Read on for weeks 10 & 11 of the confessions of a wannaebe Ironman .....

As most will know, but might interest all new Piranhas, there is a charity swim called swim a mile With a Smile, in aid of sick children Barretstown, www.barretstown.org and the Children ' s Cancer Research Centre at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin that takes place every year. This year its taking place this April the 24th&25th in the NaC (National aquatic Centre).I know it probably clashes with warm weather training but for all that remain no excuse is good enough. You could cycle out swim and cycle back. Great brick session might I say!
It is a great opportunity to get a 1600m swim under your belt which for the new ones will give great confidence in racing an olympic distance race and also nice chance to test out the world class swiming facility in Blanchardstown and its a great cause.
Lanes can be booked through this website: http://swimamile.webnode.com/book-a-lane/. Its still early and there is loads of space to book but be warned that they fill up fast. For the last two years I have doing this event and booking those lanes but this year unfortunately I have college that weekend so you are on your own. But its simple, book a lane, get some people, select the option for donation cards and enjoy the swim. Brian and Laura Daly are two amazing people and will do everything to accommodate you!
To finish everything off you get free access to the watersliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiides!

Open-water swimming is distinctly different from pool swimming. Visibility is often less than an arm's length, and the temperature, especially in Ireland can be quite cold, which presents certain physiological considerations for any swimmer. Also, wave flows, wind, swells, breakers and tides may be present and make conditions challenging for swimmers of all experience levels. However, open-water swimming is a wonderful activity and should be considered a safe discipline when you have a fundamental understanding of conditions you may encounter.

With the season fast approaching here are a few tips to keep in mind when out on the open water …

Calling all beginners,

Over the coming weeks I am giving a big push on getting the beginners out cycling in bigger numbers, especially as we are now only a couple of short months before the racing season kicks in.
Read on...

The 3DTri Super Aquathlon is now open for entries.Click on 3D Super Aquathlon for more details.

Folks - the Dublin training day for this is March 20th. See details below on how to sign up if interested.

Triathlon Ireland, in conjunction with the Ulster, Connaught, Munster and Leinster branches, are holding a number of training days around the country for Race Officials and Race Directors, in February and March.

These new enhanced training courses are free and are open to anyone who would like to attend. In particular, race officials who have attended previous training and would like to attend a refresher course; or for anyone who would like to be trained as a race official. For 2010 we are also requiring all Race Directors to attend this course.

As the sport of Triathlon in Ireland continues to rapidly grow, there is an increasing requirement for additional volunteers to help with the safe organising, sanctioning and running of races throughout the country.

Latest update from Moodys assault on IM Frankfurt...

Hi all,

We are making a change to the running training session on Saturday 20th Feb (This Saturday), and making it a Saturday muffin morning and more.
Read on.....

**UPDATE*** The run will be from Westwood Clontarf at 9.30am as planned, and we've got a quieter venue for the talk in Canters Restaurant Fairview, just 5mins walk from WW.
Directions on their website here http://www.canters.ie/location.html
They are opening early for us at 11am and they will have coffee and scones for us, so no muffins needed (or allowed).