Hi blog readers.
Well I cant remember the last time I wrote me blog,........Yes I know that I only have to look back, but I was being rhetorical! I had a blinding weekend. Lovely evening out the Old Boy on Friday, boozy dancing on Saturday night with the girls, and lovely lazy Sunday with my Auntie.
I really wasn't looking forward to going out riding, it was cold and damp, and cold! It really was cold. I have beening living in my house for a week with no heating, you would have thought I was acclimatised with it, but of course I wasn't.
We got all togged up in gear, then turned out lights on. Well, the old boy had washed our bikes on Saturday, and didn't remove the lights! Fortunately my light still works, even though it was on for hours before I noticed it! So the battery is a little low, but the Old Boys light just didn't work. Lucky he has the other one!
So we set off down the lane towards TAL, then we going to go through Bromley, turn left and head towards Hayes. All the while searching out a shop that sells the batteries for my light! So we did have a couple of stops, and also a couple of stops because my baby brother was calling me!
I did struggle a little on some of the hills, I was going slower, I did noticed that, but like I said, I had a brilliant weekend!! Now I have to pay!
When we went through Hayes, I wanted to try riding up the really dark road, you know the one, where the Old boy lost me, and I took the well lit road instead, and ended up a the Greyhound Pub, (typical, I really should have popped in for a pint!) I changed the head lamp from flashing to full beam, took the diffuser down and the road was perfect for me to ride down! I could see the end of the road, I knew I wasn't riding in the middle of it, (drivers drive quite fast up this road even though its dark!)and also I could see I wasn't going to go crashing off at the side of the road!. Just A brilliant head light.
We made our way to Locksbottom, the Old Boy was behind me all the way, his back light was brighter than mine. Then straight across the A21, the Old Boy has since told me that going down the A21 would be quicker to get home from Locksbottom, but then he wants us to put in the miles, so we are taking the longer route, with hills, up towards Crofton road.
When we turned left to head on home I said to the Old Boy, "I think I will take the short cut home, and not going through Pettswood, I'm cold, and my feet are numb" "That's just excuses" was his reply. I wasn't to pleased about that, but I wasn't go to let him get away with that either. I am dedicated to getting fit, and I can do this, and of course I want it to be fun as well though, but I will show him I can do it. So I rode on through Pettswood High Street and down Southborough. Yeah that will show him!
I was so glad to get home tonight. Get in, get warm, have dinner and a cupper and write me blog. Yes I am glad that I went out, I needed to get back into the swing of things, so the Old Boy was right in dragging my ass out!! Thanks hun! (There, thats not a 'diss' is it?)
Geeky stats
I am loving running. I can say that with almost true conviction. After all, if I didn't love it, then I wouldn't still be writing this blog, right? So dive in, enjoy the ramblings of my open diary.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Blog Extra!
Hello bloggers.
Just a quickie.
I wasn't expecting to go out tonight, not with the Old Boy anyway. But he said "Come on Old Girl, get togged up, we're going for a quick 10 miles" I wasn't really prepared for it, I was still waiting to hear from Smarty Pants, but I gave her a call and told her that I will not be more than 2 miles in any direction so she can still call on me.
Check out the geeky stats for the route, but it included that dreaded Old Hill. How I hate that hill. While we were riding I did get two calls, but both from middle daughter, mother of dude! Just to tell me that he is not very well! It never rains but it pours!!
So back home after what was quite a slow 10 miles really, the Old Boy cooked up a hot hot curry, (to keep us warm from the inside out!) And now we are off to the cinema.
Geeky stats for you.
Grrr darn it. Thats the third time my Garmin played up, it froze on me, and had to reset the whole thing. Whiping out my geeky stats.
But we did ride for about 11 miles, taking in Bromley, Chislehurst and Petts wood. In just over an hour, if I remember rightly!
Just a quickie.
I wasn't expecting to go out tonight, not with the Old Boy anyway. But he said "Come on Old Girl, get togged up, we're going for a quick 10 miles" I wasn't really prepared for it, I was still waiting to hear from Smarty Pants, but I gave her a call and told her that I will not be more than 2 miles in any direction so she can still call on me.
Check out the geeky stats for the route, but it included that dreaded Old Hill. How I hate that hill. While we were riding I did get two calls, but both from middle daughter, mother of dude! Just to tell me that he is not very well! It never rains but it pours!!
So back home after what was quite a slow 10 miles really, the Old Boy cooked up a hot hot curry, (to keep us warm from the inside out!) And now we are off to the cinema.
