Brighton Marathon

Today saw the 6th running of the Brighton Marathon and also the 6th time I have taken part, yes I am becoming one of those people who can claim to have taken part in every race since it started!

I was a bit apprehensive due to the fact that the organisers had put out a note before the event that the drinks would be in cups.  I have never got on with drinking from cups during a run so was not looking forward to it. My worst fears were confirmed when I ended up with Gatorade all over me.

Anyway I decided it was better to walk through the drinks station and at least get some liquid inside me than over me. This was not ideal as getting my legs to start running again was a bit of a mission!

I had started out at 9 min mile pace and was feeling quite good but as I hit half way my legs started to complain, I managed to push on and finish the race in a PB of 4hrs 16, some 8 minutes quicker than last year.

Heading along the seafront I was catching a man wearing a mankini so I put on a bit of a spurt to get past him and out of his way to avoid having him photobomb my finish photo.

After staggering through the finish getting my medal and retrieving my kit it was time to make my way back to the station and get the train home. Whilst on the train I had a congratulations text from my friend Jennie who had obviously been following me online. My turn to follow her and Dave in 2 weeks when they run London.

My day was finished with a congratulatory tweet from Jenni Falcolner who had been working for channel 4 on the coverage which is due on next weekend, must set it to record!

The race was once again a great event, the support form the crowd amazing and the volunteers again did a fantastic job. Already entered for next year but I may have to rethink my hydration plan for next year if they stick with the cups, I really can't get on with them!

I’ve Read a Book

Now for those of you that don’t know me and for many that do, the title of this post probably doesn't make much sense.

When I was sat at the table the other day with a book laid out and me reading it, my Wife walked in and exclaimed “you’re reading a book!” her tone of shock was probably due to the fact that other than reading books to my children I have probably only read 2 books in the 20 years that we have been married.

So what was this book that had me so engrossed? Well on 25^th March I had been invited to a book launch by my Cousin who, along with her friend, had written her second book, sorry I hadn't read the first one!

The book was called Tricurious and the launch was in an establishment that was for that night selling an ale called Tricurious, so all in all I felt it only right I should attend, I would support Laura, buy some raffle tickets and have my arm twisted to try some of the beer!

The launch was a great night, the beer was great and several of my raffle tickets were drawn out and I was given a copy of the book signed by both of the authors.

Well in less than a week I had finished the book, laughed out loud on the train a couple of times and been inspired to want to give The Bastion a try, even though reading the book made me feel quite old.  I had probably completed my first triathlon before Laura had mastered the art of pushing down hard on the pedal of her first bike!

I even had a mention in the book, although I’m not sure that being carted off in an ambulance part way through an irondistance triathlon is much of a claim to fame. To put this in context, I was taking part in Challenge Henley and about 20 miles into the bike I felt really dizzy, now as I only had 2 wheels under me carrying on riding seemed like a bad idea!

For anyone that is thinking of doing a triathlon, or indeed anyone who already does them, I would recommend reading the book.  Not because I am related to one of the authors but because it is a very good book full of tips and advice that is very down to earth.

I swore after ironmanUK in Bolton that I would not do another long distance triathlon but thanks to Laura and Katie I have now entered The Bastion, part of the Castle Triathlon Series.  Now following the advice in the book I just have to find a sports bra that fits to wear under my wetsuit!