My toughest year of sport

I’ve done, well been talked into, a few crazy events in the past few years but this next year is going to beat them all! Seeing as its going to be a toughy I thought I’d keep track of my training, thoughts and feelings as the year progresses.

It started with me deciding that this was going to be the year I’d run the London Marathon in sub 4 hours when a group from work started contemplating the L’Etape du Tour 2008. Contemplation turned from male bravado into a serious challenge when cycles started to be purchased. Considering the timing and type of events it thought I might be able to realise an ambition of completing and Ironman event.

I put the Ironman theory to the L’Etape group and a couple of them expressed an interest. Now if I was to make myself enter the Ironman its likely that I’d just let it pass but with some competition I’m more likely to see it through. You see I’m the type of person that likes the idea of these events but the thought of actually doing them scares the sh1.t out of me. If someone else expresses interest in the same event and pushes me to go for it then I’ll do it, hate it whilst I’m doing it but love it once its done and feel immense satisfaction from completing a challenge that was a dream in my head.

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2 comments

  • Vic says:

    Hi Robert
    Great blog site I cam across it whilst browsing cycling in Stratford.

    Are you local to Stratford? I see you have cycled out with the CC, ever thought about running with the AC. I ask because I run with the club and completed IM UK in 2006. I am doing another next year (Germany) and a couple of other guys in the club are also thinking of doing one. You are welcome to cume and run out with us. Enjoy your trip!

    Vic
    http://www.stratfordbikehire.com

    21 September 2008

  • Vic says:

    pardon my spelling!!!!!!

    21 September 2008

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    I appreciate any and all serious feedback, especially if you feel strongly about something I have written about.





L'Etape du Tour 2008

Etape profile
Pau to Hautacam
8,000 riders will take on the 154-kilometre stage from Pau to the summit at Hautacam, via the east side of the Col du Tourmalet.

The Bike

Trek Madone 5.0
Trek Madone 5.0 (2007)
I love this bike, some would say too much with the amount of time I spend maintaining it! But if I'm going to be going 50mph down a mountain I want to know its in good shape.

Latest images

  • Me at the Col Du Soulier summit
  • Me at the Col d'Aubisque summit
  • Mark at the Col d'Aubisque summit
  • Mark with the big bikes
  • Me with the big bikes
  • Mark at the Col Du Soulier summit
  • The last corner
  • Alex, Mark and I
  • The summit sign and statue
  • Sun breaks through
  • Clouds rolling in
  • View to the east
  • View to the west
  • Alex and Mark after Hautacam climb
  • Mark and Paul
  • View down Col Du Marie Blanque
  • The C4 loaded up
  • Col d'Aubisque summit
  • Mark and Alex in Biarritz coffee shop
  • Mark at the top of Pier St Martain

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About this blog

Welcome to the personal blog of Robert A J Ford, a professional interaction designer and developer based in the UK.

I started this blog in 2007 to record my cycle training leading up to the Etape. I've never been one for diaries but this format works well with my job and lifestyle so I expanded it to record details of other training and events.

As the blog grew it became a space where friends and family followed my activities. Their feedback has inspired me to keep writing. I hope you find something of interest and please feel free to leave comments.

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