Hi Watchers of the blog.
I know its hardly a drought, but it really does feel like it. Just a few days off, what with the wind and rain, and the old girls back playing up, I feel like a couchee again, not good!
So today I was supposed to have a short ride to the local village with a new riding buddy. She hasn't been on a bike for a long time, so I thought just a 2 mile stretch and then lunch before heading back home. But she didn't make it, her bike had a puncture and she was tired so it didn't get fixed. There was only one thing for me to do then, and that is to ride up hill. Up hill to Downe Village! I should easily make that with all the lazy days I have had.
So after eventually getting out of bed, (I won't bore you with details of what time that was)I had a cuppa and then headed out of the door. Obviously having showered, cleaned teeth and put some clothes on!
The sun was shining but it still a little breezy out there. I set off for the ride. I really couldn't face Starts Hill today, so I went the other way, its a longer hill, but the road is wide and smooth, and, if couch potato had started to worm its way back in again, then at least there is a pavement I can walk up on the A21.
I was a bit chilled when I first started off, but when I got onto the A21 then I warmed up, rather quickly. This is a good road to practice getting into the right lanes, building up my confidence in readiness for the long haul to Brighton next year. I just need to make the drivers aware of my intentions and then carry them through with confidence. Left turns are still a bit difficult, not in the doing, but in the indicating! I can hold my right arm out and not wobble on the bike, but not so holding out my left arm. I have to go and practice on a field some where.
Now the A21 is a long hill, and quite a busy road too, but they have the cycle lane there, so the cars and buses should be on the look out for possible cyclists, me in particular! I got into all the right lanes this time, no getting off my bike and then crossing roads using the pedestrian crossings. Even turning right into Farnborough Village, I was in the right lane. But I won't get to cocky, always expect drivers to do the unexpected and think that they haven't seen you.
The ride through this village is lovely, tuning right down Church Lane is a joy! Its all down hill! But I know that there is another long hard hill to negotiate before I get to my lunch. Mmmmmmmm bacon and brie, I don't know about you, but that just seems to fit so nicely together, mmmmm.
Turning right again now, that long hard road will soon be here. At the very top of this road awaits lunch, and a large diet coke, mmm. Here comes the left turn, still wobbly. Why am I wobbly when I let go with my left hand? Very strange. Now the hard work begins. I want to do this in one go, no getting off my bike and walking. It needs to be done.
My legs are killing me, my heart rate is ten to the dozen and I'm puffing like anything. I want to get to the top of this hill. But I failed. I got to as far as Cuckoo Woods car park, and lost energy. I just caught my breath for a few minutes before walking a little way up. I walked for about 4 or 5 minutes before I pulled myself together and urged myself to get my fat ass back in the saddle!
From then on I stayed in the saddle. It was hard work. But I know I can do this. If my memory is correct its not that far now, a few more zig zag bends and I'm there.
It was a joy to hear the kids screaming and shouting in their playground before I even saw the school, because then I know that I am in the village! I can start relaxing and think about my sandwich and drink. I well deserve that.
Around the bend now, and there's buildings, houses, streets, the church! Made it, and only one walking spell, (I should have stayed on my bike) even in this quiet village the roads need repairing there are tractors and diggers and rollers in the middle of it. Still, it will be a even nicer smoother ride next time I come up.
Sandwich order, drink in hand, a nice cool refreshing diet coke, and sit down outside and chat the to the landlady. Although the son is shining, and I'm still very warm from my ride, I soon cooled down. I ate my sandwich and downed my drink. I popped back in to use the amenities and then home I go.
I love that ride home, all down hill, well mostly any way. This time I just let the bike roll, hardly touching the brakes, just rolling on down. The wind in my hair, well though my helmet and in my eyes, making my eyes stream, bugs in my teeth as I'm smiling away, I'm getting a little chilled riding fast, my hands are cold. ...... I'm sure there is some fun here, ..... I know there is, because I'm still enjoying it. I just need to start dressing up a bit more now, get some cycle gloves.
It didn't take too long to to get to the road up to Farnborough Villiage. I know I can do this hill because I have done it before. So because I walked a bit on the way up I will make sure I ride this hill to the top. And guess what blogers, I did it!
From here till I get home its plain sailing. I decided to stop off at the supermarket and get something nice for tea, (always thinking about food!) and then just take a nice leisurely ride home.
I have no idea how long it took to ride there and back again, but today, I don't mind. It just felt good to get out there and do something to get the heart rate jumping again.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Sunny Sunday!
Hi blog readers.
Lovely day today, the sun is shining, I had a very good time at church, (even though things were a bit chaotic in the beginning) and I'm looking forward to my roast dinner later.
Right now its time to run! I don't know why I still do this, find things to do before I go out, but there was washing to hang out, washing to put in, and the dishwasher to fill up. All I can think of is that is remnants of couch potato still trying to take control of the new 'I'm really loving running and cycling' me.
All that done, IPOD on, I decided I can't do without music or knowing how fast I run, so the IPOD stays! Heading out into the warm sunny day. The route I'm running today is the hilly route that I did yesterday, and this time I am going to go down to the second Oxhawth and back up the hill. I should have done that yesterday, I did have energy to do it, but mustn't dwell on that now.
Turning right at the roundabout and up past my church, I can't worry about if there is anyone left there now, just to focus on getting up the hill in one go. I took a quick glance up, it just seemed to grow in front of me. I knew I could do this. I had a good run yesterday, shorter than my usual routes, a good feed, and chocolate cake, sons very sticky, very sweet, very naughty birthday cake. I attacked the hill, there were cars going up here and the passengers were looking at me as if I was alien, crazy to be running in the heat of the day, up hill, on a Sunday. I wasn't go to think of them. I am on a mission. I am going to run the 'Famous Petts Wood 10K' in October, and I need to train, train, train. I do not want to be still running the route after and hour and half. That would be the slowest ever for this race, and that's a title I don't want.
