Author: paullander100

Today, I was very worried about the injury to my left calf muscle. After the last three days when it has gradually worsened, every walking step on the way to the pool to begin today’s triathlon and each of the push offs on the swim was a nervous test of whether the muscle continued its decline.

I used mostly the right leg to push off at the beginning but gradually engaged the left more as each length was completed. The signs were good at this stage.

Before the end I was joined by Lucy who is making sure I take more care of myself than I otherwise would, through advice, cajoling and now providing me with the best nutrition available. More about this later.

After transition 1, it was a pleasure to see Tom on the Wattbike, having come to join me again, but on two elements of today’s triathlon.

The gears were turned down on the cycle once more to maximise the possibility of recovery from the injury while continuing with the challenge. The company made the ride seem half as long as it normally does despite adding two and a half kilometres extra as I forgot to press the start button on the watch.

Then on the run and the calf felt very stiff at the beginning, as if someone had strapped a bag of sugar to it and it was bouncing up and down as I ran. At the beginning, the Ironman shuffle was deployed but with each step my confidence grew that the injury was less severe than the day before.

Slowly, the pace improved although a couple of twinges towards the end made sure I held back from over-exertion and it was a huge relief to finish in a reasonable time and am now optimistic I can get over this latest scare.

Into the office and I opened the large bag of food that Lucy provided, having extensively researched the best nutrition for such an event and to ensure recovery from injuries. Wow, what a wonderful bag of goodies. From the ice pack for my calf to the salmon meal,  snacks and turmeric capsules, it felt like Christmas had come early.

Together with the positive encouragement on social media, the kindness offered today was like a push from behind that will make a huge difference to the 48 triathlons left to do.

If you have not donated to my challenge to raise money to build a fitting tribute to fallen police officers and staff, your support would be very welcome and a major boost to my efforts.

Today I paid tribute to those who died on duty on December 21, they are:

1844 – Police Constable John Birkmyre – Metropolitan Police

1844 – Police Constable John Wright – Metropolitan Police

1867 – Acting Sergeant William Hall – Northumberland County Constabulary

1876 – Police Constable Robert Gourlay – Roxburghshire Constabulary

1898 – Police Constable James Wheeler – Northumberland County Constabulary

1900 – Police Constable Alfred Clarke – Worcestershire County Constabulary

1940 – Police Fireman James Hood – Liverpool Police Fire Brigade

1940 – War Reserve Constable Richard Millington – Liverpool City Police

1968 – Police Constable Carol Waddington – Rochdale County Borough Police

1973 – Police Constable Dennis Smith QPM – Devon & Cornwall Constabulary

1989 – Detective Sergeant Robert Johnston – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

I have struggled with an injury over the last two days and today was always going to be a test of whether I can battle through this major hurdle.

The advice I received is to turn down the gears on the bike and employ the ‘Ironman shuffle’ on the run. For those not acquainted with the latter tactic, the shuffle is well used by may people who embark on an Ironman triathlon (3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and marathon run). After such a tough cycle, most people survive the marathon by an occasional walk or cut their stride length to avoid cramping in what looks like a shuffling movement.

To continue the challenge I knew I had no other choice despite it being so difficult to do. However, I used the swim to enjoy some intensity.

The gear was duly turned down on the bike and the 40km took an extra few minutes. My legs still felt sore but not any worse than yesterday when I dismounted.

Then starting the run it was immensely worrying as the pain in the left calf muscle was intense. The shuffle was deployed and I managed to continue.

At this point the heavens opened and I knew I would achieve a degree of masochism from the elements instead of the usual intensity of exertion.

It became easier to run as I got wetter. I was able to continue with just a very strong ache and the occasional sharp pain as a reminder to stick to the advice.

It is with relief that I can now write that for the first time I have fewer triathlons to complete than I have already done, although simply walking proved difficult for the rest of the day.

I am endeavouring to complete 100 Olympic-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days to raise money to build a fitting tribute to police officers and staff who lose their lives serving their communities and keeping us safe.

Today I paid tribute to those who died on December 20, they are:

1865 – Police Constable George Sykes – Metropolitan Police

1885 – Police Constable Frank Smith – North Staffordshire Railway Police

1888 – Police Constable Alexander Lamont – Coatbridge Burgh Police

1898 – Police Constable Thomas King – Inverness-shire Constabulary

1914 – Police Constable Alfred Smith – Metropolitan Police

1920 – Sergeant Thomas Walsh – Royal Irish Constabulary

1930 – Police Constable Albert Cox – Kent County Constabulary

1940 – Police Constable Thomas Voce – Liverpool City Police

1940 – Special Constable William Wallace – Wallasey County Borough Police

1986 – Police Constable (Retd) William Wright – Glasgow City Police

1990 – Reserve Constable Wilfred Wethers – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

Please support my effort by donating here.

