N is for Norseman

'You look shattered' was a comment by Si this morning whilst we were getting changed to into the sea.

The picture on my face at the time of Si's comment was actually one of cold mixed by frustration as I was struggling to get my neoprene mittens on but the comment nonetheless summed the way I have been feeling. Not sure why but I have not been sleeping well and maybe the cycle in on Tuesday morning had taken a lot out of me. Anyway, could not muster the energy or enthusiasm to go for Saturday morning cycle and had a, lovely, 12 mile walk with Julie instead.

Woke up this morning and it is was a effort to get out of bed in the cold.

However, approximately 2 1/2 hours later was feeling buoyed up having been in the sea for a swim; sandwiched between two short runs across Fistral beach: we ended up swimming from South to North Fistral. Water was cold but not unpleasant or your face for spells of front crawl.

However, my frustration with my new mittens had resulted in me leaving the glove off and consequently, my left hand was so cold I was wary of getting straight in the shower and experiencing the 'painful' tingling that would follow my hand warming up too quickly.

I said to Si that I needed to run to try and get some feeling back/ circulation back. Si told me to 'do a Mike Channon' - tip for getting blood back into your finger tips passed onto him by a ski instructor. The technique involves making a circular motion with your arm whilst running - replicating the 70's striker's goal celebration. It works...

I may need it again after exiting the fjord in Norseman. Hoping the swim is a platform for renewed, disciplined, training effort and to getting accommodation etc sorted. 'Plan' for week ahead is:

• Mon - Cycle 20 miles
• Tues - Swim 60 lengths
• Wed - Cycle 20 miles + Run 6
• Thur - Swim 60 lengths
• Fri - Cycle 20 miles
• Sat - Cycle 50 miles
• Sun - Sea swim + Run?

Will also dig out book on swimming (properly) and research into swimming lessons.

Here goes...