constantly referring to sore ankle at work today one of my friends countered by saying that had stood on a weaver fish, which to be honest was much more interesting. I learnt today:

1. A weaver fish buries itself in the sand on the low tide mark and if stood on will 'sting' by injecting protein
2. The sting is very painful and apparently can feel like a vice being tightened on your foot
3. For best immediate relief: dip foot into warm as you can bear water (dissipates protein apparently)
4. Some beaches have 'waver fish buckets' with aforementioned hot water
5. One time Tom had to interject in a exchange between crying boy and his mum to explain that the symptoms boy was describing were indications that he had stood on weaver fish as opposed to sharp stone

I honestly do not know how much of the above (re weaver fish) is true but some of it is consistent with http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/surfing/sites/features/pages/marine_life.shtml and I do believe Tom.

P.S. Have just scanned wikipedia entry for weaver fish, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weever, and note that the weaver fish sinks if it stops swimming, which apparently is quite unusual for a fish!

These shoes are made for fell running

Bought some awesome running shoes whilst on holiday.

Made in Bolton by real people apparently, I did not know anything about them before I purchased but now see Walsh fell shoes have websites/ sections to websites dedicated to them (including http://www.alpineworld.com/trail/walsh.html) and feature on various forums.

I have bought them to have a go at 3 peaks race - hopefully next year as part of build up for Norseman.

Have just been for one short run in them so far but really liked them - comfortable and so light. Feet felt a little flat but anticipate this is more due to walking 39 miles in Dr Martins in last week than lack of support in Walsh shoe.

My itinerary for next year is beginning to take shape. In addition to 3 peaks race it will hopefully include Endurance Life's Cornish Coastal marathon and North Cornwall Tor.

P.S. Having just seen the date of North Cornwall Tor it could work out really well or that event could be on same day as 3 peaks race (still trying to track down 3 peaks race date for 2009).

In God's own country: walking with Jesus

Just back from fantastic holiday in Yorkshire Dales, where much to my surprise I found I enjoyed walking! We did all 'three peaks' - although not in one day.

On Thursday (2/10) we did Ingleborough and Whernside. The next day we did Pen-y-ghent. I am full of admiration for those who manage all three in one day ('all those' include my sister-in-law - respect).

Our Thursday walk Julie were joined by Richard Morgan, a 65 year old walker who became our guide for the day, leading us down from fog bound Ingleborough across Simon's fell and Peak Fell and onwards. Julie and I were running to keep up with Him at times and one time I could have sworn he walked on water... And all the sustenance he appeared to take on board during the 15 miles was 2 pieces of cake and a pint of beer. (Julie is currently waiting to see if a picture we took of Richard comes out or if he was just a figment of our imagination!). Whilst walking Richard also informed us he had a goal of walking (or 'bagging' as I have now read on Internet) the 500 Munros in Scotland: he had 50 to go...

The next day we briefly chatted to a 69 year old, who again we would have struggled to keep with.

Walks/ countryside inspired me to:

1. Have a go at 3 peaks race - as part of training for Norseman
   
2. Buy some fell running shoes
   
3. Go walking more often

P.S. Also read God's Own Country by Ross Raisan whilst away - very good if very unsettling!

Looking forward to the view from the Dales

Off on holiday on Friday. Will see David Tennant in Hamlet at Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday night before taking up residence in self catering accommodation on the Yorkshire Dales. It had been my intention to do cycle cross event on the Sunday but did not get entry in after petulant email pre-registration opening (where I felt compelled to push forward my 'athletic achievements' in response to email from organiser that enraged me in some way).

[Listening to Arsenal boys on radio commentary tonight, 4-0 up. 7 teenagers in the team, average age = 19. Superb]

On cycle home tonight I was thinking of early morning runs on the Dales followed by a cooked breakfast... nice thoughts.

[5-0 after goal from Jack Wilshere, 16 years old]

I will try and persuade Julie to do the 3-peaks walk, apparently you get a certificate if complete the route within a certain time (will have to research this further...)

Will also use time in Dales to plan training and events for the next year: target to be at peak fitness for Norseman on 8 August.

