Love To Run Love To Pedal

Broken Mule

2011-10-12T02:45:00.001-07:00

The Dance Goes On

2010-01-11T13:41:00.001-08:00

Weigh in day today at work.

We are all signed up for a twelve week fat buster plan. Within seconds of people stepping from the scales reporting their recorded weight I expected to hear voices of enthusiasm telling of how these unwanted pounds would be shed. I heard a lot of mumbles of the scales being wrong from guys who looked all out of place and uncomfortable with themselves, maybe they were in shock but at least they had taken the first step and showed willing.

Since my last blog both running and cycling have temporarily been replaced with indoor classes, Les Mills classes. They are fantastic. I have been doing five to six classes a week. Body Combat a real funky energetic workout, Body Pump working the muscles and Body Balance with a huge range of challenging moves. For me Body Balance was a real shocker as I did think I was more of a fast cardio workout kinda girl, loving Body Pum and Combat the idea of slow yoga type classes did not appeal to me and the thought bored me, however, I am always willing to give anything a try and so Body Balance I did and I loved it.

I am very flexible and while standing on one leg and reaching behind to pull the other one up to the back of my head caused me no problems the holding of the position for a lengthy time did, and so the challenge is there in itself, to come back to class week after week until I can stand poised and motionless.

And so I did the craziest thing today. I signed up for the Fort William Marathon. I have fourteen weeks to get myself in some kind of shape capable of covering a lot of miles. I am not interested in times and minute miles I am interested in running as many miles as I can. A marathon is achievable in 18 weeks from beginner. I have 14 weeks so am at a tad of a disadvatage already being a month behind on training and while I am no sprinter the furthest I have ever run is 13 miles so though not a complete beginner it sure felt like it this evening on my first training run.

I have a lot of work to do. Any advice would be grateful from you super runners out there.

And like a dance that never ends. The fitness journey goes on, we take ourselves on it many times in order to lose weight, get fit, reach goals and dreams, the steps are always the same though the direction in which move is ever changing.

Jo Goes Commando Part 2

2009-10-10T08:49:00.001-07:00

So Commando Fit was huge hit.

It started at 19.00 when darkness was already upon us. The weather had been mainly rainy and I knew only too well that bodily contact with the cold wet ground would be met.

I was already wishing that I had applied more clothing than I was already wearing.

It was a mixed bunch of about 25 though mainly girlie's and from the show of different coloured bibs being worn all at different fitness levels.

Once everyone had arrived all our keys and water bottles were placed in a rucksack which the trainer then placed on his back and we were off!

Two orderly formed lines we started with a run. Already I felt like we should be chanting some military march mantra back at this guy as we ran. I could not help but laugh, it all seemed rather comical.

We did a short run down the bottom of a big hilly field followed by a number of other warm up exercises. Groups were then formed and my thoughts went back to childhood. In netball at school I was always the first to be chosen. Being tall was always an advantage I had over others who still had to catch up.

Now if I say "Wheel-barrow races" you will definitely think of childhood. Let me tell you when you have not done wheel-barrow races since such an age it is not such an easy task bearing in mind all these exercises were done up hill.

We made our way through a number of challenges, one being that each member of your team had to be carried around the course. Once each station was reached press ups were then done and so to carry on until each member had being air lifted.

At regular intervals "Snipper" was shouted which meant running maybe quarter of a mile to the nearest tree. "Grenade" was another informative command to hit the deck. I was beginning to wish the grenades would keep coming as laying motionless on the ground was the only time we stopped moving even though it was pot luck as to what you were actually laying in! Luckily I managed to avoid such things that our four legged friends leave behind.

I could not quite comprehend why full of cold with a chest infection I was launching myself to the cold wet ground when a more sensible place for me would of being laid in bed dosed up with medicine.

It seemed like the longest hour ever with endless challenges. I did find myself in the team of the fittest which really did push me. In between every set challenge we had to drop and do press ups. Our team always being the highest number to do, fifty at a time to other teams twenty.

I thought that I was reasonably fit. The last serious exercise I did was cycle the Manchester 100k in four hours at which I was really pleased with. Sat on a bike with your legs doing all the work seemed like a breeze compared to this. All muscle groups being used to the max. It was tough.