Run, run, run, the top is in sight, my water in my bum bag sloshing about in the bottle, oh just stop now and have a little drink! NO! NO! Not yet, get to the top, get to the turning then have a drink. I did it. I managed to run the whole of the hill this time, my legs weren't feeling too bad, my breathing was all over the place, and my throat was dry as the desert! But I did it. I allowed my self to slow to walking pace and grab a well earned drink! Two or three sips later, I was back to running.
There is a district lack of joggers I have noticed today. Maybe I am a bit crazy being out at this time of the day, jogging up hills, but I know that if I didn't go now, then later on, after I have cooked dinner, eaten dinner, cleared away, then I would just settle in front of the tv and 'veg'
Running along passed the school now, its amazing how this run is progressing, it feels quicker than all the other routes, well of course it is shorter, and therefore, technically quicker, but the hills should have slowed me down, I'm not looking at the stop watch until I get home, I want to be surprised, (hopefully) as to what I run it in, but some how, it just feels as if I am zipping through this.
Under the railway bridge now, and turn left to run pass the pub. This time of day there will be people sat outside, with cool beers, no doubt smoking, but cool beers! If I see anyone I know and they stop me, I don't think I will have any will power to say no to a pint right now, maybe I shouldn't look at them sitting outside. But maybe I should, because it would be rude to ignore them if the see me!
Oh well, there wasn't anyone there there that I knew! No freebie beer for me! Turn the corner now and head home.
It did seem strange to run pass the first Oxhawth Crescent as that takes me home. But I mapped out the route, and the three miles includes going to the second Oxhawth and up it to the last long road to my house. The hill on this road is in my mind now. I am determined to run up it. Arms raised, attack the hill, head up, shoulders back, breath, concentrate, you can do it, keep going, to the top, nearly there, go on go on! YES! Did it. But now I stop running! Tut, time for a quick slug of water and then get the job done. From here till I get to my house I ran all the way, no stopping, even picked up the speed on my road, always have to finished in style, especially as I know that naggy neighbour is outside her house cleaning her car!
Oh yes, the time! 3.07 miles in 39.20 minutes!
Lovely day today, the sun is shining, I had a very good time at church, (even though things were a bit chaotic in the beginning) and I'm looking forward to my roast dinner later.
Right now its time to run! I don't know why I still do this, find things to do before I go out, but there was washing to hang out, washing to put in, and the dishwasher to fill up. All I can think of is that is remnants of couch potato still trying to take control of the new 'I'm really loving running and cycling' me.
All that done, IPOD on, I decided I can't do without music or knowing how fast I run, so the IPOD stays! Heading out into the warm sunny day. The route I'm running today is the hilly route that I did yesterday, and this time I am going to go down to the second Oxhawth and back up the hill. I should have done that yesterday, I did have energy to do it, but mustn't dwell on that now.
Turning right at the roundabout and up past my church, I can't worry about if there is anyone left there now, just to focus on getting up the hill in one go. I took a quick glance up, it just seemed to grow in front of me. I knew I could do this. I had a good run yesterday, shorter than my usual routes, a good feed, and chocolate cake, sons very sticky, very sweet, very naughty birthday cake. I attacked the hill, there were cars going up here and the passengers were looking at me as if I was alien, crazy to be running in the heat of the day, up hill, on a Sunday. I wasn't go to think of them. I am on a mission. I am going to run the 'Famous Petts Wood 10K' in October, and I need to train, train, train. I do not want to be still running the route after and hour and half. That would be the slowest ever for this race, and that's a title I don't want.
Run, run, run, the top is in sight, my water in my bum bag sloshing about in the bottle, oh just stop now and have a little drink! NO! NO! Not yet, get to the top, get to the turning then have a drink. I did it. I managed to run the whole of the hill this time, my legs weren't feeling too bad, my breathing was all over the place, and my throat was dry as the desert! But I did it. I allowed my self to slow to walking pace and grab a well earned drink! Two or three sips later, I was back to running.
There is a district lack of joggers I have noticed today. Maybe I am a bit crazy being out at this time of the day, jogging up hills, but I know that if I didn't go now, then later on, after I have cooked dinner, eaten dinner, cleared away, then I would just settle in front of the tv and 'veg'
Running along passed the school now, its amazing how this run is progressing, it feels quicker than all the other routes, well of course it is shorter, and therefore, technically quicker, but the hills should have slowed me down, I'm not looking at the stop watch until I get home, I want to be surprised, (hopefully) as to what I run it in, but some how, it just feels as if I am zipping through this.
Under the railway bridge now, and turn left to run pass the pub. This time of day there will be people sat outside, with cool beers, no doubt smoking, but cool beers! If I see anyone I know and they stop me, I don't think I will have any will power to say no to a pint right now, maybe I shouldn't look at them sitting outside. But maybe I should, because it would be rude to ignore them if the see me!
Oh well, there wasn't anyone there there that I knew! No freebie beer for me! Turn the corner now and head home.
It did seem strange to run pass the first Oxhawth Crescent as that takes me home. But I mapped out the route, and the three miles includes going to the second Oxhawth and up it to the last long road to my house. The hill on this road is in my mind now. I am determined to run up it. Arms raised, attack the hill, head up, shoulders back, breath, concentrate, you can do it, keep going, to the top, nearly there, go on go on! YES! Did it. But now I stop running! Tut, time for a quick slug of water and then get the job done. From here till I get to my house I ran all the way, no stopping, even picked up the speed on my road, always have to finished in style, especially as I know that naggy neighbour is outside her house cleaning her car!
Oh yes, the time! 3.07 miles in 39.20 minutes!
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Saturday Surprise!
Hi blog lovers,
I just couldn't wait any more to get out and run. I was going to wait until tomorrow but after the old boy said that he was going to do some 'fettling' (?) on his bike, it left me at a loose end. The old boy even suggested I go out for a run, so thats what I did.
