Train in vain

There are always interferences and annoyances that make stuff difficult. They make training for an event difficult. And for me at least the ability (or lack thereof) to get fit enough for another big race is a factor of the balance between these difficulties, and the opportunities, or even rewards, that present themselves at other times. It’s like a court case in my head. Currently these difficulties – or the case for the prosecution - include:

Being too busy at work

Being unable to replace any sporting equipment until I or a friend travel to “The Developed World”

Having rotten RSI in one wrist and the other elbow

My MTB front brake STILL not taking its responsibilities seriously enough

Too much time in Dar where running is unpleasant and cycling dangerous.

On the other hand, there are good things, the plusses that make training more pleasant or efficient. Regarding this case for the defence, I will present only one exhibit:

This grainy film comes from Bird Island, near Msimbati, Southern Tanzania. Most UK-based triathletes must swim while snotty schoolchildren scream, fight and wee all around them. I listen to herons and storks calling.

While most people touch the wall and turn around into the path of other swimmers, I go to the mangrove tree and turn right. I see nobody except the boatman who dropped me off and some large hermit crabs.

It may be too late for anything to make me a good swimmer (check the terrible recovery on the right hand side, throwing water sideways and pulling my head too high) but it’s relaxing. And if it's not too pretentious to say so, when I return to Tooting Bec Lido (or Piscine municipal de Strasbourg, or wherever else may be next) I will remember how lucky I am to have had the chance to experience places like this.