Geeky stats for you.
Grrr darn it. Thats the third time my Garmin played up, it froze on me, and had to reset the whole thing. Whiping out my geeky stats.
But we did ride for about 11 miles, taking in Bromley, Chislehurst and Petts wood. In just over an hour, if I remember rightly!
Hello Lamppost My Old Friend!
Hello blogees,
Today could be an exciting day. After being on 'key keeping' duty for a while this morning, I got myself ready to go for a run. I was planning on doing my old usual route, up to Turpington, Greenway etc, just for a change. But then I had a text from my running buddy, Smarty Pants. I may be needed to be taxi driver (and who knows, maybe midwife if things move along quickly). So it is an exciting day!
With that in mind, I didn't want to be too far away, so I though why not run to good old turnaround lamppost and back. So this is what I did. The weather is ok, not bad for this time of the year, so only had on new running top and trousers. ...... Oh I must say this. I thought as I'm not going to be out that long, instead of looking through the clean laundry for a sports bra, I would just wear an ordinary one!! They make sports bras for a reason ladies, let me assure you of that! My body was not under control one bit!! I felt most uncomfortable, and I kept having to hoist everything back in place! Lesson learned!
Not only that, but because I had my earphones in I would not have heard the phone, nor felt the vibrations of the phone in my back pocket, so the only place I knew where I can feel the vibrations was in my bra, but, as you know, because of ...... the lack of control there, my phone went flying across the pavement! You can probably see where I had to stop and walk back back a bit, to pick up the pieces.
After that I just kept my phone in my hand, I should have done that in the first place. Of course down this path is the usual irresponsible dog owners dogs doings, thank goodness my phone didn't end up in a pile of sh...... shlippery stuff. I ran towards a chap with his dog, I always slow down when approaching dogs, you never know how a it will take it when you are running up towards it, but when the dog owner himself has to tighten the lead and put his body between you and the dog, then you feel justified in looking a little afraid!
Lamppost reached, patted and smiled at, but no standing around for me, catching my breath or taking in the view. Nope, back up the path I go. Again there was another dog owner with his pet. This one looked like he could do a few miles with me to lose some of its weight, but still a frightening looking dog. This one, however, wasn't on its lead. I slowed down, moved aside for the dog to go pass, but the dog wasn't interested in moving on, it was more interest in me!! Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, so much better than cats!, I just don't like the ones that look like big muscly scary dogs! Especially coming sniffing towards me. The owner kindly got his dog away from me, and I ran on.
Dog patrol safely passed, dogs doing elegantly jumped over, and now thoughts of Smarty Pants. Oh wow, it could be any minute. Then other thoughts started to creep into my brain cell. First one was, "I am going to get back looking a little hot and sweaty, even though its only just over a mile". "No problem" You all say, "just have a quick shower, babies don't normally pop out in 5 mins" Well, there's the problem, I have no heating and no hot water in my house, not until tomorrow anyway! No problem, I shall just do the old fashioned way of washing, and pour hot water in a basin and do a standup wash. Sorted.
Then another, more serious thought occurred. I need to fill the car up with petrol! The petrol light was flashing the last time I used the car, I kept meaning to fill it up, just never got around to it. If I don't fill it, and things do happen, then I could very well be playing midwife!!
By the time all these thoughts had gone through my head, and how I am going to solve them all, I was at my path. And I noticed that I had slowed down to walking! Duh, woman, get a move on, you got stuff to do!
I ran up my path turned off my Garmin (Oh yes, I didn't forget to use that today) and set about getting ready for anything that may happen today. Exciting days! A new life ready to begin! Wonderful!
Geeky stats. (I'm not sure it this is a pb, just cant remember now)
Today could be an exciting day. After being on 'key keeping' duty for a while this morning, I got myself ready to go for a run. I was planning on doing my old usual route, up to Turpington, Greenway etc, just for a change. But then I had a text from my running buddy, Smarty Pants. I may be needed to be taxi driver (and who knows, maybe midwife if things move along quickly). So it is an exciting day!
With that in mind, I didn't want to be too far away, so I though why not run to good old turnaround lamppost and back. So this is what I did. The weather is ok, not bad for this time of the year, so only had on new running top and trousers. ...... Oh I must say this. I thought as I'm not going to be out that long, instead of looking through the clean laundry for a sports bra, I would just wear an ordinary one!! They make sports bras for a reason ladies, let me assure you of that! My body was not under control one bit!! I felt most uncomfortable, and I kept having to hoist everything back in place! Lesson learned!
