Thats why I ride

Interesting title, but very apt. Beautiful day yesterday, about 15 degrees (60 in old money?), sun shining and I knew that my knee couldn't hold onto the run. So, a call from a friend, and an impromtu MTB ride on the local trails. Both of us commenting how great it is to get out, how we have been spending too much time on the road bike, and a few twitchy moments regarding technical skills. But, what a great ride. Smooth, flowing singletrack with a few exposed roots to keep you honest. No bugs, just a few people (scouts) in the forest along with me and John. Sweet, sweet, singletrack, why have I left you so long?
Here's to more sneaky trails.

Capital to Capital

Big step yesterday as I have gotten my registration in for the Right to Play - Edinburgh to London cycle ride/race in August. 462 miles in total, riding in the rain and sun that Britian has to offer. I'm really excited, but a bit nervous as....

Last nights training was a 4-6 mile run at Zone 2 (medium pace). I played football (if you could call it that) on Sunday in a charity match with some friends. My left knee felt tight afterwards, but I didn't think anything of it as I hadn't had a knock or anything. No hobbling on Monday during the work day, so didn't think I'd have a problem on the run.

As I headed to Dave's house to meet up, my knee started to throb, then crunch like something wasn't in place. I kept it up running around 3 miles and then just couldn't go on. Jogged back to the house (I told Dave to go on, email in the morning) and just sat there and looked at it. No swelling, but still a bit of pain. No ice, but rest and ibuprofen gel to help with any inflamation. Oh, and a beer to chase it away.

So, here I go signing up and then an injury. Well, I think its an injury. No swelling this morning, so I will ride the trainer this afternoon at the gym and see how it goes.

As you can imagine, I'm doing the ride for charity, so I will be asking for some funds to help. I'll do that later, but just keep it in mind when the time comes around. Total I want to raise is at least 1K.

So who's a lazy boy?

No apologies...

Training has been good, with an emphasis on the running. I've just finished a fantastic book regarding long distance which really sparked the bug up. To be honest, I've never really enjoyed running. Cycling is so much more fun, and even swimming in the pool beats running on the road. But, add a few training partners and a dog who just wants to go and go (and go), and then your in business. I've also found a great off road loop in Hurst Woods which has added much more 'knee friendly' terrian.

Work has been great, with a large amount of prebudget prep going in. My case study on Wellbeing was received with thanks and plaudits (published!) and my recent grant application was turned down (but the letter was very encouraging).

We got through Easter in a blur. Either it was a church event, or an egg hunt or a dinner. But it was fun, and a bit more poignant this time. You see, my parents came to visit prior to easter. We had a blast, and I forgot just how much I miss them. And it really hurts to say this, but I realised that they are getting older. Now, my mom doesn't act a day over 30. She is go, go, go. But my Dad, the guy who was Superman, Ironman and 10 ft tall and bulletproof is starting to show signs of slowing down. Not that the children saw it. And to be fair, it was more me than anyone else, but I just started to remember all those great times together (I don't remember the bad, although I am sure they do). Dad used to say, wait till you have children; I'm not waiting anymore. Let's hope that my kids think of their Dad the way I do. Hopefully, without the sulky teenage years. So, Mom and Dad, sorry for being a pain as a kid. I love you both.

Swim training is next, and prep for the Capital to Capital. Promise a post soon.

Long runs and cold air

Not a lot to report. Haven't ridden on the bike in a while, but have had a few good runs. Cold is hurting me, as I still haven't fully recovered from the dreaded 'virus'. Anyway off to Guernsey soon, so must look as if I have trained. I felt a bit better when I spoke with a friend who does Iron distance about my lack of real training and he reminded me that there is all the time in the world. This as he ate another mouthful of Christmas pudding. Ho Ho Ho!

Damn Its Cold

Here's some pics of me and the kids at the Thetford Zoo with some friends from Norfolk. It may be flat, but it is a beautiful place. The pic of the girls in the sharks mouth is from a trip to SeaLife in Brighton that Vix and some friends went on. The kids loved it, and there is nothing better than eating fish and chips after going to the aquarium. Try it.

