I'm very tired. All the time. Normally, I skip home from work (well, theoretically) primed for a run in the sun, get indoors and promptly want to do nothing more than sit of the sofa and do nothing. Of late, this has changed to me arriving home and wanting to go to bed straight away. Now, I know that middle age has apparently snuck up on me, but this is ridiculous! If this doesn't stop soon I shall have to darken the door of the medical profession once more and see if there's anything actually wrong with me (other than the obvious, of course).
Anyway, it was a close-run thing this evening - another 5 minutes and there would have been no exercise at all. Still, re-scheduled tonight's run for tomorrow night (as you do) and headed for the gym. Where Serious Bloke was in residence, doing his thing, and watching some football thing on TV. He left after 10 minutes, but ever-so kindly left the football playing on the TV. Too, too kind. If anyone's interested, it would appear that the team playing in yellow and black won, from what I couldn't help but notice out of the corner of my eye. I'm not sure what they won, but there was hugging and some smiling, and so obviously they were quite happy about it.
With 20 minutes to go before the gym closed, The Terminator turned up. With a woman!! And not Terminator 3, before you start cross-pollinating your films. Now, it does have to be said that 15 minutes of cross-trainer action is not what we've come to expect of The Terminator (even if he selected a punishing level of difficulty). I'm not sure what nefarious plan he had in play... The naive amongst you may suspect that he had been watching the aforementioned football thingy and then sloped to the gym once it was done. But, really. The Terminator? Watching football? I think not...
Oh, and his female companion did some cycling. With her seat set far too low (a classic schoolgirl error). Although that would at least reduce the possibility of it collapsing under her...
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 45 mins, 6 miles [Level 5]
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Monday, 29 April 2013
105. On the run from food
You know that there's something wrong with your day when you find yourself watching "Man v Food". Not that the presenter isn't nice enough - and Lord knows he's enthusiastic about... Well, everything - but, I mean... A show about eating ridiculously large amounts of food in one go? In a country where they already serve you more food in one sitting than two normal people could eat? And where when they serve you a pastrami on rye sandwich the pastrami is thicker than the bread (both slices)? [That doesn't sound bad, but it's really hard to eat - one can become at the very least bored when chewing one's way through that much meat.]
It's all a bit much. And it's made even worse by the fact that all that food - all that rich, thick, heavy food - probably actually tastes rather like... Well... Cardboard. Sweet cardboard at that. Watch enough of the programme, and you can feel the fat sinking into you.... It's the TV equivalent of 3 fried breakfasts. With buttered toast.
In desperation, I fled the house and made for the gym (it was raining on and off - outside bad!). Serious Bloke was in residence (he rows, he runs, he does sit-ups!) for a bit, and then it was just me and the bike. Working off some of that visually-incurred weight.
Then, just as the end was in sight and the final mile was about to begin.... The seat on the bike suddenly dropped a position. Bit of a shock that, and sent my shin whacking into the pedal (lovely, just what my legs needed, black-and-blue shins). I bravely continued onwards, all the while slightly worried about the dangerous nature of this cycling lark (and I've not even gone outside yet).
On reflection, it's probably time to give the cakes a rest. Once bikes start collapsing under you, it's difficult to ignore the signs from God that are whacking you in the shin...
(O_o)
Today's stats
Walking - 23 mins, 1.41 miles [to the library and beyond! Or, rather, home again.]
Cycling (in gym) - 49 mins, 10 miles [Level 5]
It's all a bit much. And it's made even worse by the fact that all that food - all that rich, thick, heavy food - probably actually tastes rather like... Well... Cardboard. Sweet cardboard at that. Watch enough of the programme, and you can feel the fat sinking into you.... It's the TV equivalent of 3 fried breakfasts. With buttered toast.
In desperation, I fled the house and made for the gym (it was raining on and off - outside bad!). Serious Bloke was in residence (he rows, he runs, he does sit-ups!) for a bit, and then it was just me and the bike. Working off some of that visually-incurred weight.
Then, just as the end was in sight and the final mile was about to begin.... The seat on the bike suddenly dropped a position. Bit of a shock that, and sent my shin whacking into the pedal (lovely, just what my legs needed, black-and-blue shins). I bravely continued onwards, all the while slightly worried about the dangerous nature of this cycling lark (and I've not even gone outside yet).
On reflection, it's probably time to give the cakes a rest. Once bikes start collapsing under you, it's difficult to ignore the signs from God that are whacking you in the shin...
(O_o)
Today's stats
Walking - 23 mins, 1.41 miles [to the library and beyond! Or, rather, home again.]
Cycling (in gym) - 49 mins, 10 miles [Level 5]
Sunday, 28 April 2013
104. Hydraulics and Shimano
Feeling rather oppressed by all the cake in the house (must get rid of it... By means other than by eating it!) and escaped for a hectic day in the sun.
Incidentally, it's spring, and so it's not very warm, but it is quite sunny at the moment. This leads to clothing dilemmas - ski jacket is good to keep you warm, but after walking for 10 minutes or so it's suddenly too warm... Stripping in the sunshine - a spring tradition! Anyway, things being what they are I managed to catch some sun yesterday on my face - and only on my face. Given the rest of me remains a rather startling shade of white, I now rather resemble a rather angry lower case letter i. Just the look that I was going for!
Anyway, had some urgent wedding business in the morning (all wedding business is, naturally, urgent). After that, I decided to wander off and do some bike shopping. Well, bike looking at least. Get some expert advice on my requirements....
After an hour or so and 2 shops I'd had enough of that for one day. Perceived wisdom is that a cyclocross bike would best suit my needs (although a road bike would work too). Drop handlebars are the best bet for a 100m ride. Shimano gears are the best (both people helping me did look rather blank when I confessed that I didn't understand gears - apparently I should try to resolve that before August...). Hydraulic brakes are really good but don't come with drop handlebars (I don't know why), and after that disk brakes give you extra stopping power (there was a long lecture on brakes during which I smiled and nodded a lot)...