Not only that, but because I had my earphones in I would not have heard the phone, nor felt the vibrations of the phone in my back pocket, so the only place I knew where I can feel the vibrations was in my bra, but, as you know, because of ...... the lack of control there, my phone went flying across the pavement! You can probably see where I had to stop and walk back back a bit, to pick up the pieces.
After that I just kept my phone in my hand, I should have done that in the first place. Of course down this path is the usual irresponsible dog owners dogs doings, thank goodness my phone didn't end up in a pile of sh...... shlippery stuff. I ran towards a chap with his dog, I always slow down when approaching dogs, you never know how a it will take it when you are running up towards it, but when the dog owner himself has to tighten the lead and put his body between you and the dog, then you feel justified in looking a little afraid!
Lamppost reached, patted and smiled at, but no standing around for me, catching my breath or taking in the view. Nope, back up the path I go. Again there was another dog owner with his pet. This one looked like he could do a few miles with me to lose some of its weight, but still a frightening looking dog. This one, however, wasn't on its lead. I slowed down, moved aside for the dog to go pass, but the dog wasn't interested in moving on, it was more interest in me!! Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, so much better than cats!, I just don't like the ones that look like big muscly scary dogs! Especially coming sniffing towards me. The owner kindly got his dog away from me, and I ran on.
Dog patrol safely passed, dogs doing elegantly jumped over, and now thoughts of Smarty Pants. Oh wow, it could be any minute. Then other thoughts started to creep into my brain cell. First one was, "I am going to get back looking a little hot and sweaty, even though its only just over a mile". "No problem" You all say, "just have a quick shower, babies don't normally pop out in 5 mins" Well, there's the problem, I have no heating and no hot water in my house, not until tomorrow anyway! No problem, I shall just do the old fashioned way of washing, and pour hot water in a basin and do a standup wash. Sorted.
Then another, more serious thought occurred. I need to fill the car up with petrol! The petrol light was flashing the last time I used the car, I kept meaning to fill it up, just never got around to it. If I don't fill it, and things do happen, then I could very well be playing midwife!!
By the time all these thoughts had gone through my head, and how I am going to solve them all, I was at my path. And I noticed that I had slowed down to walking! Duh, woman, get a move on, you got stuff to do!
I ran up my path turned off my Garmin (Oh yes, I didn't forget to use that today) and set about getting ready for anything that may happen today. Exciting days! A new life ready to begin! Wonderful!
Geeky stats. (I'm not sure it this is a pb, just cant remember now)
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Unexpected 20 Miler With The Old Boy
Hello Blogers
Well, I have been totally blond this month with dates. I wrote all my courses that I need to do for work on this months dates instead of next month.
I should have gone running with the club, as I have not been running with them for a while, but because of all the mix up, I ended up saying that I would go with the Old boy for a ride instead. Oh well. It's my age you know!
Me and the Old Boy got all togged up in our cycling outfits, head lamps flashing, bike lights flashing. We looked the dogs, oh yes!! He is going to take me on his 20 mile route, I have already done this route, but in two sections! And now I will see how they both fit together.
I was feeling pretty ok, considering I didn't think I was going to do any exercise at all today, I wasn't mentally prepared, but maybe sometimes that a good thing. I mean 20 miles, during an evening, for an old couch potato is quite daunting really. But we set off, through the path and up to dear old turn around lamppost, and the along the A21.
Although I have rode this part o many times now, it still gets me puffing a little. The Old Boy seems to have no trouble with it. Well, I'm guessing he has no trouble with it, he is behind me. He don't want me 'dissing' him on my blog. As if I do that! Do I do that...? No, I am very nice to all my family and friends who drag my sorry backside around a running or cycle course! And I really do appreciate each and every one. From the still quiet voices to the loud screaming, "No Stopping" from Naggy Neighbour!
I know where we are going, I know, it makes a change! But who can get lost on straight roads, right. All the way up now to the Halstead turn off. A lovely clear road again to be able to cross over(I did have a word with Him beforehand and asked Him to take care of things like that!) And there we were. Heading towards Badgers Mount. A monotonous steadily climbing road! It is fairly quite down here, but just soooooo boring!!
