Sooo... Been a bit quiet... Not much happening in the happy world of cycling (which I have, let's face it, yet to enter)...
Yes, couldn't be bothered. Very busy at work, and mostly want to eat and watch TV otherwise. This is NOT GOOD. And MUST STOP. But the best I've managed so far this week is tonight's quick walk...
Still, got to start somewhere, eh?
In other news, the surveillance continues, and has, in fact reached ridiculous new heights. The other night I walked out of my house to find not one but two - two! - police cars parked across my drive. Now, as we all know, parking across my driveway - on the double-yellow lines, no less - is in general a trigger for me to start ranting and raving and waving my hands about, before leaving a terribly polite "Gosh, please don't do this again" note under the offender's windscreen.
But, things being what they are, I decided that discretion was the way forward, and chose to ignore said cars. For the HOURS that they were parked there. Frankly, this is becoming rather ridiculous. Either my home has suddenly been transported to South Central LA (and I'm sure that the weather would be better if it had been), or there's a sever police car parking shortage somewhere and my street just became the over-flow carpark of choice. Double-yellow lines, people!!!
And I'm just not even going to mention the ambulance that replaced the police cars...
:o)
Today's stats
Walking - 23 mins, 1.36 miles (library and shops - the old familiar)
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Thursday, 21 February 2013
81. Panic attack
Stepped outside my front door last night to find a police car parked across the road.
"Gah!" I think. "They've found me!" [At home - who'd have thunk it?!]
As I'm trying to shuffle myself discreetly out of view, 2 police officers appear, frog-marching someone out of the flats next door, with his hands cuffed behind his back. Just like on TV! I was interested for a moment, then remember the discrete shuffling and got back to it.
Low profile continues...
In other news, I think I've calmed down now from the shock of being committed to Challenge 5. 100 miles in 9 hours - how hard can it be? In August, mind, wouldn't want to do it now. But still - perfectly possible. Sadly, the RideLondon people keep trying to be helpful - they're sending me weekly updates, including all sorts of training plans (all of which involve far too much cycling, if you ask me). And that's on top of the shiny brochure that they sent when confirming registration - running events aren't so posh!
Anyway, I'm trying to take this seriously, and obviously that starts with the buying of kit. As it happens, this is slightly more important for cycling than running, as the bike needs lights to go out in the dark (and I can't keep using the "it's dark" excuse to not go cycling if I'm being serious about this). Shiny new kit has turned up now - it's not really that exciting, and mostly involves padding. Varying degrees of padding, actually, which surprises me. I now have a range of padding to choose from when going out cycling... Just what I needed - more decision to make which can delay me actually doing anything. Genius!
Still, not really going to be an issue until Sunday, as I'm busy trying to go running at the moment. Which is generally padding free...
:o)
Today's stats
Absolutely nothing (well, I went for a run - but that's another blog)
"Gah!" I think. "They've found me!" [At home - who'd have thunk it?!]
As I'm trying to shuffle myself discreetly out of view, 2 police officers appear, frog-marching someone out of the flats next door, with his hands cuffed behind his back. Just like on TV! I was interested for a moment, then remember the discrete shuffling and got back to it.
Low profile continues...
In other news, I think I've calmed down now from the shock of being committed to Challenge 5. 100 miles in 9 hours - how hard can it be? In August, mind, wouldn't want to do it now. But still - perfectly possible. Sadly, the RideLondon people keep trying to be helpful - they're sending me weekly updates, including all sorts of training plans (all of which involve far too much cycling, if you ask me). And that's on top of the shiny brochure that they sent when confirming registration - running events aren't so posh!
Anyway, I'm trying to take this seriously, and obviously that starts with the buying of kit. As it happens, this is slightly more important for cycling than running, as the bike needs lights to go out in the dark (and I can't keep using the "it's dark" excuse to not go cycling if I'm being serious about this). Shiny new kit has turned up now - it's not really that exciting, and mostly involves padding. Varying degrees of padding, actually, which surprises me. I now have a range of padding to choose from when going out cycling... Just what I needed - more decision to make which can delay me actually doing anything. Genius!
Still, not really going to be an issue until Sunday, as I'm busy trying to go running at the moment. Which is generally padding free...
:o)
Today's stats
Absolutely nothing (well, I went for a run - but that's another blog)
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
80. Challenge 5 is here!
Ah-ha! All those who have mocked my inability to come up with a challenge for this year - mock ye no more! Challenge 5 is here!
