And so it begins.........

After about 19 hours which included a few tears (from Cat not Ben!!!) we touched down in Phuket our new home for the next 6 weeks! We were met at the airport by a friend Gift and her parents, with a car and truck for the bikes! Our pad (kept safe by guards) is big for the 2 of us. Day 1 Gift picked us up and took us for a tour which included lunch with the locals. Out again for dinner with Gift and her parents, we have been sooo looked after and so lucky. Ben and i said we would have to eat what they were having, that is what you are meant to do isn't it!?! Our moving crab was picked, cooked and served. We are also had prawns, fish, more fish and of course some sticky rice, it was delicious and i was very releaved we did not have to eat with chop sticks, i would probably still be there and starving!!!



As you know the main aim of our trip is to train and race with our first race being Phuket Laguna. Phuket was also chosen as we were aware of a tri academy based here. Once again Gift took us to the academy and we signed up, 6 weeks training with Jurgen, the German pro who runs the academy. 7am the next morning we were in the 50m pool with a view to die for.........


you do not find that in London and not to rub it in, but, they actively have to cool the pool water to prevent it getting too hot, we are in heaven!! We then did our shopping in Tesco's so there are some similarities to our lives in London! Fed, watered we were back training Coach webeck put us through a run session, job done!! Re-fuelling was ...... hot! Ben is working out just what a wimp i am with the spice! Thurs am we met the boss, jurgen and were out for a bike / run session. The roads are amazing no pot holes, of course a few dogs, tuk tuk's and lots of mopeds. I was out with the boys but did ok, i think! A cheeky few 18% hills were thrown in to test us! On the way home was a time trial Ben of course got paired up with the pro Jurgen and apparantly smashed the record. I got the slow boy but dropped him!! Spinning home was interesting...got wiped out by another cyclist who failed to tell me we were turning right and turned in to me, boom down on the floor. Bit of road rash and swelling but more embarassing was my ripped shorts and a**e hanging out. I am fine just more concerned about the Assos shorts that were out for their virgin ride and the new Felt DA that was immaculate. No time for getting patched up quick change of lycra and we were running. Jurgen had got the idea Ben was quick so instructed him to go with the quick boys for a 7k trot, i was again given the slow boys!! Lost them again and did my own route!!! It was only about 9.30am after the sessions but roasting hot. Breakfast with Jurgen and some other fellow triathletes, great way to finish the session. FYI Jurgen was of course v interested in Ben and his race times, he has already said he can be a 9 hour Iron Man, i think someone is going to be worked hard! No time has been found yet for the beach or a thai massage, must put it on the list!! Oh and sun cream to the list!!!

Until the next time, take care, with Love Team BenBen xxx