Andy: Passport and boarding pass in hand I’m off to the airport to begin this hugely insane task of completing a bloody ironman 70.3…

I’ve said farewell to my trusty stead at oversized baggage with a little trepidation, did I pack it well enough? Will she arrive in one piece? I will have to make an assessment of this on arrival. Too late now…Fingers and toes crossed that easyjet staff have mercy. 

Unlike other trips with a certain Russell member to Luton airport at 4am I have steered away from the bar and opted for a hearty pret a manger sized portion of porridge and a flat white. Fuelling the machine has to be high on my priority list for the next few days. Bonking is not an option. 

I bid the UK farewell and will reunite with the Russell team tomorrow. 

Bon voyage