Cheshire Cycletta

My first bike ride for ages. Decided to try the Cheshire Cycletta as a friend of mine (Claire) who died used to do it. That and its now on my doorstep so not far to go.
We started at Tatton Park and cycled through the Cheshire countryside.  I only did the 30 mile one as I haven't done any training.
I am thrilled to finish in 1:16:14 and amazingly I was one of the first to get back!
Hopefully pictures to follow.

Race for Life - Tatton Park - 21 July 2015

My first Race for Life for a while.  I did not bother timing as I just wanted to finish.  The runners went first, then the joggers.  I was with the joggers, only because I know from previous experience that slow walkers still put themselves with the runners. (I don't know why). I wasn't jogging but speed walking.  I was amazed when at the finish the clock said 52:01...that means I must have done it under 50 minutes!  Surprised and pleased.

The goodie bag is no more, you just get a bottle of water, your medal and a breakfast roll. The medal is different this year, a pair of dog tags. Still another for my collection.

I must be mad, but did I enjoy it ...a big fat yes.

Feeling positive

I joined Slimming World yesterday, thats a shock to my system.  Things I thought were okay are not, and, because I cannot have them I want then all the more :(.
Today, I joined the gym.  I managed to swim 8 lengths, pathetic.  I was exhausted and struggling to breathe. I just went for a free session today, tomorrow I go for my induction, then Friday I can start on my plan.  I am hoping to go in the morning before work, eventually to swim but until then I will workout in the gym.  The overall plan is to cycle to the gym in the morning, swim or workout, then cycle to work. Its just over 11 miles but a big hill.  Once I can actually swim 20 lengths non stop I can join the triathlon club again and start training for next year. Yes feeling positive.

It starts today..

My first challenge is five weeks away.  I walked up two flights of stairs yesterday and my chest hurt! I have been weighed and I have to lose 20 kg to get in the middle of my accepted weight/height ratio. I have prepared a spreadsheet, worked out a healthy eating plan and taken all my measurements.  I just need to work out an exercise regime.  Its hard working full time, I am out from 7am to 5pm and I have a little dog to please.  I feel guilty going out riding after work when she has been alone all day. I am going to try leaving her at a friends during the day for a couple of days.  I have the dog trailer on my bike, but she doesn't like traffic and neither do I. cycle paths have stupid gates that I cannot get the trailer through.

But, it all starts today.

It's been a long time........

It has been a long time, but although I have put on loads of weight and I am fatter than ever.  I believe I can save myself.  Watch this space..

Off the circuit for a while

I have had a problem with my knees giving way on me when trying to run over the past three years.  The pain has been getting worse and at times its unbearable.  I have had tests and x-rays and it seems I have osteoarthritis in my knees, my left being the worse as there is no cartilage left its just bone on bone.  This is a major set back for me.  I don't know where I go from here. :(

Setting goals - again

I read about other people like Egomaniac Idai, who are a true inspiration.   He has just completed London to Edinburgh and back to London on the Elliptigo - 900 miles in 5 days, yes only 5 days and he had a couple of hours to spare!!  Unlike cycling there is no saddle so its standing up all the way all day.  You can follow him on Facebook.  Closer to home Eddie Grant who completed the Marathon des Sables - check it out a marathon of 150 miles in the Sahara in 6 days. It amazes me that they were sold out in one and a half hours of opening the booking.
I was a member of the Warrington Triathlon Club (and need to re-join).  They too have some inspirational people who are representing the UK in triathlons around the world. 
I would say that all these people have one thing in common, they set goals, achievable goals. They start small and build up.  I think that's where I have been going wrong, I am setting myself goals that are too big to start with.  I joined the gym to get myself started and didn't go.  I don't do classes at the gym so I set myself a goal to go to at least 4 classes a week, whether I was interested in them or not.
This week I have done 5 classes, Body Pump which was a disaster as I couldn't lift the bar over my head lol, two CX Worx which are core work, very hard but I did most of it. Pilates which I would like to try again once I lose my stomach, its hard to bend and breathe with a fat gut. I also did a tennis taster when I joined so I did a tennis circuits class, exhausting. I have four classes booked for next week and I will try and keep this up.  My main goal is to lose my stomach, but its a big goal.
My cycling seems to have come to an end as my left knee keeps giving way on me and I am getting left behind.  I now have my first aid certificate so I can do my own rides, but I don't feel confident any more.  I wouldn't want to get half way and not be able to finish.
I want to join the tri club again but just don't feel I am fit enough, I want to do a couple more tri's before I hang up my wet suit for good.  I will take a leaf out of Idai's book, he gets up at 5am and goes out training on his elliptigo.  I don't think I can do early morning as I have to walk Dolly first otherwise she would start barking and waking the neighbours, but, I can add an afternoon slot or early evening when its a bit cooler.  Or I could do the morning after walking Dolly.  Something to think about, but not for too long.
I guess goal setting is not my strong suit.

