As if by magic...

On cycle yesterday I was in the 'middle of nowhere' (factually I was about a mile or 2 outside of Mawgan) when I stumbled across a cafe that:

• served my favourite brand of coffee (Origin);
• offered to top up my cycle water bottle without me asking; and,
• had a copy of the paper I read on Saturday (The Guardian) on the table I sat down and drank at.

I will have to go back there for a lunch one time with Julie as they had stone ovens for bread and pizza making (two of my favourite foods...)

Coffee, however nice, is not a substitute for isotonic drink

Was almost in tears on cycle back for Coverack today as it seemed every time I looked at my speedo I was doing 8 miles an hour. This in the context of me 'upping the pace' as I realised the 'speed' of my ride to Coverack would have seen me time barred in Norway!

On reflection part of problem may have been lack of energy due to poor fuel intake. I had had 2 energy bars, a cheese and tomato toastie and 2 cups of coffee. My coach was not impressed when I relayed this on my return.

Next time out I will have one of my water bottles with isotonic drink as the gel I had towards the end of my ride perked me up no end (before having the gel I was completely deflated - just leaning on my handle bars watching traffic go through Blackwater)

88 miles today - took me to 152 for the week. Still feel a tad disappointed with today's effort as target was 100 but hopefully a lesson learnt re fuel intake...

(Did manage to up pace overall on way back averaging, close to 13 mph, maybe!)

Last out of the water

Despite my promises to myself that I would front crawl the whole of swim at St Ives today I did not! this was due to my continued belief that I am faster doing breast stroke than crawl AND due to the fact that even before we had got to the first buoy I was last...

Must:

• Get at least some tuition
• Practise (2 pool sessions a week and a long weekend swim for the next 5 weeks)

I was pleased that I did not 'give up' and despite hardly ever seeing one kept the effort going finally overtaking a couple of people at the end of the cycle and a few more on the run.

According to the results on VOTWO I finished 39th out of 49 starters - which sounds better than it felt!

School boy and errors and a foul mouth

Made several school boy errors in St Ives triathlon today, including:

1. Not keeping goggles and consequently losing a contact lens
2. Not getting in sea before race and acclimatising/ getting focused
3. Being in wrong gear for start of first climb; resulting in foot coming out of cleat, bike stopping and a very loud couple of swear words coming from my mouth (I did apologise to those in ear shoot)

Low ebb ended at high tide

Had an invigorating swim in water off Telissick Gardens on Thursday evening last week - after feeling low at work (and being incredibly morose and annoying to boot).

My intention had been to start pool swimming twice a week from last week but I had forgotten about my commitment to a work's do at Trelissick. Good friend Tom said I could miss the first part of the evening, tour of gardens, and slope off for a swim instead. Thanks Tom.

Swift half at Wharfdale RUFC

Well not exactly 'swift' but pleased with finishing 115 out of 220 (est) starters on the Wharfedale 1/2 marathon on 5 June. Really enjoyed the run, my first fell race, as I took part with my brother in law. Overriding memory (apart from the number of times I had to apologise to other car drivers on the way to and from Wharfedale Rugby Club) will be my brother in law charging down the final descent to catch someone who had overtaken him just before that. Awesome effort.

Had intended to follow the 1/2 marathon by watching Castleford Tigers in late kick off against Warrington - but time beat me. We did nonetheless watch the game at Julie's parents on Sky.

As a memento of the first fell race (and to try and maintain brother in laws potential interest in accompanying me at next years 3 Peaks Race) I bought brother in law a copy of 'Feet in the Clouds'. I read the first few pages and may have to buy myself a copy...