run bike swim beat cancer

So, for 2024 I entered 2 middle distance triathlons (and other triathlons, duathlons and some running races), but the 2 middles were the biggies this year. I didn’t know how I’d get on, the plan was to see how these 2 went, then think about going big in 2025 or maybe 2026 (when I’d be in the 55 age category) – if things went OK.

By big, I mean Ironman or iron distance / long distance – that’s a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle and a marathon 26.22 mile – I think I’m just reminding myself of that here !!!

I still want to do it, but I’ve kind of scared myself a bit, so I’m not quite so sure. I got really cold in the swim on both the middles, I mean really, very cold and I still find the thought of spending 7 hours on my bike, at best, unthinkable, at worst horrible :-((

I mean, I don’t have to do an Ironman, I have nothing to prove, and I have no problem saying I’ve never done an Ironman when people ask !!! I do still want to do it though – and maybe I need to really think about why !??

I always thought if I was fit and healthy, it would be stupid not to go for it – but is that a good enough motivation !? would it be enough to keep me going through the training ?? Usually my motto for entering events is ‘F**k it, why not’ hahaha and I’m kind of at that stage, but it does take a little bit more commitment than that !

I’ve also been ill after doing the Aberfeldy middle and I was ill after Lakesman (middle) so now I’m also a bit worried about that – maybe it was just a coincidence !? but I was reminded (thanks !!) that I have been through two lots of cancer treatments, two lots of chemo, my body was fairly destroyed after the last lot, and that was only 18 months ago, then I had Pertuzumab and Herceptin injections till Nov 23, which really upset my stomach. Anyhooooo…..I still want to do it so……………..anyone fancy doing an ironman with me hahahah ???? I think I might need some help !!!….. to do the triathlon training I mean :-)))

I wrote that bit above a couple of weeks ago. Since then I’ve also done the standard triathlon at Knockburn. I felt a bit tired after having been ill following Aberfeldy, but decided just to go anyway. It went fine – the swim was cold, but I wasn’t too cold on the bike, I was quite slow though, but was all good on the run. No medals lol, but in general it went ok.

But I still feel kind of tired. I had been thinking about entering Craggy Island tri or the Aviemore tri – both I’ve loved in the past and have been keen to do again, but that tiredness is hanging around and I feel a bit wabbit !! and I don’t feel like I want to do any hard training, I can’t be bothered to faff around trying to squeeze in swims, or be out every night of the week running or cycling – and I feel a bit stuck in a rut or something – not sure – so I’ve slowed down a bit, I didn’t enter either of the tris I was looking at, not having to stress about getting too cold. I’ve not done much running or cycling or swimming. So – yeh – taking it a bit easier !! :-)))

But I am still thinking Ironman……….somewhere warm…. 🙄🙄 hahaha eejit !!

I’ve had a few experiences recently, good and bad that have made me think about LIIIIIIIFE !! it is dangerous, that thinking thing !! and jeeeeezuss – empty nest :-((((

So I’ve been doing some strawberry therapy !!!!…….making strawberry jam, strawberry and white choc muffins, and strawberry and kiwi kombucha – just call me Barbara…. 😁😂 Barbara Good ?! The Good Life !!? (how old does that make me hahaha – my Dad loved that programme !!)

20th Wedding Anniversary !!!! :-))))

Check ooot ma hair !! :-))))))))

Knockburn tri

I have to end this post on THE most positive note. I am continually amazed, inspired and in awe of the incredible woman I know – yep, sorry guys, it is mostly women !! whether they are challenging themselves, smashing goals or just getting by, their ambition, their strength, and resilience is so damn impressive – ladies (yeh I know that’s not PC) – you totally rock !!! :-)))))

Finally, I bought these cheesecakes to celebrate Rory’s 21st birthday, in NZ !! (or console myself !!?) and also to celebrate or console myself that Angus is away off to Sheffield xxxxxxxxxxx