Rest Up Old Girl!

Hello Blog lovers.

How does an ex-couch potato trainee marathon runner relax. Well, there are several schools of thought on that.

1. Rest all day, on the sofa, great film, bucket of pasta, order everyone to, 'get me' fetch me' do me' and maybe even get a massage for the old bunions and crusty feet!
2. Go for a very short 2 mile jog, around an old favourite route, taking care not to tread on cracks, stones blade of grass, or anything that can possible sprain an ankle.
3. Go on a 'Beano' taking in nine pubs then have a curry at the end of the day. (This really is only recommended for tried and tested athletes!)
4. Go for a nice meander around two local pubs, in the fantastic sunshine, stopping at each pub for a nice unrushed relaxing drink with a packet of poppadoms at the last pub!

I opted for option 4, which I am sure all of you budding  Monsieur Poirot and Miss Marple's out there guessed!  The weather was just to perfect for sitting in and chilling, although that is a very good thing to do before I do my very first marathon tomorrow.  But I did take at least one safety precaution, I chose to wear my 'hanging out' trainers instead of cycling shoes and try clipping into my pedals. I do not want to fall over. The only thing that is on my mind right now is the marathon, clipping in and out of my pedals just wouldn't enter my head at the moment.

The sky is blue, the wind is still a tad chilly, just reminding us that we are still very much in spring! Even though I saw cyclists out in short sleeves and shorts! Brr, brave souls, but maybe they had been working a lot harder than me today. The Old Boy was on his new bike, I could hear him clipping in an out of his pedals. I really felt quite envious, especially going up the couple of inclines that was in todays ride, I really could  have done with the whole pull and push system!  Our route was through the local park, up to the common and then down towards Hayes. 

Our first stop was at the George. We a lovely chilled beer there, and a chat with some fellow cyclists.  They were just out for a little jaunt too, the young lady there was out for only her second bike ride!  And what better way to introduce cycling to her, then a nice pleasant, sunshiny plod about.  They were also going to our second stop of the day, the Greyhound in Keston.  We met up with them again after we had left Hayes.

But still, it was a very enjoyable 8 or so mile ride out with the Old Boy, I think, the best option for relaxing for me!

No geeky stats, just a chill out bike ride!

Also you will notice the little Justgiving sign at the top of the page on the right. If you want to sponsor me and help raise cash for cancer research UK you can just click on it, and follow the instructions.  It's so easy, and I do believe that you can use PayPal as well. Easy and secure online giving!, Help me to raise tons for cash and let's all try and kick cancers ass!

Lets Practice with the Cleats!

Hello Blog lovers.

I'm back on my bike, and loving it!  The Old Boy has got a brand new bike too, a Giant Defy. Well He has to keep up with me now that I got my new baby!, and also new shoes with cleats!

Tuesdays are normally Running Club nights, but, and this will sound ridiculous, 4 days ago (Friday) I was putting on a pair of socks and somehow managed to hurt my back! Or course I went into complete panic mode! "Oh no, my marathon is out of the window now" were the thoughts running through my head.  I tried to ignore the pain, I carried on moving and doing stuff, even went shopping, well I needed to get some ibuprofen! It seemed to have worked, but then, at the end of my work day, clearing up after the kids, I bent down, using my knees, to use the dustpan and brush and then I couldn't get up again as the 'bubbling' thingy happened again in my back!

I decided thatn that maybe, just doing nothing is probably best, and to rest for a good few hours. Not to go on about my back, I did consult my running clubs' Physio 'PhysioMike' and he used his magic hands, unknotted my back, and gave me confidence that the marathon is still in my reach! woo hoo!

But, to give my back total rest, but also to keep me from going stir crazy in doors, I think cycling is just perfect. It's gentle, it's comfortable, but its also exercise. It's working my legs, its keeping the muscles warmed and not letting them forget what they have to do on the 21st April!

So our route was my nice gentle little ride, through jubilee park, up to Bromley via Plaistow lane, just a little hill, yet one that used to terrify me, and still gives me shiver when I think about riding up it!  But now, with my new cleats, the whole push/pull spinning thing should benefit me and get me flying up there like Victoria Pendleton.....well I can dream, can't I.

