London and Paris 2010 - a tale of two challenges! by Chect

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churcihill

This period of enforced rest has caused a certain amount of instability in me, unused to being inactive for this long a time I'm finding my focus has shifted a little. Where before, there was clarity and purpose there is now haziness and uncertainty; will I be fit enough, where has my energy gone and why am I dreading the end of this challenge?  I really need to reconnect to find that courage to continue.

There have been a number of factors in the last month or so that have brought me to this point; work life balance being one but its only now with this period of calm that I take time to think it all through and I can see now that the highs and the lows have been necessary to truly appreciate how far I (and we) have come - for our runners achieving their goals of training and racing and gaining their medals to our cyclists eagerly preparing for the event in a couple of weeks. 

We have all made changes, small sacrifices and compromises to our normal routines.  Perhaps like me it's not all gone to plan but the point is we will try and we will continue despite everything, the fatigue, the aches and pains and the challenges of time.  This is a blinkin' tough challenge but I have no doubt that having got this far we will give it our best shot.  So pedal on fellow cyclists. 

For me, training has been thwarted by lingering chest infection Long cycles have been replaced with a gentle gym session and trial run on my new bike - so far so good.  At least the saddle's my own!  No compromises there!

Top Tips:

I've spoken to the Skyline team and we cannot leave any earlier than 7am.  They do this event at least 8 times a year and this departure time allows for all levels of cyclists to make it to the ferry in good time.  So a few final tips:

1. Pack a light but warm layer for the ferry - unfortunately buses will not be able to carry any spare gear - I did ask!  ;-(

2. SudoCream or vaseline is recommended by many a cycling enthusiast - although I'll leave you to imagine what for!    

3. Remember your passports at all costs!  Check that they are also in date!!  Stating the obvious here but still...

With only 10 days to go you should be ramping down now as with marathon running you dont need to go the full distance until the event just prepare your body for the challenge ahead.

Good luck folks.