Bonking in the cycling and triathlon world means something completely different to the type you're thinking about.

Yesterday I completed the 'Storm the Castle Duathlon' with some Team Achieve members; it was a fantastic event and the goody bag we received at the end made the hard work worth, I think it's the best medal I've got (pic below).

The course was tough - a 10k hilly run, followed by a 33k hilly bike ride and finished with a 5k hilly run.

I was originally meant to be running it with a client but he had to pull out; that meant I didn't need to look after anyone on the way round.  I don't do that very often at events and my planning showed it.

I normally, carry enough water for us both, some jelly baby and other food depending on the event I'm completing.  Having only myself to look after three me.

I forgot to buy jelly babies and nakd bars, I forgot my camelbak for fluids.  There was plenty of water at the event so hydration wasn't a much of a problem.

However, when I do triathlons I would normally have some food as soon as I get n the bike and a bar half way around to fuel the run.  This time, I only had some greens with me and I don't like to try anything new on a race day.

The greens don't replace sugar or energy lost on the run.  They do have a performance effect due to buffering lactic acid but provide no fuel.

Thus I bonked, in running it's called the wall.  I basically got half way around the bike route and ran out of steam. It was windy too, which didn't help.  I felt like I was cycling through treacle, the pedals were going around but I didn't seem to be getting anywhere. 

My ummphhh had gone.  Technology had let me down too and I couldn't see how far I had gone / how far was left to go.  

The final climb on the bike practically destroyed my legs.

The final 5k run was only 16 minutes quicker than my first 10k because every hill slowed me to a walk and there were a lot of hills.

I got through it and crossed the finish line in the grounds of Ludlow castle to the sound of Daisy and Poppy cheering / barking me on.

The event taught me a few things, the most important being preparation and looking after yourself.

The most common reason people slip up on their nutrition and exercise plans, is that they always put somebody or something else ahead of themselves.

Leading to meals not being prepared or running out of time to get to the gym or a class.

I've written about it lots of times before - if you want to be successful at health, you have to put yourself first.  When you are in great health you then have more to give others.

Our next Achieve Bootcamp starts on Monday 27th April, you can apply to join here - www.achievebootcamp.co.uk/application