My first ever triathlon!

Well, there are now just over 5 weeks to my first triathlon. It is very very exciting, if a somewhat daunting prospect. Mostly because I don't currently have a functioning bike and 4 laps of the pool is as much as I can swim before needing a few seconds' rest!

But I like a challenge. I'm training 6-7 days per week currently, and already seeing improvements in my endurance. I'm also amusing the staff on camp and my neighbours by doing interval training up and down the private roads, which makes me look like a tomato by the end!

I must admit to spending an inordinate amount of time looking at bike specs over the past few days... I have chosen a model - the Specialized Dolce 24 - as my first ever road bike and now bidding on a secondhand one on Ebay. Fingers crossed! Failing that, I'll be buying new.

Two weeks of exams coming up and then I can start training at the Newport triathlon club, in addition to my own sessions. So exciting! Watch this space for news on how that goes.

Hi!

Thanks for visiting my blog page for my fundraising efforts for Combat Stress. This charity does incredibly important work, specialising in the care of Veterans' mental health. They treat conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders. Their services are free of charge to the Veteran, but these things cost money and they are in greater demand than ever.

Every little counts and so I'm aiming to put myself extremely out of my comfort zone to raise funds that will make a tangible difference. The plan is to compete in next year's half-Ironman, a very challenging triathlon which takes place in June 2011. It comprises a 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike, followed by a half-marathon... hideous frankly! But our soldiers put their lives on the line for our country, so this is nothing in comparison really.

I'll be competing in events throughout the next year, starting with my first sprint triathlon in Brecon on 5th June 2010: 400m swim; 20km bike; 5km run. You can keep track of my progress from novice to triathlete here on my blog, and if you fancy coming to support me at any of the events I'm taking part in, your support would be wonderful!

So, please dig deep and help me reach my target of £2,000 for Combat Stress. Here are a few examples of what a donation from you will fund:

• £30 pays for a session of trauma-focused therapy
• £130 pays for a consultation with a psychiatrist
• £293 pays for a full day's care at a Combat Stress residential treatment centre.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you so much!

Daisy xx