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Many thanks and keep moving…

I have to admit that I have had a bit of writers block caused mainly by being incredibly busy trying to organise a 1521 mile run across Europe. In addition to this I had arrived back from Bavaria (huge thanks to my support team of Dave Clamp and John Saunders for keeping me alive!) with a hugely swollen left leg preventing me from undertaking any exercise for a number of weeks. This left me time to reflect upon the Europe 135, my training, my Parkinson’s and the years ahead. The Europe 135 was a tough race and if you read the article in Running Fitness magazine you will already be aware that the route followed the river, which at the time had a considerable amount of water flowing due to the rains. This caused flooding and parts of the course became impassable. Coupling this with course markers that were sometimes difficult to see and not being allowed to climb the mountain at the end I was a bit disenchanted. I did make some good friends though and in particular all the competitors (there were five of us who ran the race) were fantastic, hugely supportive and generously put up with a guy with Parkinson’s who at times was a little shaky. Thank you.

So having time on my hands I decided to make myself busy and to that end I have planned my race calendar all the way through to 2014. So what is on the cards for next year? First stop is the Dubai Marathon. I’m really looking forward to this race. It’ll be a good chance to catch up with my friend Bryan Garrett and also run a really good course. It will be a timely incorporation into the training program leading up to the 1521 mile run. Speaking of which, it’s quite a distance isn’t it? Hopefully, I will be able to continue the pace of 50 miles per day for around 30 days. The run should take me and my support team right across Europe but the route is currently being finalised and remains a secret for now. If you’ve been following my exploits you will know that 1521 miles is well above and beyond anything that I have done previously. It’s really quite daunting and I’m feeling slightly nervous; which is a good thing as far as I’m concerned. I, say this, as I firmly subscribe to the idea that if you set your mind to something and you have faith in your abilities to succeed and you’ve trained well and have a good support team, then anything is possible. Keep your eyes here for further developments as I get back to training next week at LA Fitness who have kindly sponsored my gym time.

On my 10 million metres page on Facebook I had been asking around to find a 100 mile single stage qualifier for the Badwater 135. Some notable suggestions (thanks Mimi) were received but, unfortunately, it seems that the only qualifying 100 mile races are just too close to the trans-Europe run. So I’ve decided to move the timing of the hundred mile qualifier to the beginning of 2012. Hopefully, this will be good training for my 3000 mile trans-USA run later that year.

I haven’t forgotten about my triathlon hopes. After some consideration and a couple of telephone calls I entered the challenge Henley Ironman distance triathlon for September 2011. This is a distance that I am slightly concerned about, as it’s quite a step up. In addition, to add a new edge to the distance I made a new discovery. This was the realisation that my mastery over my fear of water that I gained, after doing the London triathlon, has dissipated to a large extent. In fact, I got in the pool the other day and freaked out! Strangely it feels better swimming in a lake! I need some help with my technique and form in the pool though, so I contacted Russell Cox, who has agreed to assist me. Russell recently came back from Kona where he took part in the world triathlon Ironman Championships. I am confident that with Russell’s help I will be able to give a good account of myself in the race. Fingers crossed!

Speaking of races has anyone been watching the world Deca-Ironman Championships held in Monterey, Mexico? My co-runner from Europe 135, Dave Clamp is, at the time of writing, in the lead and doing a sterling job!! Dave hopes to set a new world record by completing the deca in under eight days and raise vital donations for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust through my justgiving site at www.justgiving.com/alex-flynn. The man truly deserves your support and encouragement. If you have a moment, please go to his website at www.daveclamp.com and perhaps send a message.

If you have any questions, queries or suggestions, I can be contacted via my website at www.alexflynn.co.uk

Until the next instalment, make change happen and keep moving!

Alex

Keep moving!!

If you want one, email me at alex@alexflynn.co.uk

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1315169/The-shocking-truth-sports-obsessed-lawyer-diagnosed-Parkinsons-36.html

If you’ve kept up with the posts on run247 and tri247.com, you’ll know that when I was five I had a good go at trying to drown myself. I won’t repeat it here, so please have a look at the aforementioned sites and you’ll get an idea of context. In short, I approached the event with trepidation; if not a measure of absolute panic at the thought of open water swimming!! I discussed the matter with Chuck at Orca and well….after swallowing half the lake at the Tri Centre in Reading and having many lessons with a very patient Clive…I arrived late at the London Excel!!

Loads and loads of bikes racked row upon row. A really impressive sight, which lead me to look at the location details many times!!! I even took a large blue towel, not that it helped. Still got lost in transition. There must be a film in that?

Shouting, “We are Spartacus!”, and wearing my yellow swim cap, my wave (over 500 strong) stepped out and got into the massive Victoria Dock. Water was a bit chilly at 17 degrees but my mind wasn’t on it as the start came soon enough.

The swim wasn’t bad but the water tasted…horrendous! With swimmers veering into my path due to the fact they weren’t sighting well, was pretty much the most I had to contend with. I mixed crawl with breast stroke and even managed to remain calm when I breathed in at the wrong moment. Finishing the swim in 38 minutes, I felt wobbly in the legs but knew that I had faced my fear and took it head on. Not only that, but I overcame that fear. I am sure, like you, I have other fears that are still to be conquered but they are yet to come. This is now and that moment is one I will savour for a long while…and grin alot about. Not bad for a novice!!!