Basically, the most important lesson from yesterday was that I am going to have to revise my bike-buying budget upwards (thank God money does actually grow on trees!). Because my budget will define the level of kit that will come as standard on my bike (none of which includes mudguards! In this climate! Madness...). And, most importantly, its weight.
Although, at the end of the day, it remains entirely possible that I will just buy a bike that I like the look of - put a red bike in front of me and I'll be sold!!
:o)
Yesterday's stats
Walking - 24 mins, 1.43 miles [off to do important wedding things]
Walking - 46 mins, 2.76 miles [long slog to bike shops for much confusion]
Walking - 17 mins, 1.03 miles [quick supermarket trip]
Incidentally, it's spring, and so it's not very warm, but it is quite sunny at the moment. This leads to clothing dilemmas - ski jacket is good to keep you warm, but after walking for 10 minutes or so it's suddenly too warm... Stripping in the sunshine - a spring tradition! Anyway, things being what they are I managed to catch some sun yesterday on my face - and only on my face. Given the rest of me remains a rather startling shade of white, I now rather resemble a rather angry lower case letter i. Just the look that I was going for!
Anyway, had some urgent wedding business in the morning (all wedding business is, naturally, urgent). After that, I decided to wander off and do some bike shopping. Well, bike looking at least. Get some expert advice on my requirements....
After an hour or so and 2 shops I'd had enough of that for one day. Perceived wisdom is that a cyclocross bike would best suit my needs (although a road bike would work too). Drop handlebars are the best bet for a 100m ride. Shimano gears are the best (both people helping me did look rather blank when I confessed that I didn't understand gears - apparently I should try to resolve that before August...). Hydraulic brakes are really good but don't come with drop handlebars (I don't know why), and after that disk brakes give you extra stopping power (there was a long lecture on brakes during which I smiled and nodded a lot)...
Basically, the most important lesson from yesterday was that I am going to have to revise my bike-buying budget upwards (thank God money does actually grow on trees!). Because my budget will define the level of kit that will come as standard on my bike (none of which includes mudguards! In this climate! Madness...). And, most importantly, its weight.
Although, at the end of the day, it remains entirely possible that I will just buy a bike that I like the look of - put a red bike in front of me and I'll be sold!!
:o)
Yesterday's stats
Walking - 24 mins, 1.43 miles [off to do important wedding things]
Walking - 46 mins, 2.76 miles [long slog to bike shops for much confusion]
Walking - 17 mins, 1.03 miles [quick supermarket trip]
Saturday, 27 April 2013
103. Musings
I have spent much of the week (whilst not at work, or asleep, or just wanting to be asleep) prancing around the kitchen being creative. Which has all been very educational, if pretty much previously unheard of.
The test cakes baked on Sunday ended up looking like this:
Rather nice, I think that you'll agree. Although apparently people prefer buttercream filling in chocolate cake rather than cream... And:
Lesson 1 - when recipe calls for half of the coffee mixture to be added to the icing to make coffee buttercream, probably best not to add the whole thing. Because that's COFFEE buttercream...
Moving on. The final cakes - for Thursday's Colossal Cake Sale - looked rather like this:
Lesson 2 - Victoria sponge can look as perfect as you like - but if the cream is starting to turn, no one will eat it (well, they shouldn't, anyway).
Lesson 3 - probably best not to randomly decide to make a cherry and almond cake without cherries and with insufficient almonds. Although, it tastes OK with sultanas, it's a bit dry and crumbly...
Lesson 4 - a simple chocolate cake (with buttercream filling this time) cannot compete with a chocolate cake smothered in chocolate fudge buttercream. People eat cake with their eyes first, damn them!!
Anyway, I'm all creatived out, now. And I need to stop making cake, as this ultimately leads to me eating cake. And after a whole week of that, I rather suspect I've just doomed myself to months of hard-core exercise to recover... *sigh*
:o)
Today's stats
No time, no time! I have been communing with my muse!
The test cakes baked on Sunday ended up looking like this:
Lesson 1 - when recipe calls for half of the coffee mixture to be added to the icing to make coffee buttercream, probably best not to add the whole thing. Because that's COFFEE buttercream...
Moving on. The final cakes - for Thursday's Colossal Cake Sale - looked rather like this:
Lesson 3 - probably best not to randomly decide to make a cherry and almond cake without cherries and with insufficient almonds. Although, it tastes OK with sultanas, it's a bit dry and crumbly...
Lesson 4 - a simple chocolate cake (with buttercream filling this time) cannot compete with a chocolate cake smothered in chocolate fudge buttercream. People eat cake with their eyes first, damn them!!
Anyway, I'm all creatived out, now. And I need to stop making cake, as this ultimately leads to me eating cake. And after a whole week of that, I rather suspect I've just doomed myself to months of hard-core exercise to recover... *sigh*
:o)
Today's stats
No time, no time! I have been communing with my muse!
Monday, 22 April 2013
102. Fire in the hole
Today, I was Prometheus. Today, I brought fire to the lowly humans and bettered their lives for years to come.
Or, at least, that's what it feels like. And I admit, up front, that that might be a little dramatically over-the-top. But we all have our little failings.
Anyway, I said to the lowly humans, "Behold! I have made you cakes! Quail before their awesomeness! Not only do they look good, but scientific taste tests (sample size = 1) have empirically proved that they taste damn fine too! Behold, and be amazed!"
Yep, I did some baking today - a test run for "The Great Cake Sale" which I seem to have organised for this week at work on behalf of charity. Thought it best if I gave baking a bit of an early test since it's something that I've not done for years and I don't want to you know, kill anyone.