We soon good to the roundabout at the end, with a last ditch scream coming from me about how boring and hard this road seemed. Then we turned left and made our way home. This is the fast part of the road. So we pulled over just by the sign for Badgers Mount, I must remember to bring my camera and get a picture of me there. Such vanity! So a nice ride down now, all the way, virtually, to Crittals corner from here. The Old Boy was in the lead now, he obviously had enough of looking at my backside, but when we were riding down Sevenoaks Way I was gaining on the Old Boy, and was having to pull up on my brakes!! I could have overtook him, but I decided to let him lead the way. I remember the 'ramp' at the end of this section of road, and I was thinking if I cant make, then I can have a sneaky stop!
I did cycle all the way though, which I was pretty pleased about. Well, when you have joggers coming at you in the opposite direction you got to look good right!
From here the time seemed to fly by. I was enjoying the whole ride from here. The roads were busy, but both me and the Old Boy were lit up like Christmas trees so easily can be seen!
Chislehurst, the Pettswood seemed to arrive quickly, and soon we were flying down Southborough Lane, going through the park is the norm now. The Old Boy still thinks his bike not running right, so time to take them in for the first service. We have done some miles on our bikes already!!!
So geeky stats.
Well, I have been totally blond this month with dates. I wrote all my courses that I need to do for work on this months dates instead of next month.
I should have gone running with the club, as I have not been running with them for a while, but because of all the mix up, I ended up saying that I would go with the Old boy for a ride instead. Oh well. It's my age you know!
Me and the Old Boy got all togged up in our cycling outfits, head lamps flashing, bike lights flashing. We looked the dogs, oh yes!! He is going to take me on his 20 mile route, I have already done this route, but in two sections! And now I will see how they both fit together.
I was feeling pretty ok, considering I didn't think I was going to do any exercise at all today, I wasn't mentally prepared, but maybe sometimes that a good thing. I mean 20 miles, during an evening, for an old couch potato is quite daunting really. But we set off, through the path and up to dear old turn around lamppost, and the along the A21.
Although I have rode this part o many times now, it still gets me puffing a little. The Old Boy seems to have no trouble with it. Well, I'm guessing he has no trouble with it, he is behind me. He don't want me 'dissing' him on my blog. As if I do that! Do I do that...? No, I am very nice to all my family and friends who drag my sorry backside around a running or cycle course! And I really do appreciate each and every one. From the still quiet voices to the loud screaming, "No Stopping" from Naggy Neighbour!
I know where we are going, I know, it makes a change! But who can get lost on straight roads, right. All the way up now to the Halstead turn off. A lovely clear road again to be able to cross over(I did have a word with Him beforehand and asked Him to take care of things like that!) And there we were. Heading towards Badgers Mount. A monotonous steadily climbing road! It is fairly quite down here, but just soooooo boring!!
We soon good to the roundabout at the end, with a last ditch scream coming from me about how boring and hard this road seemed. Then we turned left and made our way home. This is the fast part of the road. So we pulled over just by the sign for Badgers Mount, I must remember to bring my camera and get a picture of me there. Such vanity! So a nice ride down now, all the way, virtually, to Crittals corner from here. The Old Boy was in the lead now, he obviously had enough of looking at my backside, but when we were riding down Sevenoaks Way I was gaining on the Old Boy, and was having to pull up on my brakes!! I could have overtook him, but I decided to let him lead the way. I remember the 'ramp' at the end of this section of road, and I was thinking if I cant make, then I can have a sneaky stop!
I did cycle all the way though, which I was pretty pleased about. Well, when you have joggers coming at you in the opposite direction you got to look good right!
From here the time seemed to fly by. I was enjoying the whole ride from here. The roads were busy, but both me and the Old Boy were lit up like Christmas trees so easily can be seen!
Chislehurst, the Pettswood seemed to arrive quickly, and soon we were flying down Southborough Lane, going through the park is the norm now. The Old Boy still thinks his bike not running right, so time to take them in for the first service. We have done some miles on our bikes already!!!
So geeky stats.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Naggy Naggy Naggy, Oi Oi Oi!
Hello blog lovers,
Well today is Sunday, after a very boozy Friday, and lazy, (but still done something) Saturday, I was planning on not doing anything today, especially after our 60th celebration of our church! All that food, and cakes, and puddings!!!
So I just got back from my church after tiding up, and I sat with a cup of tea, and just then got a text from Naggy Neighbour! "Have you done your run" yet, she wrote. I replied, "No not yet" just so that I sounded like I was going to do something, and then she said "Oh good, I shall come along with you" Oh blimey! Now I do have to go. "Ok, meet you in 15 mins" I texted back. That should be enough time for the tea to settle, right?
I got changed into my gear, and put my new running top on. And as it was still damp and horrid outside I thought I would wear my new luminous green cycling jacket as well. It said it was water resistant! When I opened the door to Naggy, I almost blinded her with my coat. I should have warned her really.