Yippee! I am half way in my challenge to complete 100 Olympic-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days. It is perhaps appropriate that I did so mainly using half my body.

While the swim was most noteworthy for me losing count and doing an extra 160 metres, the cycle began with my left calf muscle hurting and I could tell I needed to prevent it from further damage. I lowered the intensity and pedalled much more with my right leg.

Then on the run after about 500 metres the left calf was very painful. I thought about hopping but 10km would have been too far. I ran in short strides and hoped for the best. I was able to complete the final leg of the triathlon but at a much slower pace than normal.

Reaching this milestone feels great but, with the same amount still to go, I am fearful that I now face the challenge’s biggest hurdle – I have to find a way to overcome this injury.

I will celebrate reaching this half way stage by going to an Andre Rieu concert at Wembley Arena, but at the same time remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so we can do such things in safety.

The following police officers and staff died in the execution of their duty on December 19:

1882 – Police Constable John Drummond – Berwickshire Constabulary

1900 – Lieutenant George Hebbington – Glasgow City Police

1961 – Police Constable Thomas Hughes – Berkshire County Constabulary

1965 – Sergeant Donald Robertson BEM – Perth & Kinross Constabulary

1966 – Police Constable William Wood – Surrey Constabulary

1975 – Police Constable Francis Sullivan – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1988 – Police Constable Gavin Carlton – West Midlands Police

1989 – Detective Inspector David Stewart – Tayside Police

2000 – Police Constable Jonathan Odell – Kent County Constabulary

Please support my efforts to raise money to build a fitting tribute to all officers and staff who have died while serving at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire by donating whatever you can here.

Christmas is normally low-key in the Lander household. In fact, we normally go away and enjoy some winter sun, it is the only time of the year I take time off from work as the publication I produce takes a two-week break.

However, Mrs L did not fancy a holiday of triathlons so it is a traditional Christmas once more. And the spirit of the occasion is beginning to take hold. We are very excited about spending Christmas with aunts, although it will be a unique arrangement with doing a triathlon each day. More about this in the next few days.

Despite what is going on with the country supposedly divided over Brexit and financial worries all around, there are lots of people who are clearly enjoying the time of year.

From the personal trainers at the gym, constantly sporting elf costumes and fancy hats, to the business centre manager organising weekly celebrations, I am very appreciative of the positivity that this time of year brings.

Today, I completed my 49th Olympic-distance triathlon in 49 days and once again the swim was enjoyable but the cycle was tedious. And then the run was the best for a long while, made so by Tom’s company.

Tom is a triathlete who has been following my challenge and offered to join me over Christmas. It is so nice to know that what I am doing is inspiring others but, as he is about to become a father for the second time in January, it was also great to run and chat about the joys of parenthood – the greatest achievement in life.

It is clear that when the time is right Tom will one day complete his own physical challenge, but it was so nice to have his support for mine right now.

We ran a 49 minute 10km, and it felt relatively comfortable although the last 2km my left calf tightened terribly and I had to slow to ensure I make it to number 50. Just one to go and I will be half way to my eventual goal of 100 Olympic-distance triathlons in 100 days.

This challenge is being done to raise money to build a memorial to all the police officers and staff who have died serving their communities. And while we enjoy the festive period, it must be a very difficult time of year for those who have lost a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, close friend or colleague.

I will do my utmost to use the positivity to complete my challenge and play my part in seeing a fitting tribute to them built in 2019.

Today I remembered the following officers and staff who died on duty on December 18:

1767 – Watchman William Ridley – Blackfriars Ward, City of London

1869 – Sergeant Thomas Howard – Bute Dock Police

1893 – Detective Officer Alexander McMahon – Glasgow City Police

1910 – Police Constable Hugh Savage – Glasgow City Police

1916 – Police Constable Robert Biddlecombe – Dorset County Constabulary

1917 – Special Constable Henry King – Metropolitan Police

1925 – Police Constable John Lloyd – Metropolitan Police

1942 – War Reserve Constable Harold Stone – Brighton County Borough Police

1950 – Inspector Robert Allen – Nottinghamshire County Constabulary

1951 – Sergeant Robert Lindsay – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1972 – Police Authority Member William Johnston – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1974 – Detective Inspector James McKendrick – Lancashire Constabulary

Please support my effort by donating whatever you can here.