I had, as you can probably tell, a lot of fun. And it all worked, which is something of a miracle. I have now decided that I am a gifted baker (as long as the recipe is in front of me and simple - can't goo too wrong with fairy cakes and chocolate sponge...). In fact, if it were not for one small problem, this would now be my hobby and I would happily spend time daily baking cakes. Having fun int he kitchen - a first!
The small problem? Someone has to eat the baking thus produced. And on past form, this would mean that I would be twice as happy and twice as wide in very, very short order. For I have a dark confession, dear reader: I not only like cake, I like stale cake. Yes, it's true, cake would appear to be my kryptonite.
So the search of a hobby goes on. But expect a lot more cake sale reports in the future...
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 39 mins, 8 miles [Level 5]
Walking - 22 mins, 1.35 miles [quick supermarket trip]
Walking - 21 mins, 1.34 miles [and another quick trip to the supermarket...]
Or, at least, that's what it feels like. And I admit, up front, that that might be a little dramatically over-the-top. But we all have our little failings.
Anyway, I said to the lowly humans, "Behold! I have made you cakes! Quail before their awesomeness! Not only do they look good, but scientific taste tests (sample size = 1) have empirically proved that they taste damn fine too! Behold, and be amazed!"
Yep, I did some baking today - a test run for "The Great Cake Sale" which I seem to have organised for this week at work on behalf of charity. Thought it best if I gave baking a bit of an early test since it's something that I've not done for years and I don't want to you know, kill anyone.
I had, as you can probably tell, a lot of fun. And it all worked, which is something of a miracle. I have now decided that I am a gifted baker (as long as the recipe is in front of me and simple - can't goo too wrong with fairy cakes and chocolate sponge...). In fact, if it were not for one small problem, this would now be my hobby and I would happily spend time daily baking cakes. Having fun int he kitchen - a first!
The small problem? Someone has to eat the baking thus produced. And on past form, this would mean that I would be twice as happy and twice as wide in very, very short order. For I have a dark confession, dear reader: I not only like cake, I like stale cake. Yes, it's true, cake would appear to be my kryptonite.
So the search of a hobby goes on. But expect a lot more cake sale reports in the future...
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 39 mins, 8 miles [Level 5]
Walking - 22 mins, 1.35 miles [quick supermarket trip]
Walking - 21 mins, 1.34 miles [and another quick trip to the supermarket...]
Sunday, 21 April 2013
101. Bah! And, indeed, humbug!
Not terribly happy at the moment. For no discernible reason - it is, after all, sunny outside. Also been very tired - took a lot of effort to get myself to the gym on Friday night, and I all-but collapsed into my bed afterwards... Not sure what's going on there...
Was going to do a long run today, but don't really want to (quite fatigued watching the London Marathon). So have decided to try to do 10 miles in the gym on the bike instead. We'll see how that goes...
Am supposed to be actually trying to bake today - not sure what, but "cake" will feature in there somewhere... If I can actually work up some energy (enthusiasm is sadly a goal too far).
Apart from that... Nothing. I am trying to relax a bit (maybe I've been over-doing it? Hard as that is to imagine....). Am reading my way through a new book (Devon Monk's "Hard Iron") as I won the 3rd book in the series in a competition (unusual luck!). I'd rather have won the lottery though (which remains a sadly long-term goal with a lot of up-front investment...).
Gah!
:o}
Yesterday's stats
Walking - 25 mins, 1.55 miles [to the library and beyond! Or, basically, home again.]
Friday's stats
Cross-trainer - 30 mins, 4 miles [meant to do 5, was grateful to be able to do 4]
Was going to do a long run today, but don't really want to (quite fatigued watching the London Marathon). So have decided to try to do 10 miles in the gym on the bike instead. We'll see how that goes...
Am supposed to be actually trying to bake today - not sure what, but "cake" will feature in there somewhere... If I can actually work up some energy (enthusiasm is sadly a goal too far).
Apart from that... Nothing. I am trying to relax a bit (maybe I've been over-doing it? Hard as that is to imagine....). Am reading my way through a new book (Devon Monk's "Hard Iron") as I won the 3rd book in the series in a competition (unusual luck!). I'd rather have won the lottery though (which remains a sadly long-term goal with a lot of up-front investment...).
Gah!
:o}
Yesterday's stats
Walking - 25 mins, 1.55 miles [to the library and beyond! Or, basically, home again.]
Friday's stats
Cross-trainer - 30 mins, 4 miles [meant to do 5, was grateful to be able to do 4]
Thursday, 18 April 2013
100. Seriously spring
Now that spring seems to have officially sprung (days are at least longer, and it's warmer and sunnier... If significantly windier!), people appear to be taking the gym more seriously. Walked in tonight to find that the gym was full of men, taking their training very seriously (bike to treadmill to cross-trainer to weights. Grrr!!). I wandered to the bike, trying to keep my usual low profile (nothing to see here, move along).
One of the strange sights that I was treated to tonight was one of the Serious Blokes sitting on the bike in front of the TV. Watching the Kardashians. And pedalling furiously. Really, quite disturbing on many levels.
He did top this, though, by finishing his cycle, walking across the gym, and prostrating himself at my feet. Now, I have no objection to per se to finding myself in the position of having people grovelling at my feet (technically, I think that he may have been doing push-ups in front of the mirror, but let's not quibble). However, it is somewhat disconcerting to look down as one is cycling to see a man lying full-length along the floor at your feet. Not that he stayed there - no, it was push-ups, then watching himself lifting weights, then various other activities where it was apparently vital for him to watch his progress in the mirror. Most distracting.
Of course, in my own small way I gave him something equally interesting to look at with my new look - the one and three quarters trousers. Yes, indeedy, while cycling one of my trouser legs (and it's always only one) starts making a break for knee-length, leaving me with one leg covered to the ankle and the other only covered to mid-calf by the end of my mileage. And this is why I make no effort to look good in the gym - when even my own clothes will betray me there really is no point.
