Not even half-way on Day 1 of 14 and I’m in trouble. Long climb out of south Dublin and it’s a struggle to make progress. If I get 27 more of these – one every half-leg – I will need to drop out.

At the back of the long stretched convoy, one of the marshals has given me a boost of energy, effectively telling me I needed to push on or quit. Anger can be very effective as a short-term fuel source, though I suspect the person doesn’t realise just what truly spurred me on.

Later I got a boost – a strong cyclist beside me with their hand on my back literally pushing up the hill. That was a first for me, not something I would normally like at all, but given the circumstances I kinda needed to accept it.

Made it through 1/14.