Great Manchester Cycle times

Finish time 51:08
Average speed 15.29 mph

Overall position 88
Age Group 7th (they all seem to be men)
Gender Group 11th

Great Manchester Cycle (13 miles)

This is the first serious ride I have done since Blenheim in 2011.   I have done a couple of Breeze rides, mostly gentle and cycled to work a couple of time.  That is the full extent of my training.  I signed up for this but wasn't sure I could do it.  I got my bike out of the cupboard yesterday; where it has been gathering dust for nearly two years.  It looked okay pumped up the tyres and gave it a quick dust down.

I cycled to Central Station which wasn't brilliant and I started to think oops should I be doing this.  The train was packed and I literally just got on with my bike and stood by the door as there was nowhere to go.  There were people sitting in the bike area and luggage everywhere.  A lot of people off on their holidays by the looks of it.  Got off at Piccadilly and cycled to the venue, I was hot and tired when I finally got there, the sun had come out and I didn't need my jogging bottoms or heavy rain jacket.  I was early and just had to hang around and wait for the start.  I got a bag from a nice man and left my jacket and leggings in the baggage area.

As I was representing Breeze and British Cycling I got to go off first with the elite riders (me elite lol).  As I was there early I was right on the start line at the front.  The actor who played Carl King in Emmerdale was there with his little boy.  He was in the same ride as me.  Up close he is very tall, if I had a camera with me I could have got my picture with him :(.

We set off, me at the front, yes a few people did pass me, but not as many as I suspected.  I put my head down and went for it.  Its the only time you can cycle on the motorway as it was closed for the ride.  The wind was against on the out leg and it was pretty tough.  When it came to the feeding station I was just in my stride and didn't want to stop so just sailed on by.  I am very pleased with my ride, I did it in about 50 minutes but will check my time when its published.  The only thing that upset me was the man at the finish line, who announced that I must be one of the slow ones from the previous race!! grrr.  Carl King saw me as we passed and said to his son, there's the lady from the front.

 

I really enjoyed it and I am very pleased with my performance.  I need to do more long rides over the winter ready for the triathlon season next year.

Breeze Ride

Breeze Ride:  started in Marbury Park.  It was a lovely sunny day, gentle breeze perfect for our ride.

 There are quite a few horses on the trail too.

 My bike all set ready for the start.  Unlike last week, this really was a pleasant gentle ride, through the parklands all the way to the Anderton Boat Lift where we stopped for coffee and cake.  (well a girl has to have a treat in life).

 

This is the picture from the Guardian Newspaper. That's me with a basket on my bike.

 

Breeze really is a great way to get out and make new friends.  It's for women only, all ages and abilities.  Check out the website for rides in your area.

We were also photographed by the Northwich Guardian so we will be appearing in print too.  Apart from promoting Breeze by leaving lots of leaflets at the Anderton Coffee shop I also promoted The Camp in Scotland where hopefully I will be able to go again one day.

Delamere Breeze Ride

Just a short  few words about the Delamere Breeze Ride on 22nd June.  This was the first ride for the Big Breeze Ride weekend.   It was great fun and yes we did cycle up to the top of that hill.  I have to admit to pushing it in parts as once I lost my momentum I couldn't get going again.

I have done several Breeze rides now and have some really good things in the pipeline.

Ladies,
We at Warrington are now up and running and organising our own Breeze rides.  The first one is on 8th June and we will be meeting at 9:45 am.  This is a nice gentle ride from Warrington to Dunham Massey and back, stopping at Dunham for ice cream or a brew or whatever.
Go online and book your place now.

http://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=23231

more rides to follow.