Now considering that I have put my name down for the Local 10k race in October, and there is a couple of nasty looking hills, I mapped out a new run to include hills to run today. So after I had left my bacon and egg sandwich go down (made by the old boy) I got ready to go out.
Because this is a first hilly route, just to get used to things I am just running for runnings sake No timer, no pressure, and not even an IPOD, I might be tempted to put on the stopwatch.
I do need music though and decided to take a little phone with me with the radio going. As I put the headphones in I noticed the time on the phone. 12:05pm. I am not going to let that pray on my mind, I shall pretend that I didn't see it.
As I was jogging along the darn ear piece kept coming out of my ear! Its so annoying! I saw big sons girl friend just coming up the road as I was struggling with the earpiece, she is on her way to wish him a happy birthday! 16! A big boy now! sigh.
By the time I got to the round about just up the road the earpiece came out, so I gave up on that and put it in my bumbag, (I bought water with me today, it jsut feels muggy out there) and then instead of going straight across the roundabout I turned right, heading for the hill!
Now this hill is quite a steep one, I am getting fitter all the time, I can manage to get up it when I'm riding my bike, and at the top I am usually blowing a bit to say the least. I have never attempted to run up it, but remembering all that naggy neighbour had said to me, I attacked the hill.
It was hard hard going, I was puffing like an old steam engine but determined to get to the top of my first real hill. There were people cleaning their cars out and doing bits in their gardens, I could feel them looking at me as I puffed and 'urgggh' my way up the hill, but I wouldn't let my self think what they might be thinking of some crazy old girl pounding hilly pavements.
I honestly shouted "Yes" when I reached the top, if I was a tad braver I would have held my hands in the air and jumped about a bit, like in the rocky film, but I thought better of it, and continued on my way.
I was going to head down Sherperton Road and then turn left and head for the railway bridge and go through there. Head on through the square, pass the pub and the back over the railway lines. There are a couple of slightly hilly bits among that little lot, but nothing like my first hill.
Over the rail bridge now and head on for home. Oh, I suppose I should say right now, this was not done non stop! Sorry naggy, maybe I rested up a little too much, and lazyitus getting to me, in my defense, it is very muggy out here! As I was heady down to the turning that takes me home I saw a running heading up! He looked totally in the zone, and I really wanted to say "Well I have just run up a hill too!" I really need to have music with me when I run, so I can get in the zone too, or have a naggy neighbour keeping pace with me!
My legs were feeling quite heavy, I should have gone down to the next Oxhawth and the back up the hill to get to the road leading home, but I didn't, I chickened out of that and said to my self "Tomorrow, I will do that bit tomorrow" Another swig of water, and head on down the road.
as I was approaching my turning I picked the speed up again as always, and nagged my self silly to go faster and faster. I got to my gate and remembered that I had recieved a text while I was out and grabbed for my phone to read it, of course I noted the time, it was 12:41, so that means I did that in 36 minutes! it seemed impossible to me, ok it is slightly shorter than my usual route, but still, pretty impressive though I'm thinking.
I just couldn't wait any more to get out and run. I was going to wait until tomorrow but after the old boy said that he was going to do some 'fettling' (?) on his bike, it left me at a loose end. The old boy even suggested I go out for a run, so thats what I did.
Now considering that I have put my name down for the Local 10k race in October, and there is a couple of nasty looking hills, I mapped out a new run to include hills to run today. So after I had left my bacon and egg sandwich go down (made by the old boy) I got ready to go out.
Because this is a first hilly route, just to get used to things I am just running for runnings sake No timer, no pressure, and not even an IPOD, I might be tempted to put on the stopwatch.
I do need music though and decided to take a little phone with me with the radio going. As I put the headphones in I noticed the time on the phone. 12:05pm. I am not going to let that pray on my mind, I shall pretend that I didn't see it.
As I was jogging along the darn ear piece kept coming out of my ear! Its so annoying! I saw big sons girl friend just coming up the road as I was struggling with the earpiece, she is on her way to wish him a happy birthday! 16! A big boy now! sigh.
By the time I got to the round about just up the road the earpiece came out, so I gave up on that and put it in my bumbag, (I bought water with me today, it jsut feels muggy out there) and then instead of going straight across the roundabout I turned right, heading for the hill!
Now this hill is quite a steep one, I am getting fitter all the time, I can manage to get up it when I'm riding my bike, and at the top I am usually blowing a bit to say the least. I have never attempted to run up it, but remembering all that naggy neighbour had said to me, I attacked the hill.
It was hard hard going, I was puffing like an old steam engine but determined to get to the top of my first real hill. There were people cleaning their cars out and doing bits in their gardens, I could feel them looking at me as I puffed and 'urgggh' my way up the hill, but I wouldn't let my self think what they might be thinking of some crazy old girl pounding hilly pavements.
I honestly shouted "Yes" when I reached the top, if I was a tad braver I would have held my hands in the air and jumped about a bit, like in the rocky film, but I thought better of it, and continued on my way.
I was going to head down Sherperton Road and then turn left and head for the railway bridge and go through there. Head on through the square, pass the pub and the back over the railway lines. There are a couple of slightly hilly bits among that little lot, but nothing like my first hill.
Over the rail bridge now and head on for home. Oh, I suppose I should say right now, this was not done non stop! Sorry naggy, maybe I rested up a little too much, and lazyitus getting to me, in my defense, it is very muggy out here! As I was heady down to the turning that takes me home I saw a running heading up! He looked totally in the zone, and I really wanted to say "Well I have just run up a hill too!" I really need to have music with me when I run, so I can get in the zone too, or have a naggy neighbour keeping pace with me!
My legs were feeling quite heavy, I should have gone down to the next Oxhawth and the back up the hill to get to the road leading home, but I didn't, I chickened out of that and said to my self "Tomorrow, I will do that bit tomorrow" Another swig of water, and head on down the road.
as I was approaching my turning I picked the speed up again as always, and nagged my self silly to go faster and faster. I got to my gate and remembered that I had recieved a text while I was out and grabbed for my phone to read it, of course I noted the time, it was 12:41, so that means I did that in 36 minutes! it seemed impossible to me, ok it is slightly shorter than my usual route, but still, pretty impressive though I'm thinking.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Riding day!
