Break Your Limits

Last time I wrote we were about to hit the high mountain ski slopes and I was fearful of broken limbs and a stint in an alpine hospital. But I need not have feared for Team BYL france is still functioning with all facilities in place and in working order. The skiiing was fun, well that is what Claire tells me. I would not know as I spent most of the day with my face planted in the snow beneath a tangled mess of legs, arms and skis. After a few failed attempts, I called it a day and headed for the pub meanwhile Claire sharpened her skills in preparation for her debut at the Vancouver Games.

A jubilant Claire jests about her ski supremacy

In other news, the Team recently celebrated its two year ‘wedding birthday’ (as is said in franglais) and so the decision was made to spend a few days in the south coast town of Menton, just on the edge of the French / Italian border. We chose Menton as not only is it a beautiful town but also it is renowned for its sublimely warm, sunny and rainfree climate. Well, in true Team BYL fashion, we arrived in Menton amidst a downpour of rain that lasted for almost the whole time we were there. Nonetheless, we were assured that there would not be a dull moment as Menton is home to the annual Fete du Citron, yes that is right, a giant party celebrating the humble lemon.

The town of Menton is fiercely proud of its lemon heritage – once the largest exporter of lemons in europe. To celebrate such a feat, the town puts on a spectacle involving the construction of gigantic objects out of lemons. If you wanted proof that the french are crazy then look no further. Claire and I were treated to giant dinosaurs made from lemons, lemon UFO’s, a haunted house made from lemons, and even a stunning version of the roman colesium made entirely out of lemons. What better way to pay tribute to one of history’s greatest works of roman engineering? Why yes, I can hear the Menton townfolk say, ‘let’s build it with lemons!’

Mom! Pop! Them aliens are here!! And theys taken our cow!!

In between all this touristic dilly dallying, I have been busy training as planned. The first six week block of training is pretty much done now and all has gone very well. I have had days where I have felt invincible and days where the mere sight of my bike has struck fear into my heart but as many of you know such highs and lows are all part of the ride. Right now, I have two days of r&r ahead of me and then on Sunday I will line up for my first ever french multisport event – the Duathlon de Salon.

The 5k run, 20k bike and 2.5k run should see my heart rate soar to levels rarely experienced by the slow moving ironman athlete and no doubt come Sunday morning my back teeth will be floating in lactic acid. Nice! After 6 weeks of training,eating and willing my body to burn fat for fuel, Sunday’s slap and dash session will be a high octane glycogen fuelled affair. Yes, a nice bit of fun with the boys to round out the the first block of training. I am looking forward to donning the BYL kit once more and will let you know how it goes…