Breeze Champion

Yes folks, I am now a Breeze Champion, which means once I get my First Aid sorted I can organise and run my own bike rides.  I had a great day training in Chester yesterday, met some lovely women, made new friends who hopefully I will be riding with again soon.
Just a note about Breeze, its all about getting women back on their bikes and I am not talking about lycra and racing down the road.  This is for all women of all ages, who may not have been on a bike since they were in school and who may have a bike rusting away in the shed.  Its rides for all abilities to encourage and give women confidence to get back on two wheels and get fit.  You would normally be in a small group, eight riders to two Champions.  There are different rides for different levels, some are gentle and flat where you can go at a leisurely pace, some with a little more difficulty, longer distance and faster.  You simply sign up for the one you feel is for you.  At the end of the day its fun and healthy.
Check out this link for all the information on Breeze with a link to book you own place on a ride.
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation/article/rec20110525-recreation-Women--Breeze-Launches-0

Am I ready

Am I ready, I don't think so but only a couple of day to go.  People are asking my why am I doing this at my age.  The problem with sport in the public eye is more and more professionals are retiring early, depending on their sport they are retiring in their late 20's; what message is this giving out to people.  The local parks have football and rugby pitches and if you are lucky the odd bowling green.  Where are the netball courts, tennis courts, hockey and rounder's pitches?  They are none existent!  We have 'hubs' that you need to take a bus ride to get to, which have gyms and swimming pools.  When I first said I was going to do a triathlon a lot of people I spoke to said" I used to do stuff like that when I was younger".  Health and fitness is not just for young people, we all have to look after our bodies especially now the Government are making you work longer and longer before you can retire. At 60 you are no longer a pensioner.
I want to encourage older people to get fit and healthy, its never too late and what better role model than myself.

Committed

Committed maybe I should be.  I have signed up and committed myself to a personal training course.  I just have six weeks to get my act together and be reasonably fit, otherwise I will look a right plonker with all those young guys and girls.  Not that moving house isn't stressfull enough.  I hope to get my keys next week, there definitely will be 'no stopping me now'!

Daily motivation

Thank you to Coach MD who posted this on facebook.  I have been challenged and I am changing, for the better.

Life after 60

When you are rock bottom and there seems nowhere to go, what do you do?
You remember that life is a precious gift and each day is a blessing.  You can wake up in the morning and be happy or you can be miserable, I choose to be happy.  When I went to that fantastic boot camp all those years ago, I realised that I didn't want to end up like my parents.  Once they retired they sat in their chairs and gave up on life.  Neither mum nor dad could even walk across the road to the shops as their bodies slowly gave up.  It took over 10 years, but it ruined their lives.

I still haven't joined the council gym but that is a definate on the cards to do and I will be rejoining the triathlon club.  I have decided I would like to be a personal trainer, specialising in the over 50's and unfit people.  What better role model can they have than me, fat and unfit at 60, fit and personal trainer at 61!
I am currently walking about 3 miles a day, which is a good start, add a daily swim at the gym and I will be off and running in no time.  I have signed up for two runs, a 5k and a 10k, unfortunately the 10k comes first lol.  I would like to be ready for a triathlon by September. 

Watch this space....

Sad

Life is dealing me a cruel blow and I am trying to keep positive.  I have no choice now but to give up triathlon, hopefully only for a couple of years.  I need money for food and can no longer live on £2.85 a day.   I have finally decided to sell my equipment. Bike, wetsuit, cycle trainer, pedals and shoes etc etc.  All these are like new and hardly used.  My bike has sat in my kitchen for the past two years since I did Blenheim Triathlon.  Living in a flat I have to hike it up and down the stairs so its never moved.  My wetsuit decorates my bedroom.  I don't have a life anymore its just an existance.

Struggling

Autumn is here and its brrrr cold.  My training is not going to well.  I live in a flat and have to carry my bike up concrete stairs, its very heavy and akward.  This time of year is lethal with all the wet leaves on the stairs; I try to clear them but its a never ending task.
I was hoping to go to the Triclub circuit training and swimming; but as I no longer have transport by the time I cycle there I am in no fit state to train :(  Hopefully I am now in a position to join the council health centre so I should be able to go swimming and start to build myself back up.  At the moment I can't even run across the road, never mind swim/cycle and run a triathlon!

Depression

Depression is a terrible thing. A disease of the brain, its like falling down a muddy cliff, you start to slide and cannot stop.  The further you go the harder it is to get back up.  I have been living on my own now for nearly a year, I haven't even unpacked all my boxes, just couldn't do it.  I hadn't just given up triathlon, I had given up living.  The problem with depression is, you just make yourself worse and don't realise what you are doing.  Eventually my daughter got me to the doctors who gave me some medication to get me back on track.  I don't like taking pills, but I have to admit they have done their job.  As I was giving up triathlon, I had while ill, given away my bike :( and I was on the verge of giving away my wetsuit, shoes and other paraphernalia that I have amassed. 

