Here we have it! T minus 24 hours and I I will be embarking on the biggest journey of my short time in triathlon to date, one that sees the finale to my season and one that will probably be the grandest I will ever experience.
For days, even weeks now, I have been running through my head, that conversation I had with a group of friends in a Chinese restaurant in Newcastle, at a cuddly 16 or so stone, laughing and joking that I'd be representing Great Britain on day! But this isn't the first time now and it won't be the last . But it certainly will be the biggest and best.
Hyde Park, what better setting to race my first ever triathlon world championships. A site of fine Olympic victory for GB which I was lucky enough to witness first hand in such close proximity. It was electric, colourful and noisy. And this promises to be not to dissimilar.
Three years is all it has taken to get here, but it has been no way an easy journey! There has been plenty of sacrifice, late nights, early mornings, determination.....and the obvious blood, sweat and tears!
By now you know what I put into this. I've previously shared the hours, the time that's required to do this, do I won't go over it again now!!!
What I do want to hilight here is my thanks and gratitude to all that have made it possible.
The people who have given up their own time, effort, money and persuits, so that this, and how apt I'm going to call myself this after my past, 'pint sized' 'pocket rocket' can live his dream. One that I don't think anyone would have dreamt would be a reality.
First and foremost I'm going to start with Charlotte and Freya, my wife and daughter, who give up all their free time to help and support me, allowing me to train and race all the hours god sends. Spending their money to allow us to travel the country and enter races, buy kit etc.. That I need.
My mam and dad , have spent hours of their time travelling to almost every one of my races, helping Charlotte with Freya and making life a little easier for her.
My in laws, for their kind words of encouragement and congratulation, map reading and journey planning, but most of all for looking after the dog, taking a massive weight off our mind which allows me to travel where we would be unable to take her.
To all my friends and 'family' in Coalfields Race Team, you guys provide all the encouragement and inspiration any man needs. Most importantly though to my Coach and Mentor, Elliot Gowland, now ten times ironman, and after this weekend in Wales, soon to be 2x Kona athlete. Thank you for your coaching plans, patience, efforts, company, and friendship throughout this journey.
Now to those who have provided for me....
The chaps at a1multisport for your encouragement, advice and support and free goodies, it is all very much appreciated.
Laura and the team at Natural Hero. Your hot ginger muscle rub is just the 'Spicy' job after a tough day pounding the streets and peppermint spritz works wonders on my shoulders post swim.
Beth at Sigvaris Sports compression! If its good enough for team Sky it's good enough for me. Maintaining muscular condition is important and recovery is a key aspect to success. Living in my compression is my second favourite pastime.
My Physio, Lisa. Who would think that so much pain could come from someone so small! This girl finds real pleasure in her favourite pastime of stripping out the IT band.
AquaSphere give me a fantastic opportunity to wear a fantastic wetsuit that fits me like a glove! My phantom truly is a second skin, and when swimming is not your preferred discipline, I can do with all the help I can get!
Gideon at DryRobe for providing me with my own personal and portable 'changing room' allowing me to maintain my dignity, and to be fair I'm sure the rest of the world will thank him for that to.
Andrew at Erdinger! Now I've added this in purely for, and following on from my last blog, allowing me the experience leading up to this event, to experience racing in Hamburg on a massive stage. That experience will prove to be invaluable I'm sure, and I look forward to catching up with you on Friday.
Andrew also provided me with a contact who I met yesterday, Amie at Firefly! Amie spent time and effort explaining to me electrical impulses and toe twitching technology to aid recovery!!! I am going to thoroughly try this product post race tomorrow so watch this space!!!
Now to those who have provided for me....
The chaps at a1multisport for your encouragement, advice and support and free goodies, it is all very much appreciated.
Laura and the team at Natural Hero. Your hot ginger muscle rub is just the 'Spicy' job after a tough day pounding the streets and peppermint spritz works wonders on my shoulders post swim.
Beth at Sigvaris Sports compression! If its good enough for team Sky it's good enough for me. Maintaining muscular condition is important and recovery is a key aspect to success. Living in my compression is my second favourite pastime.
My Physio, Lisa. Who would think that so much pain could come from someone so small! This girl finds real pleasure in her favourite pastime of stripping out the IT band.
AquaSphere give me a fantastic opportunity to wear a fantastic wetsuit that fits me like a glove! My phantom truly is a second skin, and when swimming is not your preferred discipline, I can do with all the help I can get!
Gideon at DryRobe for providing me with my own personal and portable 'changing room' allowing me to maintain my dignity, and to be fair I'm sure the rest of the world will thank him for that to.
Andrew at Erdinger! Now I've added this in purely for, and following on from my last blog, allowing me the experience leading up to this event, to experience racing in Hamburg on a massive stage. That experience will prove to be invaluable I'm sure, and I look forward to catching up with you on Friday.
Andrew also provided me with a contact who I met yesterday, Amie at Firefly! Amie spent time and effort explaining to me electrical impulses and toe twitching technology to aid recovery!!! I am going to thoroughly try this product post race tomorrow so watch this space!!!
Now I'm ready...
I'm ready for the biggest challenge of my life. The hard work and hours dedicated are done . The friends and relationships I've made are forged. All that's left is to do one thing.
Have FUN!!!!!
Now to those who have provided for me....
The chaps at a1multisport for your encouragement, advice and support and free goodies, it is all very much appreciated.
Laura and the team at Natural Hero. Your hot ginger muscle rub is just the 'Spicy' job after a tough day pounding the streets and peppermint spritz works wonders on my shoulders post swim.