Hi blogees.
On the advice of Naggy Neighbour herself, I decided to have a rest day! In fact she was quite surprised I went out running on Tuesday evening! When I say rest day, I mean a rest from any strenuous exercise. Because cleaning the house does bring on a sweat! So far I have only done down stairs, still time to finish off. I even got in between the seats on the sofas and chairs, you know the place, where people dare not put their hands! And I also washed all the floors too!
I know there are people out there that do the same miles I did on Sunday, as a daily commute almost, but there's the thing, for them its a daily thing. Where as for me, it was almost an aversion therapy!
But it didn't work, I enjoyed my ride very much on Sunday, and as Thursdays and Fridays are my cycle days I decided to just take the bike out to the local supermarket and bank. It's only a mile away, the sun is shining in a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, I will hardly break a sweat getting there, and my body wouldn't even notice it. When I got to the Supermarket I locked up my bike and walked around the corner to the bank.
Up in the sky are these rather nasty looking black clouds just to the left of me. Darn it, typical. Well hopefully I will be in and out of both places before they get overhead. Bank done, shopping done. Out of the shop to see ........... rain!
There I was in my bright pink tee shirt, no hat or coat, and my bike getting soaked in the bike stands! Well as I hadn't anyone to pick up from school today, so I could afford to stand under shelter until it passed by. Thankfully that wasn't too long, and then took the opportunity to grab my bike before it started raining again.
I dried my seat off as best as I could, popped the shopping in the back basket and off I went. And do you know what, I was smiling! I love being out on my bike, even in the slightly damp air! It feels good to be healthy and alive! Praise His Name! Amen!!
On the advice of Naggy Neighbour herself, I decided to have a rest day! In fact she was quite surprised I went out running on Tuesday evening! When I say rest day, I mean a rest from any strenuous exercise. Because cleaning the house does bring on a sweat! So far I have only done down stairs, still time to finish off. I even got in between the seats on the sofas and chairs, you know the place, where people dare not put their hands! And I also washed all the floors too!
I know there are people out there that do the same miles I did on Sunday, as a daily commute almost, but there's the thing, for them its a daily thing. Where as for me, it was almost an aversion therapy!
But it didn't work, I enjoyed my ride very much on Sunday, and as Thursdays and Fridays are my cycle days I decided to just take the bike out to the local supermarket and bank. It's only a mile away, the sun is shining in a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, I will hardly break a sweat getting there, and my body wouldn't even notice it. When I got to the Supermarket I locked up my bike and walked around the corner to the bank.
Up in the sky are these rather nasty looking black clouds just to the left of me. Darn it, typical. Well hopefully I will be in and out of both places before they get overhead. Bank done, shopping done. Out of the shop to see ........... rain!
There I was in my bright pink tee shirt, no hat or coat, and my bike getting soaked in the bike stands! Well as I hadn't anyone to pick up from school today, so I could afford to stand under shelter until it passed by. Thankfully that wasn't too long, and then took the opportunity to grab my bike before it started raining again.
I dried my seat off as best as I could, popped the shopping in the back basket and off I went. And do you know what, I was smiling! I love being out on my bike, even in the slightly damp air! It feels good to be healthy and alive! Praise His Name! Amen!!
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Post Epic Bike Ride!
Hi blog watchers,
I thought today would be a good day to go jogging. I am still aching from the Sky ride I did on Sunday, just not as bad as I was yesterday, at least I can sit down now without dreading it! That is definitely not a comfort fit saddle on my bike.
So after a rest day yesterday, a nice relaxing day today looking after new little one, I was expecting great (ish) things from me.
I cooked at nice meal for us all before I set off, hoping that would inspire me to get around quickly. Knowing I had a lovely roast dinner waiting for me at home is always a good motivational 'tool'
Jog pants on, top, shoes, IPOD and pink cap. I really do look like a runner, Oh I must add this bit, the jog pants I put on today are my old ones, you know, the ones with 'Athletic' written across the backside, and I noticed that the legs on these pair now have plenty of room! So things must be improving, or it could be, as the old boy said, that they have lost all the elasticity! Tut!
Out of the door, I was looking forward to today's run. I have been reading up on some MMR's escapades and been feeling like I need to get out there and run. Its a lovely cool evening, its 19:10, there is no rain, and I'm raring to go. Running down the road I am smiling and, so far, enjoying it.
I have a determination that I will run the whole way, I want to, I have to, just to satisfy myself that I can do it. I can feel the aches and pains from the sky ride starting to complain at bit more now, as I am heading towards the first mile mark, the pub and all those steaks cooking on the grill, mmmmmmmmmm steaksssss (Homer moment) I urge myself to keep going. Knowing this is the place that I generally stop and walk for 10 seconds when I'm by myself.
That's that sticking point done, now, lets hope there are customers outside the next pub so that I can show off my running skills. And there were, drinking their beer, having their ciggies, so now I have to keep on going. I can't remember if it was here or maybe just before this point I saw my next door neighbour, the DJ, on his daily walk. Obviously I wont be racing him home tonight!
But I carried on running to the round about and that's where I stopped running at walked. But only for 10 seconds, I could 'feel' naggy urging me on. There are plenty of runners out today, all focused, I can't help myself, its like a club I have to smile or maybe even wave, if I have the energy to do so, at them. I don't always get a smile back, but I just think that maybe they are so in the zone that they see nothing and no-one. That will be me one day!
I carried on running all the way to Turp today, but I stopped again! I only walk for about 10-15 seconds each time but I am so darn annoyed at myself. On to greenway now, and that hill. I want to run up it, as a punishment for walking. All the way to the top, no stopping.