I am now in a better place, mentally.  I am back to my old (older than before) self.  I have a little dog that I take for walks and she has been my saviour.  I have rejoined the Warrington Triathlon Club, started to go out for walk/jogs with my dog and, I have set my self some goals.  I have my mountain bike with a dog trailer which I can start to ride out and build up my stamina; and today I have set up my workbench in the lounge for some weight training.  Nobody visits me so I don't need a pretty lounge, its my home and I can work out when I like.  I choose to be fit and healthy and my first goal is to be able to cycle to the baths for the weekly triathlon swim meeting.  To do that requires my daily walk, some jogging and lots of cycling.  I miss swimming but as I don't have a car any more, its walk or cycle and walking is too far so its out of the question.

I have hung my medals in the hall for inspiration and my wetsuit is hanging in my bedroom.  I am so glad I didn't get rid of everything.  My goal for next year when I am 60 is to do Tatton Triathlon, I would love to do Blenhiem again but its not really possible without transport.

So guys, watch this space.  I am back.

And winter comes

Another season over and not a lot done. I did Blenheim and went down hill after that. A lot of personal issues, like redundancy and leaving home have put rather a strain on me. I have decided to give up triathlon for now, but just concentrate on getting fit again. I am not sure what training sessions I will be able to attend as I no longer have my little car, but I will be doing what I can. Looking forward to circuits starting in a couple of weeks, hopefully will kick start me. So far I am just doing a couple of hours walking each day.

Moving On

I am off the scene for a while as moving house. New home, new life...

My certificate has arrived

Where is Cloud Nine?

I have been having a terrible time for the last two months and I have had the stuffing knocked out of me, then last week I finally decided to give up triathlon. I had booked Blenheim so decided it was a weekend away and I could see the house and grounds for free so I might as well go, make it my last event. I drove down to Oxford on Friday afternoon, nowhere to stay but thought I would find something when I got there. Filled my little car and off I went. The traffic on the M6 was horrendous, but, I did manage to keep moving, but I think I travelled most of the way at 10 mph! By 6:30 I finally arrived at Chipping Norton, time to find a B&B. Found a beautiful place called Swan Lodge at Emberstone, excellent accommodation and service, they even locked my bike in their shed overnight as otherwise I would have had to leave it on my car. (although they assured me it would be quite safe). The only downside, they don't accept cards its cash only, so off I went back to Chipping Norton to get the cash.

We talked about triathlon over breakfast and they were lovely, saying how amazing I was (am I) just for trying. Finally left and made my way to Blenheim which was about 5 mins down the road. Got there for 10 ish and parked up. I was pumping up my tyres and checking my last minute details making sure I had everything when the guy in the car next to me started talking to me. He was the swim trainer from Silverstone Tri Club, he was there with somebody else and his parents. They said they would cheer me on at the end, I said by the time I finish you will be long gone! The weather was nice and sunny and throughout the day it got hotter and hotter and the wind started to pick up. I couldn't rack my bike until 1:30 so I couldn't go round the house or gardens, so stayed and watched the other finishers. I saw the Brownlee twins finish and one stopped and waited for the other before crossing the line. I thought all the elite racers were on Sunday. Finally racked my bike and stood talking to other girls there, one girl only learnt to swim last year and was doing the 1500 mts swim for her next event, she was a lot younger than me, but I was surprised. The oldest lady I spoke to was 66 and that was after the event, she was giving me some really good tips for the swim which work for her. Our start time was 2:50 and I think we were running a bit late, but made it to the start got a nice green hat and a lecture. The guy was really nice and he said nobody would be penalised if they had to have assistance out of the water, they would rather assist so you can carry on then make yourself ill or drown! We had to jump off the jetty, there was not bottom and swim to the starting buoys. It was nice and warm 17 degrees (that's what they said, it was freezing!!) When its so cold my chest closes up and I struggle to breathe. Finally the count down and we were off, I started in good form, front crawl, well for about 6 strokes then bang couldn't breathe. One of the lads in a canoe stayed with me for the whole swim, which was painfully long, I am sure they were moving the turning buoy further away as I swam towards it. I completed the swim in a mixture of crawl, breast stroke and doggy paddle! After the turning buoy the side wind really buffed you and I kept taking in water. But, I did it and did not ask or get any assistance, until I reached the pontoon to get out and as there was no bottom they had to lift me out. St John's then took great interest in me as I was falling all over the place, I had to sit there for a bit with a drink. I wasn't the last swimmer out but after sitting there I was next to the last to go up to the transition area. It was a long uphill walk to transition, got my bike and walked to the mount line and off I went. I was desperate for the toilet and it was so hot, I was burning up. The wind was blowing me across the course as it was hitting me from the side, at first I thought I just could't ride, but that's ridiculous I thought. It was two circuits, on the second circuit I saw the portaloo in the woods and stopped, much better riding afterwards. It was hard, with a long uphill climb and some smaller steep climbs. Two years ago I would have sailed along, now I really struggled and I even walked part of it. Finally after racking my bike and setting off for the run, the first water station, two cups for me lol. Again, I did a mixture of slow running and walking, got a gel near the beginning of the run, which was very nice and it may have helped me a bit. The end was finally in site, I was burning in the heat and trying to run when I heard my name and true to form, they were all there cheering me on, a little lad shouted "go on sprint to the finish", I looked at him and said "sprint", there must have been such anguish in my voice that everybody laughed. Suddenly the music changed and they played Bethoven for me to cross the line, I laughed and ran across the line beaming. The commentator announced "here we have Mary from Warrington Triathlon Club with the biggest smile of the day". I was on cloud nine. I wasn't last, there were lots of people still coming in. Everybody I passed congratulated me, others I had spoken to earlier congratulated me, I felt like a super hero.

