So i wrote a screed of witty banter and then my browser decided to fail miserably and not allow me to save the content, sadly that means you are stuck with this version instead...

I decided that September would be a bit of a silly month :)

1st September an Olympic triathlon in Dumfries and Galloway called the Beltie (1500 swim, 40km bike ride - on a road bike i'll have ridden a few times and 10km run) then the 8th September the Great North Run (half marathon!) and then the 'Wee Duke' around Callander on the 21st September (400m swim, 19km bike ride (usual MTB) and 2.5km run) this time competitively done as last year was my first time doing an event like this. 

At some point there may even be a Munro climb with my son! (wholly weather and tantrum dependent mind you)

I put it out there that i would possibly give the Celtman a go next year, but in all likelihood i'm just wanting to enjoy the journey and have fun as much as possible. Going from zero to hero isn't a good way i don't think to enjoy the benefits of swimming, cycling and running that i get,

it's on the horizon, just not yet i think,

but.

this is just the beginning for me.

The guys last year doing the Great North Run, took me under their wing, for which i'm very grateful. I was fundraising in memory of my wonderful friends father, and as i was super nervous, helped me settle in and relax with lots of laughter and camaraderie that these events can suck you in with.

I have just finished listening to the audio book by Alexandra Heminsley  'Running like a girl' a recommended book. It helped me recognise my own feelings about running, (i'm not fully at the enjoyment stage yet...)  but she mentioned a quote from Sir Roger Bannister and it resonated. When doing some research for the exact quote (that i couldn't remember), this one hit the mark for me:

"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves...The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable."

Richard, a seasoned pro, is joining me on the journey, for which I am very grateful. 

I enjoy very much being part of something bigger than just doing something for myself. Feeling like I've contributed to making a difference and so the official blurb below if you can spare some pennies or pounds towards our goal would be greatly appreciated:

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Much love,

Caroline and Richard