Well I am about to embark on the final week of a 12 week journey that began as a joke 12 weeks ago when on holiday in Fiji.
After much contemplation from Xen's and I on how we could have another holiday to Fiji, (along with a number of dares and stupid comments after a few cocktails) it was decided that I should swim in the Beachcomber Island Swim. This swim would see me swim 18km from Denarau Island to Beachcomber Island.
It has been a long hard 11 weeks through winter. Biking to the pool in 4 degree temperatures and pouring rain has made this more of a challenge. The focus throughout has solely remained on the sand and clear waters of Fiji, along with the week long holiday after the swim.
Training at the peak has seen a 60km week with 50km weeks to follow. Such distances can only be achieved by 6 - 8 swimming sessions per week. The worst part about swimming such distances is turning around and having to go to work for 9 hours. It would be so much easier if I could go home to bed and sleep. As they say - "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger".
The training session length and intensity decreases over the next few days, so I can rest up ready to take on the 18km. It is this part of the training that I look forward to the most (apart from the holiday afterwards), as I get more sleep and start to feel full of energy.
The forthcoming days are about preparation and making sure that I have everything ready to go. You don't just need to worry about waking up in time to catch the plane. They often say the preparation prior to the race is just as time consuming and mentally draining as the race itself.
Being lucky enough to have specific dietary requirements means that I have to take specific foods with me to Fiji. Along, with seasick tablets, ginger, antihistamines and panadol. You may ask why I need seasick tablets. Swimming for five hours with sugar in your stomach and the constant mouthfuls of water doesn't do too much for your stomach!
As I think ahead to the race I need to plan what and when I am going to eat and drink. The number one factor being sufficiently hydrated throughout the race. Normally when swimming in the ocean you need to worry about keeping warm, this will be the total opposite in Fiji with the water temperature being 26 degrees.
And that's when Xen's comes into action. Xen's a close friend will be on the boat with my instructions on when and what I need to eat. Having committed to come and help me, she also has to tolerate any dummy spits along the way. Something she is looking forward to, so she can merely laugh at me and tell me to get on with it (in the most polite way possible)!
The beginning of next week will see a lot of packing along with maximum hydration and increased carbo loading. Lots of rice, bread and pasta, everything that your're normally not suppose to eat. It's important too hydrate in the days leading up to the event as on the day will mean it is to late.
The day will begin at 4.30am with a small breakfast and the race will begin at 6.00am outside the Sofitel Hotel on Denarau Island. I am hoping to reach Beachcomber approximately 5 hours later.
We are hoping to have the ability (depending on Vodafone coverage) to update you on progress as the race happens on twitter and facebook.
I would like to finally take the opportunity to thank Iceberg's and Vlad for their continued support. The countless hours that Vlad puts in everyday to make sure I am as prepared as I can be.
To Xen's, I apologise for any outbursts now and I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I hope to.
I am feeling strong and fit in the water. I am ready to compete and can't wait for the next week to fly by.
I look forward to updating you all about the race and the final lead-up from the Sunny Yasawa's at Mantaray Island Resort, while I am enjoying a relaxing holiday.
On the countdown.........
After much contemplation from Xen's and I on how we could have another holiday to Fiji, (along with a number of dares and stupid comments after a few cocktails) it was decided that I should swim in the Beachcomber Island Swim. This swim would see me swim 18km from Denarau Island to Beachcomber Island.
It has been a long hard 11 weeks through winter. Biking to the pool in 4 degree temperatures and pouring rain has made this more of a challenge. The focus throughout has solely remained on the sand and clear waters of Fiji, along with the week long holiday after the swim.
Training at the peak has seen a 60km week with 50km weeks to follow. Such distances can only be achieved by 6 - 8 swimming sessions per week. The worst part about swimming such distances is turning around and having to go to work for 9 hours. It would be so much easier if I could go home to bed and sleep. As they say - "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger".
The training session length and intensity decreases over the next few days, so I can rest up ready to take on the 18km. It is this part of the training that I look forward to the most (apart from the holiday afterwards), as I get more sleep and start to feel full of energy.
The forthcoming days are about preparation and making sure that I have everything ready to go. You don't just need to worry about waking up in time to catch the plane. They often say the preparation prior to the race is just as time consuming and mentally draining as the race itself.
Being lucky enough to have specific dietary requirements means that I have to take specific foods with me to Fiji. Along, with seasick tablets, ginger, antihistamines and panadol. You may ask why I need seasick tablets. Swimming for five hours with sugar in your stomach and the constant mouthfuls of water doesn't do too much for your stomach!
As I think ahead to the race I need to plan what and when I am going to eat and drink. The number one factor being sufficiently hydrated throughout the race. Normally when swimming in the ocean you need to worry about keeping warm, this will be the total opposite in Fiji with the water temperature being 26 degrees.
And that's when Xen's comes into action. Xen's a close friend will be on the boat with my instructions on when and what I need to eat. Having committed to come and help me, she also has to tolerate any dummy spits along the way. Something she is looking forward to, so she can merely laugh at me and tell me to get on with it (in the most polite way possible)!
The beginning of next week will see a lot of packing along with maximum hydration and increased carbo loading. Lots of rice, bread and pasta, everything that your're normally not suppose to eat. It's important too hydrate in the days leading up to the event as on the day will mean it is to late.
The day will begin at 4.30am with a small breakfast and the race will begin at 6.00am outside the Sofitel Hotel on Denarau Island. I am hoping to reach Beachcomber approximately 5 hours later.
We are hoping to have the ability (depending on Vodafone coverage) to update you on progress as the race happens on twitter and facebook.
I would like to finally take the opportunity to thank Iceberg's and Vlad for their continued support. The countless hours that Vlad puts in everyday to make sure I am as prepared as I can be.
To Xen's, I apologise for any outbursts now and I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I hope to.
I am feeling strong and fit in the water. I am ready to compete and can't wait for the next week to fly by.
I look forward to updating you all about the race and the final lead-up from the Sunny Yasawa's at Mantaray Island Resort, while I am enjoying a relaxing holiday.
On the countdown.........