We were soon at the little hill. I waited at the traffic light, waiting to go, right foot clipped in, left foot out, ready for the off. I made sure the pedal was the right way round, (I have pedals that can be flat or clippies!) I got up the hill now problem! Yes, of course it was still bloomin difficult, after all the only engine on the bike is me! But I feel that, once I am fighting fit, doing more riding on my bike, then I will understand how going with the cleats is going to do me good!

We only went to Bromley North, just for a quick pint, and then we made our way home again, via the main roads, including the A21, a road that is slowing becoming an enemy of mine (with the running that is.)  I had time my oven to start cooking dinner and be ready for when we got home, see not just and adventurous cyclists, and marathoner-to-be but I can also programme an oven!

Geeky stats not really necessary on this ride, as it really was a 'lets just get used to the clippies' ride.

Rest Day?

Hello blog lovers.

Rest day?, nahhhh. Rest is for wooses! Ok, so I did take some convincing from the Old Boy to get out today. For those that don't read my running blog, it's because I ran over a half marathon distance yesterday!  I was feeling a tad achy to say the least.

The Old Boy told me he was going out, just to stay loose, try to get his 'saddle bum' back after having a few weeks from cycling due to his knee problem, so the route was going to be very local and very sedate.  He told me the route that he was thinking about doing. I 'ummed' and 'ahhed' about going with him. So he changed it a bit more. "I'm not sure if I can do that either." I said to him, knowing how heavy my legs are feeling. "No, I don't suppose you can" he said to me. Then gave me sly smile. Well that was it, I had to go and get my cycling kit on!

It wasn't long before we were both ready and outside, all wrapped up against the elements.  My legs felt like steel girders as I tried to mount my bike! Oh the pain! But the fantastic feeling of being on my bike was out weighing that!  It was only going to be a very short ride, to the Red Lion at Bromley North, and then home again by a slightly different route.

Just going up the hill towards Pettswood was a real struggle! We were going  through Jubilee Park, and then on to Bromley.  Plaistow Lane was even worse! My legs complained like anything as I forced them to pedal up hill! Fortunately it's not a long hill, and after that it was all flat until the pub.

A nice pint of lager for me, IPA for the Old Boy, and then it was a leisurely ride home.  We took a 'higgledy piggledy' way home, going through little roads, down cul-de-sacs, just to look at front doors. And then once on to Southborough lane, we decided to look through the new 'villiage" Trinity Village, see how all the building is going.

After that we went through our local park to go home.  "Shall we go around the outside of it, turn left, to go home, rather than go to the right?" I said to him
 "Nah, it's fine" he assured me "It's a gravel path all the way around"
"But I ran along the top bit yesterday and it was quite wet and muddy" I said to him
"Yes but this bit's fine, it'll be alright"
Guess what?! It was water logged and muddy!  My poor bike! I am going to have to spend some time tomorrow cleaning her!

It felt good, I was glad I went out. I could have been sat in doors watching whatever rubbish was on the telly. Getting out doing stuff, that's wht it's all about!

So, just a short blog for just a short ride.  But such an enjoyable little ride! And now to rest my legs.

WWW.Com - Great Company!

Hello bloggers!

I miss my cycling too much to not be able to squeeze a ride in somewhere in my marathon training! Today, I thought I would introduce my sister and her man to the delightful Wednesday Weekly Wanderers. A great 'gang' of cyclists (what do you call a collection of cyclists?).  I explained to Naggining Sister and Dan, that it's only going to be a short ride and the end target is a delightful pub in Bromley North, called The Red Lion. 