I walked again just before the hill, prepared myself as best as I could, and then ran, I turned the corner and ran, arms raised and propelling me up the hill. I am going to do this, no stop to the end. There were a couple of young lads walking up the hill, in what looks like sports gear, and with the name of the school on the back of their sweatshirts I felt quite pleased that I was jogging past them! Me, an old girl, jogging up hill, (sweating like a pig, and no doubt grunting like one too)
jogging past these two young guys!
The rest of the jog was the same as usual. I get back to the first pub and look at the time. I know If I do the same time from here as when I run here, then there is a slight possibility that I can beat my PB. This thought is going through my mind, but also the other thoughts too, like 'You always run slower on the last mile, so take a chill pill old girl' and that thought is always, always right.
Try as I might I just can't get that pace the same as on the way here. My legs are hurting, my hips are hurting, my right ankle is hurting, and I know I am running slower.
Up the last hill now, I am determined to run up it, I even promised myself at quick 10 second walk when I reached the top! True to my word, I gave myself a breather. I managed to jog up that last hill. 10 second walk then run, the rest of the way home.
I do like this last bit of the run. Its down hill, its almost home, and I have a lovely roast chicken dinner to stuff down my neck as soon as I get in,
My fave mantra came into my mind 'Finish in style' That's when I know that the run is almost over, I pick up the speed, I feel a 'fizzing' in my feet already, run, run, you can do it, ignore the aches and pains, enjoy the feeling of 'you've done it again' come on old girl, move, run.
I stopped the clock at 41m30s. I know its not my PB, maybe it was a fluke last time. Something to aim for. But I feel its still a good time, especially after my epic ride on Sunday! With all the aches an pains that came with that, and the bruises from falling off my bike!
I thought today would be a good day to go jogging. I am still aching from the Sky ride I did on Sunday, just not as bad as I was yesterday, at least I can sit down now without dreading it! That is definitely not a comfort fit saddle on my bike.
So after a rest day yesterday, a nice relaxing day today looking after new little one, I was expecting great (ish) things from me.
I cooked at nice meal for us all before I set off, hoping that would inspire me to get around quickly. Knowing I had a lovely roast dinner waiting for me at home is always a good motivational 'tool'
Jog pants on, top, shoes, IPOD and pink cap. I really do look like a runner, Oh I must add this bit, the jog pants I put on today are my old ones, you know, the ones with 'Athletic' written across the backside, and I noticed that the legs on these pair now have plenty of room! So things must be improving, or it could be, as the old boy said, that they have lost all the elasticity! Tut!
Out of the door, I was looking forward to today's run. I have been reading up on some MMR's escapades and been feeling like I need to get out there and run. Its a lovely cool evening, its 19:10, there is no rain, and I'm raring to go. Running down the road I am smiling and, so far, enjoying it.
I have a determination that I will run the whole way, I want to, I have to, just to satisfy myself that I can do it. I can feel the aches and pains from the sky ride starting to complain at bit more now, as I am heading towards the first mile mark, the pub and all those steaks cooking on the grill, mmmmmmmmmm steaksssss (Homer moment) I urge myself to keep going. Knowing this is the place that I generally stop and walk for 10 seconds when I'm by myself.
That's that sticking point done, now, lets hope there are customers outside the next pub so that I can show off my running skills. And there were, drinking their beer, having their ciggies, so now I have to keep on going. I can't remember if it was here or maybe just before this point I saw my next door neighbour, the DJ, on his daily walk. Obviously I wont be racing him home tonight!
But I carried on running to the round about and that's where I stopped running at walked. But only for 10 seconds, I could 'feel' naggy urging me on. There are plenty of runners out today, all focused, I can't help myself, its like a club I have to smile or maybe even wave, if I have the energy to do so, at them. I don't always get a smile back, but I just think that maybe they are so in the zone that they see nothing and no-one. That will be me one day!
I carried on running all the way to Turp today, but I stopped again! I only walk for about 10-15 seconds each time but I am so darn annoyed at myself. On to greenway now, and that hill. I want to run up it, as a punishment for walking. All the way to the top, no stopping.
I walked again just before the hill, prepared myself as best as I could, and then ran, I turned the corner and ran, arms raised and propelling me up the hill. I am going to do this, no stop to the end. There were a couple of young lads walking up the hill, in what looks like sports gear, and with the name of the school on the back of their sweatshirts I felt quite pleased that I was jogging past them! Me, an old girl, jogging up hill, (sweating like a pig, and no doubt grunting like one too)
jogging past these two young guys!
The rest of the jog was the same as usual. I get back to the first pub and look at the time. I know If I do the same time from here as when I run here, then there is a slight possibility that I can beat my PB. This thought is going through my mind, but also the other thoughts too, like 'You always run slower on the last mile, so take a chill pill old girl' and that thought is always, always right.
Try as I might I just can't get that pace the same as on the way here. My legs are hurting, my hips are hurting, my right ankle is hurting, and I know I am running slower.
Up the last hill now, I am determined to run up it, I even promised myself at quick 10 second walk when I reached the top! True to my word, I gave myself a breather. I managed to jog up that last hill. 10 second walk then run, the rest of the way home.
I do like this last bit of the run. Its down hill, its almost home, and I have a lovely roast chicken dinner to stuff down my neck as soon as I get in,
My fave mantra came into my mind 'Finish in style' That's when I know that the run is almost over, I pick up the speed, I feel a 'fizzing' in my feet already, run, run, you can do it, ignore the aches and pains, enjoy the feeling of 'you've done it again' come on old girl, move, run.
I stopped the clock at 41m30s. I know its not my PB, maybe it was a fluke last time. Something to aim for. But I feel its still a good time, especially after my epic ride on Sunday! With all the aches an pains that came with that, and the bruises from falling off my bike!
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Sky Ride Day. Brilliant!
Hi blogees.
What can I say about today. The day was all that I expected it to be. It was just brilliant.
