Monday 22 Oct 4.17 local.

Simon has completed the swim part of this amazing event in 19:37:49 a staggering acheivement given the heat and that he is the novice in the field.

He has just taken a shower and will try to sleep for a few hours before starting the 1120 mile bike ride, I thought that I had done some long events and journey's but nothing compares to this one.

He ate well during the swim and should be ready to go on the next part of the Decatriathlon, very soon.

I am in awe of them all, but especially Simon.

Monday 22 Oct. 12

Decatriathlon Monterrey Mexico – World Championship 

For all of you early birds out there well I suppose it is after 7 your time, here’s the next instalment.

Simon is still in the lead of the swim he is almost at 34kms as I write, only 4 to go. Naturally he has slowed down a little and I now expect him to finish in about 19 hours, which will be 3am Monterrey time.

He has remained in great spirits throughout and unlike some of his competitors has been able to eat and drink consistently throughout the last 17 hours; he is a marvel.

The next update should be when he’s finished part one of this epic event.

The world is watching Simon and he’s staying on top.

And so it begins ..........

Sunday 21 Oct. 12

Decatriathlon Monterrey Mexico – World Championship  

And so it has begun, Simon and I were up at 0530 this morning to prepare for the 0800 start, breakfast was served in the park from 0600, I don’t know who was more nervous; he or I. The Ultra Triathletes gathered round the open air tables to tell tales of daring do and why Monterrey is the ‘Meca’ for this event as dawn broke.

The event started at 0800 and as I write this short update I am pleased to report that Simon is on schedule by 1000 he had swum just over 3 miles and is feeling very comfortable, thankfully it is overcast here today so the temperature is a lot lower than the 95f predicted. There are only another 20 miles or so to go of the swim, he will swim 760 lengths of this pool by the time he finishes sometime tonight, we are hoping for 18 hours. Then there’s only 1120 miles on the bike and the small matter of 262 miles on foot, should be a ‘walk in the park’ and as we are in the Parque Europa that’s a good thing.

Stay strong Bourneo, the world is watching.

Lets Get Ready To Rumble!!!

The highlights of the day have been numerous. A full breakfast that lasted for nearly 2 hours followed by a walk around Monterrey. It didn't last very long! On our return our much awaited baggage had just arrived so morale was high. Clean clothes, unpacking followed by repacking and time spent on assembling the bike, now it is ready to go!!!
We were called to the opening meeting and met up with the other athletes where people start to analyse the opposition. No real need here due to the severity of the event, it will be down to survival and who can really tough it out! The weather has cooled, light rain earlier, tomorrow we meet at 11am for the more formal proceedings, blood samples, race briefing and even more food. At midday to move lock stock and smoking barrel to the Parque Espana where it will all happen. Deca commences in the outdoor olympic pool at 8am Sunday!!! Time to get serious..........Life is about to change in earnest.............After tomorrow Pete will be providing daily race updates on progress!!

Monterrey 2012!!

Relax before a race? You must be joking. Sprinting around airports chasing flight connections something just had to go wrong? And it did! The Sheraton Ambassador Hotel is ideal, but without any luggage, no bags, no bike, it could be better. You have to laugh as I am reassured that they will arrive at the hotel today.
Arriving in Monterrey at 9pm and greeted with a baking night time temperature of a whopping 98 degrees this race is going to be brutal!! And I mean brutal!! Having now arrived the reality is simple, this is going to be seriously tough!! It has a reputation that is second to none. Here you start to sense the enormity of just what lies ahead. At 8am this morning it is already 75 degrees, a far cry from blighty and a world away from normality. The Sheraton breakfast was wonderful, seeing Pete naked first thing in the morning was an added surprise! Tomorrow I will post my pre race feelings after the initial meeting! There is already a mixture of apprehension and raw emotion! This is the ultimate race something I have waited a life time for! It has finally arrived...........................

Tomorrow The Journey Begins!!!

Training well and truly over, packing and intricate preparation carried out nothing has been left to chance. "D" Day is fast approaching, tomorrow will see me and Pete leave Heathrow for Monterrey via Houston. Tomorrow evening we will arrive and stay in the Sheraton Hotel where maximum temperatures are 34-35 degrees, night time minimum temperatures are 23 degrees! Racing in a furnace springs to mind as my mental preparation begins. On the plane I will re-read Bob Browns Deca phase of his book to remind me of what lies ahead. I already know but it will any grain of complacency. Daily updates will provide a lot of information so prepare to witness first hand a personal battle with the toughest race on the planet!!! I am ready...................

A Tough Week!!

Sometimes things are sent to test our resolve and commitment, well if that is the case then this was THAT WEEK!!! A very easy training week before complete overload arrives tomorrow. This is the final hurdle before a rest week with lots of eating and relaxing. Pain and suffering is just around the corner. Tomorrow I will hit the pool twice with a fast turbo session in between. Tuesday I will hit the turbo for a 12 hour marathon session. The end of training is in sight but on Sunday 21st October WAR is declared. The aim is to become a much awaitied Deca Athlete!! In between stands a 24 mile swim, 1120 miles of riding and a 262 mile run................Want it, need it, smash it...................