The start, as always, is  at Bromley South Station, where upon my arrival, it seemed that everyone was there, even Nagging Sister and her man Dan (nickname yet to be formed!) There were about 10-12 keen riders, today and after all the introductions were done, and to dispel the rumours that Moosh isnt a myth and does exist (i.e. me!)  the ride leader told us the route to get to the pub. The pub is literally just down the road from where we are starting from.  "It's going to be a fairly flattish route" John our leader said, which seemed to please Nagging Sister and Dan. I, on the other hand, interpret that slightly differently.  Its, a bit like when I go running. When ever the leaders say 'Flattish' you just know that there is a hill in there somewhere, and it's usually a 'cheeky' little blighter! But not to disillusion the newbies, I kept my 'fears' to myself.

We set off in the opposite direction of the pub we will be ending up at! A good idea, work up a thirst before getting to the pub. We turned right into Westmoreland road and then we took another right just after that. (That is the end of my navigational skills for this ride, I had forgotten to restart my Garmin, Again!) Just then we heard "Stop, stop" We all pulled to the side of the second road only, so far on this ride, to find out that the tandem the two brothers had bought back from the brink of death, was still not quite ready! The pedals had some kind of issue, Twiddlydid or Twiddllydidn't hadn't quite tighten some nuts and bolts or something (too technical for little old me) and one set of pedals were both in alignment!  So they had to somehow get back home, and then they would meet us at the pub later! (on seperate bikes)

The ride, from there, was virtually incident free.  Now for the little undulations. Of course there is undulations, this is Bromley, we live in a very pretty undulating place, (I keep having to impress on my self that hills are pretty, interesting and our friends!) I kept behind Nagging Sister, I remember how far behind me she was when we rode up the A21 a couple of weeks back!  But the ride leader was very kind and kept the pace just perfect, (even for me, my cycle legs and derriere need more saddle time)

There were more twists and turns than a two year olds drawing of spaghetti! And with my sense of direction I could be riding to any where.  I just hope we don't lose them!  We were passing schools and golf courses, and going through little back alleys, and dark tunnels "Don't look at the floor Old Girl" I thought to myself as we went through the dark tunnel," you would only scream to see the 'dirt' so near your bike".  What was that stuff, yuck? I just don't want to think about it.  Now, on the Facebook page, John did assure us that there would be no mud and no off roads, "So it's safe to bring your best bike" he said. What he negleted to say (apart from the yucky tunnel bit) was that we would be going over an unmade road. Trying to dodge all those holes and puddles to keep my bike clean, plus keeping an eye on where we were going was, to say,....challenging!

There was another little incident on our ride,  of one rider heading up the road by herself when we all had to turn left. I won't name her.  We all rode to the end of the road and waited. "Who went up the road then?" I asked, and the rest of the crew said "Linda!" We continued our ride after one of the others went to reel her back in. We rode through Penge, Shirly and Beckenham, (whether it was in that order I have no idea). And now for the 'ish' part of 'flattish ride.  We rode up one road, it seemed to stretch up to the heavens. "Well Old Girl" I thought to myself "You haven't been riding as much lately, so just take it slowly" I often talk to myself, it keeps me going.

We all made it up the hill! Fantastic. I really thought I would get off and walk, my legs were burning!  One other rider with us (Sorry forgotten his name) said "If that is what John calls flattish I would hate to go on a hilly ride" I laughed, understandingly!  We carried on a little bit longer, Nagging Sister riding just in front of me, Dan up head with the main crowd (showing off!) and then I heard a "pstssssssssssssss" The rider that had I had just spoken to pulled up. "I got a puncture" he said. I tried to call ahead to let them know, but another rider went ahead to let them know. Nagging Sister, me and Steve B stayed with the other chap and provided lights while he changed his tube.

We weren't that far from the end, and once Nagging Sister and I realised exactly where we were then we realised there was a bit more 'ish' to do! A real nasty little f....ff.....friendly hill!  It's not long, but it is steep. with four of us left to find our way to the pub, which is not to far, we all started up the hill, Steve, me, puncture man and Nagging sister, in that order. Steve flew up the hill. I crashed and burned! I had to get off and try and walk up with jelly legs. Puncture man managedto ride up the hill and........Nagging Sister! Grrrrrrr.

