In 2013 it was all about short and fast as I targeted the goal of qualifying for the World Age Group Sprint Triathlon Championships. With (old) age, hard training and my brilliant coach Vicky Begg on my side I did indeed qualify. Racing for Team GB in London in the World Champs is one of the highlights of my life.

This year, my race goal is much longer and (most likely) much tougher. I have an entry for the Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon. (There. It’s in the open now and so I have to go for it!)

I have known about the Quadrathlon for years but until recently I thought that it involved an off-road bike section. Off-road cycling is not my best sport. However, while watching a video by the talented Stefan Morrocco of last year’s event I saw that the bike section is on road. So that planted a seed of an idea.

Another reason for entering the Quad is off-road running. In 2013, I missed my longer off-road runs and Munro bagging because I was focusing on sprint distance running. This winter I have enjoyed building up the off-road running and I am determined to tick off a few more Munros during the training months.

The event will also make use of all the effort I put into open water swimming last year and includes a sport that is fairly new to me, kayaking,

To add humour (or possibly, a lot of arguments) to this event goal I will be racing in a two-person team with the G-Force. We wanted to do more walking together and having the joint goal of the Quad event in July will provide lots of joint motivation. (I hope that he manages to do some training around his first love of climbing!)

So, on Saturday July 12 2014 we will attempt to complete the Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon. In one day we will:

Swim 0.8 mile across Loch Tay

Walk/run 15 miles over seven Munros (including the UK’s 10th highest mountain)

Kayak 7 miles

Cycle 34 miles around Loch Tay.

Raising money for charity

The event is also a major fundraiser for two charities, for two charities, Mercy Corps and Mary’s Meals. We want to raise a joint total of £1000 and we’ll need as many friends and acquaintances as possible to sponsor us. Please! Click on this link to sponsor Team FionaOutdoors

For more information on the 2014 charity projects.