Toughing out training

When the going gets tough, dig deep and find the strength within.
That's what I've been told and, to my surprise, I'm actually listening to my own advice.
It's nearing the end of week three of my triathlon training and the final date is suddenly more than just a mere scribble in my diary. I pencilled it in but have since written over it in vivid - it makes it feel more tangible that way.
However, the novelty and excitement of training has worn off and now things are getting pretty tough.
Swimming four mornings a week has been a real challenge and I've developed immense respect for those who regularly wake at the crack of dawn to engage in exercise.
This past week has been extremely hectic - with work commitments, weekly soccer games (indoor and outdoor) and hockey season has now started. Fitting all this in with my training schedule has been a struggle and, to be honest, I've had to prioritise my commitments.
This week I've also been hungrier than I've ever been.
But while I'm spending more at the supermarket, I haven't been spending nearly as much on social activities, as I tend to be in bed by 9pm.
My friends don't seem to mind too much and they're very supportive of my upcoming challenge.
Some of them even want to take part themselves.
While I have hardly any control over the swimming aspect of my training - I go to the pool and Sheryl McLay tells me what to do - I have complete control over my biking and running training schedule.
I've let my running slip this week and have only been out twice so far.
But biking this week was made much easier thanks to the generosity of Tim Mills, owner of Avanti Plus in Mount Maunganui.
For the past two weeks, I've been riding a mountain bike or a stationary bike at the gym, however, Tim kindly loaned me a racing bike, which I've been using nearly every day.
I went into the store and Tim fitted me with the bike, an Avanti Sprint, which I've been loaned for the duration of the triathlon. Avanti Plus is also giving away a new model Avanti Sprint bike, valued at $1399, as a triathlon spot prize.
Once fitted, Tim tells me to call if I have any worries or concerns. His kindness and generosity makes me smile.
Triathlon coach Brad Dixon has also been a huge help and has helped me tackle the daunting task of completing a triathlon in five weeks. Without his training programme I would have thought this task was unachievable.
I must also take this opportunity to thank my flatmates for putting up with my banging around at 5.30 each morning.
I'm sorry for waking you all up.
With another day down, instead of this triathlon being a light shining in the distance, it feels like a freight train coming towards me at rapid speed.
There is less than three weeks to go until the big day.
I'm feeling like a bag of mixed emotions - I'm extremely nervous but immensely proud that I've taken on this challenge.
I'm adamant I will succeed.