Weekly mileage is going up in preparation for our first 100 miler in 2 weeks time - this is getting tough now.
Over the last couple of weeks we have both racked up a few injuries due to 'clip in pedal incidents':
Gillian has a bruise that runs from wrist to elbow which, after moving through several shades, has settled on a claret, moving towards an inky blue black. This was after trying her new clip in shoes with such enthusiasm and confidence that she didn't have a sneaky practice first, so came to a halt and went over like a felled tree.
I suffered a similar fate last week after a miscommunication between me and Chris made me swerve to avoid a car that didn't exist! I ended up on the deck with the bike on top of me. Result - swollen shin bone, bruised shoulder, bruised knee, bruised pride.
At the time of writing I have aching knees, shoulders, lower back and buttocks following today's 77 mile ride. I felt tired before I started, but figured it was good to train tired and work on some steely determination! Unfortunately for Chris, this involves me complaining quite a lot as we cycle along - today I even moaned about the fact that he claims I moan (oh dear). Sorry Chris.
Sunday 21 July 2013
Wednesday 10 July 2013
Cycle Therapy
We are currently enjoying a spell of fabulous summer weather here in Manchester. Maybe this was a factor in me arriving home rather grumpy from work yesterday, after a very unproductive day. This wasn't helped by the fact that on one of the few days in the year when the temperature was over 70 degrees, the heaters on the train were on full blast, creating a nice sauna effect.
Gillian and I had arranged to meet for our midweek cycle in Cheadle as usual. Just as well, as my dark mood would have sent me straight to the fridge for a cold glass of wine otherwise. Instead, I donned my new hot pink cycling shorts (Gillian had bought them for us to go with our new tops, so I thought I had better try them out before London), filled up the Camelback with iced water, and set off.
This was my first outdoor cycle in just a t-shirt and shorts, without having to layer up, and also the first real warm weather training for Cuba we have been able to do!
It wasn't long before the bad mood of the day was a distant memory as all focus was centred on the traffic and cycling. By the time we were out on to the country lanes of Pott Shrigley, the smile was well and truly back on my face. Lovely quiet undulating roads, warm sunshine, gentle breeze - what's not to like?!
We did a slightly extended route, taking us just over 30 miles, and as I came over the ridge at the top of Marple the sun was red in the sky, so I could admire the sunset as I flew down the hill into the town. Fantastic.
Arrived back to a huge plate of pasta and meatballs courtesy of Chris :D, and a bowl of ice cream. All is well with the world again!
Gillian and I had arranged to meet for our midweek cycle in Cheadle as usual. Just as well, as my dark mood would have sent me straight to the fridge for a cold glass of wine otherwise. Instead, I donned my new hot pink cycling shorts (Gillian had bought them for us to go with our new tops, so I thought I had better try them out before London), filled up the Camelback with iced water, and set off.
This was my first outdoor cycle in just a t-shirt and shorts, without having to layer up, and also the first real warm weather training for Cuba we have been able to do!
It wasn't long before the bad mood of the day was a distant memory as all focus was centred on the traffic and cycling. By the time we were out on to the country lanes of Pott Shrigley, the smile was well and truly back on my face. Lovely quiet undulating roads, warm sunshine, gentle breeze - what's not to like?!
We did a slightly extended route, taking us just over 30 miles, and as I came over the ridge at the top of Marple the sun was red in the sky, so I could admire the sunset as I flew down the hill into the town. Fantastic.
Arrived back to a huge plate of pasta and meatballs courtesy of Chris :D, and a bowl of ice cream. All is well with the world again!
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