We set the alarm to wake up at 2:32 this morning (14/7), which meant after packing (and quadruple checking we have everything...which I am sure we don't) we got into bed 3 hours before the alarm. Although once in bed I am certain neither of us slept for a second (Nat I was even awake for your 1:15 text message - I assume Paddycake had as restless night as we did!). At check-in we were told the flight was half full (not enough for us to summons the courage to ask for an upgrade) and without request the man kindly moved us to a free exit row so that we had three seats between the two of us with plenty of leg room for Sammy. All was successful in checking in the bags...there were even a few other bike bags on the flight, proving that we were not the only crazy ones on this crazy Ironman journey.

It has been an absolute luxury to lay back with our new books and endless movies and enjoy the relaxation. I have chosen location-specific films to get prepared for the adventures to come... Moulin Rouge, Sound of Music and Woman in Gold (Austrian World War Two movie - and Chris maybe a slight reference to the Woman in Black, which Sam and I have to see in London....still the scariest thing I have ever seen!). Although a very bumpy flight has meant we are very keen to be on solid (Zurich) land. The Emirates ladies had a Polaroid and took a photo of us on the first leg.

Now in Zurich and caught the shuttle to the hotel. About to crash (10pm) after much needed showers.