I have been successful in the ballot for the inaugural Ride London 100 on 4th August 2013! (See here: http://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/Prudential_RideLondon___Events/Prudential_RideLondon-Surrey_100.htm). Woo-hoo!
And at the same time - aaaargh! I had managed to convince myself by now that I wouldn't be successful in the ballot (you know, with my awesome luck), and also that it was a 100km bike ride.... But it's a 100 mile bike ride! Ye Gods!! The furthest I've ever been on a bike on one day is something like 30 miles... Very slowly... And that was 5 years ago! Oh, drat - here goes another 6 months' of training, and there goes June and July...
There are many, many logistical challenges associated with this, erm, Challenge. First out of the gate (not necessarily the most important, but the first that occurs) is my bike. Now, I do own a bike, and it's a perfectly serviceable bike (whatever Jinx might mutter about Miss Marple and going shopping with my basket).... But it's not really what you'd call an outdoors bike. In that I've never actually taken it out of the house to go for a cycle since I bought it. And, actually, the only time when anyone has tried to do this was when the burglar tried to make off with it and achieved little more than knocking the (flat) tyres off their rims (and then cruelly abandoning the bike against a wall outside my house).
In fact.... Well, I'll just have to be blunt. I fear that my bike might be slightly agoraphobic. The trauma you see... It huddles in my kitchen trying to look inconspicuous, and showing absolutely no desire to go outside (where it is windy, wet and cold right now).
While I'm sympathetic, I really don't know what use I might have for an agoraphobic bike now that I desperately need to start training for the RideLondon madness. Perhaps I can get it some counselling?
(@_@)
Today's stats
Walking - 25 mins, 1.48 miles (library and shops - check!)
Cycling (in gym) - 36 mins, 7 miles [Level 5] (panicked frantic training)
I have been successful in the ballot for the inaugural Ride London 100 on 4th August 2013! (See here: http://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/Prudential_RideLondon___Events/Prudential_RideLondon-Surrey_100.htm). Woo-hoo!
And at the same time - aaaargh! I had managed to convince myself by now that I wouldn't be successful in the ballot (you know, with my awesome luck), and also that it was a 100km bike ride.... But it's a 100 mile bike ride! Ye Gods!! The furthest I've ever been on a bike on one day is something like 30 miles... Very slowly... And that was 5 years ago! Oh, drat - here goes another 6 months' of training, and there goes June and July...
There are many, many logistical challenges associated with this, erm, Challenge. First out of the gate (not necessarily the most important, but the first that occurs) is my bike. Now, I do own a bike, and it's a perfectly serviceable bike (whatever Jinx might mutter about Miss Marple and going shopping with my basket).... But it's not really what you'd call an outdoors bike. In that I've never actually taken it out of the house to go for a cycle since I bought it. And, actually, the only time when anyone has tried to do this was when the burglar tried to make off with it and achieved little more than knocking the (flat) tyres off their rims (and then cruelly abandoning the bike against a wall outside my house).
In fact.... Well, I'll just have to be blunt. I fear that my bike might be slightly agoraphobic. The trauma you see... It huddles in my kitchen trying to look inconspicuous, and showing absolutely no desire to go outside (where it is windy, wet and cold right now).
While I'm sympathetic, I really don't know what use I might have for an agoraphobic bike now that I desperately need to start training for the RideLondon madness. Perhaps I can get it some counselling?
(@_@)
Today's stats
Walking - 25 mins, 1.48 miles (library and shops - check!)
Cycling (in gym) - 36 mins, 7 miles [Level 5] (panicked frantic training)
Monday, 11 February 2013
79. The blind leading the blind
I had a plan for today. It was a good and sensible plan (well, as much as can be expected for one of my plans). It involved going for a "quick" run at lunchtime. Buoyed by the excesses of the weekend's running, and with a lot to do this week, I thought that I would get my long run out of the way at the start of the week. In the daylight. Had my kit and everything.
And then the snow came.
I mean, if that's not a sign from above, what is? 3 runs in the rain over the weekend (cold rain at that) was one thing. But snow? That's like rain with extra ice. And everything becomes so slippery!
