Monday 6th May - Week 12 - Just like Arnie, 'i'm back'

This is a special post - for all those believers and supporters who have stuck by me from the off, asked me how its going, pushed me to recover to my full strength and speed - and a big hello to those who have not read one of these yet!

So, with a stunning bank holiday monday coming to an end its time to sit down and reflect on what has been going on for the last week - but also the last 8 weeks!

Shoulder wise - i think i am there, its still sore at times and every now and then i think 'oh, shouldn't have done that' but this is usually a result of me carrying too much shopping or throwing Felix about playing as opposed to swimming too much or running too far. I am aware of it all the time and constantly work to the recommendations of the physio and specialists to help it repair properly  as this is more important to me than completing a race i can do any year.

Full training has resumed for the last month and i have started to log this again over the last 2 weeks, keeping the Facebook page updated with stats and when i get my iphone back ill start taking pics again of where i am at etc.

I have been swimming a lot, trying to get up my speed and strength, plus invested in a swimming wetsuit and found a great place to train: http://www.bristolopenwater.co.uk/
This is a great open water venue which is about 5ft deep all the way around and is proper clear and bright!

So, in keeping with previous posts i will be updating this page every week from now on, keeping you posted with training and event results. I have booked onto the following events in the run up to IRONMAN and if you are in the area, passing by, or fancy a day out to come and wave a flag or cheer me on please do so!

30th May - Bryn Bach Park - Aquathon (Swim 750m and Run)

15th June - Pendine Sprint Triathlon - (Swim 500m, Cycle and Run)

22nd June - Mumbles Triathlon - (Swim 750m, Cycle and Run)

30th June - Merlin Sportive - 110mile Bike Race (in the Black Mountain Area, Brynaman)

12th-14th July - The Long Course - Tenby - This is the IRONMAN over 3 days - lets see if i am made of iron!

All of these events are on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tomisdoingrionmanwales/

This week has been a fully loaded training week and i have many more like this to go:

Monday - Interval Training and Weights (indoor/Gym)

Tuesday - am Swim session and a great mountain run in the afternoon around Pen Y Fan from the Roman Road:

http://app.strava.com/activities/51532987

Wednesday - (early) am Cycle - Spin Session - Cycle

Thursday - Weights (indoor / Gym)

Friday - Triathlon training - 1km Swim, 20km Bike:

http://app.strava.com/activities/52131300

Saturday - am Negative Split run:

http://app.strava.com/activities/52209345

Sunday - Run / Swim (1.5km) / Run

To finish or start this week this morning was an early morning (killer) core aerobic session with circuits! ouch - i hate those!

So, heres to another week of hitting it hard - back on the bike for some long rides and time to pound the tarmac for a bit longer as the volume starts to increase. Also hoping for a sea swim too!

Please dont forget - i am raising money for charity! (a good one too) and if you think you can take some forms into your office, work, whatever and drum up support please drop me a line. During the last few weeks it has been great to still get a few pounds in the kitty - a big thank you to:

Charles Middleton and

Vikki Wakeford for their support!

Please Please Please keep the support up - its a tough ride, training, working, having a family, making a bigger family and just finding time to relax at some point too - so, every word of help and encouragement really does mean a lot!

Heres to this week -

ps. if anyone wants to come for a run or a ride or a swim please do let me know, its lonely at times without music!