*sigh*
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling - 34 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
Monday's stats
Walking - 39 mins, 2.5 miles [to McDonalds!]
Walking - 18 mins, 1.16 miles [back from McDonalds, free ice cream sundae in hand!]
One of the strange sights that I was treated to tonight was one of the Serious Blokes sitting on the bike in front of the TV. Watching the Kardashians. And pedalling furiously. Really, quite disturbing on many levels.
He did top this, though, by finishing his cycle, walking across the gym, and prostrating himself at my feet. Now, I have no objection to per se to finding myself in the position of having people grovelling at my feet (technically, I think that he may have been doing push-ups in front of the mirror, but let's not quibble). However, it is somewhat disconcerting to look down as one is cycling to see a man lying full-length along the floor at your feet. Not that he stayed there - no, it was push-ups, then watching himself lifting weights, then various other activities where it was apparently vital for him to watch his progress in the mirror. Most distracting.
Of course, in my own small way I gave him something equally interesting to look at with my new look - the one and three quarters trousers. Yes, indeedy, while cycling one of my trouser legs (and it's always only one) starts making a break for knee-length, leaving me with one leg covered to the ankle and the other only covered to mid-calf by the end of my mileage. And this is why I make no effort to look good in the gym - when even my own clothes will betray me there really is no point.
*sigh*
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling - 34 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
Monday's stats
Walking - 39 mins, 2.5 miles [to McDonalds!]
Walking - 18 mins, 1.16 miles [back from McDonalds, free ice cream sundae in hand!]
Monday, 15 April 2013
99. Alternatives
I was supposed to be off running a half-marathon today.... But that was, quite literally, rained off (if you were me, anyway).
So I dragged myself to the gym and cycled for Britain. Which was quite boring - must try and drag Aggie out of the house at some point and get some outside miles under my belt. Incidentally, I've nearly completed in 2 weeks as many kilometres as would be expected in 3 weeks under the 5x50 challenge... Trying to convince myself that this does not mean that I can now take a week off... Must keep going...
Active training for Challenge 5 is scheduled to start in a couple of weeks - when it becomes all about the cycling, and, you never know, the odd run might be a nice change of pace... - and there are a number of things that need sorted before then.
I particular, I need to buy lots of kit, apparently. New bike, new helmet, new shoes (not that I currently have cycling shoes), undoubtedly new things I've never before thought of buying... Cycling would appear to be quite a bit pricier than running - hard as that is to imagine - when it comes to be properly kitted out.
And once I have the kit, I need to do some training sportives. And I also need to work out how to get my bike there in the first place...
Going to be a logistical challenge, Challenge 5, over and above the, you know, challenge. I'm not quite at the point of fondly remembering how "easy" it was to train for the marathon, but that day may yet come... Possibly... Well, it could happen!
;oD
Today's stats
Cycling - 35 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
So I dragged myself to the gym and cycled for Britain. Which was quite boring - must try and drag Aggie out of the house at some point and get some outside miles under my belt. Incidentally, I've nearly completed in 2 weeks as many kilometres as would be expected in 3 weeks under the 5x50 challenge... Trying to convince myself that this does not mean that I can now take a week off... Must keep going...
Active training for Challenge 5 is scheduled to start in a couple of weeks - when it becomes all about the cycling, and, you never know, the odd run might be a nice change of pace... - and there are a number of things that need sorted before then.
I particular, I need to buy lots of kit, apparently. New bike, new helmet, new shoes (not that I currently have cycling shoes), undoubtedly new things I've never before thought of buying... Cycling would appear to be quite a bit pricier than running - hard as that is to imagine - when it comes to be properly kitted out.
And once I have the kit, I need to do some training sportives. And I also need to work out how to get my bike there in the first place...
Going to be a logistical challenge, Challenge 5, over and above the, you know, challenge. I'm not quite at the point of fondly remembering how "easy" it was to train for the marathon, but that day may yet come... Possibly... Well, it could happen!
;oD
Today's stats
Cycling - 35 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
Saturday, 13 April 2013
98. Advertising standards
I've had more time to catch things on TV of late, and am a frequent listener to the radio. All of which gives me plenty of time to review the latest advertising highlights. And here are a selection of those that have managed to stick in my mind...
1) "Some things can get in the way of your time together. Like erectile dysfunction." Now that's what you call a focused advert. The people on screen are faffing about with a table decoration at this point, but the voice-over guy doesn't mince his words...
2) "Say No To Gnomes" - latest Ikea advert... Awesome. I would frankly spend more time in the garden - any garden - if I got to fight off attacking gnomes while I did so.
3) "What's the fastest way from A to B? As the crow flies, they say. Well, a crow actually only flies at around 35 miles per hour..." No! No! No! It's distance not speed - distance! This advert comes on the radio all the time and I am now at the point of screaming at the radio when it does so. "As the crow flies from A to B" is the fastest distance from A to B because it's the straightest, and has nothing to do with how fast a crow can fly. Aaargh! Thank yo very much, Virgin Trains.
4) The Renault Megane Dynamique. Radio advert. Can't quite bring themselves to pronounce "dynamique" properly Frenchly (that would be "dee-na-meek") but seem to think that pronouncing it properly Britishly (that would be "die-na-mick") would also be bad. Their solution? Half and half. "Die-na-meek". Aaaaaaargh! No, no, no!! *gasp* One or the other, not both, people! Not. Both!
And that's our round up for the day of the highlights of the advertising industry. No idea what random thing I'll rant about tomorrow - the excitement is quite gripping, eh?!
:o)
Yesterday's stats
Pilates - 35 mins, DVD1
Today's stats
Walking - 22 mins, 1.3 miles
Walking - 22 mins, 1.34 miles
Walking - 22 mins, 1.36 miles
1) "Some things can get in the way of your time together. Like erectile dysfunction." Now that's what you call a focused advert. The people on screen are faffing about with a table decoration at this point, but the voice-over guy doesn't mince his words...