P.S. Arsenal win 6-0; hatrick for Carlos Vera

A mission accomplished: well not exactly

Had fantastic time yesterday at Perranporth Triathlon. Really enjoyed the event 'in the whole'. Swim was awful - this will be the last time I write 'did not feel comfortable doing front crawl so went to breaststroke' or 'I must learn to swim' or one of a number of phrases I bound around after a triathlon swim. I will learn to swim and I will start by taking my two swimming books to Yorkshire next week to immerse myself in theory (and hopefully some practise as I understand some 'Wild Swim' swims are within hiking distance.)

Cycled strongly (for me) and was pleases with concerted effort - racing number 25 (after we overtook one another for the nth time he introduced himself as 'Tony') over the whole of the 2nd lap certainly helped.

Plodded the run but overtook a few more. Julie, royzy and Lisa arrived at the finish (about 10 minutes after I had finished, which I found encouraging...) and we just sat in the sun, chatting. Felt content.

Found out today I finished 139th, out of 213 starters, click here for results. So did not make top 1/2 so 'well not exactly' should read 'no' but I am pleased nonetheless.

Key learning points:

1. Learn to swim front crawl

Must also learn to stop myself retching before and during the event - threw up twice on walk down to beach in the morning.

P.S. Enjoyed 'Tropic Thunder' at cinema yesterday evening. Good day.

Enter Sandman - target set for Perranporth Triathlon

Went to Fistral in morning for 'swim' (more of a bob around). Was conscious of getting in the way of throngs of surfers in this morning, particularly when coming back into shore. One swept across a wave in front of head. (It was just as well roles were not reversed as I would no doubt have hit him - as royzy will testify! Unlikely, scenario the more I think of it as he was surfing across the wave, something I failed to do in 2 + years - as Si, my surfing Yoda will testify!)

Got stuff ready for Perranporth Triathlon using checklist I made on blog on preparing for Newquay: good idea. Have to get myself mentally ready now.

I am going to sit down and watch/ listen to some Metallica recorded from TV last night in the hope that this will really fire me up for Perranporth Triathlon. Target is finish in top half which is going to be a real challenge as I note I finished 162 (out of 227 starters) last year in 2:28:13. To have finished in top 1/2 I would have to had to have done a time of 2:17:40. In football speak, I will have to give it 110%!

Royzy and Lisa, and maybe Si, may be coming to watch which will be really nice. (but do not feel pressured if you happen to read this!)

James H rang to say he had been ill in the week and would not be taking part - so just me v the clock!

P.S. Have not been a fan of Metallica previously but in the spirit of embracing all things 'norse' I recorded their appearance on Jools Holland Live and enjoyed it (however, now having researched the band a bit I realise they are from California not Scandinavia as I had thought - shows how little I know about music).

Eboue = Man of the Match

Just shows (again) how little I know about football. I have just finished listening to commentary of Arsenal beating Bolton 3-1 which featured the phrase 'Eboue as man of the match, Jimmy?' It also featured the phrase 'classic Walcott'. Superb victory, although I was a tad concerned towards the end when score was still 2-1 and Arsenal seemed to be strolling towards victory (or perhaps conceding an equaliser...)

10 minutes

Pushed myself on final stage of cycle home tonight, completing the section from turn off the Newquay road to my house in just over 10 minutes. Definitely can cycle faster/ sustain effort better and will attempt to record time over that section again over the next few weeks to see what improvement I can make.

Will not cycle tomorrow as busy day at work and need to get away sharpish for Godson's birthday. Must try and get a swim as well as a cycle in on Friday.

I am looking forward to Perranporth Triathlon on Sunday. Need to get focused over the next few days and get kit sorted etc (need to look back to list made for Newquay).

Confirmation on Norseman website earlier this week that 2009 entries open 1 November 2008; with details of prices etc being posted in the interim. Date of the event is set for 8 August 2009. Was reminded by Simon at weekend that 'good support crew are essential for Norseman': one of his friends has done the event. Was therefore a bit disconcerted when royzy suggested he might wave to me from a bus while I was on the cycle leg...