By the time I had walked back to transition, packed up my stuff and got my bike it was 5 pm. Walked to my lonely car in the car park, there was still over 100 cars there and set off on the long drive home. Got home about 9 pm. A bit of a headache from the heat, probably dehydrated and I realised apart from breakfast which I kept to a minimum I had only had a chewy bar and bag of fruit and nuts all day. I wasn't hungry at all,

How do I feel today?

Still a bit tired as didn't really sleep too well for the last couple of nights, but as for aches and pains - none. I feel great. I am so glad I went, to think I nearly gave up for good, I even started to price up my bike and stuff to sell. I hope to go back and do it again next year, my times this year will be rubbish but that doesn't matter, my time next year will be better. Now I just have to get back into my training routine, it worked for me before it will work again. Doing triathlon is the best medicine I know, it works. No medication could make me feel how I feel now. Thank you Warrington Triathlon Club and all those who supported me yesterday.

T1 10:49 Position 291

T2 04:37 Position 276

Swim 20:03 Position 295

Bike 53:30 Position 280

Run 28:46 Position 285

Total Time 01:57:45

Position in class 6

Overall Position 287

Morning After

Before I went to bed I plastered my knees with Jointace cream and my calves with a rosemary concoction. I woke up in the night and couldn't move my left leg, I had to grab it with my hands and move it, it was just stiff. Gave it a bit of a massage and went back to sleep.

This morning I feel great, a bit slow walking and its still a bit sore, but I am not crippled like yesterday. I think until I can run 5k continuously I should leave the 10k+ alone.

Really pleased with my time.

Name Mary Andrews

Race Number 35597

Overall Position 26760

Age GroupPosition 716

Gender Position 11411

Age Group and Gender Position 223

5k time 00:41:31

Finish Time 01:25:29

Manchester BUPA 10k Run

Up bright and early, got everything ready then set off for the Railway Station, decided it was the best way to travel, rather than try and park in Manchester with half the roads closed.

You walk for miles before you even start, left my bag in the baggage place, no security so carried my purse and rail ticket with me, that way all they would get was my clothes, old tracksuit bottoms and top. I have never seen so many freebies, just a pity nobody was with me to carry them, so I didn't take anything. The queues for the toilets were horrendous, so I went outside and found some portaloo's, no queue.

I was in the pink wave and we had to be in place by 11:30 but didn't set off until 12:30. Our warm up was over by 12 and we had to stand around and wait for half an hour, getting cold. It rained on and off all day, but wasn't unpleasant once you set off. I am very pleased with my set off and the first 5k really, I actually managed to do a lot more running that I usually do. Unfortunately my left knee gave up at 7.5k, from then on I couldn't run so walked as fast as I could. We got jelly babies at approx 8.5k, I say babies, but they only let you have one! I really wanted to run the last 100 meters but just couldn't it was hard enough walking.

I am looking forward to finding out my time, as I know I did better than I have before. It won't be wonderful but it must be an improvement.