2) "Say No To Gnomes" - latest Ikea advert... Awesome. I would frankly spend more time in the garden - any garden - if I got to fight off attacking gnomes while I did so.
3) "What's the fastest way from A to B? As the crow flies, they say. Well, a crow actually only flies at around 35 miles per hour..." No! No! No! It's distance not speed - distance! This advert comes on the radio all the time and I am now at the point of screaming at the radio when it does so. "As the crow flies from A to B" is the fastest distance from A to B because it's the straightest, and has nothing to do with how fast a crow can fly. Aaargh! Thank yo very much, Virgin Trains.
4) The Renault Megane Dynamique. Radio advert. Can't quite bring themselves to pronounce "dynamique" properly Frenchly (that would be "dee-na-meek") but seem to think that pronouncing it properly Britishly (that would be "die-na-mick") would also be bad. Their solution? Half and half. "Die-na-meek". Aaaaaaargh! No, no, no!! *gasp* One or the other, not both, people! Not. Both!
And that's our round up for the day of the highlights of the advertising industry. No idea what random thing I'll rant about tomorrow - the excitement is quite gripping, eh?!
:o)
Yesterday's stats
Pilates - 35 mins, DVD1
Today's stats
Walking - 22 mins, 1.3 miles
Walking - 22 mins, 1.34 miles
Walking - 22 mins, 1.36 miles
Thursday, 11 April 2013
97. Bits and bobs
Not entirely sure what to write today... Apart from snoozing and reading, I don't appear to have done much... Which will be a problem, as the weekend is a manic list of things to do, and next week is chock-full of other things to do, and next weekend is also already full... I'm tired just looking at my calendar, never mind trying to actually do all the things in it!
Completed my 5x50 distance daily distance by walking (am already at 81km, when the minimum target for the end of week 2 is 75km! Yay!). All very good - although I am slightly worried that my miles are going up and up at a time when I should be relaxing a bit in preparation for Sunday's half-marathon. Although, since I've done no actual running for a couple of weeks I guess I'm not that worried...
The RideLondon people are sending out weekly e-mails about preparing for the big day. Which I am sure they consider to be helpful. But since none of them say anything actually helpful (like, this is how to get your bike to the start line) I just find them slightly worrying. Particularly the ones focusing on bike maintenance...
I got a book on cycling out of the library - everything start with research - which had a very useful-sounding title. Something about being the perfect companion for the long-distance cyclist. Hmmm. Perhaps it is - if said long-distance cyclist is a frustrated (or even actual) engineer and mostly wants to be able to build a bike on which they can cycle long distances. A key sign that this was not the book for me? An entire chapter on gears which did not explain what they're for and how to use them (e.g. when going up hill choose a higher/lower gear) but did detail at length gearing ratios (both in inches and, erm, not) including a comparison between old-style ratios and the new style.
Book has now been returned to library. Others have been borrowed; but I've not had the nerve to open one yet...
:o)
Today's stats
Walking - 39 mins, 2.5 miles
Walking - 40 mins, 2.5 miles
Completed my 5x50 distance daily distance by walking (am already at 81km, when the minimum target for the end of week 2 is 75km! Yay!). All very good - although I am slightly worried that my miles are going up and up at a time when I should be relaxing a bit in preparation for Sunday's half-marathon. Although, since I've done no actual running for a couple of weeks I guess I'm not that worried...
The RideLondon people are sending out weekly e-mails about preparing for the big day. Which I am sure they consider to be helpful. But since none of them say anything actually helpful (like, this is how to get your bike to the start line) I just find them slightly worrying. Particularly the ones focusing on bike maintenance...
I got a book on cycling out of the library - everything start with research - which had a very useful-sounding title. Something about being the perfect companion for the long-distance cyclist. Hmmm. Perhaps it is - if said long-distance cyclist is a frustrated (or even actual) engineer and mostly wants to be able to build a bike on which they can cycle long distances. A key sign that this was not the book for me? An entire chapter on gears which did not explain what they're for and how to use them (e.g. when going up hill choose a higher/lower gear) but did detail at length gearing ratios (both in inches and, erm, not) including a comparison between old-style ratios and the new style.
Book has now been returned to library. Others have been borrowed; but I've not had the nerve to open one yet...
:o)
Today's stats
Walking - 39 mins, 2.5 miles
Walking - 40 mins, 2.5 miles
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
96. Fizzy pop
Went out for a very nice lunch today with ZG and Pequena. Fish and chips tastes so much better when washed down with Prosecco, I find. Very tempted to set up a Wednesday lunch club, with a core requirement of sparkling wine.... Shame that as a general rule work will get in the way.
Treated myself with a cookbook - well, I say a cookbook, but it pretty much only features cake. That is correct, dear readers - I am now in a position to make my own cake. No longer am I a slave to the evil purveyors of food (aka supermarkets) or dependent on the whims of bakers (although, I doubt that I'll be up to making fudge doughnuts any time soon). Freedom at last!
Mind, I haven't actually done anything with the book yet... But, still, I clutch it as my hope for the future.
After all this excess it was quite necessary to get myself to the gym - although not any easier to talk myself into it. I was on my own for a bit, but then was joined (for 10 mins max) by 2 very confused young ladies (they tried every machine in the gym for a couple of minutes, and had to repeatedly discuss how to use each machine in turn - really, not that hard, people). They were confused up to and including how to dress for exercise. Small hint - when you have a chest that would do the prow of the Titanic proud, a sports bra is really a must. Just saying...
We were also joined by a previously-spotted gym-goer - the Serious Trainer. He rows! He lifts weights! He runs! Round and round and round he goes.... I did my miles and then ran away from him pounding Darth Treadmill into submission ("You will be mine!"). He's quite focused... Very nearly inspiring... But I have ice cream to eat and so had to hurry home to get on with that.