Another tough day at the gym, and on the road.

Contrary to triathlon racing, in which the swim is most people’s least enjoyable element, because of the clashes with 99 others vying for the same space, my swims are by far the best part of my challenge.

Once again I had a lane completely to myself and could concentrate on my stroke and make it as smooth as possible. The 40km on the Wattbike, however, has become extremely tedious and it is so tempting to push it beyond my limits just to get it over with. Today I probably did just that and suffered on the run.

Recent days have seen my calf muscles tighten and cause me great concern, particularly as they feel similar to last year when injury prevented me from running for a few months, until April this year.

I started today’s run very slowly and carefully. Knowing I usually pick up the pace, I was comfortable easing into the run but today I didn’t gat much faster at all. I could tell that the tightness in the calf muscles was so close to tipping over into an injury that I was extremely careful. Despite a huge urge to run faster and finish the effort, I was effectively holding myself back as if on my own leash.

The times are no longer important, I just hope that I am employing active recovery to its best effect and tomorrow I can loosen the leash just a little bit.

I am so close to the halfway mark, and just 52 left to complete the challenge.

Today, I paid tribute to the police officers and staff who died doing their duty on this date. They include Police Constable Jane Arbuthnot and Sergeant Noel Lane who died when IRA terrorists detonated a bomb outside Harrods in London in 1983 (Inspector Stephen Dodd died on Christmas Eve from injuries received in the same incident). The full list of officers is:

1842 – Sergeant Andrew Allen – Metropolitan Police

1867 – Police Constable Donald Bain – Newcastle-upon-Tyne Borough Police

1887 – Police Constable James Davies – Cheshire County Constabulary

1910 – Sergeant Robert Bentley KPM – City of London Police

1910 – Police Constable Walter Choat KPM – City of London Police

1917 – Police Constable John Settrington – Metropolitan Police

1920 – District Inspector Philip O’Sullivan – Royal Irish Constabulary

1920 – Police Constable Peter Shannon – Royal Irish Constabulary

1956 – Temporary Sergeant Maurice Eden – Metropolitan Police

1973 – Detective Constable (Retd) – Ivan Johnston – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1983 – Police Constable Jane Arbuthnot – Metropolitan Police

1983 – Sergeant Noel Lane – Metropolitan Police

1995 – Police Constable Robert Dallow – West Midlands Police

Please donate here to build a fitting tribute to them at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

After a busy two days, Sunday’s triathlon was a more relaxed affair to begin with. It was another swim in a virtually empty pool and when I stopped to check my watch to see how many lengths I had done, it showed 1,520 metres so time to stop, I was so close to doing more than I needed to.

Then on the bike and the toll of the last two days took hold. The cycle seemed to take forever and every time I looked at the mileage, there didn’t seem to be much difference and I really began to question what I was doing. The tedium forced me to remind myself that I am just three triathlons away from such a major milestone – 50 Olympic-distance triathlons in 50 days – half way to my final goal of 100 in 100 consecutive days.

The 10km run was much easier to cope with than other days though. Even though it was just a couple of degrees warmer, it made a huge difference. The hands were not painful and the bitter wind that sapped my strength was gone.

And after completing number 47 today I even managed to do some stretches that I hope ensures I make it at least to 50.

As I do every day, I paid tribute to those police officers and staff who died on that date. On December 16, they are:

1844 – Police Constable Richard Fairclough – Liverpool Borough Police

1859 – Police Constable Charles Welch – Metropolitan Police

1910 – Sergeant Charles Tucker KPM – City of London Police

1920 – Police Constable Patrick Halford – Royal Irish Constabulary

1920 – Police Constable Ernest Harden – Royal Irish Constabulary

1920 – Police Constable Albert Palmer – Royal Irish Constabulary

1920 – Police Constable Arthur Smith – Royal Irish Constabulary

1980 – Police Constable James Drennan – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

It was very difficult to get going today after a late night on Friday. Eventually, I made it to the pool to begin the latest triathlon. But the pressure was on as I had to be in the town centre by 2pm to fulfil my duty and relieve Frank, as the Rotary Club’s Father Christmas.

After a standard swim, it was a fast transition to the bike and a reasonably fast 40km done. Then out on the run and into the cold and wet. And with every step the downpour intensified. After a 50 minute 10km, I was very cold.

