Eight hours training????

The beach was awesome today. I had a gentle run on the wet sands with a pal from work and a very quick deep in the freezing channel. It is hilarious to think here am I writing this blog about my attempt to take part in the most difficult physical challenge of my life. And yet I stood gingerly at the edge of the shore, holding my pals hand as we step inch by inch into the freezing water. I am fully aware of my inner contradictions and foibles and this was a classic. With enough squeals with every splash from the rolling surf and grimace as the propelled stones hit our feet and ankles we eventually made it in neck deep. It felt like about 10 minutes of entertainment for the onlookers. It really doesn't help when a 50+ chap dives straight in from the edge. What a poser :)

Now at home and back to thinking how to put together a serious training package and my mind remembers what the Doc down the pub said.  Her enthusiasm and energy for the event was inspiring and I feel that maybe this can be accomplished with the right amount of training.

But what is the right amount of training? I flippantly asked her what she thought the minimum amount of training for an IM would be. She replied by saying eight hours per week. 

EIGHT !! This was the moment of realisation that I felt that we were in different leagues. I have been doing about 10 hours a week for an Olympic triathlon. I only just made that event .. Crikes!

I would only just make the swim if I did eight hours. I was thinking more 12-14 hours a week. She continued to say that she managed it on about 12 hours a week. Ok, that's more realistic and the eight hours was indicative her alcohol induced mind blurring her grasp on reality.
So tomorrow will see me try to focus on a serious run. I've got to get up early as tomorrow promises to be another scorcher so I'll be out by 07:30 to do some interval training within a 10km circular route. Well that's the plan.
  I better try to get some sleep.