The bike (a cube, fully carbon affair, lent to me by Jason at the Big Adventure Store – thanks mate) was fantastic!! PureTri (Helen and Andy…thank you) had set up the bike perfactly for me. However, the ride was less so. The route had been split into a small loop, followed by a longer loop making a total distance of 40 km. Getting straight to the point, the route was confusing and badly marked. So I asked a Marshall for directions and was told to go around the route again!!

I had thought that, perhaps, this was a new route, but eventually dawned on me that I was repeating what I had previously done. I was really annoyed. What got my goat was as I was passing the Excel centre another Marshall came up and shouted, “What lap?”. I responded, “second”. This was daft on my part as she shouted that I must get off the course and start running. I tried to explain but it was so busy that she repeated the demand and so, I left the bike course…. Racking the bike, I knew that in coming in, I had messed up and not fully completed the bike course and, as a consequence, would not complete the Olympic distance. The 10k run was, as a consequence, a mixed affair. I ran it but my heart was not fully into it. However, I met some great people taking part in the race and they were inspirational in that they did not give up, even though their bodies were telling them otherwise.

I did a sprint finish and the cameras flashed as I was approached by a marshall who extended a medal for crossing the line. I could not accept. It’s not that I didn’t want the medal. I really did. However, I didn’t do what I set out to do, which was to complete an Olympic distance triathlon, and it would (in my opinion) be wrong for me to hold out that I had.

So it was a day of learning. For my first triathlon, it was an achievement on the swim front! One which I am forever in Orca (Cheers Chuck!), Clive and Tri20′s debt. Thank you guys!!! You really improved my swimming so much! (I am so on for an Ironman!!!!). In the end, it was also a lesson in preparation and a realisation that I need to get it right next time and to distrust Marshalls..

It was also good to meet up with Andy from Run247 and the PureTri guys. Moreover, Dave (the new nagger) came down to meet and catch up. A solid bloke and one who I am really looking forward to undertaking the Europe135 with!

One week and counting…..

Keep moving…

London Triathlon looms and PureTri in Bishops Stortford have provided a pair of excellent Shimano race shoes for the Cube bike. What’s more, they set my bike up too. Thanks guys! Massive appreciation and hope to see you soon.

Parkinson’s is getting worse over the last month. Stress is known to be bad for the disease and I am certainly stressed. Excercise helps and I am working hard to that end. Particularly, at the Tri20 swim centre at the Copthorne Hotel in Reading. Run by Cerri and Kevin (www.mysportingtimes.com)

One thought I had today, is a hope that I realise the £1million before this disease makes it impossible. So, with that in mind, I’m going to give it my all, with every ounce of my being to achieve what I’ve set myself. If I can do that, can you spare £1 for a worthy cause?

www.justgiving.com/alex-flynn

Till next time. Make change happen and keep moving!

Alex

There is so much going on at the moment that it is inperative that I take the opportunity to review my training. The build up to the London Triathlon is picking up pace and, like many of the other competitors, I am having to balance family, work, and the many disciplines to compete, not only in the London Tri but also the Europe135, London Duathlon and 7oaks Tri. Not an easy task to achieve. However, when did that last stop me?

On the swim front, I have taken lessons from Clive Alderson at the Tri20 centre in Reading. Clive is a seasoned competitor and came top of his age class for the UK in 2009. So with a serious pedigree, it was gratifying to realise very quickly that he’s also an extremely patient bloke! Technique was explained and followed up with a practical session. The end result is that I am feeling more comfortable in the open water and am drinking less lake, which is a big plus!!! In fact the other day, I made it all the way round; a distance 750 metres!!! Not bad at all… Now, to do that twice.

The running has taken a back seat for the last month. Working on my swim has taken up the free time where I could have had a long run in the mornings. As for cycling? Well I have an offer to be put through my paces by Edward. For all his denial that he couldn’t run as far, be as fit etc…I believe that Edward is lulling me into a false sense of security. A good friend is one that will put you through physical hell…and you can still have a beer after! I’m looking forward to the challenge. This combined with the swimming and cycling plus a new weight workout, I should be getting there.

On the subject of which, cycling has been a large part of my training in the past. I used to ride 50 miles a day, Monday to Friday and have only just now found out that it’s really good for Parkinson’s sufferers. Personally, I believe that exercise or cardiovascular exercise, to be precise, is beneficial for fighting Parkinson’s disease. Now you know why I keep pushing myself!!

Well here’s the stop press, I needed a bike for the London Tri. So, who should rock up with the offer of a loan bike but The Big Adventure Store, Swindon. Thanks guys!!! A fully carbon Cube bike too! Wow! I will let you know how it shapes up.

Plans for the Europe135 in September are moving forward. With my appeal for someone equally insane not realising the response I had hoped for, I was feeling a little worried about tackling the Bavarian Alps on my own at night. In fact, i was at a bit of a loss and wondering what I was going to do, when Rich (the Nagger) proposed to be my point man on the night stages! Of course, I accepted at once. Adding to this the news that John Saunders (driver, organiser, adventurer…) is on the support crew too! I am almost set. Thanks guys! Top gents the pair of them!!!! Now just looking for a third… Know anyone?

Lastly, i’ve just been interviewed by Triathlete’s World. The article should be out in a month or two and I’ll let you know when. Was quite surprised at getting the call. I hope it turns out ok.

Until next update. Keep moving!!!