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 36 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
Treated myself with a cookbook - well, I say a cookbook, but it pretty much only features cake. That is correct, dear readers - I am now in a position to make my own cake. No longer am I a slave to the evil purveyors of food (aka supermarkets) or dependent on the whims of bakers (although, I doubt that I'll be up to making fudge doughnuts any time soon). Freedom at last!
Mind, I haven't actually done anything with the book yet... But, still, I clutch it as my hope for the future.
After all this excess it was quite necessary to get myself to the gym - although not any easier to talk myself into it. I was on my own for a bit, but then was joined (for 10 mins max) by 2 very confused young ladies (they tried every machine in the gym for a couple of minutes, and had to repeatedly discuss how to use each machine in turn - really, not that hard, people). They were confused up to and including how to dress for exercise. Small hint - when you have a chest that would do the prow of the Titanic proud, a sports bra is really a must. Just saying...
We were also joined by a previously-spotted gym-goer - the Serious Trainer. He rows! He lifts weights! He runs! Round and round and round he goes.... I did my miles and then ran away from him pounding Darth Treadmill into submission ("You will be mine!"). He's quite focused... Very nearly inspiring... But I have ice cream to eat and so had to hurry home to get on with that.
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 36 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
95. There and back again
Flew south and back today for work, which is strangely draining. OK, it's never good for me to find myself awake at 6am, but broadly speaking it was a fairly light day (fly, drive, have meeting, drive, fly, home). Still, completely knackered now...
Although a particular highpoint was my customer giving me a Cadbury's creme egg in celebration of my imminent birthday. A nice touch only slightly spoiled by the fact that he stole if from his daughter's Easter egg collection! I am now in receipt of stolen goods! [Although he did promise to replace it...]
I do seem to have accumulated something of a collection of creme eggs, despite my attempts to clear the house of "bad" food as part of Operation Beetroot. I am wavering between attempting to clear the house again (eat the eggs!) or demonstrating some willpower (hide the eggs!). Decisions, decisions...
For those who enjoy travel updates, I should note that today, rather oddly, I found myself standing at security without having taken my coat off or removed my laptop from my bag. The shame! Although, this was entirely due to there being no queue at all and therefore no opportunity to prepare. Feeble excuse, I know. If it helps, I carefully did all the take-coat-off-remove-laptop-and kindle-take-shoes-off-put-everything-into-separate-trays routine quickly and without the usual prompting: the man behind the counter did give me a slightly bemused look and thanked me. Experienced traveller at work!
Luckily, I am too tired to go into the rant about Bristol Airport's inability to manage queues at security. Which would be a doozy, as I was really quite cross with them... Another day, perhaps.
Oooh, and before I forget - red letter day. I boarded an Easyjet flight early, we took off early, and we landed early! Now that's something that doesn't happen every day!!
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 27 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
Although a particular highpoint was my customer giving me a Cadbury's creme egg in celebration of my imminent birthday. A nice touch only slightly spoiled by the fact that he stole if from his daughter's Easter egg collection! I am now in receipt of stolen goods! [Although he did promise to replace it...]
I do seem to have accumulated something of a collection of creme eggs, despite my attempts to clear the house of "bad" food as part of Operation Beetroot. I am wavering between attempting to clear the house again (eat the eggs!) or demonstrating some willpower (hide the eggs!). Decisions, decisions...
For those who enjoy travel updates, I should note that today, rather oddly, I found myself standing at security without having taken my coat off or removed my laptop from my bag. The shame! Although, this was entirely due to there being no queue at all and therefore no opportunity to prepare. Feeble excuse, I know. If it helps, I carefully did all the take-coat-off-remove-laptop-and kindle-take-shoes-off-put-everything-into-separate-trays routine quickly and without the usual prompting: the man behind the counter did give me a slightly bemused look and thanked me. Experienced traveller at work!
Luckily, I am too tired to go into the rant about Bristol Airport's inability to manage queues at security. Which would be a doozy, as I was really quite cross with them... Another day, perhaps.
Oooh, and before I forget - red letter day. I boarded an Easyjet flight early, we took off early, and we landed early! Now that's something that doesn't happen every day!!
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 27 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
Monday, 8 April 2013
94. It speaks!
A momentous day today (and I'm not speaking about the death of a former Prime Minister). The Terminator spoke to me! To me!! *gasp*
As I was leaving the gym, I went to switch off the lights in my section (The Terminator was the only other person there and he was in a different section, with its own lights, cross-training his way to the creation of Cyberdine Systems). The Terminator then called across to me "Can you leave those on please?". And I said "Sure!" like an overly chipper cheerleader. That was very nearly a whole conversation!! Although, I am now wondering why he wanted the lights left on... That's going to torture me for days...
That excitement quite puts the first week's success on the 5x50 challenge into pale relief. In the end, I recorded a lofty ~48km in week 1, and that was after 2 days of doing nothing (the plague! The plague!). Which sounds good - but is probably the most I've done in one week for months. And I was definitely feeling it by Saturday.
Saturday was designated a rest day - just a bit of walking in support of the Smurf's wedding preps... Over 7 miles later (I didn't record the final walk back home, which would have been another 1.44 miles) and I was very ready for some Cava and sausage rolls (um, carb-loading, don't you know?).
Bit of Pilates on Sunday (must keep working on the old core or I'll get all stiff-hipped again and... Well, I'm not sure, but it may involve another visit to the Evil Podiatrist, and we'd like to avoid that if possible...). And now we're firmly into Week 2! Yip and indeed pee!
But I am no longer alone - I have spread not only the plague in the past fortnight, but also the madness that is fitness challenges. Yes, it is true - 2 people at work have also signed up for the 5x50 challenge! I am considering adding "Inspiration to Others" to my e-mail signature block... It seems only fair...
