Hi there,

So, why is this week’s enthralling update late?? Is it because I have been away? ‘No’. Is it because I have been working and training sooo hard I just haven’t had the time to put pen to paper? ‘No’ So, why then?  Surely I couldn’t have been poorly again? ‘Oh yes I could!!’

Now, any of you that have known me for more than a few months know that I regularly suffer with an asthma cough that accompanies a cold. I get more than my fair share of colds because I work with very cute young children who produce alot of snot!! That’s how it started and apart from missing my early swims I was managing to keep my training ticking over. Then on Saturday afternoon, the cough changed and I knew something was very wrong. By Sunday morning my temperature was so high I couldnt think straight & could hardly walk into the hospital to see the doctor.

Diagnosis- chest infection. The first in my life and boy did it hit me hard. So, I’ve basically been bed ridden ever since. What a nightmare, particularly as it is half-term and I was really looking forward to some good long bike rides and runs. I’m obviously well enough to write this now but, I’m still taking the pills, coughing and feeling pretty weak. Training seems a long way off at the moment.

Anything positive happen this week? ‘Yes’

Before the lurgy knocked me off my feet I visited my bike sponsor, Bikeworkx UK. The Wiltshire Times had written a piece on my new sponsors and I wanted to give Gary a copy of the article. He kindly gave me a new Cratoni helmet. It’s very light and looks great. It’s top of the range and yet still only retails at £85, so a really good price for a quality lid. Gary has a deal on at the moment so give him a call at the shop (01202 533 873) if you fancy one.

I’ve also just received a Sci-con aeron[a]ut saddlebag; It’s so cool! It’s like no other saddlebag on the market. It looks like a pod and although its not very big in volume it’s massive on style! It has just been reviewed in Tri 220 magazine – They agree with me!

What now? More rest, more pills and then hopefully by the weekend I will be feeling well enough to do some light exercise. I’m just focusing on the fact that all my battered muscles, joints and tendons will be refreshed and raring to go- once I get my lungs working again that is!!

See ya, Rach xx