So did I feel like a real GI Jo?

I would love to say it was like an hour warm up session and I found it relatively easy.

Truth - it was bloody hard.

Three times a week GI Jo - maybe soon!

Jo Goes Commando

2009-10-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

No, not "Free Balling" (or maybe that is another blog altogether!)

A few days ago whilst sitting in the surrounds of a beautiful nature park pondering on life a car pulled up not far from me and a man in army style trousers with the look of a PTI about him got out. He began unloading bags from his car, I watched wondering of his whereabouts. More vehicles approach and within minutes a number of women were surrounding this man like flies round a honey pot. Intrigued as to the draw I thought the only sure way was to join these women and find out.

Turns out this is "Commando Fit" just down my street, a military style beasting all in the name of personal training. Outdoor training consisting of highly motivational fitness sessions based on Physical Training sessions used to train the military, fire fighters and professional sports players.

I cant say I am overly excited over the attire (different coloured bibs depending on your level of fitness) well let me tell you I will only be wearing the colour of the fittest, this been determind by a fitness test. Bring on the bleeps!

So watch this space! my first session is tomorrow morning.

With no bike at the moment it saddens me that I will not be turning the pedals. I will however be throwing myself into running and my new found Commando Fit for now.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, or so they say!

Mules In Manchester

2009-09-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

Since getting back on my bike over a week ago I have cycled 201 miles. Not so bad considering I was all set to put my bike away for the winter.

Last Sunday Philip and I cycled in Manchester. Being a little disappointed that I have not cycled any organised rides this year I decided to do the 100k ride while Philip did the 100m. Last year I did the 100m with Philip. This year Philip has done a great deal of cycling, I could of opted for the 100m and would of finished but if I was to ride it with Philip I would of ended up slowing him down towards the end so decided upon a ride on my own.

It was an early start as we were up at 04.00a.m. to drive to Manchester. Philip set off an hour before me as he was doing the longer ride. As I patiently waited for 08.00. I had it set in my mind that I was going to enjoy this ride, even though I was doing it alone.

I set off amongst numerous other cyclists wondering which ones I would leave behind and which ones would leave me behind!

Cycling on my own I found that I was cycling too fast and so stayed with a few groups for a while to even out my pace. At one point upon looking at my map I thought that I had gone terribly wrong, even though I turned off at the point for the shorter ride. Mentally trying to prepare myself for the 100 miles that I thought I had to do instead of 100k I picked up my speed. Confirmation at the next glance at my map told me I was on the right road phew!

I finished my ride at 12.05 and felt fantastic. Four hours and five minutes I was pleased with.

I had to wait a couple of hours for Philip to complete his ride and watched the riders as they came in. When Philip arrived over the finish line riders too were also crossing from the 100k ride. I think I did ok!

Oh There Is So Much More To Come

2009-08-31T11:17:00.001-07:00

I was all set for putting my bike away for this year.

On Saturday I cycled for the first time in over three weeks.

I think somewhere along the way I stopped believing in myself and all that I was capable of achieving.

I cycled 30 miles on Saturday. Sunday morning I went to spin and cycled another 30 miles. Today I cycled 34 miles.

I know that I am capable of being so much better at this.

It's not about reaching a destination, a point at which I can say I arrived. It's about a journey and yes the struggle.

I have struggled at times, on long rides where my legs have failed me, I would get off my bike and literally cry like a big girl through total frustration when the power in my legs was just not there yet days previous I had cycled so well.

It's only three days.

It's the beginning!

I believe.

I Ride Again

2009-08-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

I woke early this morning which is always the case when you do not have to get up. Already the sun was streaming through the blinds at such an early hour. My thoughts turned to Philip and I looked at the clock and counted back the hours to determine the time in his part of the world.

Midnight, yet only 7 hours away from the big ride. Today Philip is riding the "Hotter n Hell" in Wichita Falls Texas. A 100 mile endurance ride braving the hot Texas sun. Survival is definitely a badge of cycling honour.

Rather than re-arrange the duvet and my half awakened body to drift back off to sleep I decided to get up and wondered what I was going to do with my day.