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 26 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
Sunday's stats
Pilates - 35 mins [DVD1]
Saturday's stats
Walking - 22 mins, 1.37 miles
Walking - 48 mins, 2.18 miles
Walking - 34 mins, 2.02 miles
Walking - 22 mins, 1.44 miles
As I was leaving the gym, I went to switch off the lights in my section (The Terminator was the only other person there and he was in a different section, with its own lights, cross-training his way to the creation of Cyberdine Systems). The Terminator then called across to me "Can you leave those on please?". And I said "Sure!" like an overly chipper cheerleader. That was very nearly a whole conversation!! Although, I am now wondering why he wanted the lights left on... That's going to torture me for days...
That excitement quite puts the first week's success on the 5x50 challenge into pale relief. In the end, I recorded a lofty ~48km in week 1, and that was after 2 days of doing nothing (the plague! The plague!). Which sounds good - but is probably the most I've done in one week for months. And I was definitely feeling it by Saturday.
Saturday was designated a rest day - just a bit of walking in support of the Smurf's wedding preps... Over 7 miles later (I didn't record the final walk back home, which would have been another 1.44 miles) and I was very ready for some Cava and sausage rolls (um, carb-loading, don't you know?).
Bit of Pilates on Sunday (must keep working on the old core or I'll get all stiff-hipped again and... Well, I'm not sure, but it may involve another visit to the Evil Podiatrist, and we'd like to avoid that if possible...). And now we're firmly into Week 2! Yip and indeed pee!
But I am no longer alone - I have spread not only the plague in the past fortnight, but also the madness that is fitness challenges. Yes, it is true - 2 people at work have also signed up for the 5x50 challenge! I am considering adding "Inspiration to Others" to my e-mail signature block... It seems only fair...
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 26 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
Sunday's stats
Pilates - 35 mins [DVD1]
Saturday's stats
Walking - 22 mins, 1.37 miles
Walking - 48 mins, 2.18 miles
Walking - 34 mins, 2.02 miles
Walking - 22 mins, 1.44 miles
Friday, 5 April 2013
93. Where did the time go?
I leave work early (5pm). I go to the supermarket. I go home. I have to fit in a run (in the sun!) and much cleaning and tidying and also calling people....
Hmmm...
Ended up in the gym at my normal hour (ah, the loneliness of a long-distance cross-trainer!). And that was that for the evening... Not entirely sure where it all went - I didn't spend that long in the supermarket....
But that's how good I am at avoidance - even I don't know how I do it, it just kind of happens and things just kind of don't get done.... And then it's another day and there's a new plan and no one cares any more! At least, that's the theory I'm hoping to work to...
Have made up for the late start to the 5x50 nonsense (which started last Sunday, although you'd be forgiven for not noticing that as I didn't do anything until Tuesday...), and have passed 35km in-week with a day to go! Despite a really attractive chest cold (which will. Not. End!).
But the point this time is to try to actually do at least 5km per day (and we'll just ignore the fact that I failed that challenge on days 1 and 2). Thankfully, walking is included, and so tomorrow I shall have a restful day of walking from one end of the city to another doing loyal and supportive wedding stuff for the Smurf.
That's right, people, I'm going for sainthood this time!
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 29 mins, 4 miles [Level 5]
Hmmm...
Ended up in the gym at my normal hour (ah, the loneliness of a long-distance cross-trainer!). And that was that for the evening... Not entirely sure where it all went - I didn't spend that long in the supermarket....
But that's how good I am at avoidance - even I don't know how I do it, it just kind of happens and things just kind of don't get done.... And then it's another day and there's a new plan and no one cares any more! At least, that's the theory I'm hoping to work to...
Have made up for the late start to the 5x50 nonsense (which started last Sunday, although you'd be forgiven for not noticing that as I didn't do anything until Tuesday...), and have passed 35km in-week with a day to go! Despite a really attractive chest cold (which will. Not. End!).
But the point this time is to try to actually do at least 5km per day (and we'll just ignore the fact that I failed that challenge on days 1 and 2). Thankfully, walking is included, and so tomorrow I shall have a restful day of walking from one end of the city to another doing loyal and supportive wedding stuff for the Smurf.
That's right, people, I'm going for sainthood this time!
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 29 mins, 4 miles [Level 5]
Thursday, 4 April 2013
92. Ah, the memories...
The lovely spring sunshine that we had all day today nearly inspired me out for a run... But I'm not entirely convinced that that would be wise, and so headed to the gym to do some almost-running on the cross-trainer. Just like old times...
And, indeed, The Terminator was in the gym - there when I arrived, there when I left - cross-training away. On, and on, and on. We very nearly made eye contact too, as he kept looking over every time I launched into one of my hacking coughs. Sadly (?), the eye-watering and hunching that comes post coughing meant that that did not happen... I do wonder what it is he's training for with the endless cross-training - I mean, he doesn't use the arms and so he's just endlessly working his legs. It's running without impact: that's fine, but even I have to admit I'd want some variety by now; a little bit of cycling or rowing, perchance. But that's why he's The Terminator - he just doesn't stop...
Speaking of legs, I have to say that I appear to be developing legs worthy of a footballer. Not quite the look I was going for.... But, still, this could be my route to fame and fortune! At last! Apart from the age issues, and the lack of hand/foot-eye coordination, it's an obvious way forward. I mean, I could just wait for the big lottery win, but it does appear that my finding fame and fortune as a footballer is a statistically more likely way forward. Bless my little footballer's legs!
In other news, I chased a seagull out of my garden tonight. When I say garden, you should know that even the estate agents selling the house referred to it as "private outside space", and so you know that it's small. It's basically a strip of land between the back of my house and the (high) cemetery wall "next door". But it's mine, and terribly low-maintenance, as gardens go, and so I like it. I like it even more when it's not strewn with rubbish and invaded by a seagull. There is only one entrance to said garden (you know if you can't FLY): I entered the garden by this gate, but then had to circle round the garden to force the waddling bird out. Which, given the size of the garden takes some doing. Still, 'tis done. Garden is tidy, seagull has been evicted (he's still wandering around outside - not sure what's wrong with him but if it's indigestion he deserves it!), and all is right again in the blessed outside space.