We started off from home, obviously, that's me and young son, who I roped into coming. We met the other Sky riders at the arranged meeting place,
These were just a few of them. There were about a hundred and twenty leaving here to ride the 13 miles to London this morning.
We headed off after having a few pointers from the ride leader, I decided to stay up the front, (Well, the ride leader did say all slow riders should stay up at the front) and that's where I stayed.
The ride went just brilliantly, the ride Marshall's did a very good jog of stopping the traffic to allow all of us to get through traffic lights and across roads so that we all kept together. Even young son was enjoying it, I must call him big son now, as he is almost 16! And he really didn't think he would. Of course he bought his mobile to text his friends about it,
There were a few incidents on the way, punctures, pedals falling off, and kiddies falling off bikes. But they were not the only ones that fell off their bike. I did too! I fell off from a standstill! We were in a bottle neck going through a gate, I tried to get off my bike but didn't have enough room around me because of all the other cyclist, so couldn't quite get my leg high enough over, and I came crashing down on to sons bike. Of course he looked suitable embarrassed, and just shook his head in utter disbelief. I think maybe he did utter, a quick "You alright?" before the look of indignation came back on his face.
There were a couple of other incidents, little squishy characters on the racing bikes cutting me up, making me topple slightly and and yet another making crash into kerbs, but other than that, it was a brilliant ride into London.
We got to Southwark bridge a lot later than I thought, it was 11:55! but still, it was such fun, and now to tour London.
OH MY WORD! Tons and tons and tons of bikes and riders. They have traffic control persons to stop the cyclist to allow pedestrians to cross! we rode on from Southwark bridge to as far as the Houses of Parliament.
I thought I took a picture, but it doesn't seem to have come out! Oh well. Anyway, by this time I was desperate for the loo, so after big son got us both a burger we followed the route and tried to find loos. It was only when we got to Regents park that we found any! And in the park were entertainment and eating places, and bikes and riders, and all sorts other stuff happening and everyone having a great time.
I took my place in the queue for the loo. For about 20 minutes I queued! This so far the longest I had been off my bike today! After finally reaching the loo, and a quick prayer to Him upstairs that everything would be clean and usable I faithfully went in to the portaloo! I'm sure you don't want to here about this bit! but I'm sure you can all imagine! Especially recent festival goers! I made my way back to big son who was watching the band on the stage.
We joined the route again and followed the crowed. It's not so much cycle through London as Scoot through London! I am not very good at riding very very slowly because I tend to topple to much, so I was scooting my round, my leg was aching more from this than the ride here, and the cramping at the top of my leg, whooo!
We (I) decided that as we had come this far we might as well do the long route, after all we still have plenty of time left before our led ride home, so onwards to St Pauls Catherdral, a truly lovely building. This visit though I don't think I will climb up the stairs to the whispering galley!
The mayor has truly put on a good day for all us cyclists, because here at St. Pauls is yet another drinks station, where you can hydrate for free! Water or some other pink looking liquid which I let big son drink by himself, I stayed on the water.
Onwards, for ever onwards, just follow the throng! we are heading up the last stretch now, even though I didn't know that. We passed our meeting point for the ride back home, and big (tired) son asked if we should just cut across and go and wait on the bridge for the last hour or so.
Of course I said......"No way, we have done this much, might as well finish it off" Still on our bikes we rode with everyone to the last 'U' turn, which happened to be up the hill. They had people in the middle of the road encouraging, playing music and egging you on up the last small hill. Just up ahead I could here, "this is the last bit now, be careful as you do the 'U' turn to go back." But I decided I was going to have another photo shoot here, with big tired young son doing the shooting.
This is me outside the Tower of London.
Now, to find the bridge home, and maybe another loo stop!
We were very early still, so we rode over the bridge and tried to find a nice loo. We asked a couple of marshals and they said the the Globe theatre would let us use their loos! Oh thank heavens for that, I know that they are going to be nice and clean!
I forgot to take a picture of the globe, mainly because now we were stuffing our faces with lovely chocolaty things we bought at the theatre snack shop! We headed back for the bridge, only we went a slightly different way and had to carry our bikes up the stairs by the bridge!
Everyone met up promptly and looked very happy. It really has been a brilliant day. On our way home now, and still the same story. The mashalls doing a fantastic job of carving our way through Londons traffic, punctures, spills but still plenty of smiles.
I will admit here, right now, the very last hill, which took us up to Bromley High street I WALKED! As soon as we came out of the public footpath, I looked up and said to anyone who was listening "No way am I going to make that now" and I pushed my bike up it. Of course at this time, I was the only walking up it, and big tired son said "Come on mum, ride it you whimp" and he took off at speed, all the way to the top.
Half way up the hill though, there were a few more dismounters, and when I looked behind me there were a yet more dismouters, so I didn't feel that bad.
A few shorts minutes later and we were back where we started at 9 this morning. It was about 5:45, I'm guessing, but it wasn't much before or later than this, and I was still smiling! Big son was even smiling.
And now we have just 3 more miles to do before we can sit down on nice soft comfy couches and chairs!
A brilliant, fantastic day! Roll on next year! but maybe next year, I will take a picnic and sit and listen to some music instead of hitting the streets of London, before riding home!
What can I say about today. The day was all that I expected it to be. It was just brilliant.
We started off from home, obviously, that's me and young son, who I roped into coming. We met the other Sky riders at the arranged meeting place,
These were just a few of them. There were about a hundred and twenty leaving here to ride the 13 miles to London this morning.
We headed off after having a few pointers from the ride leader, I decided to stay up the front, (Well, the ride leader did say all slow riders should stay up at the front) and that's where I stayed.