As my morning began my mind was on the clock counting down the time until such an hour that I could imagine Philip and the rest of the Mules waking and getting ready for the big day. I tried to imagine such a feeling of been only hours away from such a huge event. An event that you have trained for all year. Such a challenge, so many people, such a journey. What a high they will be on.

I suddenly had a desperate desire to be on my bike too. I have not cycled for about three weeks now maybe more. Scott thinks I have abandoned him as he stands propped up against the wall his pedals having not turned for such a long time.

Last night I put away cycling clothes that have been hanging around the ironing basket for weeks. Usually they don't get to see behind closed drawers as they are normally in use. I already knew by now that today I would be taking Scott out and reacquainting myself with him. As I came downstairs dressed in attire Scott recognised only too well I knew that he was on his way to forgiving my temporary lapse. He was just as eager to get out as I was. Big girls pants hovering somewhere around the knees up they came and out I went.

As I have not been on my bike for some time my legs felt very strong. I knew I was going to enjoy my ride. I overtook two men climbing up Westwood, I smiled and Scott remembered the way we roll.

my ride was overcast and the roads were lacking wheels. I only saw four cyclists today, one of them being on my climb up the devils chimney. A man overtook me turned and said "get on my wheel" I laughed to myself, his wheel was going way too fast for me up the wretched hill.

I cycled 30 miles today. I did think that that I may struggle a little. Today I did not struggle. I am booked in for spin tomorrow morning and nine, Scott will also be spinning straight after my class.

I have been making use of the gym that we pay for each month but never seem to use. I have a little green card that I somehow forgot about tucked away in my purse. Every time I seem to be searching for my cash card at the garage this little green card always seems to be the one to show itself. A gentle reminder of signing on the dotted line months ago full of enthusiasm and vowing to attend on a regular basis.

So the little green card came into play. Circuit training, body pump, and spinning. It all came back to me at spin. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it and how much it helps when out on the road.

As I have not done a great deal of cycling of late It has had me thinking along the lines of summer is nearly over and winter is around the corner. Spring time will be a good time to pick cycling back up. My thoughts went back to last year and I remembered Philip and I training in the snow and rain.

A picture from one of last years 67 mile cycle rides in the snow.

I will not be putting Scott away for winter. I will be looking forward the challenge of winter training along with spinning and running for next year will be very different.

Good Luck Philip

2009-08-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

Good luck to my love for tomorrow riding Hotter n Hell. I hope the Mule Train makes it safely to the finish line. I will be thinking of you :) Take care out there and looking forward to seeing you when you get home x

The Mules.

Puccini and Raindrops

2009-07-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

For a long time now I have being promising myself to start each day with a run. The problem is that I am not so good with mornings. For as long as I can remember I have always set my alarm clock an hour before I have to get out of bed. This gives me plenty of time to hit the snooze button a dozen times before actually managing to open my eyes and make my way from beneath the duvet.

Over the last few weeks I have driven Philip mad as the alarm on my phone has been going off at 05.00a.m. every morning, needless to say I have not made it out of bed but simply fumbled for the snooze button again and again. For good measure the main alarm then blares at 06.00 which scares the life out of both of us as it so loud to make sure that it actually wakes me up. I think it actually wakes up all the street!

Realising how unfair this is as Philip does not need to get out of bed until 07.00 I did promise last week to try and get out of bed as soon as the alarm went off at 05.00. I managed this twice! and did three mile runs. It's a start.

Running has taken a back seat as I have been doing a lot of cycling of late, however, I would really like to run every day which is why I thought that the early morning starts were a good idea to get me running again. I will try again this week!

Yesterday we cycled to York. Around trip of 76 miles. Our bikes went in for a service and while we were waiting thought we would spend a few hours wandering round York and go for some lunch. We packed a change of clothes and set off at 08.00. The forecast was not good and showers were expected, however, we didn't expect them to last all the way to York.

We arrived in York soaked to the skin with our change of clothes equally as wet. The rain stopped and a short appearance was made by the sun. We sat in very wet cycle clothes and had a pub lunch. A little different from the afternoon we had in mind.

The sun was still shining as we set off back to Beverley but no sooner had we turned the pedals and the heavens opened again. We spent much of our our journey home in and out of bus shelters and underneath trees waiting for the downpour to calm.

