You know how when you buy a new car, you suddenly start to see lots of other people driving that car too.

Well, that is kind of like me and the number 183.

Here’s one I noticed late last week.

I felt like I was struggling to make a start on the triathlon I am doing in August, so I have done two things recently.

1. I did a full-day triathlon training course last Sunday, getting tips and whatnot from some elite British athletes (including the head swim coach of the British Olympic team, no less!) – I realised during the day that I have a lot of work to do on my swimming if I think I am going to cover 1,500 metres (with minimal use of doggy paddle)

2. I have joined a gym near work, which has both a swimming pool and bikes, so I can get in lots of training in the next four months.

If you have any tips on how to prepare for a triathlon, I would love to hear them.

I have a good friend called Ronald, who I have grown up with since I was young.

Ronald is someone who, although I enjoy the company of, is definitely a bad influence on me.

Whenever I visit Ronald, I always regret it a little bit later, even though while I am hanging out with him, I have a great time.

Ronald is well known – in fact, you probably know him as well. And he is probably a bad influence on you too.

Given I am now starting to train for the London triathalon in August, I have told Ronald that I can not see him for six months (which started on March 1).

Doing this will also help me to complete goal 8.

Despite being separated for half a year, I am sure our reunion will be great fun. Because even though he is a bad influence, there is nothing wrong with bad things every now and then.