The story so far

2011 was spent getting to grips with the marathon.
I had always resisted the marathon, mainly cos I'm a soft arse and had no desire to put myself through the pain of a 26.2 mile run. All of winter 2010 was spent running, on a daily basis, in preparation for my first event, Gloucester Marathon, in January 2011. Slowly, but surely, one calf strain after another, my training was complete and the big day arrived.
Gloucester marathon is a 4 mile figure of 8, into a 3 x 7 mile loop, peeling of to the finish, affair. I had not anticipated the psychological effect of seeing the 24 mile marker when I was at mile 5. It wasn't a positive one.
I set off at 6:30 - 6:40 pace content that I felt comfortable (what a dumb ass!) This pace at Gloucester (it's a small event) will put you fairly near the front and I enjoyed the delusion of feeling like an elite, well for the first half I did. The constant pounding took it's toll on my legs. 13.1 miles - legs are getting tired, 15 miles - now I'm suffering, 20 miles - now I'm in a world of pain, 22 miles -  god dam it, I'm going to have to walk/run the last few miles.
I limped home in a time of 3:14. Met at the finish by my team manager and partner, Lesley, I uttered the words 'never again' and 'who's stupid idea was that'. Well, it was words to that effect.

Approximately, 1 week later I decided that I would do Edinburgh Marathon in May. The pain of Gloucester a distant memory. I duly signed up and commenced the process again.
After limping home, from mile 18, in a time of 3:26, I uttered the words 'never again' and 'who's stupid idea was that. Never let me do another'.

Approximately, 1 week later I decided that I would do Chester Marathon in October. The pain of Edinburgh and Gloucester a distant memory. I duly signed up and commenced the process again.

Two marathons wiser, I allowed the fast boys from Man Tri to continue on their Chester Marathon journey and leave me. By mile 10  I had caught our very own Iron Brian, who had been reduced to nearly a shuffle. Could this be right?? Too much studying and not enough training I believe. At half way I had Andy Quicke in my sights. I think this was one long distance event too many for Andy. I continued on my journey determined to run all the way.
With 200 metres to go you turn right onto the race course and you have the finish in sight. Content that I had run all the way I cared little about who ran passed me. Or did I? As I turned right, I caught a glimpse of Stefan Skrimshire (Man Tri Member). He was sprinting like Esain Bolt in an attempt to pass me. This couldn't be happening. I mustered some energy and set off in an attempt to hold onto my position, keeping Stefan just behind as we crossed the finish line. I finished in a chip time of 3:08:56. I believe this is 'good for age' for entry to London Marathon.

Not what I really had in mind for the last 200 metres

Met at the finish by my team manager and partner, Lesley, I uttered the words 'never again' and 'who's stupid idea was that'. You get the pattern don't you!

That was back in October. Now I have the long distance, endurance event bug., I have now gone one better and tagged a Marathon onto the end of a 2.4 mile swim and a 112 mile bike. Yes, I have signed up for a long distance tri. 'Outlaw' to be exact. It's not my main event of the year, that being IM 70.3 UK at Wimbleball.
Training commenced shortly after Chester Marathon.
I am being coached by Paul Hawkins. The biggest thing I have learned so far is that I have never trained with enough consistency and intensity. That is why I have been Mr Average since 2007. That has now been rectified. You will regularly see me cycling hard as I can around the hills at Rivington, going straight into a hard 30 minute run up to the Pike and back or being unable to lift my arms after a 1000 metre swim interval session or at the side of the road, feeling like I need to vomit, after numerous 1 mile 'best you can' run reps.

Times are changing and I intend to be the best I can.