So everybody is asking me why? How did this challenge begin? It is pretty simple, I have worked for Gav for close on 6 years now. In our industry, thats a long time (nearly retirement age). Gav and I have always got on and we just understand each other. He is always pushing me to achieve better, whether it be work related or personal. I must confess he is a bit of a mentor for me and I constantly seek advise from him and really do value his opinion in every aspect of my life.

So it goes with out saying that with the serious, must come the fun. With Gav being the ultimate prankster I have definately been the brunt of a couple of his practical jokes over the years. I remember about 3 years ago he set me up on the TV show Laugh out Loud! It was pretty funny!

So I take my chances when I can get them, and this posed the perfect oppourtunity. Originally it started off that I would have to do the 90km race, but I didnt bite! So as the time has got nearer I think the more realistic option was the 40km race, and here we are!

I pretty much have never been so focused on doing something in my life. I unfortunately have created a legacy for myself of not "finishing" things, well that stops now!

I have attached a picture of Gav having some fun. He is a buddy, a mentor, an awesome boss and a real success story for anyone. He is also a man who is about to cough up 20 grand in 4 weeks time....................

How could you not trust this face??????

Four weeks to go until the big day!

So today I started training. I did 10km's in 41mins. I suppose that's
not too bad for someone who hasn't cycled in years and does very
little exercise at all. By my calculations, that means I should finish
the race in 2 hours, 40 mins......LOL! I must admit it definately had
it's moments. As you can see in the picture I have an exercise bike at
home. I do think it will be easier on the road. At least on the road
you can stop peddling and relax on the downhill and straights. If I
stop peddling on the exercise bike it stops the programme that I am
doing.
 
Around 5-6km's it started to get tough, but there are a couple things
I would like to achieve from doing this cycle race, so I just
visualized those goals and it definately helped me to "pull" through
and complete the 10km's.
 
I meet with my trainer tomorrow, so let's see what he has in store for
me regarding a training programme. Admittedly I am rather nervous not
knowing what to expect.
 
Nothing for nothing I suppose.
 
Well until tomorrow........keep peddling!
 
Damien
(The Heaviest Cyclist ever to complete the Itec Connect Dome2Dome!)