Well, so much for the resolution re regular updates. I have however come up with a brilliant solution to the issue.....a wee diary style report every few days until we head south for the big event. Genius I am !

I got a reminder that entries were almost full for Challenge Wanaka Half so bit the bulllet and signed up a couple of weeks ago. That has led to me crawling into the Boss' office, cap in hand, and begging for a few extra days leave for training purposes.....luckily I am a crawler of some repute and was able to establish a good case, which was duly considered and approved. So............

Thursday 10th ........thru to Picton with the bike and running shoes. Plan is to head off to Havelock for a ride and then run asap after arriving back in Picton. Plenty of hills and corners on the ride which are good for keeping the concentration levels up.....especially as contractors have been 'patch sealing' bits of the road which means loose gravel to contend with without warning. I hate hills so as usual no records were broken ! Never quite made Havelock due to major road work halfway down Mahikapawa Hill. Turned round and grunted it back to Picton. Bike off, runners on and I'm absolutely cooking ! Back 25 minutes later and spend 30 minutes sitting in the shade waiting to cool down. Enough.

Friday 11th.........big pool swim planned but a misunderstanding with wifey-poo's regarding grandsons swim time means I only make about 15 minutes. Gave it away once he started screaming at the edge of the pool and spent half an hour carting the little darling around the kids area instead. Meeting two Ironmen on Sat for a long run so flag it away for the day. Go out to Trevs and assist with the Xmas sheep kill. Home late....due back at farm by 0600.

Sat 12th..........up at 5.00 am and out to sort sheep out before the 'blowies' arrive on the scene. Thank God there ain't no hygiene inspectors running around and chilly bins are soon full with Xmas roasts ! Off to meet Steve (Taupo Ironman) and Rog (Wanaka Ironman) at Anakiwa. The boys have been in the water for an hour and enjoyed every minute. We head off around the Queen Charlotte Track with Rog digging it in after about 3k and leaving us to it. Steve and I turn back and head out to main road and then down the end of the Mahikapawa Arm.....turn around and head back in an absolute bugger of a wind. Back at Anakiwa after 2.20 run and happy with that. Home after picking up meat and the longish drive is just enough for everything to stiffen up and give me grief all afternoon. 60th birthday party that night and despite being home early, the red wine kills my intention to atttend club triathalon the next morning !

Sun 13th.......1.20 hr on windtrainer in garage.........30 degree's........all juice leaked out and deposited on garage floor. Management 'do' that night and absolutely no red wine undulged.

Monday 14th......arrive at pool and immediately lanes are cut to three when a large school group arrives and has a free for all. I manage to grab the outside lane when the other occupant departs after a couple of  minutes and decide to keep swimming until I get company. I know I have falllen behind with swim discipline but am determined to get back on track before Xmas. Complete 74 lengths before another guy gets in....Ask him to bear with me for a few minutes and complete the 80 (2 K !!!) Pretty stoked and could have carried on ok.

Tuesday 15th........long ride (for me) and short run planned. Headed out with intention of doing a ride to the Wairau Valley township and then hammer it home. Its a gentle uphill most of the way up which I meant I was banking on a fast ride home. In order to get the miles I wanted under the belt, I did an early deviation sideways and immediately struck a gentle but persistent, side/head wind....and it was the wrong side ! By the time I made the Valley township the following wind was quite noticeable and I knew the 'fast' ride home was another unanswered wish. What the hell.................no choice so just came home as well as I could. Final tally was 94 k in 3.27 hrs.........happy enough. The run turned into half a dozen circuits around the house just to make the legs work as I had to pick up my darling from work.........another big swim tomorrow and long run if fate permits.

At this point I am playing this all by ear. Steve and Rog have very specific training programmes for the full Ironman events, and in hindsight I should have investigated this further before committing. Despie this, I remain confident about the event and since my goal is completion I should be ok................the only problem with hanging about with these guys is that I am already thinking of 2011.........Ironman....???

Keep ya posted.


Bryan