I had to bend down to take my time chip off and it was a struggle, I didn't think I would get back up again lol. Picked up my goodie bag, with treats, t-shirt and medal. Put my medal on straight away and walked slowly to the baggage area where I got changed and then head off for the train home. Platform 2 Oxford Road, you have to go up the stairs along and down to the next platform, it killed me!! I struggled walking up the stairs, but coming down was worse! I was glad there was only 10 mins to wait for the train. Another nightmare at Warrington Central Station, they are doing it up. It was down two flights of stairs, then up two flights, then down a long slope outside - it was agony. Phoned home to get somebody to pick me up, and drove home is silence.

Had a shower, got my own cup of tea and warmed my dinner up in the microwave.

Why do I do this? Why do I put myself through this? Simply for the few hours I spend with all the other runners I feel a part of something, I really get a buzz from it.

Liverpool Women's 5k

I originally signed up for the 10k but felt sick so only did the 5k. Arrived at Sefton Park and sat in the car as the heavens opened, it threw it down. I waited until 10:45 before I made my way across to the holding area, the rain had eased off a bit but was still coming down on and off and quite heavy at times. I usually like the warm up as they play motivational songs which really get you going, this time for some reason there were a team of Zumba dancers and weird music with singers in a foreign language, it did nothing for me. I noticed the majority of the dancers were overweight and thought if that's Zumba you can keep it!

Set off and did a combination of running and walking and managed to keep up with the Liverpool Women's Rugby Team. It rained and the sun came out and it rained and the sun came out and on and on. Finished, picked up my medal, t-shirt, goodybag and drove home. My first event of the year and I fell great.

The roads around the park where you have to drive out are positively disgusting, more pot holes and road, very big and very deep. Driving I felt I was a ship at sea in a storm!

Came home to a lovely welcome and congratulations...oops sorry scrap that I was dreaming.

Race Number 158

Age Group Position 7

Overall Position 173

Finish Time 45:58

Swimming and Circuits

I went to club swimming on Saturday, after a break of over a year!! I quite surprised myself as I sometimes swim in the morning and I am lucky if I do 6-10 lengths. I managed 20! It's so much better when you are driven, rather than trying to drive yourself. Need to sort my leg kick out as I am not kicking from the hips, but that's all I really need to address, so quite chuffed.

Circuit training was so hard this week, but good. I picked the easy exercises first so at least I could do them and the hard ones last - lol. To be honest, none are easy, just some I find I can do better than others. I can do squats a lot easier than burpees.

Circuit Training

Training last night was sooo good. I am quite impressed with myself, for the first time I did proper burpees.....slow but I did them. I also did another exercise that I have not been able to do before, although no idea what its called lol.

As usual it was really hard but fun (sort of lol). I was really depressed after my news at work and didn't really want to go, but I am so glad I did. I left feeling really good and even got up early this morning for a swim!

Circuit Training

Made it to training this week. Had to go easy on the jumping bits as my knee is not 100%, but much better than it was. I did better than I thought I would, but still need to do more. I have found some exercises to strengthen my knees so will be trying those. Also I am thinking of going to Pilates and Yoga a couple of evening a week, that should also help with my breathing and flexibility.

Collapse

I am gutted, I missed the circuit training this week as my legs were not working properly. I think I have overstretched doing Superman's, as when I stood up I couldn't straighten my left leg. I have been walking all week like a gorilla as if I have wet my pants! Its been RICE all week, hard to sleep in bed with an ice pack strapped to my leg, but I have persevered and hey, so far touch wood, it seems to have eased off. At least I can walk without limping or squatting down. I haven't been to the gym either as it seemed pointless.

Time to get back on the fitness treadmill, think if I do it slowly I should be okay. I have been taking Jointace for my joints, they are expensive but I have been told they don't really start to take effect for about 3 months and you just have to keep taking them for the benefit. So, we will see.

How do you cycle to work?

It's pretty simple really and I have the added benefit that most of the way is a cycle path. But....in the middle of my ride is a school.....nightmare. Children everywhere, no thought for the cycle path, they just stand around and chatter etc, they dawdle in the cycle path and in neither case do they move out of the way for a bicycle! So for that stretch I cycle on the road, which is also the bus lane.... strangely enough buses are not a problem, cars are....they drive in the bus lane which they should not do...and they don't like cyclist so they drive so close to the kerb you cannot get past as they sit in their queue for 20 minutes. So, today as it is now daylight going to work, I went through the park....brilliant...apart from dogs! I was chased by two dogs, who were off their leads. ..fortunately they just ran alongside and barked.

Nearer work and in town, there isn't a bike lane so I have to ride on the road, as cars are so inconsiderate I now ride in the middle of the lane and hold them all up! Not that they are going anywhere anyway as its solid queue all the way to work.