The Plan

I have been wondering lately about doing some self supported events. Time constraints, family, travel logistics, and not forgetting the ever increasing entry fees have made me think. There's always my health too. I can't rely on it and it would really irk me if I trained for months for a big event only to be let down by my body come race day. Ok, so this can happen to 'healthy' people as well, but there's more chance of it happening to me.

I mentioned earlier on in my blog that big events, or even small events, don't motivate me. Considering how many times I've ended up the week before race day, totally unprepared mainly because I haven't been bothered to put in the work, or I've put off starting a schedule, just confirms this. Targeting a self supported event would probably motivate me more. It would definitely fit in with my hap hazard way of training for things, doing as and when I want.

For someone who is meticulous in the rest of my life, making lists, being totally prepared for things, having a daily diary and running my life as a regimented military process, the fact that I can't get my arse in gear for something I love (sport), just frustrates me.

So the events??

I have things bubbling and simmering in the back of my mind. But nothing definite. Obviously, in honour of my blog name I think it only right that I should do an ironman at some point. I'm not a confident cyclist on the roads, actually that's not true, I'm fairly confident in my own ability just not in the ability of others not to hit me. My dad always used to say, treat everyone else on the roads as idiots so at least you'll be unsurprised and prepared when they do the unexpected. I just keep seeing a lot of people getting knocked off, some walk away, many do not. I'm not prepared to leave my kids motherless just for the sake of one of my whims. Harsh maybe, but that's the way I feel.
So, this points towards maybe an indoor ironman. Not the same as a 'proper' one but I'm sure it'll be a challenge.

Another thing I've been toying with is running a marathon in every city of Scotland. Doesn't sound like much of a challenge either since we only have 6 cities, until I explain that it would be done continuously. So, one marathon in Dundee, hop on train and do another one in Aberdeen, another train to Inverness...and so on...

A self supported 100 mile ultra run appeals to me. Need I say any more?

Perhaps the most immediate challenge which I have on my mind, is doing the distance of the TdF for the duration of the tour, indoors on rollers. However, I worked out the ave I would need to ride over 21 days (no rest days) and I would have to cycle around 100 miles per day. I think 100k per day for 21 days is more realistic for me epsecially since I haven't ridden my bike for yonky donks.