"So where we going" says Naggy, "Oh just my usual route" I said. Lets see if I can get around this whole route with her naggy me. The first obstacle was the hill of course. I managed to get to the top more or less, before I had to reach in my pocket for my snot collector!! Other wise I was in danger of slipping to the bottom of the hill in it!! I know, not a nice thought! But dear Naggy wasn't stopping. So as soon as the deed was done, I had to play catch up. And that is how naggy kept the whole jog going today.
I did stop another time, but again naggy just kept going, and so I just had to run and keep up with her. We were soon in Pettswood. I have run most of the way, I don't think my time will be any faster, but I'm pretty sure it will still be under 40 mins, which to me, is still an achievement! I am old couch potato you know! But from Pettswood, after we had crossed over the walk over bridge, I was non stop all the way home! Can you believe that, I think I did slow down to a walking pace, but Naggy said that If I did that again, the she was going to add on another mile, and we ere going to go through the park!! I didn't want to go on further that what I had in my head. Maybe next time, yeah, next time I will let Naggy choose the route, yeah, that's a good idea. She can take me out of my comfort zone then!
Now, hopefully she won't have read that bit, because I know that she is available to run in the evenings all next week!!! Gulp!
But, I must admit, having someone to run with does keep me on my toes, just like riding my bike with the Old Boy, and he goes pass the roads I would have taken to take a shorter route home! I am a lazy mare!! I admit it! But I am working on it, and, strangely still enjoying it. Even when I'm running now, and not just afterwards! Yes very strange.
Naggy kept me going up the slight incline on Oxhawth, the threat of going through the park was still there. It just would have been the other way around it now! And soon we were on the 'Road That I dare not stop on' This is the discipline that I have given myself. I know I can't stop on this road. I check the time, and Naggy says "This is not about time, its about getting all the way home, non stop from Pettswood" And then it dawned on me, blimey, I have just ran from Pettswood, all the way here, and now I know I can't stop, I have just ran the last 1.5 miles non stop!
I know I am going to be able to do a whole 5k non stop soon. It may have taken me longer than most people to get there, but slow and steady is how I will achieve it.
So geeky stats for my run today.
Well today is Sunday, after a very boozy Friday, and lazy, (but still done something) Saturday, I was planning on not doing anything today, especially after our 60th celebration of our church! All that food, and cakes, and puddings!!!
So I just got back from my church after tiding up, and I sat with a cup of tea, and just then got a text from Naggy Neighbour! "Have you done your run" yet, she wrote. I replied, "No not yet" just so that I sounded like I was going to do something, and then she said "Oh good, I shall come along with you" Oh blimey! Now I do have to go. "Ok, meet you in 15 mins" I texted back. That should be enough time for the tea to settle, right?
I got changed into my gear, and put my new running top on. And as it was still damp and horrid outside I thought I would wear my new luminous green cycling jacket as well. It said it was water resistant! When I opened the door to Naggy, I almost blinded her with my coat. I should have warned her really.
"So where we going" says Naggy, "Oh just my usual route" I said. Lets see if I can get around this whole route with her naggy me. The first obstacle was the hill of course. I managed to get to the top more or less, before I had to reach in my pocket for my snot collector!! Other wise I was in danger of slipping to the bottom of the hill in it!! I know, not a nice thought! But dear Naggy wasn't stopping. So as soon as the deed was done, I had to play catch up. And that is how naggy kept the whole jog going today.
I did stop another time, but again naggy just kept going, and so I just had to run and keep up with her. We were soon in Pettswood. I have run most of the way, I don't think my time will be any faster, but I'm pretty sure it will still be under 40 mins, which to me, is still an achievement! I am old couch potato you know! But from Pettswood, after we had crossed over the walk over bridge, I was non stop all the way home! Can you believe that, I think I did slow down to a walking pace, but Naggy said that If I did that again, the she was going to add on another mile, and we ere going to go through the park!! I didn't want to go on further that what I had in my head. Maybe next time, yeah, next time I will let Naggy choose the route, yeah, that's a good idea. She can take me out of my comfort zone then!
Now, hopefully she won't have read that bit, because I know that she is available to run in the evenings all next week!!! Gulp!
But, I must admit, having someone to run with does keep me on my toes, just like riding my bike with the Old Boy, and he goes pass the roads I would have taken to take a shorter route home! I am a lazy mare!! I admit it! But I am working on it, and, strangely still enjoying it. Even when I'm running now, and not just afterwards! Yes very strange.
