Ironman Wales avec mini me

I have entered Ironman Wales on Sunday 11 September 2011.

Training has begun in earnest and so far I have managed to stick to the training programme prescribed by my coach. Frankly if I dont stick to the training then there is every chance that I wont even make it around the course. While the weather has done everything it can to put me off training with sub zero temperatures, ice and snow. Cycling is pretty impossible, although I have been out a couple of wobbly times on the MTB and even running is tough, I was never particularly good with ice skating and it is clear that wearing a bigger pair of shoes doesnt make me any better.

Part of the reason why I have, so far managed, to get my sorry fat ass out there in all weathers has been the knowledge that within a few weeks I will be a dad (blimey even blogging it is a bit scary!) All I seem to be told for the past 8+ months is that training will cease and the Ironman dream will become a nightmare with the birth of a screaming all consuming child. Well to be honest they have not been so blunt but this is basically what I have been told.

However, I know that other triathletes manage it and I and determined to make it over the line with baby in tow (albeit possibly in a photo after crossing the line and wiping the sick away (mine)). I know it is going to be tough but there must be means to balancing training, work and family life without resorting to a Delorean and a mad professor. Members of my own family have asked me when I will stop racing and have been surprised to find the answer is hopefully not for a while. I have been to enough races and seen enough kids at the events to see that it can have a positive influence on your son/daughter. So part of me hopes that by continuing to take part in a sport and have a healthy (ish) lifestyle some of it will rub off on my children.

Well hopefully I will find time to blog again in a couple of weeks before or after the birth.

Pedro