So I had to re-plan... And the new plan involved walking quickly before dinner. In the pitch black... Until you've tried it, it's almost impossible to describe how difficult it is to walk quickly in a straight line on a pavement that you cannot see (but know will run out soon...). With the only light coming from passing cars...
Speaking of which... Car drivers who keep their full beams on when driving towards a person walking along a darkened country road? If I could still see, I would be warning you that I know who you are! But since you have blinded me (over, and over again), you are spared my wrath. Your rewards will come in the hereafter, though - you have been warned!
(@_@)
Today's stats
Walking - 34 mins, 2 miles (where am I??!!)
And then the snow came.
I mean, if that's not a sign from above, what is? 3 runs in the rain over the weekend (cold rain at that) was one thing. But snow? That's like rain with extra ice. And everything becomes so slippery!
So I had to re-plan... And the new plan involved walking quickly before dinner. In the pitch black... Until you've tried it, it's almost impossible to describe how difficult it is to walk quickly in a straight line on a pavement that you cannot see (but know will run out soon...). With the only light coming from passing cars...
Speaking of which... Car drivers who keep their full beams on when driving towards a person walking along a darkened country road? If I could still see, I would be warning you that I know who you are! But since you have blinded me (over, and over again), you are spared my wrath. Your rewards will come in the hereafter, though - you have been warned!
(@_@)
Today's stats
Walking - 34 mins, 2 miles (where am I??!!)
Thursday, 7 February 2013
78. You didn't hear this from me...
*pops head out of hidey hole*
So you're in the gym. You want to make it clear that you are working very, very hard. Therefore you open all the windows and lower the temperature in the whole gym to close to that outside...?
No! I go to the gym because it's the warm alternative to exercising outside - there is to be no bringing the outside in! You want to cool off? Drink more water!
Other than that... The gym was relatively comforting tonight because the Terminator was there when I arrived and was still cross-training away as I left - just like old times! And I only have to complete another 39 km or so before end Wednesday to be back on track with the Fake 5x50... Only... *sigh*
It's hard to complete all this exercise while keeping a low profile - a fluorescent yellow running jacket tends to be rather eye-catching... But I shall give it a go...
*returns to hidey hole*
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 36 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
Yesterday's stats
Walking - 17 mins, 1 mile (to the supermarket and beyond!)
So you're in the gym. You want to make it clear that you are working very, very hard. Therefore you open all the windows and lower the temperature in the whole gym to close to that outside...?
No! I go to the gym because it's the warm alternative to exercising outside - there is to be no bringing the outside in! You want to cool off? Drink more water!
Other than that... The gym was relatively comforting tonight because the Terminator was there when I arrived and was still cross-training away as I left - just like old times! And I only have to complete another 39 km or so before end Wednesday to be back on track with the Fake 5x50... Only... *sigh*
It's hard to complete all this exercise while keeping a low profile - a fluorescent yellow running jacket tends to be rather eye-catching... But I shall give it a go...
*returns to hidey hole*
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 36 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
Yesterday's stats
Walking - 17 mins, 1 mile (to the supermarket and beyond!)
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
77. Slippery like an eel
People are always complaining that the streets aren't safe, that they don;t see the police around any more... Such people are blind, blind I say! Everywhere I go at the moment there's a police car hanging about. Walk to the shops - pass a parked police car. Drive home from work - police car performs a 3-point turn in front of me. There's nowhere to hide! [Unless I give in to the temptation to hide in my bedroom at home... For a good, long time...] Frankly, it would take a lot to convince me that I'm not being stalked at the moment.
So, current plan is to keep a low profile (wearing disguises whenever possible/humorous). How low a profile a person writing an open blog on the internet can have remains to be seen... But we shall ignore the virtual world at the moment - all about the harsh realities of life at the moment.
My new quiet and careful life appears quite dull, currently, but I am sure that I shall enjoy the subterfuge eventually.
All this quietness gives me plenty of time to catch up with the Fake 5x50 challenge*sigh*. I am now only 17 or so km behind target to date! Yay! Sadly, there's just over a week to go (well, I say "sadly"...) and so this means a lot of miles need to be covered in a hurry. Or a lot of recording my walking to and from various shops in a desperate attempt to get up to target... Quietly, though, and very, very carefully.
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 37 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
Yesterday's stats
Walking - 27 mins, 1.72 miles (go to shops)
Walking - 29 mins, 1.84 miles (back from shops - not entirely sure why it was a longer walk...)
