The New Challenges

In 2012 Tracey and I embarked on a series of challenges to raise money for The Haemophilia Society. We had great fun doing it and both felt very fit. So, as we both were slogging up the Mound in the Edinburgh 10 mile run recently, we remarked on how unfit we both were compared to then!

And so Two Tackle Three was resurrected!

Two Tackle Three Take Two (AKA 2T3T2) will see us take on three new challenges each which are crazier and tougher than the first three (although Ventoux was quite tough). We will raise money for an Edinburgh Charity called The Yard. The Yard is a purpose built indoor and outdoor adventure playground for children and young people with disabilities.

Tracey and I have a few links with this amazing facility. One being it has close links with the Childhood Practice Team at Edinburgh College and the second being my late husband, Alistair was involved in providing the yard with their cut down working traffic light, through the BBC Children in Need project, The Big Build.

So Tracey's challenges are -

St Mary Loch Standard Distance Triathlon, Aberfeldy Half Ironman, Glencoe Half Marathon.

And Jane's are -

Windermere Half Marathon, The Moonwalk and the Glencoe Marathon.

We will also be taking part in a variety of other events in preparation for our big challenges.

Our blog will make a welcome return, so you can keep up with our training antics! So please keep up to date. We will let you know soon how you can sponsor us to raise a shed load of cash for The Yard.

Jane and Tracey (Team 2T3T2)

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/2T3T2


Tuesday 26 July 2016

First Challenge Finished!

I have now almost recovered from the St Mary's Loch Standard Triathlon. I did finish but technically didn't 'complete' the whole distance. Unfortunately and frustratingly 'the fear' won on Sunday morning. I started the swim but just couldn't concentrate and get into any sort of rhythm, and it was sooooo cold in their I just knew I couldn't do two laps. I managed one (750m) but my 'mind over matter' strategy just ran out of steam. So I had to get out. Looking back I am so disappointed with myself, but at the time I just couldn't. I was still able to carry on with the bike and run though.  As soon as I clipped myself into those pedals all was well with the world once more! 25 miles cycled round a very hilly route which took in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in the lashing rain! I really enjoyed it in an stingy rain mud splattered way! 1 hour 53 ...a great time for me. Then it was off the bike and onto the  6 mile run. This was all off road. Normally at the end of a triathlon the run is fairly flat. ...not this one! Muddy,  squelchy, rocky, uppy, downy. ...over a few styles.....proper cross country running! Was very cold and wet by the time I finished....but I did finish. Mixed emotions.

Saturday 23 July 2016

'Night before' nerves!

Tomorrow is the first of my 'big' challenges, the St Mary's Loch Standard Triathlon. I hate that it's called 'standard' there's nothing standard about swimming 1500 m in open water then struggling to get out of your wetsuit without falling over then jumping on your bike for 40k  (in the rain tomorrow ) and then running 10k. But for me it's not just about increasing the distances it's the overwhelming sense of dread I have about getting in the water! I have a fear....a fear, which those who don't have, don't get....there are THINGS in open water....no one knows what they are or what they'll do to you but they are there! I call them swamp monsters. When I put my head under the water I don't want to see anything, if I see something, pond weed, another swimmers foot, my own bubbles. ...I just freak.....I know there is nothing there and I know I can swim the distance but I'm still scared! So tomorrow's challenge is more mental than physical, even though it will be a tough four hours. I just need to keep my sanity for 45 mins whilst in the water and "it'll be fine"....Won't it Jane?