We were about 5 minutes away now from a lovely pint of the amber nectar, and meeting up with the Old boy (His knee still not quite right, but a short ride from home to the pub is doable for him)

A great ride, and great company! Thanks all, and here is pictures of some of the WWW's

John Wood, The Linda, and TD

Twiddlydid and Twiddlydidn't and Steve W

Erm, The WWW's



TD, Steve W and Mel, and another WWW

Steve B

Me and the Old Boy

Nagging Sister and Dan

Hello Baby!

Hello Blog lovers.

Can you see which blog I am writing on! Thats right, its my cycling blog! I am back on my bike, my little baby! It was either a run by myself this evening or a cycle ride with the Old Boy!  It's always so much more fun when there is two or more, especially when it's dark.  During the daylight hours I can cycle for miles by myself, and run by myself. But when it's dark, company is just so much nicer, and plus, it makes it so much easier to go for a quick pint!

We both got ready, two pairs of socks, cycling tights, track suit over those, running top, cycle jacket and a nice warm cycle waterproof over that. Then there was a buff, hat, thermal under gloves and gloves on top! I was finally ready to go out! I hate being cold! There is nothing worse for me than being cold! I just cant ride, or concentrate.

We eventually got out, rode about 10 yards down the road and the Old boy shouted to me to stop! I turned around thinking his chain had fallen off or some other mechanical failure. but when I saw his face I realised that it was nothing to do with the bike, but all to do with his knee!  His pain had returned and he didn't want to go on any more.

So there I was all dressed up and nowhere to go.  "Go by yourself, just cycle around for half hour or so" he said to me. That was something that I didn't fancy! But then I thought "Why not go cycle to my sisters house, show off my bike" as that household has yet to feast their eys on my bike! And I am ever so proud of her. So that's what I decided to do.  The Old Boy went into to take the weight of his knee, and cook dinner, while I rode off into the darkness towards my sisters house.

Now, she don't live that far, I can run it in twenty minutes! But still, I had a purpose to ride now, and plus the fact my brother always has a beer in the fridge!  I  was singing to myself all the way there.  It was only after I passed the umpteenth person that I realised I was singing out loud! At least I made it seem as if cycling is easy peasy and that anyone can take it up!

I just got to my sisters house and, just as they opened the door, my sisters boyfriend pointed out a load of cyclists coming down Palace View Road! "Are you with that lot" he said to me. And just then I realised, that it was probably the Wednesday Wanderers! Darn it! I could have gone with them if I had remembered what day it was! I could have grabbed some cash off the Old Boy as well, as they usually stop to sample some ale some where en route!

Oh well, at least my brother will have some in the fridge.  Boy was I disappointed! There was none to be had!  So my sister made me go with her to the offy for a few cans! I enjoyed one can with them, then showed off my bike and went on home to a lovely dinner of green Thai curry! Delicious!

No geeky stats as it was always going to be such a short short ride! And besides which the Old Boy would have had his Garmin going!  But it felt so good to be on my bike, and I was very toasty in all my gear.

Cross Training, Happy Cyclist!

Hello Blog Lovers!

This Old Girl was back on the bike again today, my Spesh. I am taking things a little easier this week, before I attempt my first ever half marathon on Sunday, The Tunbridge Wells Half! A very challenging course, just what I need to help me get in shape for the London Marathon in April. (either that or do me in and save me the pain). So for some cross training, and some fun, I went with the Old Boy on a quite slow ride on one of our usual routes.

Each time I get back on my bike I have to re-familiarise myself with the gears, and try and remember the silly things I have said to remind me of how the gears go!  I know it should be natural, and total obvious, but not to me! My first encounter with a bike with gears was a twist shift on my old Raliegh. To me that made sense. Left hand big gears, twist it three times, either way, the right hand, twist up to 8 times, forward means high gears! Even I could grasp that.

Then my Giant with a couple more extra gears on the right hand side, but still quite simple to figure out, (eventually). One lever worked by your finger, the other worked by your thumb. Two different digits, easy enough to train yourself to do. But my new bike, the gears are on the brake, worked by push side ways. Still two levers, but worked using same digits! To me, an Old Girl trying to learn new tricks, it's taking it's time!