So, current plan is to keep a low profile (wearing disguises whenever possible/humorous). How low a profile a person writing an open blog on the internet can have remains to be seen... But we shall ignore the virtual world at the moment - all about the harsh realities of life at the moment.
My new quiet and careful life appears quite dull, currently, but I am sure that I shall enjoy the subterfuge eventually.
All this quietness gives me plenty of time to catch up with the Fake 5x50 challenge*sigh*. I am now only 17 or so km behind target to date! Yay! Sadly, there's just over a week to go (well, I say "sadly"...) and so this means a lot of miles need to be covered in a hurry. Or a lot of recording my walking to and from various shops in a desperate attempt to get up to target... Quietly, though, and very, very carefully.
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 37 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
Yesterday's stats
Walking - 27 mins, 1.72 miles (go to shops)
Walking - 29 mins, 1.84 miles (back from shops - not entirely sure why it was a longer walk...)
Sunday, 3 February 2013
76. Pretty, pretty swirls
Well, I thought that 2013 couldn't possibly be as bad as it sounded. It officially spiralled completely out of control on 1st February and I am now rather looking forward to the calm that I hope 2014 will bring... *sigh* Lots to do before then...
There are a number of jolly events planned for 2013 and I remain hopeful that they will all go swimmingly... But - to all those to whom I wished good luck for this year - could you please return some of that luck? I appear to have given away rather too much, and am now reaping the rewards of that largesse. It is true enough that no good deed goes unpunished... And that these things come along in 3s... And that it never rains but it pours...
Dear, Lord - I don't know who those old wives were, but they should be locked away sharpish to keep us all safe from their tales! Something must be done!!!!
An example of my stellar luck this year - I am currently 31km behind in the Fake 5x50 challenge. Lots and lots of catching up to do, and only a couple of weeks in which to do so. *sigh* This means longer runs, I can see it now...
Also, I'm being stalked by Her Majesty's finest. Putting on my shoes to go to the supermarket this evening I noticed a car switching on its headlights in my driveway. "Dammit," thought I. "Pesky neighbours have gone too far this time!" Opened door and stuck head out, full of righteous indignation and ready to let the driveway-stealer have a piece of my mind. In the driveway (preparing to depart, incidentally - I'm not the most observant person around...) was a police car and the requisite 2 members of the Constabulary. "Hello!" says I, brightly smiling, before ducking back into the house and quickly closing the door. They then drove away, but I'm telling you - there's some sort of close eye being kept here! Have spent the evening hiding in the house with the lights off, just in case...
It's not paranoia if they're really after you...
;o}
Today's stats
Walking - 31 mins, 1.86 miles (home from the station)
Walking - 17 mins, 1.05 miles (uh, to the shops and back...)
Cycling (in gym) - 37 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
There are a number of jolly events planned for 2013 and I remain hopeful that they will all go swimmingly... But - to all those to whom I wished good luck for this year - could you please return some of that luck? I appear to have given away rather too much, and am now reaping the rewards of that largesse. It is true enough that no good deed goes unpunished... And that these things come along in 3s... And that it never rains but it pours...
Dear, Lord - I don't know who those old wives were, but they should be locked away sharpish to keep us all safe from their tales! Something must be done!!!!
An example of my stellar luck this year - I am currently 31km behind in the Fake 5x50 challenge. Lots and lots of catching up to do, and only a couple of weeks in which to do so. *sigh* This means longer runs, I can see it now...
Also, I'm being stalked by Her Majesty's finest. Putting on my shoes to go to the supermarket this evening I noticed a car switching on its headlights in my driveway. "Dammit," thought I. "Pesky neighbours have gone too far this time!" Opened door and stuck head out, full of righteous indignation and ready to let the driveway-stealer have a piece of my mind. In the driveway (preparing to depart, incidentally - I'm not the most observant person around...) was a police car and the requisite 2 members of the Constabulary. "Hello!" says I, brightly smiling, before ducking back into the house and quickly closing the door. They then drove away, but I'm telling you - there's some sort of close eye being kept here! Have spent the evening hiding in the house with the lights off, just in case...
It's not paranoia if they're really after you...
;o}
Today's stats
Walking - 31 mins, 1.86 miles (home from the station)
Walking - 17 mins, 1.05 miles (uh, to the shops and back...)
Cycling (in gym) - 37 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
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