The ride went just brilliantly, the ride Marshall's did a very good jog of stopping the traffic to allow all of us to get through traffic lights and across roads so that we all kept together. Even young son was enjoying it, I must call him big son now, as he is almost 16! And he really didn't think he would. Of course he bought his mobile to text his friends about it,
There were a few incidents on the way, punctures, pedals falling off, and kiddies falling off bikes. But they were not the only ones that fell off their bike. I did too! I fell off from a standstill! We were in a bottle neck going through a gate, I tried to get off my bike but didn't have enough room around me because of all the other cyclist, so couldn't quite get my leg high enough over, and I came crashing down on to sons bike. Of course he looked suitable embarrassed, and just shook his head in utter disbelief. I think maybe he did utter, a quick "You alright?" before the look of indignation came back on his face.
There were a couple of other incidents, little squishy characters on the racing bikes cutting me up, making me topple slightly and and yet another making crash into kerbs, but other than that, it was a brilliant ride into London.
We got to Southwark bridge a lot later than I thought, it was 11:55! but still, it was such fun, and now to tour London.
OH MY WORD! Tons and tons and tons of bikes and riders. They have traffic control persons to stop the cyclist to allow pedestrians to cross! we rode on from Southwark bridge to as far as the Houses of Parliament.
I thought I took a picture, but it doesn't seem to have come out! Oh well. Anyway, by this time I was desperate for the loo, so after big son got us both a burger we followed the route and tried to find loos. It was only when we got to Regents park that we found any! And in the park were entertainment and eating places, and bikes and riders, and all sorts other stuff happening and everyone having a great time.
I took my place in the queue for the loo. For about 20 minutes I queued! This so far the longest I had been off my bike today! After finally reaching the loo, and a quick prayer to Him upstairs that everything would be clean and usable I faithfully went in to the portaloo! I'm sure you don't want to here about this bit! but I'm sure you can all imagine! Especially recent festival goers! I made my way back to big son who was watching the band on the stage.
We joined the route again and followed the crowed. It's not so much cycle through London as Scoot through London! I am not very good at riding very very slowly because I tend to topple to much, so I was scooting my round, my leg was aching more from this than the ride here, and the cramping at the top of my leg, whooo!
We (I) decided that as we had come this far we might as well do the long route, after all we still have plenty of time left before our led ride home, so onwards to St Pauls Catherdral, a truly lovely building. This visit though I don't think I will climb up the stairs to the whispering galley!
The mayor has truly put on a good day for all us cyclists, because here at St. Pauls is yet another drinks station, where you can hydrate for free! Water or some other pink looking liquid which I let big son drink by himself, I stayed on the water.
Onwards, for ever onwards, just follow the throng! we are heading up the last stretch now, even though I didn't know that. We passed our meeting point for the ride back home, and big (tired) son asked if we should just cut across and go and wait on the bridge for the last hour or so.
Of course I said......"No way, we have done this much, might as well finish it off" Still on our bikes we rode with everyone to the last 'U' turn, which happened to be up the hill. They had people in the middle of the road encouraging, playing music and egging you on up the last small hill. Just up ahead I could here, "this is the last bit now, be careful as you do the 'U' turn to go back." But I decided I was going to have another photo shoot here, with big tired young son doing the shooting.
This is me outside the Tower of London.
Now, to find the bridge home, and maybe another loo stop!
We were very early still, so we rode over the bridge and tried to find a nice loo. We asked a couple of marshals and they said the the Globe theatre would let us use their loos! Oh thank heavens for that, I know that they are going to be nice and clean!
I forgot to take a picture of the globe, mainly because now we were stuffing our faces with lovely chocolaty things we bought at the theatre snack shop! We headed back for the bridge, only we went a slightly different way and had to carry our bikes up the stairs by the bridge!
Everyone met up promptly and looked very happy. It really has been a brilliant day. On our way home now, and still the same story. The mashalls doing a fantastic job of carving our way through Londons traffic, punctures, spills but still plenty of smiles.
I will admit here, right now, the very last hill, which took us up to Bromley High street I WALKED! As soon as we came out of the public footpath, I looked up and said to anyone who was listening "No way am I going to make that now" and I pushed my bike up it. Of course at this time, I was the only walking up it, and big tired son said "Come on mum, ride it you whimp" and he took off at speed, all the way to the top.
Half way up the hill though, there were a few more dismounters, and when I looked behind me there were a yet more dismouters, so I didn't feel that bad.
A few shorts minutes later and we were back where we started at 9 this morning. It was about 5:45, I'm guessing, but it wasn't much before or later than this, and I was still smiling! Big son was even smiling.
And now we have just 3 more miles to do before we can sit down on nice soft comfy couches and chairs!
A brilliant, fantastic day! Roll on next year! but maybe next year, I will take a picnic and sit and listen to some music instead of hitting the streets of London, before riding home!
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Roast Dinner Or Run?
Hi blog lovers,
I had a day off today, free from squashy people and little tiny bundles of love. The old boy was home today too, and after he took the skeleton of his motor bike to some place to be pressured washed, massaged by some sort of beads and then powder coated and baked! we were ready for lunch.
We didn't decide on a nice light lunch of a salad, or even a tasteless burger and chips, no, we decided to have a full roast dinner, topped off with ice cream with chocolate flake.
I knew I should have gone out first thing this morning, but it just felt too good to lay in my pit and wallow for a while.
I thought by the time we finished lunch, which was about 2 ish, then by 6:30 ish I should be ready to go for a run.
How wrong was I! I thought by this time, dinner should be well below navel level, and therefore possibly ok to go running. I pulled on my old 'Athletic joggers today, my posh, proper joggers were on the line, still wet! (must get myself another pair) and went out the door...........well obviously with top and shoes and everything else! I was still feeling very bloated, but I tried not to think about it.
The first two minutes turned into the first 3 or 4 minutes. My dinner was really reminding me it was there (and I really would like it to stay there!) So, with that in mind I decided that PB can take a back step today, this is just a run off that ice cream, that you shouldn't have had run. I have the old boys play list on my IPOD and trying to think about that rather than dinner churning away in the bloatiness of my belly!