It was a very cold and wet 76 miles and the thought of a hot shower and my dressing gown kept me going. We were soon revived warm and dry watching Armstrong climb.

I found some great new tracks for cycling and running "Classical Cardio" Puccini and Vivaldi funked up certainly kept me going today.

Last week I cycled 128 miles. Next week we are cycling London to Cambridge fingers crossed it will not be in the rain.

2009-07-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

What Diet?

2009-07-05T11:56:00.001-07:00

Although the miles are increasing the diet of late has consisted of slimfast and all things bad. The slimfast is a poor attempt though all good intentions go into the mixing and shaking of the drink, however, of late the following day when the fridge at work is opened the yellow drink is still there untouched. Yes I am left with a sense of guilt as I recall the replacement foods consumed over the week whilst these colourful drinks have stacked up.

On a pinker note, my bike is now looking very much girlie.

And or course the shoes. I am a bit of an Imelda Marcos when it comes to shoes and whilst I cant think for one minute these would be in Imelda's collection they're most certainly now in mine and what fab shoes.

They fit like slippers and much like Dorothy's ruby slippers became fixed to my feet the minute I put them on.

Saturday morning we cycled 36 miles so I could try out these fantastic shoes. Again just like Dorothy's, MAGIC! our average was 16mph and at times when we had a mad blast we clocked 26mph.

I really didn't want to take these babies off my feet but eventually Philip removed them whilst I slept!

Last week I cycled 155 miles and that was without my super dupa shoes. This week I have only done 58 miles, my shoes only arrived on Saturday morning so watch this space for the coming week!

Curves Are In This Season

2009-06-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend was "Flat Out In The Fens", I myself was defiantly "Flat Out" very much so I was horizontal as I was touched with the sniffles, throat like cut glass, stuffy nose, constant head ache and convinced myself it was the old swine thing. I had many a disagreement with Philip over whether I was well enough to cycle arguing my case that once the medication kicked in I would be fine. Dr Philips prescription did not in any shape or form include partaking in a 77 mile bike ride.

It went something like this:

Under no circumstances must any Lycra clothing in the form of cycling attire come into contact with the skin.
cycles are not to be mounted for at least two days
Bed rest must be taken for a minimum of 48 hours

No but's

Go to bed and rest up

So I waved Philip off on Saturday afternoon all geared up for his ride on the Sunday. I don't remember a great deal more of Saturday. I drifted in and out of sleep occasionally waking and feeling sorry for myself, reaching for a gulp from my bottle of water and pulling the duvet over me for the trillionth time trying to find that comfortable position that my body had not yet laid in after many a hour in bed.

And so very soon a long Saturday turned into Sunday morning and I woke with envy as my thoughts turned to Philip and his friends riding Flat Out In The Fens. It was 09.00a.m. when I woke, an hour and half cycled already My envy soon began to leave me as I remembered their 04.00a.m. start to the day.

Sunday was an improvement on Saturday, I did manage to get dressed and venture outside for a while. Philip called buzzing and full of jubilation after the ride and within a few hours he was back home with pictures and tales of his Flat Out In The Fens.

We are doing London to Cambridge at the end of July, hopefully bugs will not be lurking to put me out of action.

Been the girlie that I am I decided to start pimping my ride and adding some girlie touches. Philip has bound my bars in pink tape. Pink water bottles are on the way. I did think about pink tyres but thought it a bit much but maybe a pink chain could be next and of course the riding apparel has flashes of pink here and there.

Whilst searching the net for such things I came across some great shoes that are most certainly on my list.

Along with this great seat that I found on a fab site if you are that kinda rider.

Miles on my bike have not been that great, 179 miles in the last two weeks. We cycled to Bridlington last weekend and with the promise of fish and chips once we got there my legs did not fail me and the fish and chips were great.

The diet front, well I am adopting a new approach and loving my curves at the moment (hey girlie's are meant to have curves right!!) and trying not go get too stressed out at the scales refusal to budge. I now have a weight programme to follow devised for me by a very nice man in the gym last week so am trying to fit the weights in with everything else. I did notice circuit training classes at the gym as well and would like to fit those in somewhere!!