Training has been a bit hit and miss lately, with some good mileage running but not that much on the 2 wheel front and the water has been a complete wash out (forgive the pun). But, things at work haven't helped with my frame of mind.

Not only am I in the midst of one of my most brutal budgets ever, but there are still problems with one of my team members who has made my life challenging at best. Things are in process, but never fast enough for my liking. So, knowing the each time I go out to train my mind switches from focus to work I just want to give up. But, I know I shouldn't.

My running has been great, with Mabel still doing the pavement with me. The weather is starting to get colder which means we can start doing some off road runs. Our last one, was a mud dance and both of us came out worst for it. But, my heart rate seems to have found a pace it likes and luckily so do I.

The pool I used is down for the count, so the free usage is finished. I don't really have the funds to join up at the other pool, and will most likely wait until they reopen the Hospital pool (if they ever do).

All else is ok, my diet isn't doing well but what do you expect at this time of the year. The real sticking point has been water. I just don't seem to be able to stay hydrated. Must be the tea.

Hope everyone is cool, and for those who have been hit by the sickness bug hope your back on the road to recovery soon.

'Tom Jones should be president'

Wow, was it really only a few days ago? As eluded to in my earlier posts, I was off on a yearly 'Ferret' weekend with my mountain biking mates. For over 7 years the group has been travelling up to Betws for a hit of the Marin trail and then to play on Snowdonia Mountain Range. Last year was my first and it was great, this year it was even better.
We left on Friday morning at 3.45am in a convoy of 4 vehicles to converge on Osterwestry Little Chef. There are guys who don't live in the Tunbridge Wells area that would meet us there. Then, its a bit of 'Olympic Breakfast' (I only it at LC once a year and this is it) and then off to Betws y Coed for the Marin. Usually the group splits into fast, med, and slow on the climb up to the trail, but this time the slow and medium group headed out of the parking lot first with the rest of us setting up bikes and generally faffing about. Then it was off.
Myself (Otter), Goldenballs, Stuntwhippet and Honey started up the silly climb that is Marin. As I felt pretty good, I lead up the climb and was first onto the trailhead and waited for the others. It then became just Goldy, Honey and me in the 'fast' group. We pushed it pretty good, and finished the ride in a state, but all in all great fun. But that was just the appetiser.
After the pub, and then dinner Stuntwhippet and myself started to look at the trails at Coed y Brenin with Goldenballs (who is starting to get VERY fast). He was up for the ride, so off we went to hit the Beast of Brenin. Great, wet, riding at one of the best trail centres in Wales and a good group of guys to ride it with. We missed the pub and went straight over to the B and B and then into the hotel bar for a pint of Purple Moose which ran out quickly and was replaced with Brains anniversary bitter (amazing!).
We had originally looked at a trail run up Snowden on the Pyg trail, but decided to call it a weekend and head back to T Wells for some house points with the wives and kids. A great move, as Vix did appreciate it. So did I, as I was totally wrecked. But, still managed to keep the training up and as I write feel good about my fitness going into the Winter. Here's to more training...
Oh, and the post title? That was heard from the rather stereotypical Welsh barmaid at the Pub in Betws when someone started singing 'It's not unusual'. Ah, Wales.

As Happy as a Chocolate Ferret

Ok, I know its a strange title but its what is said pretty much the whole weekend whilst in Wales with the guys. A group of 18 of us will be converging on Betws y Coed for the annual Ferrets weekend, 'bike, hike, drink, pray' sums it up.
I've just spoken with my doc who has given me a 'green light' to ride, but reminded me to 'don't push too hard'. I spent Monday getting chest X-rays to ensure that all is ok with my lungs as I keep getting Chest Infections that just don't seem to go away. But, it should be ok as I will remember to ease back at times, even if the pace starts to go away. Most likely, on the climbs.
All is well, and I believe I am over the 'post race blues'. Now, if the rest of you (WW, Bob) can start posting, I might actually get excited!

Pics from the weekend to follow.