I make it as far as 1 mile before I slowed to walking pace, I ran all the way to the first pub, non stop, no body saw me, but I did it, I ran it. I get to the first pub and slowed down walking pace,to force dinner back down below waistband hight, when I hear a toot behind me. I looked over, of all the people that I could meet down that bit of road, in a car, it just had to be NAGGY NEIGHBOUR! I crossed over the road, and she slowed down to lean out of her window to say "You were walking!!" I soon picked up the pace again and began to run again as I waved her as she drove off. I passed a police officer doing his rounds and nodded politely. I ran and ran as far as the turning that takes me on the homeward bound, Turpington Lane! And that stupid game kept me going!
I did walk a little bit more up Greenway, but I was determined that the hill will not beat me today. As soon as I turned the corner I attacked the hill, my dinner reminding me its still there, and maybe I would like to see it again! But I kept going. To the top of the hill I made it, and gasped out loud. I walked again for ten seconds and then started to run again. I passed the same police officer I saw earlier and this time he smiled at me, maybe he was surprised to see an old girl get this far in the same time that it took him via the short cut!
On and on, running with a couple more ten second walking sessions, well, there is no danger of Naggy seeing me on the way home is there?! Up ahead, just by the turning I take to go home I saw my DJ Neighbour. He was on his daily constitutionals! I could see he was taking the second Oxhawth, I need to get in front of him! I want to get in front of him. So I started running down the first Oxhawth. I can imagine half way down this the DJ will be heading on down the other one, with some luck I could just get in front of him, but I do have that uphill bit. I was running and concentrating on this bit I get to almost the top and then allow myself to look to see if he was there.
He was just approaching the road as I heading on the last long road home. "Yes, yes beat him"........But then.......OH. Now DJ Neighbour is behind me. There is no way I could possible walk now knowing that he will be able to see if I walk! So from that point on I ran and ran. I was thinking as the road bent slightly this way then I would be out of his view for a short while, but I just didn't want to turn around to check! I just seemed to look at me, I'm in front of you, ner ner ner ner ner type of thing to do.
All the way home running, thinking about how far DJ was behind me. Yes, I made it. I checked my IPOD stopwatch. Well, just as I expected, No PB's broken here today. 41.08. Still pretty good compared to what I was doing this route in.
Oh and dinner stayed in place. Came back to find that the old boy and cooked up a couple of chipolata sausages, hmmmm, I could just eat a couple of those now!
I had a day off today, free from squashy people and little tiny bundles of love. The old boy was home today too, and after he took the skeleton of his motor bike to some place to be pressured washed, massaged by some sort of beads and then powder coated and baked! we were ready for lunch.
We didn't decide on a nice light lunch of a salad, or even a tasteless burger and chips, no, we decided to have a full roast dinner, topped off with ice cream with chocolate flake.
I knew I should have gone out first thing this morning, but it just felt too good to lay in my pit and wallow for a while.
I thought by the time we finished lunch, which was about 2 ish, then by 6:30 ish I should be ready to go for a run.
How wrong was I! I thought by this time, dinner should be well below navel level, and therefore possibly ok to go running. I pulled on my old 'Athletic joggers today, my posh, proper joggers were on the line, still wet! (must get myself another pair) and went out the door...........well obviously with top and shoes and everything else! I was still feeling very bloated, but I tried not to think about it.
The first two minutes turned into the first 3 or 4 minutes. My dinner was really reminding me it was there (and I really would like it to stay there!) So, with that in mind I decided that PB can take a back step today, this is just a run off that ice cream, that you shouldn't have had run. I have the old boys play list on my IPOD and trying to think about that rather than dinner churning away in the bloatiness of my belly!
I make it as far as 1 mile before I slowed to walking pace, I ran all the way to the first pub, non stop, no body saw me, but I did it, I ran it. I get to the first pub and slowed down walking pace,to force dinner back down below waistband hight, when I hear a toot behind me. I looked over, of all the people that I could meet down that bit of road, in a car, it just had to be NAGGY NEIGHBOUR! I crossed over the road, and she slowed down to lean out of her window to say "You were walking!!" I soon picked up the pace again and began to run again as I waved her as she drove off. I passed a police officer doing his rounds and nodded politely. I ran and ran as far as the turning that takes me on the homeward bound, Turpington Lane! And that stupid game kept me going!
I did walk a little bit more up Greenway, but I was determined that the hill will not beat me today. As soon as I turned the corner I attacked the hill, my dinner reminding me its still there, and maybe I would like to see it again! But I kept going. To the top of the hill I made it, and gasped out loud. I walked again for ten seconds and then started to run again. I passed the same police officer I saw earlier and this time he smiled at me, maybe he was surprised to see an old girl get this far in the same time that it took him via the short cut!
On and on, running with a couple more ten second walking sessions, well, there is no danger of Naggy seeing me on the way home is there?! Up ahead, just by the turning I take to go home I saw my DJ Neighbour. He was on his daily constitutionals! I could see he was taking the second Oxhawth, I need to get in front of him! I want to get in front of him. So I started running down the first Oxhawth. I can imagine half way down this the DJ will be heading on down the other one, with some luck I could just get in front of him, but I do have that uphill bit. I was running and concentrating on this bit I get to almost the top and then allow myself to look to see if he was there.
He was just approaching the road as I heading on the last long road home. "Yes, yes beat him"........But then.......OH. Now DJ Neighbour is behind me. There is no way I could possible walk now knowing that he will be able to see if I walk! So from that point on I ran and ran. I was thinking as the road bent slightly this way then I would be out of his view for a short while, but I just didn't want to turn around to check! I just seemed to look at me, I'm in front of you, ner ner ner ner ner type of thing to do.
All the way home running, thinking about how far DJ was behind me. Yes, I made it. I checked my IPOD stopwatch. Well, just as I expected, No PB's broken here today. 41.08. Still pretty good compared to what I was doing this route in.
Oh and dinner stayed in place. Came back to find that the old boy and cooked up a couple of chipolata sausages, hmmmm, I could just eat a couple of those now!
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