Naggy kept me going up the slight incline on Oxhawth, the threat of going through the park was still there. It just would have been the other way around it now! And soon we were on the 'Road That I dare not stop on' This is the discipline that I have given myself. I know I can't stop on this road. I check the time, and Naggy says "This is not about time, its about getting all the way home, non stop from Pettswood" And then it dawned on me, blimey, I have just ran from Pettswood, all the way here, and now I know I can't stop, I have just ran the last 1.5 miles non stop!
I know I am going to be able to do a whole 5k non stop soon. It may have taken me longer than most people to get there, but slow and steady is how I will achieve it.
So geeky stats for my run today.
Saturday, 19 February 2011
What A Wet, Yucky Day!
Hello blogees!
Well, our 30 mile trip didn't happen today. We woke up from a good night sleep, (helped by copious amounts of alcohol the night before!) and looked out of the windows. Rain. That horrible drizzly rain that just makes you feel yucky! Not the big fat drenching rain that will fall for an hour and then leave you alone for the rest of the day. No, it's that horrible thin wispy stuff that stays around for the whole day, bringing your mood down, and not wanting to do anything.
So, me and the Old Boy had a shopping expedition, thinking later on it will clear up. We seem to be becoming one of those very sad couples that you see hill walking, or snuggled around the fire of some cosy pub wearing matching jumpers, after taking off thier matching jackets, warming their feet shod with matching shoes! That's right folks, me and him have only bought ourselves the same cycling jackets!! Fortunately mine is a very different colour to his, I went for a bright yellow one, and the Old Boy went for a black and blue one....... hmmm....... just like a big bruise sitting on a bike!
Now, not only do we have the same make of bikes, but we have the same make of jackets! This is getting ridiculous! But he has accessorised his bike a little further, by buying a 'man bag' for it. It's a little triangle shaped thing that sits under his crossbar. Very fetching. I also got myself a couple more bits for my running as well.
After we got home from our shopping, we noticed a break in the weather, and decided to do just a 10 miler somewhere. Just an easy ride out. After we got ready, new jackets on, plus headlamps! we set off. It had started to rain again, and the headlamps showed how much it was raining. I was not looking forward to this ride at all. Not in the dark, not in the horrid thin wispy rain. I was looking forward to getting home and having my steak dinner before we even got on the road!
I must say, we did look good, all lit up like Christmas trees, the tubing and names on our jackets were all made with reflective material! and what with the extra lights on our heads, we made sure everyone could see us!
We had to go down Southborough lane, pop into the doctors to post something. and the Old Boy noticed a fatal flaw in his man bag. He had strapped it tightly around the cross bar, restricting the brake cable! Well, I tried not to smirk, but he sorted it out, and was soon on our way.
Heading up to Bromley, the rain was getting more and more, my glasses getting rain soaked. I managed to get to Bromley High street, and I had to wipe off the rain. the Old Boy always organised and had tissues on him! We cycled slowly through the high street, and then on towards our usual Bromely route. But instead of going down the rest of Plaistow Lane we turned left at headed off some other direction. "Where is he taking us today?" I wondered! It was dark, and you know me with directions, I hadn't a clue where we were heading. I just had to make sure that I kept an eye on his blinking lights and radioactive jacket!
The rain was coming down. I just started to recognise places, especially as we went under the rail way bridge near Chislehurst! "Your going to take me up summer Hill" I says to him "Nope" came his response. We stopped by an off license and the Old Boy had a flutter on the lotto, and came out with a bit of chocolate. I said, "You are taking me up Old Hill then" "Yep" he said. ARRRGGGGGHHH I hate that hill. It really is steep and long. I know I am not going to make this. Not in the rain, not today, no way! Not only that but there is road works on here, and cars parked on one side of the road, and loads of traffic. It was not a good time for me to attempt this hill today.
We started up the hill after having our choccie break. The Old Boy tried to encourage me, "You're doing better then me" he says, just a few minutes after this I cried out "ARRRGGHHH" and had to stop. The Old Boy kept going, I could see him, riding slowly up the hill, but he was moving on his bike. He managed to ride the whole hill, no stops. Not this time. He was very pleased with him self, and I was very proud of him. It is a horrible hill, and he did well to get up there. Well done Old Boy.
I walked part of the hill, and then got back on the bike to just finish the top. Next time, lets see how far I get. The way home from here is pretty easy now. No challenges, fairly on the level, with only just the slightest of elevations. I was so looking forward to getting home. I have enjoyed getting out. Testing out the new jackets, and the headgear, and also just to stretch and spin the legs.
