No.5 Bitten off more than I can chew!

The weather has a lot to answer for lately! I've never really let the rain get to me before, but now I'm a cyclist (still find that weird), rain is only permitted when I'm otherwise engaged ;-) Sadly, the weather hasn't quite got the hang of this yet, and in the 10 days since collecting our new bikes - Tic Tac and Ginger Nuts, there has been very few times when our calendars have synced.

First task, was for me to practice using cleats. I'm shocked at how quickly I forgot I was actually attached to a bike, resulting in me falling off twice in the space of a few minutes!!! Bruised and annoyed with myself, it took a lot of cajoling to encourage me back onto my bike, to practise clipping in and out a few more times. But Graeme used his magic powers even though I wasn't happy about it!

I had a weep that night. For the first time I really thought that maybe I had bitten off more than I can chew, that I was asking too much of myself, and regardless of time, effort and money spent, maybe this wasn't a challenge I would succeed in. In reality my weep and going out on Tic Tac for the first time, was coinciding with an extremely emotional time for me and I was just asking too much of myself.

I was being filmed for an educational DVD that will be used to raise awareness and knowledge of Necrotising Fasciitis, to medical professionals, within a maternity setting. This meant telling my story in depth and also meeting other survivors for the first time. I was emotionally drained from discussing my NF with family (who I rely on as I have few real memories of my NF) and the worry of how filming would affect me. I can honestly say that although the experience was full of sadness it was also extremely empowering. Meeting fellow survivors Deb, Jenny, Katy and Vicki I felt 'normal' for the first time in over 7 years. I will be forever grateful to them for the role they have played in my life without even realising it. Thank you :-) My passion for what I was doing had wavered but helping The Lee Spark NF Foundation by completing this next challenge is well and truly on!

Now I was eager to get on my bike. I won't let myself be beaten. We knew that the transition to a road bike was going to be difficult for me and gaining confidence with cleats was just one more hurdle to get over. Graeme knew he'd have his work cut out on this first ride. He was/is responsible for keeping me on track and where I want to be. I'm sure he was feeling the pressure of our first 'proper' ride being a successful one. 

G and Ginger Nuts before our first ride!

16.93 miles later and no falls I have got my confidence back! The ride has thrown up a million and one things that need to be worked on but for now I am simply focusing on my first achievement even if it is mainly due to Graeme constantly talking me through the routine of clipping in and out. Next step is to take a ride out on my own. But I'll be getting a few more joint rides under my belt before I do. I can highly recommend Graeme for moral support, just keep in mind that he's pretty busy for the next 15 months ;-)