On returning to the gym, I was advised to do plenty of stretching or to go into the sauna to relax the muscles but I had no time for recovery. It was a quick shower and a dash to what seemed a fourth element to my triathlon – a run through the town centre, another quick change and without time to properly recover, I had two exhausting hours of ho-ho-ho-ing.

Having learnt from last year, when parents advised me to eat more mince pies and Christmas pudding to be a realistic Santa, I made up for the even thinner appearance this year by having three thick jumpers and cushions, plus the robes and wig etc, to fill me out and keep me warm. And while my helpers were moaning about the cold, I was merely damp and tired.

After completing my duty and packing away the equipment, I was asked if I wanted to do some Christmas shopping or go home. Needless to say I was snoring on the sofa in less than half an hour.

Just 54 triathlons to go to reach 100 in 100 consecutive days. I will even be completing a triathlon on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This is to raise money to build a memorial to fallen police officers and staff at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

We need donations now more than ever if we are to see it built in 2019. Today I paid tribute to those who died on December 15, they are:

1868 – Sub-Constable Thaddeus O’Loghlen – Royal Irish Constabulary

1892 – Sergeant David Garner – Metropolitan Police

1902 – Acting Sergeant Patrick Gaffney – Royal Irish Constabulary

1751 – Watchman Daniel Cutting – Parish of Bethnal Green, Middlesex

1938 – Sergeant William Curry – Glasgow City Police

1942 – Special Constable John Ratcliffe – Bristol City Police

1972 – Police Constable George Chambers – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1976 – Police Constable Norman Campbell – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1982 – Police Constable Douglas Dickson – Metropolitan Police

1989 – Reserve Constable John Quinn – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1990 – Sergeant Graham Melhuish – Metropolitan Police

Please donate here, thank you.

Today was a day of endurance in more ways than one.

Once again the pool was empty when I began my 45th triathlon in 45 days. The swim was straightforward and I suspect I was heading for a time of around 1.56 to 1.57/100m, however, halfway two fast swimmers I have seen a few times before got in either side of me and by 1,500m my overall time had dropped to 1.52/100m.

The bike was pretty much routine, with very pleasant company making the last half pass very quickly, but the run was something else.

I was extremely pleased to be able to start running with a good rhythm but after just one kilometre my hands were extremely cold. Due to the minus temperatures, by the 8km mark they were very painful. And after finishing and entering the warmth, it was strange to see how red they went.

I reckon the extra energy to keep warm is burning many more calories than usual as I am so hungry afterwards.

After promising a GP friend I would visit my own doctor to be sure I am not causing any long-term damage to myself, I had a health check today. The “that’s very good”, “very low heart rate”, “98 per cent oxygen”, “lungs are very clear” and other very positive comments were very reassuring. An ECG next week will complete the check-up but onwards to the next 55, that half way mark is very close.

However, there was the minor issue of walking the streets of Elm Farm in Aylesbury this evening, accompanying the Christmas float with Santa Claus up its chimney, raising money for local charities. At least it will add a few steps to my average daily count I wrongly thought. Little did I expect to be the one up the chimney for over two hours and ended up almost unable to get down as my thigh muscles seized. All the waving in the cold once again froze my hands.

However, children come bounding out of their houses to see you, shaking not with the cold but sheer joy, and even elderly residents waving back so happily, it was an absolute joy.

I think I am now in character for tomorrow when I have to don the red with fur lining and get close up with the kids for the Rotary Club Christmas collecting at a shopping mall. There is a small matter of another triathlon to do first though and enduring discomfort for another cause.

I have undertaken to complete 100 Olympic-distance triathlons in 100 days to raise money to build a fitting tribute to over 4,000 police officers and staff who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public.

On December 14, the following lost their lives on duty:

1830 – Constable William Bond – Officer of the Bow Street Public Office

1831 – Sub-Constable Edward Boyle – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable William Budds – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable Charles Carroll – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable James Dixon – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable Thomas Egan – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable Robert Fitzgerald – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable John Fitzpatrick – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Chief Constable James Gibbons – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable William Grace – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable John McGlennan – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable John Prescott – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable Joseph Whitteker – Leinster Constabulary