The plan for this week is to do 20 miles each evening straight from work, fit the gym in a couple of nights after cycling and then longer rides at the weekend.

Philip has a ride in August "Hotter than Hell" with his brother Paddy and is training flat out at the moment. He did 77 miles yesterday and today cycled 108 miles climbing 7,000ft.

Realistically I don't have any chance of keeping up with this man on a mission!

As One Door Closes Another Door Opens

2009-05-31T02:17:00.000-07:00

I have been super busy since my last blog moving and starting a new job. Amongst the upheaval I ran 14 miles and cycled 70.

Today was a glorious day with the big smiley face of the sun shining down on us leaving behind at the end of our ride an evident cyclists sun tan. Venturing out this morning I left behind my sunglasses, on such a day I could of kicked myself, however, maybe it was not such a bad thing as today with glasses amiss I was able to see past my 30 mile problem. Very similar to my 6 mile stalling distance with running I also have a similar problem when ever I have not cycled for a while where by I get to 30 miles and then tire, however, today 40 miles took me past this annoying glitch.

This has not always been the case. I did my first century ride last year and a 64 mile ride in the hills of Skipton which for me was tough. A lot of training rides last year were between 20 - 80 miles though this year I have not done a great deal of cycling.

I used to work 12hr shifts days/nights and often found it difficult to stay motivated, however, it's an exciting time ahead as I am now working permanent days therefore structure and consistency will now be in place for my training. Focus focus focus! I plan to run every morning before work and cycle every evening. Booked in at the gym next week for a devised weights programme which will also be included weekly. Oh I will soon be one fit girlie! No longer will Philip have to wait for me at the top of every hill we climb as hopefully I will be right behind him.

Who is Philip? Philip is my inspiration, my motivation, my friend and my partner. A couple of years ago he asked me "do you fancy going for a bike ride" and for me this is where my journey with two wheels began, oh I have struggled at times, I have had to ask him to slow his pace and shouted more times than I can remember "bench" when my legs began to fail me on long rides. He has cut short rides for me planned flat routes when ever my legs have not been up to the challenge of hills and ALWAYS waited for me even when I have insisted he go ahead.

What a great partner and motivator you must be thinking! Well, just as when you buy one and get one free there are two of these motivators for Philip has a twin brother Paddy. Paddy lives in Texas, and whilst on the other side of the pond he like Philip is also a cycle enthusiast and his passion for cycling plays a huge part in his life. Take a moment to check out their blogs as I am sure you will find them both very entertaining and informative.

While I am no athlete by any stretch of the imagination my aim is simple. To run further and pedal faster. We have a ride in three weeks Flat Out In The Fens 77 miles and London To Cambridge 66 miles in July. My first century ride I did last year we are doing again in September Manchester 100. Philip is also going to run with me so hopefully we will be looking for runs as well as cycle events to do.

Swimming next maybe!!!!

On a not so lighter note I was rather miffed to say the least when I stood on the scales on Friday. Following an 8lb weight loss on a detox plan and then for a further two weeks been exceptionally good:

Sat in Mc Donalds and drank a slim fast milk shake while everyone had burgers and chips
Passed on Chinese take away
Ate healthy for two weeks
Did not steal sweets from the hands of my ten year old niece.
Made it to the checkout in the supermarket without adding naughty goodies to my basket
Ignored the smell of cooked breakfasts and opted for fruit when I could hear all too loud and clear sausages crying out to me
And I ran

The scales on Friday were not kind to me. I guess I should count my blessings that it was not a gain. I had stayed the same weight that I was two weeks previous. Still, I had my moment of cussing and throwing my dummy out followed by images of all the naughty things that I was going to eat. I got over it. The images disappeared and a woman with a fantastic toned body who could run far and pedal fast came back to mind, it keeps me going and so I carry on and vow that the dam scales WILL move in my favour next week.

Always A Girlie Girl

2009-05-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

I have always being a girlie girl with a love for shoes, dresses, bags blah blah the list of girlie things goes on.

I am a great fan of Internet shopping and often trawl ebay looking for vintage finds. It occurred to me the other day whilst surfing the tangled web for potential purchases that the images looking back at me were not 4" inch killer heels or the latest wiggle dress.

