Iron Jack

My back creaks from neck to toe.

But not from sore muscles.

Unfortunately, I’m suffering from one of the worst cases of sunburn I have had in years and years.

Being a redhead, I’m generally pretty careful in the sun. I fry easily - I do then tan, unlike most redheds - but I definitely tend to pink very quickly.

I managed a quick 1km swim in the outdoor pool at lunchtime on Friday - and came out with a distinct tan line. I even reminded myself then, that after just 20 minutes I’d collected a tan so it was time to sort out some sunblock.

Saturday dawned fine and clear - slightly cool and a bit windy, but definitely one of those “summer is coming” kind of days. I’d already done my 6km run - and got very hot while doing it. I talked myself into the car and on to the pool. A 2km drill set with a few 500m lots at Ironman pace thrown in for good measure. I wasn’t convinced I was up for it but jumped in regardless. I was so focused on the fact that I didn’t want to be there, I completely forgot about the sun, and the crystal clear water which would amplify its rays.

As I headed off I really didn’t want to do 2km. In fact, for most of the swim I was battling it in my head. By the time I was halfway I decided to just do a bit more; by the time I’d done two-thirds I decided I may as well finish. I was also congratulating myself on my stroke which was decidedly better than its been in a while.

My 2km done I jumped straight out the pool, threw on a towel and headed home. After a quick shower and an even quicker nap (Toby is teething, oh happy days!) it was time to throw some glad rags on for a family photo. I was starting to feel a bit pink and sore on one shoulder - and noticed I’d developed a million new freckles on my forehead - in the shape of my bathing cap. Very attractive.

“I caught a bit of sun today,” I said to Mike as I jumped in the car. “I’m going to have to get sorted with some more sun block for the next swim.”

Several hours later I went to slap some aloe vera gel on my shoulder - and caught sight of the rest of it. Bright pink, the whole way down my back and down the back of my legs - all in the shape of my speedo togs. Ouch. Won’t be forgetting the sun block again!