I did it!  1 hour 29 minutes and 49 seconds :)

I started the swim a bit fast and struggled half way through but still managed to finish 200m in 5 min 24 secs. Next came the transition, which apparently was a bit comical as I couldn't get my cycle shorts on... I wasted about 5mins, next time I think I'll buy a tri suit ...

Cycling was easy, I have a fab bike and really enjoyed the 20k, I did it in 1 hour 2 mins 28 seconds. In training I had done it in less than 55 mins so it was the transition which slowed me down there.

Next was the run. My legs were like jelly after the cycle but I managed to run the full 2.5k, slowly at first but picking up on the second lap, it took me 21 mins 57 secs.

I ache all over and I'm completely exhausted but I'd do it again!

thank you so much for all the support you have given me and the donations it gave me the energy to keep going. xx

 

Two years ago I went to my GP with concerns about repetitive strain injury (rsi) in my hands and wrists, she referred me to a specialist and after a number of tests I was sent for an urgent MRI scan on my neck. They found two discs were compressing my spinal cord, which, at the slightest jolt, could have rendered me an invalid from the neck down. Two weeks later I had an operation on my neck to stabilise the vertebrae and prevent further damage to my spinal cord. This resulted in two discs being replaced with bone graft held in place with metal plates and screws to allow the bone to fuse. The surgery was a success, with hardly a scar to see. However, there were complications with nerve damage and I’ve been in pain ever since. I've been on a variety of medications and been through physio and numerous tests only to now be diagnosed with fibromyalgia (a chronic pain and fatigue syndrome). I'm one of the lucky ones, with most fibromyalgia sufferers it is many years before they are diagnosed. The Fibromyalgia Association website has helped me understand more about the illness and how I can adjust to it, it is early days yet but I want to give them something back for all the good work they do to support sufferers and raise awareness

So, I signed up for the North West Triathlon which is on September 8th 2013. It’s a ‘fun’ triathlon, only a 200 metre swim, a 20km bike ride and a 2.5km run.!The training isn’t easy but with the support of my family and friends I know I will be able to complete this awesome challenge.

 Any donation and words of support will inspire me and motivate me through this torturous training and during the gruelling triathlon.

Thank you