Bicycle tyres!

Whats happening to me? Dressing my bike whats that all about? I have to say however they were pink tyres!

Seems I have being neglecting the girl in me. Gone are the days of looking for perfume and St Tropez tan, this seasons summer selections and all things that shout female. I now find myself looking at tyres! cycling attire, running attire and cameras (with a love of images strange and out of the norm I would one day like to be capturing life through a lens).

So I just had to give myself a little shake and remind myself that I am still girlie girl and what do you know?

within minutes I came across these fab shoes that were a must.

Carrie Bradshaw you can keep your Manolo Blahnik's I am skipping all the way down the yellow brick road!

My Legs Did Not Fail Me

2009-05-22T01:20:00.000-07:00

Progress

I managed to break through the 6 mile comfort zone that I have kept myself in for such a long time.

I ran 13 miles in 2.18 and believe me I am still in shock!

Saturdays Treat Looks Like This

2009-05-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Allowing myself a treat once a week (Saturdays) I am counting down the days!

So I managed to complete the nine day detox and lost 8lbs in total. Another week has passed and I have stuck with the healthy eating, running and I am feeling good.

I am not stepping on the scales for another two weeks as I am hoping for a nice surprise, maybe like another 6lb gone!

My nephews birthday last week meant birthday cake all round and I figured it would of being rude to refuse the piece of chocolate Caterpillar goo given to me and so I accepted it as my treat for the week (even though it was only Friday) I ate it very slowly and savoured every mouthful. It had been nearly three weeks since I had indulged and it was fantastic! I could of easily eaten half the Caterpillar cake but that would of just being darn right greedy so I was grateful for the minuscule piece I was given and when it was gone my thoughts turned to the next seven days ahead of me until I was able to indulge again.

I work 12hr shifts, the last four which have been nights and so to fit my running in is always a bit of a testing time, however, I have been out there despite the weather. I forgot how much fun running in the rain is. To set off on your run when the heavens have opened is no fun at all but once you are actually out there legs going music playing its great embracing the downpour. It felt so liberating to run in such conditions whilst everyone I passed scurried around trying to push up umbrellas, darting into shop doorways, all huddled over afraid of what the sky had to offer whilst I was soaked to the skin running to the rhythm of the rain.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst, for they are sticking to their diets"

Low On Energy

2009-05-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

My long levers were in for a treat on Saturday. I was to straddle Philips "Scott" to see what it's got!

Philip is now dancing on the pedals of a new Scott Addict and so I was to find my feet on Philips Scott Speedster.

Again yet another day of high winds and with energy levels running low due to the detox plan I am following (now on last day yay!!) I knew that even speedster assisted the power in my legs was just not happening.

We cycled 40 miles with winds against us all the way though despite the hard ride I did get a feel for Scott, however, I am looking forward to better weather and being fully loaded with energy to reap the huge benefits I know I will gain from these two wheels.

Today I ran 6.51 miles in 1.09 with 10.39 minute miles. There has not been much consistency of late with my running therefore I did expect my pace to be around the 12.00 mark. I was pleasantly surprised at my 10.39 though I know I can improve greatly on that. I have invested in a Garmin Forerunner and am excited at the prospect of running further and faster.

72 miles cycled this week which is not great but energy levels have being low due to detox.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

A Spoon Full Of Sugar Helps The Medicine Go Down

2009-05-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Not being too familiar with “taste of toad” though I would imagine equally as disgusting as the flavours that have tested my pallet in the last six days.

Don't you just wish you were one of the lucky ones able to eat anything and stay super slim? If however you fall into the category of inches added instantly at the mere glance of anything outside of the daily recommended calorie intake you will be all to familiar with ongoing battle of the bulge.

For those of us wishing to lose weight we are all in search of that quick fix miracle diet that will enable us to shed the lbs instantaneously. The reality is that it does not exist or should I say the initial weight loss at the start of any diet/detox plan does but must be followed as we all know by an ongoing healthy diet and exercise plan. Whilst the calorific content of the smallest of treat is probably equivalent to your recommended daily intake consuming a few days worth of calories in one day is easily done when unhealthy life choices are so often made.

