Prep for London Triathlon 2014 tomorrow

Off message but everything packed for tomorrow morning. Up 4am, leave home 5am, then meet fellow Newham Cllr "Red Tel" Paul and his brother-in-law for 5.15am. Arrive Excel centre for 5.30am and then 1.5km swim at 7am immediately followed by 40km bike ride and then 10km run.

Another fine mess that Terry has got me into :)

UPDATE: Did it -  Olympic @londontriathlon Swim 00:44:43, Bike 01:29:30, Run 01:03:20, Total 03:29:42. Will post tomorrow.

National Lottery Newham London Anniversary Run 2014

Off message but this morning I took part again in this 5 mile run in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford.

We were started by 2012 Olympic Cycling legend, Sir Chris Hoy (see bottom right of college).

It was a great run around the Park. A little hot and humid but very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

I used it as a training opportunity for the London Triathlon later next month. After the run I went for a 1.5k swim at the Aquatics Centre then a 90 minute cycle ride. Now feeling absolutely knackered but pleased it went okay. Only 2 more weeks until Triathlon. I cannot wait....until its over :)

Stoke Newington West Reservoir Centre

Off message but I was up very early on Saturday morning in order to attend an open water swimming induction course at the West Reservoir in Stoke Newington.

London never ceases to amaze and surprise me. I have lived here for 26 years and never knew this lovely place existed.

It is a former fresh drinking water reservoir surrounded by greenery and tower blocks in the middle of urban North London.

The site is also used as a sailing and canoe centre.

There was about 12 in my course (all younger and much fitter looking!). Things were a little chaotic at the centre because the lake had been closed in recent weeks due to outbreaks of blue green algae in the water.

Our instructor was Matt, who was ex-forces and gave a classic military style presentation on what to do and not do - with humour and candour. There is a small risk from swimming in open water.

The swimming part of the induction was actually quite fun. This was the first time I had used a wetsuit and it definitely keeps you warm and aids floatation. It did feel a bit constrictive.

It is a very different experience swimming in open water compared to public baths. You cannot see anything under water, it gets very choppy swimming alongside a pack of swimmers and your arms do tire more easily with a web suit. Saying that it is a marvellous experience to swim out doors under the open skies.

I need to get my act together because I am doing the London Triathlon 3 weeks tomorrow. I'm picked up my bike today from its service at Halfords that I bought from my fellow contestant, Newham Cllr "Red Terry" Paul.

I have been training for a while but will admit that have left it a little late. It all seemed such a good idea in January....

(Update - this morning I swam a mile - very slowly - in my wet suit at the mixed bathing pool on Hampstead Health.  Another lovely spot to swim out doors in London)

London Triathlon 2014

Off message but following massive Christmas greediness and self indulgence, as a punishment, I have entered the Olympic distance London Triathlon which takes place on Sunday 2 August 2014.

I now have 6  months to get into shape for the 1.6k open water swim, followed by 40k cycle and 10k run.

I have joined the local borough leisure centre service "Newham Active" and for the first time in decades, I have been swimming and in the gym.

For £36 per month you get unlimited access to the 3 Newham swimming baths and gyms. I still have Wanstead flats to go running and can use Ken Bikes into work and back.

I do however need to buy a bike (problem if you live a flat) and a wetsuit.

I have also in the boot of my car and on my hall landing, 12 boxes of West Ham ward Labour leaflets to help distribute. Join the Labour Party and you can get fit for free delivering lots of leaflets!

I will be seeking sponsorship on behalf of the charity "Alone in London".  Who are a youth homelessness charity that has been supporting young people since 1972. It provides a range of services to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and last year engaged with over 2000 people including those in Newham.

I supported them when I ran (very slowly and very painfully) the London Marathon in 2012.

If you want to sponsor me you can at this Just Giving web page online or by mobile phone text.  I will also have a traditional hard copy sponsor form. 

So far fellow Newham Labour Councillor Terry Paul  is also taking part in the Triathlon but we are busy trying to "persuade" various other folk to also take the plunge.

I will post every now and then on my progress.

Learning and organising in Greater London UNISON 2014

UNISON Branches in London Region should have got plenty of hard copies of the latest guide to our trade union courses for 2014. You can also access it at our website here. There is a wide range of great courses for new and old activists alike held in local collages across the region.

I need myself to book one of the 2 day "Stewards Refresher Course" (which is a Employment Rights Act requirement) since it is over 5 years (and the rest) since I did my last steward training.

(The front cover of the guide above has nothing to do with my recent decision to get fit and lose weight by entering the London Triathlon. Honest Guv).