But still. It was a very pleasant ride up through to to Halstead, then through the lanes, with our very bright lights and head lamps lighting up like daylight. Then through to Biggin Hill, and of course Keston, for a pint!

I thought I was doing ok, riding up to Halstead, getting used to the gears, the new riding position, the 'twitchy' feel of the bike. But then came lanes! Normally I can get to grips with the undulating nature of this road. But I was starting to feel the chill, mainly in my feet, even though I have two pairs of socks on, and one of those pairs says thermal on them! And the I started panicking about the gear changes for the hills, some of which come up quite suddenly.  I did completely mess up one hill, just before the pub! I had forgotten about how steep this little bit is! I panicked, changed up, on both sets of gears, and then tried to change down, but it was all too late!  I eventually sorted it out and then carried on the rest of the way!

Going through Biggn Hill was a little more sedate for me, than I usually am on my Giant. But it still felt great going down hill. I was pedalling out, but that wa only because I didn't want to change the left hand gear, as I now had it on the middle cog! I was beginning to fill the chill even more now, but it wasn't that long before we got to Keston, after taking it really carefully, and really thinking about my bike on the inclines towards the Keston turn off!

I did cool down very quickly when we got to the pub! So we kind of smashed down our cold beer (why do I do that, I should ask for hot chocolate!) But still, it was very nice, it helped to wash down the poppadoms. Then it was a quick ride home, via the shop to grab some milk, oh and some chocolate! I am in training you know!

Geeky stats and these are from the Old Boys, I didn't push the start button on mine!

I need My Fixie!

Hello blog lovers.

Mmm, shall I explain the title? Yes of course I will, just in case you all think I have gone totally bike barmy and bought another bike (a fixie) before I have even pumped up the tyres again on my Specialized! (well, actually I had to do that any way, as it's been sat in the nice warm utility room since I got it!)

But what I actually needed was be back out on my bike again, And not just any bike, I wanted to go out on my 'Spesh' It's been sat in my house, gleaming, wanting to get out and ride. The Old Boy's bike must have been teasing my bike, with all the mud and dirt dripping from it, the water bottle filled and then emptied! So this evening I thought I would give the running a miss and go for just a short ride, to familiarise myself, again, with all the gears, and riding style of my new bike.

I pulled on my spandex with the luminous panels on the sides, thermal socks, spesh shoes, tee-shirt, long sleeve shirt, cycling jacket, cycling rain jacket, buff, hat, thermal glove liners and outer gloves! by then there really was only time for a quick ten miler! But there is one thing that I really don't like, and that's being cold! 

I wheeled my bike to the front door in happy anticipation of this evenings short ride around, opened it and looked out in despair as the rain and sleet had just started to come down! "Oh,  Undercarriages" I said as I turned to the Old Boy. "Oh just go" he said, "If we don't go out, we never will, it will soon pass"

So we went out. But it looked as if we were going to cut our route even shorter than we planned. "Just go through the local park and we will go straight to Bromley" O.B. said. I did as directed. But when we got onto Southborough Lane the O.B. directed me to go up the A21, our original short bike ride, through Hayes!

I just pedalled along, trying t remember which lever did what to my gears, and trying to concentrate on the traffic, contend with the cold affected my eyes (which were leaking, and freezing on my face!) I had a permanent grin on my face, due to the cold. But do you know what, I was really enjoying it.

My arms hurt, my hands hurt, my face was frozen into an inane grimace, and I was well wrapped up and looking like the mitchilin man. I can't wait for the summer! I know I am going to have some fun on my bike and I am so glad I had a quick 'fix' of riding on my new bike this evening!  it has reminded me of  things to come.

I didn't take my Garmin with me today, as this was just a 'get out on my bike and and have some fun' ride (if riding in the freezing cold, sleet and rain can be classed as fun) but the Old Boy took his, and we actually rode about 11 and half miles at around 10 mph, with one stop at the Red Lion in Bromley North!