1831 – Sub-Constable John Wright – Leinster Constabulary

1866 – Police Constable Henry Buin – Metropolitan Police

1875 – Police Constable Donald Anderson – Alloa Burgh Police

1912 – Detective Officer Thomas Rothnie – Edinburgh City Police

1919 – Police Constable Edward Bolger – Royal Irish Constabulary

1921 – Sergeant Thomas Enright – Royal Irish Constabulary

1928 – Chief Constable John Brinkley – Warwickshire County Constabulary

1930 – Sergeant Robert Little KPM – Durham County Constabulary

1938 – Police Constable David Murdoch – London & North Eastern Railway Police

1938 – Police Constable Allan Proudfoot – London & North Eastern Railway Police

1942 – Special Constable Charles Gilbert – Northumberland County Constabulary

1942 – Special Constable Oliver Hudson – Northumberland County Constabulary

1958 – Police Constable Raymond Summers – Metropolitan Police

1961 – Police Constable Anthony Onione – Bristol City Police

1963 – Detective Sergeant Kenneth Jordan – Metropolitan Police

1974 – Police Constable David McNeice – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1982 – Sergeant Gerald Charnley – Lancashire Constabulary

1982 – Inspector Kenneth Innell – Dorset Police

You can donate here, thank you.

Today was an ice-scraping day and even though I was late getting into the pool to begin another triathlon, the whole gym was pretty much empty. Perhaps I have chosen the best time of year to do my challenge after all.

I had the whole pool to myself which is great for mindfulness and concentrating on technique. It was a pity to have to get out. The cycle was again on a Wattbike and a pretty standard time achieved. I was slightly worried as I had no nutrition with me today so my early morning porridge would have to sustain me through all three elements.

And out onto the slippery roads I went for the run. Even though the sun was bright and the wind pretty mild, it was bitterly cold. Note to self, remember a running hat tomorrow.

Times are getting back to normal after very painful calf muscles a couple of days ago but the niggle has moved down slightly to my achilles. More patience and care needed to be sure that doesn’t turn into an injury.

Another one done and I am getting ever so close to the half way mark. I am pretty pleased with myself so far but must not look too far ahead. Number 45 tomorrow, this is the milestone to focus on and then the next five.

Today I paid tribute to the police officers and staff who died on December 13. They are:

1904 – Police Constable James Macey – Metropolitan Police

1920 – Police Constable Frederick Taylor – Royal Irish Constabulary

1921 – Sergeant John Maher – Royal Irish Constabulary

1940 – Inspector Henry Lane – Metropolitan Police

1940 – War Reserve Constable Frank Munks – Sheffield City Police

1958 – Detective Inspector James O’Donnell – QPM, MM – Blackburn County Borough Police

1966 – Chief Inspector Thomas Woods – Lancashire County Constabulary

1972 – Police Constable James Nixon – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1978 – Police Constable Joseph Childs – Devon & Cornwall Constabulary

1978 – Police Constable Martin Reid – Devon & Cornwall Constabulary

1991 – Detective Constable James Morrison QGM – Metropolitan Police

1995 – Police Constable George Hammond QPM – Metropolitan Police

2003 – Police Constable Thomas Jackson – South Yorkshire Police

Please support me in paying tribute to all of the more than 4,000 police officers and staff who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and help build the memorial in Staffordshire.

After yesterday’s very painful experience, and with concerns that previous similar calf problems have led to injuries, I was very concerned about how today would go.

I was very late after Tuesday’s press day finished at 10pm and was shocked to find the pool taken over by Aquarobics when I arrived. After a short delay, I was able to get started on my swim and the first test gave me confidence. Unlike yesterday, each push off the wall did not hurt the calf muscles.

I was able to cycle at a reasonable speed but could feel the muscles tighten after half way. However, they were nowhere near as tight as before and I was hopeful about the run.

With coach Ian Mayhew’s cautionary words ringing in my ears, I focused on controlling the pace and on the overall goal, not just today’s time. After 51 minutes I completed the 10km run to and number 43 of the 100 triathlons in 100 days.

And I am mightily relieved that, so far, it has been possible to get over the two most concerning and painful niggles I have had so far while continuing with the challenge – active recovery in action.

This extreme challenge is being done to raise money to build a memorial for police officers and staff who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the public. We hope to build a fitting tribute at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Please support by efforts by donating here. Thank you.

Today I paid tribute to those who died on December 12. They are:

1767 – Watchman William Ridley – London Night watch

1894 – Police Constable William Wilson – Kingston-upon-Hull City Police

1904 – Police Constable Richard Clayton – Lancashire County Constabulary

1940 – Police Fireman Frederick Spencer – Sheffield Police Fire Brigade

1958 – Police Constable Frank Hulme – Hertfordshire County Constabulary

1970 – Sergeant William Hunter – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1979 – Police Constable William Haken – Northumberland Constabulary

1993 – Assistant Constable William Beacom – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC

1993 – Reserve Constable Ernest Smith – Royal Ulster Constabulary, GC