The last mile or so home and all I had on my mind was my steak dinner. Coming down our road I was feeling pretty wet and sorry for myself, but I did feel good that I had gone out with the Old Boy on our matching bikes, in our matching jackets.
Geeky stats for you
Well, our 30 mile trip didn't happen today. We woke up from a good night sleep, (helped by copious amounts of alcohol the night before!) and looked out of the windows. Rain. That horrible drizzly rain that just makes you feel yucky! Not the big fat drenching rain that will fall for an hour and then leave you alone for the rest of the day. No, it's that horrible thin wispy stuff that stays around for the whole day, bringing your mood down, and not wanting to do anything.
So, me and the Old Boy had a shopping expedition, thinking later on it will clear up. We seem to be becoming one of those very sad couples that you see hill walking, or snuggled around the fire of some cosy pub wearing matching jumpers, after taking off thier matching jackets, warming their feet shod with matching shoes! That's right folks, me and him have only bought ourselves the same cycling jackets!! Fortunately mine is a very different colour to his, I went for a bright yellow one, and the Old Boy went for a black and blue one....... hmmm....... just like a big bruise sitting on a bike!
Now, not only do we have the same make of bikes, but we have the same make of jackets! This is getting ridiculous! But he has accessorised his bike a little further, by buying a 'man bag' for it. It's a little triangle shaped thing that sits under his crossbar. Very fetching. I also got myself a couple more bits for my running as well.
After we got home from our shopping, we noticed a break in the weather, and decided to do just a 10 miler somewhere. Just an easy ride out. After we got ready, new jackets on, plus headlamps! we set off. It had started to rain again, and the headlamps showed how much it was raining. I was not looking forward to this ride at all. Not in the dark, not in the horrid thin wispy rain. I was looking forward to getting home and having my steak dinner before we even got on the road!
I must say, we did look good, all lit up like Christmas trees, the tubing and names on our jackets were all made with reflective material! and what with the extra lights on our heads, we made sure everyone could see us!
We had to go down Southborough lane, pop into the doctors to post something. and the Old Boy noticed a fatal flaw in his man bag. He had strapped it tightly around the cross bar, restricting the brake cable! Well, I tried not to smirk, but he sorted it out, and was soon on our way.
Heading up to Bromley, the rain was getting more and more, my glasses getting rain soaked. I managed to get to Bromley High street, and I had to wipe off the rain. the Old Boy always organised and had tissues on him! We cycled slowly through the high street, and then on towards our usual Bromely route. But instead of going down the rest of Plaistow Lane we turned left at headed off some other direction. "Where is he taking us today?" I wondered! It was dark, and you know me with directions, I hadn't a clue where we were heading. I just had to make sure that I kept an eye on his blinking lights and radioactive jacket!
The rain was coming down. I just started to recognise places, especially as we went under the rail way bridge near Chislehurst! "Your going to take me up summer Hill" I says to him "Nope" came his response. We stopped by an off license and the Old Boy had a flutter on the lotto, and came out with a bit of chocolate. I said, "You are taking me up Old Hill then" "Yep" he said. ARRRGGGGGHHH I hate that hill. It really is steep and long. I know I am not going to make this. Not in the rain, not today, no way! Not only that but there is road works on here, and cars parked on one side of the road, and loads of traffic. It was not a good time for me to attempt this hill today.
We started up the hill after having our choccie break. The Old Boy tried to encourage me, "You're doing better then me" he says, just a few minutes after this I cried out "ARRRGGHHH" and had to stop. The Old Boy kept going, I could see him, riding slowly up the hill, but he was moving on his bike. He managed to ride the whole hill, no stops. Not this time. He was very pleased with him self, and I was very proud of him. It is a horrible hill, and he did well to get up there. Well done Old Boy.
I walked part of the hill, and then got back on the bike to just finish the top. Next time, lets see how far I get. The way home from here is pretty easy now. No challenges, fairly on the level, with only just the slightest of elevations. I was so looking forward to getting home. I have enjoyed getting out. Testing out the new jackets, and the headgear, and also just to stretch and spin the legs.
The last mile or so home and all I had on my mind was my steak dinner. Coming down our road I was feeling pretty wet and sorry for myself, but I did feel good that I had gone out with the Old Boy on our matching bikes, in our matching jackets.
Geeky stats for you
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Just A Short Ride!
Hello blog readers.
