Another late start to today’s triathlon, it is such a relief to have a break in publishing and not have to be in the pool at 6.30am. I am not sure how I would have coped.

However, despite the lie in till 7am, I was very tired after yesterday’s speedy effort. And however much I enjoyed the faster run, I would be foolish to try and keep that level up.

I was still very stiff for the swim and gradually loosened off as I went. I took a couple of minutes longer to complete the 40km bike leg before setting off on the run. The sun was shining brightly and the temperature was a welcome nine degrees. The heavy legs and caution meant the 10km was almost three minutes slower than the previous day but satisfying that I had no ill-effects from that unusually fast run.

Just 41 triathlons to go but one before the next milestone.

I am attempting to complete 100 Olympic-distance triathlons in 100 days to raise money to build a fitting tribute to fallen police officers and staff at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Today I paid tribute to those who lost their lives on duty on December 28. After long lists over the past few days, it is a relief the number is fewer. They are:

1852 – Chief Constable John Craige – Castletown Police, Isle of Man

1858 – Police Constable John Smith – Essex County Constabulary

1914 – Special Constable Joseph Thomas – Essex County Constabulary

1921 – Police Constable William Hallett – Metropolitan Police

1939 – Reserve Constable Frederick Words – Royal Marine Police Special Reserve

1950 – Police Constable Thomas Blomfield – West Suffolk Constabulary