5 weeks to go…
We don’t know where to begin. Thank so much everyone for all the kind comments and words of encouragement, they mean a huge amount to us.
We’ve been bowled over by the number of donations so far. It’s been only a few days since we let friends and family know about this blog and we have already raised about 1000 Euros. Thank you everybody!
So 5 weeks to go before the big day. Wow! I can’t believe how fast it’s going. This weekend I didn’t get any training done due to finally succumbing to the dreaded gastro bug that Colette and Joseph had last week. It was good timing though since the weather here has been cold and miserable and not very motivating anyway. Never mind, all was not lost, since Colette and I spent a romantic evening for two (!) setting up the triathlon bars on my racing bike. I’ll be using these in the triathlon to make me more aerodynamic and, hopefully, go a little bit faster! I’m starting to feel better now, so hopefully full training will resume shortly. Putting the triathlon bars on my bike did suddenly make it all feel very real and it took me ages to get to sleep that night.
Joseph is now fully recovered from his bug and is on great form. It’s funny how, even with all his disabilities, in many ways he’s just like any other child of his age: we’re having great fun trying to get him to eat any vegetables and fruit at the moment! He screams at us as if he’s in agonizing pain and big tears roll down his face. What a drama! It’s amazing how his tears dry up and the agonizing pain subsides within seconds of the first mouthful of yogurt…
Joseph had a double whammy of psychomotricienne and physiotherapy today. Both therapists were really happy with his progress. He was holding his head well when following stimuli and his face was very expressive as he anticipated bubbles landing on him and bursting. His right hand was much more mobile - he opened his hand and clutched things much quicker than usual. His left hand was less co-operative but in general, Joseph was much more present, interactive and interested in what was going on today. He was dishing out smiles and charm by the bucketful!
June 12th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I gave a reporter colleague/regular racing punter here who normally manages to lose me money another £10 for the Epsom Derby….this one was running at odds of 5-to-1 and was bound to win.
On Monday morning, to my surprise I was told it had indeed done just that.
You deserve this good luck more than me, so it’s all heading your way.
Mind you I’m rather worried about the use of tri-bars and the resulting speed enhancing focus…I mean, will you still have space for a fly swat (much more essential)
Not Charly Gaul
June 15th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Thanks John! You’re as nuts as ever, but we love you for it!
Did you see today’s stage of the Criterium Dauphine? It came through your hero’s favorite route, albeit in reverse: Col du Granier, Col du Cucheron, and then the Col de Porte. It was very exciting seeing the pros giving it large on my local roads.
See you soon!
Matt
June 15th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Less pictures of a sweaty Matt and more of the lovely Colette (and Joseph) please - Colette is, after all, the most important women in Joseph’s life…
Hope you enjoyed your birthday swim yesterday in your new birthday suit! Keep up the hard work (both of you!) and give Joseph a big hug from his Auntie and Uncle. xxx
June 15th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Ok fair enough. I need to write something about Joseph’s super hero mum. She’s quite shy though and rarely caught on camera, which is a shame as she’s far more photogenic than me!
June 17th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Hello to all three of you,
Just wanted to say hello and tell you how super impressed and humbled, Elliott and I are when we look at all that you’re doing.
It’s great to read about little Joesph and his progress as well as hearing all about your training. I think it’s amazing you’re doing the Ironman - seriously hardcore! E and I will make sure we definitely donate something.
You guys rock.
Take care and love to you all.
Emmy & Elliott xx
June 18th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Oh he is so cute, absolutely adorable….. Best of luck with the Triathlon. Sandra Maher (Pat’s sister) xxx