Preparing for Austin ParaTriathlon Nationals

In general, I wouldn't describe myself as a nervous kind of person.  The only things I really get nervous about are: flying, public speaking in front of large groups, going out with attractive women for the first time, interviews, being in large groups of people where I don't know anyone, waiting for important test results back from the doctors, watching England play in the World Cup, paragliding, and of course snakes and large hairy spiders.  But apart from that, there's little that ruffles my feathers.

Another one to add to the list though is the anxiety I feel before competing in a big race.  I was quite nervous before my first marathon in New York in Nov 2008, because I'd been filmed and appeared on TV preparing for it, and would have felt a bit of a fraud if I hadn't completed it.  I felt pressure to do the London marathon in 2011, because I'd raised a lot of money for charity from friends, family and colleagues, and would have felt I'd have let them down if I hadn't finished it.   For any marathon, there is pressure anyway that you've put 3 months and countless hours of effort into gearing up for just one day.  Always though, as soon as I've started the race, I'm OK.

In 3 day's time I'll be competing in the USA paratriathlon nationals in Austin, Texas and I'm flying out there tomorrow with a team from my Achilles running group.  I'm getting just a touch nervous again, and I think this time its because it involves the longest swim I've ever done - 750 metres - and only my second proper open water swim in a wetsuit.  

But I think it should be OK.  I don't any excuses about being let down by crappy equipment any more!  Thanks to A Step Ahead prosthetics, I'll be going to Austin with a grand total of four legs - a running leg, a biking leg, my regular walking leg, along with my (non-mechanical) right leg.  Most amputees across the world don't have access to this standard of care, so I feel truly lucky to be in this position.

Molly does a quick luggage inspection to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.

I'm looking forward to meeting the other paratriathletes, who are often very cool and inspiring people, and to visiting Texas for the first time.    It's going to be hot though - 93 degrees forecast on Monday.  More to come from Austin!