So I am looking for a kick start to my diet. Tried and tested by four known people who have all shed an amazing stone in nine days I am sold to the Aloe Vera detox plan. I am on day six with three more days to do and let me tell you it is grim!

Whilst taking the prescribed concoction of psyllium husk which states on the label “mixes instantly and has a great tasting natural flavour” its all lies!! It does not mix, it floats. (I defy anyone to agree that this product is by any means of a great tasting natural flavour. This must breech the consumer care trading standards I am sure!!) It tastes vile and if you do not down the mixture the second you add the last drop of water to it then it solidifies to the consistency of wallpaper paste and has you gagging all the way down the glass, not pleasant at all.

Aloe Vera Juice which again tastes disgusting though not so bad as is lump free. If you hold your nose whilst drinking followed by a big gulp of water the taste goes almost straight away.

Bee Propolis tablets, well after braving the above three times a day this is a doddle.

A healthy evening meal is allowed along with meal replacement milkshakes for breakfast and lunch so not all bad.

Cleansing is a tradition amongst us humans, throughout all ages and cultures. For thousands of years, body purification has been a part of our rituals for health and well-being. It was used in ancient times as a way to reconnect with the divine. Detoxification nowadays if often used as a springboard to weight loss and the hope of reconnecting with that thinner you that's crying to get out.

The scales tell me I have lost 6lbs and with only three days to go I am under no false illusions that I will be a stone lighter when my nine days are up though I will be happy with 7lbs+ that I hope to eventually lose at the end of it and certainly will be the kick start I need to continue a healthy eating plan and lose weight. I would like to lose a stone and half and with almost half a stone gone the remaining stone has got to be down to will power, discipline, healthy eating and the ability to say NO to the vast array of goodies my eyes come across each day.

And while all this detoxing has been taking place not a great deal of cycling/running has been going on for fear of keeling over through lack of nutrition, however, we have cycled a few nights this week but with lack of energy and head on winds of 25-30mph it was tough.

"A diet is the penalty we pay for exceeding the food limit"

My Motivation Is On Vacation - By Joanne Bartlett

2009-04-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Many days have gone by and many occurrences have past since my last blog.

About a month ago in the early hours of the morning an incident occurred which has caused me a great deal of distress.

I don't really remember a great deal from the night in question as I was sleeping yet while my astral body was running the New York Marathon some heartless taker gained access to my home and made away with my motivation.

They took away a great deal at such a steal, they were my set of goals I desired to achieve, taken and gone while I slept.

So it's kind of like this at the moment, floundering aimlessly at any attempt to get motivated and stick with it though I did managed a few runs on the treadmill last week. First time back in trainers I ran an hour and felt great, thought this is me back on track. Second night again another hour not a problem. Third night, no third night happened!

Oh I have a lot of "Good Intentions" but they don't seem to get me very far without the motivation. It's simple your either motivated or your not, no grey area really this is the way it is.

I have always being quite stubborn and while sometimes it can be viewed as a less attractive trait on other occasions it has aided my motivation. From a very young age if I was told I could not do something I went the extra mile to make sure it happened so why am I not running every day now? why am I not out there on my bike?

I trawled the Internet last night looking at personal trainers as I thought that maybe that would be the answer to finding my motivation but then realised that it's something that has to come from inside, it's not for sale, a purchase for instant gratification, it's a strong sense of self belief and discipline not some stranger to pay £40 an hour, he doesn't have my motivation all gift wrapped in his pocket and so while a personal trainer may be the right choice for some people I switched my Internet search to blog search and read.

I read so many blogs last night of peoples achievements of ongoing training and sacrifice of determination and the desire to succeed and somewhere inside me an internal nerve was struck and way in the distance I could just make it out. It was a bit blury at first but once my eyes readjusted I could defiantly see it - my motivation on it's way back from a not so well earned vacation.

I have a lot of work to do!

"Do not look where you fell but where you slipped"

Unlucky For Some - That Is Of Course If You Are Superstitious - By Joanne Bartlett

2009-03-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

Not a great deal achieved on the training front of late as I have been busy moving. Must be the gypsy blood in me. Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and well I guess you just have get on and deal with it the best you can which is what has taken my time this last few weeks.

