Friday 2nd July

Decision made, I am going to go for it and take part in the Europeans. Wili is showered and lubed and ready to go. I'm not though! Never been so unfit or unready for a race before but don't want to miss the opportunity to take part. Athlone here I come....

Thursday 1st July

Half an hour of sea swimming tonight in very big waves - even the jellyfish were surfing...

I have to tomorrow morning to make up my mind whether I am going to do Athlone. I'll see how I feel tomorrow. I was in Birmingham for the day yesterday and I suffered quite a bit with back stiffness and pain in my glutes. If I feel ok, I'll do a lot of stretching and foam rollering before the 3.5 hour drive on Saturday. Race is on Sunday - got my Ireland trisuit all ready to go - even though it arrived with a hole in the leg!

Tuesday 29th June

19 mile easyish cycle tonight with a reasonable pace. My back held out ok - just a few twinges.