Week 2 on Wednesday and the normal routine has been disrupted. Got up at 5.30 to swim, but we are having a heavy downpour, with some thunder and lightening. Almost a relief as my knees have been playing up again and I had very uncomfortable night. The forecast is for rain all day so will do some core work later. Decided to use the time to blog.
Managing to keep to the training schedule schedule so far, although it is tough without the “motivation” that comes with being with the team. Only a few more weeks and I’ll be back. Decidedly difficult being the only person around who wants to go to bed early while everyone else is partying, but at least I don’t have a hangover the next day.
Borrowed an old mountain bike yesterday and rode around the island for an hour. Felt good to be on a bike again, but was very uncomfortable riding without a helmet. Heading into Cancun shortly to buy one as there are none available on the island.
That was a quick trip!!!!….spent 8 hours in Cancun and visited countless stores to find that most only stock childrens bike helmets. Safety is not a big concern here. Finally got one though so no excuses now, should be out on the bike tomorrow. Although the forecast is for three days of “El Norte”, winds and rain from the north, so we’ll see what tomorrow brings.
About Paul
Background
Retired, living in La Crosse Wisconsin USA for most of the summer and in Isla Mujeres, Mexico for the winter.
Am 64 years old, but will compete in the 65 to 69 age group in the WI Ironman in Sept 2011.
Married to Brook who provides enormous amounts of support and encouragement, not to mention making sure I eat the "right" stuff. She knows more about my nutritional needs than I ever will, which is about 10 less things to worry about!
Have two children from a previous marriage and four grandchildren. Matthew, my elder child, is 42 and has just completed his third Ironman in Western Australia, finishing in 10 hours 56 mimutes.
Athletic Backgroud
Played Rugby Union at school and on and off through most of my early adult life. Played my last game at 36.
Started running with the Hash House Harriers when I lived in Bahrain back in the '70's. Never got too serious about it though.
Ran in a few 5K and 10K races in the '80's, but had no interest in competing. Ran my first marathon in Chicago in 1990, more to prove I could run one than anything else. Did not run another until the Madisom Marathon 13 years later, after training with Pam through the winter, and there are lots of stories from that race. Ran another marathon a year (2004) later and PR'ed at 3:52. Have run lots of 5K, 10K and half marathons since. I enjoy running now more than I ever did, largely due to becoming more involved in the local running club and also because of the track coaching from Angie.
Have owned a bike on and off since I was about 15, but did not get serious about road and mountain biking until I came to Wisconsin in 1989. Have competed in various mountain bike and road bike races since then.
Learnt to swim when I was about 12, but never got involved in any races.
Was introduced to triathlons in the '90's when I was on vacation in Australia. My son, Matthew, told me he was going to do a tri and I should come along and have a go as it would be "fun". Had no real clue as to what I was doing but I did not finish last and I really enjoyed it. Have competed in two Ironmans, both in 2004. The first was Wisconsin and the second Western Australia, which I did with my son. Matthew is coming to compete in Wisconsin in 2011 so I get the chance to race with him again.
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