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 35 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
And, indeed, The Terminator was in the gym - there when I arrived, there when I left - cross-training away. On, and on, and on. We very nearly made eye contact too, as he kept looking over every time I launched into one of my hacking coughs. Sadly (?), the eye-watering and hunching that comes post coughing meant that that did not happen... I do wonder what it is he's training for with the endless cross-training - I mean, he doesn't use the arms and so he's just endlessly working his legs. It's running without impact: that's fine, but even I have to admit I'd want some variety by now; a little bit of cycling or rowing, perchance. But that's why he's The Terminator - he just doesn't stop...
Speaking of legs, I have to say that I appear to be developing legs worthy of a footballer. Not quite the look I was going for.... But, still, this could be my route to fame and fortune! At last! Apart from the age issues, and the lack of hand/foot-eye coordination, it's an obvious way forward. I mean, I could just wait for the big lottery win, but it does appear that my finding fame and fortune as a footballer is a statistically more likely way forward. Bless my little footballer's legs!
In other news, I chased a seagull out of my garden tonight. When I say garden, you should know that even the estate agents selling the house referred to it as "private outside space", and so you know that it's small. It's basically a strip of land between the back of my house and the (high) cemetery wall "next door". But it's mine, and terribly low-maintenance, as gardens go, and so I like it. I like it even more when it's not strewn with rubbish and invaded by a seagull. There is only one entrance to said garden (you know if you can't FLY): I entered the garden by this gate, but then had to circle round the garden to force the waddling bird out. Which, given the size of the garden takes some doing. Still, 'tis done. Garden is tidy, seagull has been evicted (he's still wandering around outside - not sure what's wrong with him but if it's indigestion he deserves it!), and all is right again in the blessed outside space.
:o)
Today's stats
Cross-trainer - 35 mins, 5 miles [Level 5]
91. Multiplication
Having cleared the house of tempting foods in Operation Beetroot, I felt it only fair to reward the team today - Happy New Financial Year! - with doughnuts for all. Obviously this required a small amount of taste testing to be conducted - quality is key...
I fear Operation Beetroot may be a rather longer-term initiative than originally thought...
In even better news, La C has signed up to join me in Challenge 5! It'll be almost like having a cycling buddy... Albeit one who is 300+ miles away most of the time, but still.... At least I now know that there will definitely be someone waiting for me at the finish line!
Assuming I get there.... Assuming my bike gets there... Assuming that I get a new bike (I think the trip will be beyond Aggie, I'm afraid)...
Hmmm, a bit logistically challenged as yet. It's a lot easier to just turn up and run (although, it's actually not that simple, but...): in that case you are at least only getting yourself from point a to b.
And don't get me started on gears...
Much yet to do - thankfully there are still 122 days to go!
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 36 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
I fear Operation Beetroot may be a rather longer-term initiative than originally thought...
In even better news, La C has signed up to join me in Challenge 5! It'll be almost like having a cycling buddy... Albeit one who is 300+ miles away most of the time, but still.... At least I now know that there will definitely be someone waiting for me at the finish line!
Assuming I get there.... Assuming my bike gets there... Assuming that I get a new bike (I think the trip will be beyond Aggie, I'm afraid)...
Hmmm, a bit logistically challenged as yet. It's a lot easier to just turn up and run (although, it's actually not that simple, but...): in that case you are at least only getting yourself from point a to b.
And don't get me started on gears...
Much yet to do - thankfully there are still 122 days to go!
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 36 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
90. Beetroot belly
So finally felt well enough to test the theory that I can exercise my way through this illness nonsense (it's been over a week!). Not convinced, but giving it a go...
As I was getting ready for tonight's gym-based "fun" I did rather notice that a week (just 1 week!) of cake excess and no exercise has left me in a bit of a state. Like Sergei, I have beetroot belly and my toy does not (not that I have a toy, but, hey, I'm open to offers?). And like Sergei, I am now going to put my head down and exercise my way back to, erm, non-belly toy shape.
At least that's the theory. Always good to have a plan - gives you something to revise frequently, thus filling up time that you would otherwise have to be spending exercising. Although I think that theory might be slightly off-message...
Anyway, in the interests of getting rid of the beetroot belly - and purely for that reason - I obviously had to clear the house of wicked temptations. Which is why my dinner tonight consisted mostly of chocolate and scones (which were just lying around the kitchen, ready to tempt the unwary!).
So, all in all, healthy lifestyle now successfully back on track. And nearly not behind on the old 5x50 challenge thingy. Result!
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 37 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
As I was getting ready for tonight's gym-based "fun" I did rather notice that a week (just 1 week!) of cake excess and no exercise has left me in a bit of a state. Like Sergei, I have beetroot belly and my toy does not (not that I have a toy, but, hey, I'm open to offers?). And like Sergei, I am now going to put my head down and exercise my way back to, erm, non-belly toy shape.
At least that's the theory. Always good to have a plan - gives you something to revise frequently, thus filling up time that you would otherwise have to be spending exercising. Although I think that theory might be slightly off-message...
Anyway, in the interests of getting rid of the beetroot belly - and purely for that reason - I obviously had to clear the house of wicked temptations. Which is why my dinner tonight consisted mostly of chocolate and scones (which were just lying around the kitchen, ready to tempt the unwary!).
So, all in all, healthy lifestyle now successfully back on track. And nearly not behind on the old 5x50 challenge thingy. Result!
:o)
Today's stats
Cycling (in gym) - 37 mins, 7 miles [Level 5]
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