My previous blogs have all started with a title and I've worked from that. Today I've decided to just type and choose a title at the end. It has nothing to do with being unsure what to write!!!!
The blog has introduced me to some seriously cool people. Some who are able to advise me having done JOGLE or LEJOG themselves. Some who want to congratulate or admire?? me in my madness and some who are feeling how I felt (and sometimes still do) after illness, wondering what their future will be. I still find it funny when someone does the whole 'you're an inspiration' thing. But I will admit to a secret smile, thinking that maybe I can, in some small way, be responsible for pushing someones limits. Cheesy I know, but secretly we all love a bit of cheese :-)
On paper there are million things that my surgeons and consultants said I wouldn't do. It gives me a bit of a thrill to know that they would be freaking out with the way I am pushing my body. I am far more of a rebel now than I was as a teenager ;-) Of course there are times when I worry about damaging my body but I'm not going to let those thoughts stop me in my tracks. I push it. I recover from it. I start again. I always believe in myself regardless of doubts on the ability of my body. Note to self - learn this mantra!
I have managed to complete a couple of solo rides since my last blog and my confidence is definitely building. I am very tense after a ride which is obviously no good but fingers crossed as the fear of really thin tyres and seriously low bars subsides I will learn to loosen up a bit!!!
The bank holiday sunshine gave me and Graeme the chance to complete a longer ride. It was great to be completely out of the winter cycling clothes and always a bonus to be told that 'your backside looks good' whilst wearing lycra - must be love ;-) With no planned route we set out to enjoy the Worcestershire countryside. All in all the ride was good. We had to double back on ourselves at one point as there had been a motorbike accident - very unpleasant and yet another reminder of how vulnerable cyclists are on the roads :-(
Without wanting to make the accident seem trivial about 20 miles in I was starting to feel the hunger pangs. G knew a great pub a few miles out of our way so putting thoughts of a protein bar to one side (not wanting to spoil a good lunch) we pedalled on. THE PUB WAS CLOSED. I nearly cried. We eventually reached somewhere that was guaranteed to be open on a bank hol a whole 10 miles after my hunger kicked in! Sitting in the sunshine, shoes and helmet off, watching the ducks on the pond the finest sight of all was seeing G walking over the lawns with a tray over-flowing with ploughmans and cake!
In hindsight eating so much food with another 6/7 miles to get home wasn't the greatest idea. It put my body under a lot of extra pressure. However, lesson learnt and (after the tears) lets focus on the good bit - 36.63 miles! 30 of them before a stop! Got to be pleased with that - just another 963.37 miles to go. Hahahahahahaha.
Endomondo Cycling Workout: was out cycling 36.63 miles in 3h:16m:47s using Endomondo.
