Team PRA Triathlon Blog, Entry 2: 9 days left

9 days to go - probably time I ramped up my training!

My 3 month training programme is, bar a few wobbles, well on track! When I say '3 month training programme', I mean I dusted off my bike and cycled around the woods with the kids once in May, found my goggles and took the kids swimming once in June and started rugby training in July. And when I say 'a few wobbles', I really mean completely falling off the tracks!

My trip to South Africa appears to have completely dented my motivation. And this, despite words of encouragement from my wife....

Having realized that I needed a wetsuit to compete, I duly ordered one on the internet last week. Having received it, I tried it on to ensure a good fit and showed Louise, hoping for some words of support. Cue fits of uncontrolled laughter. When she finally managed to pick herself off the floor and pull herself together, all she could say was "My God, you did put weight on in South Africa didn't you!"

I think it's now time I knuckle down and get some serious preparation done. The current plan goes something like this....

1. Work out how I'm going to get myself and a bike down to London

2. Try and get hold of a proper bike - I'm not sure my rickety old mountain bike will last 20k with the extra weight I'm carrying

3. Some last minute fine tuning of the body for the big event

4. An unload week (all the best fitness coaches advise that an athlete goes through an unload week in the run-up to a big event/match)

With the Triathlon being next Saturday, my (all important) unload week starts in 2 days time - sounds like I'm pretty much done then!

I've looked on our website and noticed that I've been installed as pre-race favourite to finish first (amongst PRA staff - not the whole field, I hasten to add!) Surely they're having a laugh! I've even heard the phrase 'finely tuned athlete' mentioned in the same sentence as my name - I don't think I even fitted into that category when I was playing at professional rugby (those who played with me and knew my work ethic in the gym would concur!) There are also rumours coming out of the Twickenham office that training has been pretty intense down there. One person, who wishes to remain anonymous, has even been having open water swimming lessons from a professional. I really can't imagine why Alex Anderson wants to remain anonymous, but who am I to blow his cover?!

Seriously though, next Saturday's Triathlon should (in a slightly sadistic way) be good fun - I always enjoy rising to a challenge, although I probably should have bought into this training thing a bit more, and it would be great to raise some good money for the PRA Benevolent Fund - a charity which is very close to my heart. Being an ex PRA member, I may well be needing some personal support from the Fund after Saturday's Triathlon!

I will make every effort to report back after the event - if I live to tell the tale!

Wish me luck!

If you would like to sponsor the PRA Triathlon team, who are raising funds for the PRA Benevolent Fund, the Players' Charity, please visit www.justgiving.com/pratriathlon