STAR LETTER
SPECIFIC ADVICE REQUIRED
I’m hoping you can help. I was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2018 and after radiotherapy failed I had a total laryngectomy and neck dissection in July 2019.
Since then I’ve completed several ultra marathons, duathlons and run events. In November 2021 I was fitted for a special snorkel for swimming, which attaches to the hole in my neck. This year I have three tri’s planned and the Hever Castle Gauntlet in September. But I’ve struggled to find other people who have done this and would like some advice/feedback before the races. Can you help? Richard Benno
220 replies: Thanks for writing in, Richard. If anyone can help Richard with some advice please email our deputy editor, Liz – elizabeth.barrett@ ourmedia.co.uk – who will put you in direct contact with Richard. Thank you.
Got an opinion to share? Then email us at fao220 @220triathlon.com
THIS MONTH’S LETTERS
RIDICULOUS CHALLENGE
A few months ago (possibly over a few G&Ts), I thought up a ridiculous plan for a challenge that, as I understand, has never been done before. In September, I’m going to climb the three peaks, swim the three largest lakes in the respective countries (Loch Lomond, Windermere and Llyn Tegid) and cycle between them, all in one go, all for charity.
It’s a mega triathlon on steroids and despite being a keen triathlete, I’ve never done anything like this before. The key factor driving me through the early-morning training sessions and many doubts that flood my thoughts is that I’m aiming to raise as much money as possible for two charities that mean the absolute world to me.
“I have a special snorkel, which attaches to the hole in my neck”
My grandad (Pops) was looked after by St Michael’s Hospice (a small, local charity) during his last few months of his battle with pancreatic cancer. I know that he’d be so proud and would love for me to say a real thank you, and this is the best way I can think of to do it.
The following year, my grandma was one of the 209,600 UK people to be diagnosed with dementia. It’s been quite the rollercoaster since, but one constant, solid pillar of support has been the Alzheimer’s Society. Their research to find a cure while simultaneously providing such support to those living with dementia is simple admirable.
If anyone would like to track me, you can via my Instagram page @tripeakschallenge. All support, whether advice-driven or financial, will be very welcome! Meg Pragnell
220 replies: Wishing you all the very best for this epic challenge, Meg. Your grandparents would/will be so incredibly proud of you.
RESTARTING TRI
I bought a subscription to 220 a few years ago as my wife (Kate, 45) and I (48) were starting our journey in tri.
We did a few sprint distances, a 40k sportive and then completed the London Olympic-distance Triathlon in August 2019. That was a challenge, as we got married in Mauritius at the start of the July and enjoyed two weeks of allinclusive eating and drinking!
We’ve then had a couple of real setbacks –I suffered a severe tibia plateau fracture in a rugby accident and then Kate was diagnosed with Addison’s disease [when your body doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones].
We’re now looking at restarting our training and will line up for a couple of sprint-distance events this year. But we really fancy pitting ourselves at a middle-distance tri in 2023. So what I’d like to know is, are there any basic training plans for people who want to complete triathlons for sprint and up to middle distance please? Also, any advice on which would be the best middle-distance tri for complete novices? David & Kate Pearce
220 replies: Hi David and Kate. First off, head to our Training Plan section on our website – 220triathlon.com/ training/training-plans – where you’ll find plans for all distances to download for free. And while you’re there, search ‘middle-distance triathlons’ to find our pick of the best eight for beginners. All the very best to you both!
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1 @celebsuett That was a mentally tough track session!! 10 minutes, 3x 2 minutes, 10 minutes #liveyourlimit
2 @paddlepedalpace So good to be running in the sunshine today! I haven’t done this route along the Thames in 2 years, back when I was in the office every day
3 @shukertom 50 miles of sun & hills, that’s a happy Friday for me!!!
4 @thewannabeironman 12k is the key to peace for the rest of the day [me].
5 @road_between_140.6 #workharddreambig
6 @bkr_bex Standard post-sunday dinner plank challenge with Darcy (this was after her squats and lunges challenge!) with the bike all packed
7 @davemurray_totaltri Camp day 1. Morning Swim Aerobic Focus. Kept it to pull so as to keep the legs fresh at the start of the week.
8 @ryzabovefitness First Aquathon – Nice. 3rd overall @ local event
9 @trigirlc I got absolutely hammered in the crosswinds today. First time I’ve experienced winds like this in Lanza.