Yes, it is just a short ride today, only 10 miles, just to keep our legs spinning, and not seizing up on us.
We set off, going up to do part of the Old Boys 20 mile route, I did the first half yesterday, and so I am doing the second part today! So I have done his 20 miles in two parts.
It was ok. Busy! Very busy roads. We went up Orpington. Why, everywhere I go, is up, I don't know. But there you go, up the hills to Oprington, then we turned left down the high street, around the one way system and on to Carlton Parade. then up the busy road, towards the bypass.
We stayed on the road, until we got to the bypass, then used the cycle path after this. its all uphill, again, the Old Boy thinks I need plenty of hill training! So it's just as well we on the cycle path, if I do have to stop, at least there will be no cars hooting me.
We rode to Crittals Corner, using the cycle path, which dips down and we have to ride up, (more hills!) and the on towards Perry Street. This is where I wanted to go on Monday, but the rain beat me. So it's nice to see the route with the Old Boy, I may not get lost now, if I try this route out next time.
But it seems, to me, it's still going up hill! I can't understand it. My home must be about 20 miles below sea level! It never looked that way before, mind you, I have always gone every where by car or bus! He did mentioned to me about trying out Summer Hill, or Old Hill. But I'm not read for another hill yet. I need to truly put PerryHall Lane firmly in place, under my feet! Never to be a burden on me again! Well, that's what I hope. But I know that will always be a hard ride. And I know there are other hard roads and hills out there, but I am hoping with experience I will be able to tackle them better.
When the Old Boy said that we are turning left, when we got to Chislehurst, then I knew that Summer and Old hill where not on his agenda. I was quite pleased, and I did express my feelings about those particular hills, like "No, I don't want to do those yet, I'm not ready" kind of way! But this is still part of the route that the Old Boy does, when he goes on his 20 mile blasts. It's just as well, because we need to stop off and get some shopping at Pettswood.
Heading through the barriers, and then turning right. Down hills now, we must be at the top of where ever it is we were heading! Thank goodness! And now we are heading for home.
Into Pettswood, and stop at the local. After I came out of the shop, the Old Boy suggests getting some sushi. Well, that is just the cherry on the cake.
Shopping done, sushi bought, and now heading off home, for dinner and relaxation.
Geeky stats for you.
Yes, it is just a short ride today, only 10 miles, just to keep our legs spinning, and not seizing up on us.
We set off, going up to do part of the Old Boys 20 mile route, I did the first half yesterday, and so I am doing the second part today! So I have done his 20 miles in two parts.
It was ok. Busy! Very busy roads. We went up Orpington. Why, everywhere I go, is up, I don't know. But there you go, up the hills to Oprington, then we turned left down the high street, around the one way system and on to Carlton Parade. then up the busy road, towards the bypass.
We stayed on the road, until we got to the bypass, then used the cycle path after this. its all uphill, again, the Old Boy thinks I need plenty of hill training! So it's just as well we on the cycle path, if I do have to stop, at least there will be no cars hooting me.
We rode to Crittals Corner, using the cycle path, which dips down and we have to ride up, (more hills!) and the on towards Perry Street. This is where I wanted to go on Monday, but the rain beat me. So it's nice to see the route with the Old Boy, I may not get lost now, if I try this route out next time.
But it seems, to me, it's still going up hill! I can't understand it. My home must be about 20 miles below sea level! It never looked that way before, mind you, I have always gone every where by car or bus! He did mentioned to me about trying out Summer Hill, or Old Hill. But I'm not read for another hill yet. I need to truly put PerryHall Lane firmly in place, under my feet! Never to be a burden on me again! Well, that's what I hope. But I know that will always be a hard ride. And I know there are other hard roads and hills out there, but I am hoping with experience I will be able to tackle them better.
When the Old Boy said that we are turning left, when we got to Chislehurst, then I knew that Summer and Old hill where not on his agenda. I was quite pleased, and I did express my feelings about those particular hills, like "No, I don't want to do those yet, I'm not ready" kind of way! But this is still part of the route that the Old Boy does, when he goes on his 20 mile blasts. It's just as well, because we need to stop off and get some shopping at Pettswood.
Heading through the barriers, and then turning right. Down hills now, we must be at the top of where ever it is we were heading! Thank goodness! And now we are heading for home.
Into Pettswood, and stop at the local. After I came out of the shop, the Old Boy suggests getting some sushi. Well, that is just the cherry on the cake.
Shopping done, sushi bought, and now heading off home, for dinner and relaxation.
Geeky stats for you.
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