The end - Lands End

The end - Lands End
with Pat = they even changed the sign for us!

Who is Chris Gutowski?

My photo
Northampton, United Kingdom
50+. Very much a family man who still enjoys taking up physical challenges. "MOST PEOPLE TIPTOE THROUGH LIFE HOPING TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO DEATH"

WHY JOHN O'GROATS TO LANDS END?

Every year I'm looking for something new, something a bit more challenging than the previous year. In 2006 it was a big weight loss resulting in triathlons and the London to Brighton. 2008 saw the greatest achievement so far, the conquering of Mt Ventoux (but only on that occasion!).

2009 saw me achieve my Centurion status during Flat Out In The Fens.

I remember reading years ago, Miguel Indurain's comments when asked how he would eventually deal with his own demise as the best rider in the world.

"When I stop winning it will be a liberation which will put an end to my suffering" was his reply.

Well, Big Mig and I are at the opposite end of the same relationship with our bodies. His mind didn't let his body stop until there was nothing left. Me? I'll probably quit when I've had the best day I know I can possibly have.

So, although I'm using the attempt to raise money for a special charity (see column on left), this is also a journey of discovery and finding or developing the warrior athlete within me!

My ride will be completed unsupported over a period of, hopefully, no longer than 8 days in May. However if you'd like to see me 'en route', contact me for route details.





Saturday, 9 May 2009

The journey continues. After my Ventoux exploits came a Sprint distance Triathlon at Roade followed by last weeks Spires and Squires 80 mile bike ride.

I soon realised that 1 hour training sessions are insuffcient for a ride distance that finally took me 6hrs 22 minutes to complete. Nutrition is something else I need to consider. 1 hour rides with just water for company are great and after I'd completed c60 of the 132.05km circuit in 2 hours, I really thought I was on for a great time. Enter Culworth village, Farthingstone, Brington and Haselbech, all with inclines steep enough to bring me to my knees. A puncture at Cottesbrooke, probably just 5 miles from the finish made me want to sit there and think "well, I'M not going to fix it" until I realised nobody else was either.

To build up endurance I'm going to attempt a 60 mile return trip to Oundle, home to much of Bonita's family tomorrow.

In my sights; the Route 101 run in October.
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