Moving house and taking a path not planned was not on the agenda for February though sometimes in life the things which we do not plan can often have the best results.

Once again settled I can now start to focus on training again.

I have not been on my bike for nearly a month, was two weeks without it whilst moving so I guess that doesn't count and a further two weeks I just looked at it daily propped up in it's new resting place. I took the bike by the bars and jumped on for my first ride in a while on Wednesday with a friend who used to compete, Iron Man, New York Marathon etc I knew it would be no easy ride. Our route was a hilly one the first as soon as we set off which was not good for me as my legs tend to come into play after I have been riding a few miles or so. It was a tough ride been my first after time out, faced with hills hills hills and pedalling at a faster pace than usual. Did I enjoy the ride? would of enjoyed it more had my fitness level not taken a nose dive in the last month. Will I get back on my bike? you bet, next ride already planned.

I left my bike propped up in it's new found resting place today and opted for my trainers, I ran eight miles which was more enjoyable than my ride on Wednesday. It was a lovely day the sun was shining and I really enjoyed the miles.

"Even if you fall flat on your face at least you are moving forward"

New Horizons - By Joanne Bartlett

2009-02-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like a good run to clear your mind and put life's problems in a more sane perspective. It's like having an old friend there when spirits need lifting. You know at the end of each run the feel good factor will be there, it doesn't change, it's consistent, sure the mileage and terrain may change but the buzz you get after a run is always there to welcome you at the end and it drives you to your next run.

I have really enjoyed my recent runs and managed to do 26 miles last week. Whilst at times the site of my trainers often cause me to groan and think of every excuse why I should not go pound the pavements, my thoughts of late at the site of the very same trainers have been of the run ahead of me and out the door.

And so staying in my comfort zone for just a little while longer my runs have been 6/7 miles, however, next week the mileage HAS to increase.

I am running my first half marathon in May and while I am no athlete for me running is not to see how fast I can get from A to B but it is simply the challenge of getting from A to B without stopping.

On the cycling front I have not turned the pedals since my last blog but will be reunited with my wheels at the weekend. I joined a cycle club last week and am looking forward to my first my ride with them, hope I manage to keep up! they also run on Mondays so maybe that is something to think about, push me out of my comfort zone even further.

"Go to your edge. It's just outside your comfort ability, but inside your capability."

Tree To Tree And Push And Pull - By Joanne Bartlett

2009-02-18T14:58:00.000-08:00

Still snowy snowy here in UK at the moment and this road slowed down the ride on Saturday for a mile or so as walking was the only option other than risking taking a tumble. Sixty Seven miles cycled, over twenty with cold wet feet.

I did something that I don't usually do whilst riding on Saturday and that was to switch off my music. After listening to The Baha Men sing "Who Let The Dogs Out" a trillion times as this song with it's funky beat usually makes my legs spin that little bit faster I opted for the silent wheel.

The silent wheel was not all that bad. I usually tell myself that I cycle better with music booming in my ears but this is not so as I found out.

I read on a guys running blog that he chants a "Tree To Tree" mantra to himself whilst running pushing himself from one tree to the next which I found amusing as when cycling I always use the "Push And Pull" usually accompanied by blaring sounds but whilst I chose the silent wheel for a while the "Push and Pull" worked just as well as the Baha Men.

Hopefully as we approach March the white fields will return to green and the slushy roads dry out to make for a more pleasant ride.

It was not so bad underfoot today I ran seven miles and the snowmen all gone.

Waiting for sunshine.

"'Come to the edge,' he said.
They said, 'But we're afraid.
''Come to the edge,' he said.
They came.
He pushed them, and they flew."

Sunday Morning Blowout - By Joanne Bartlett

2009-02-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

This morning I was woken with a cup of tea, which was nice followed by "you have to wake up were going biking" which was not so nice only seconds after I had opened my eyes at 08.00 on a Sunday morning. Not quite knowing if I was still dreaming or not I reached out for confirmation from the steaming cup of tea at the side of me. I did hope that I was still dreaming, that I was going to wake to find Philip still asleep but that was not the case he was large as life WIDE AWAKE and already half dressed in cycle clothing.

I'm not a morning person at all. After drinking half a cup of steaming tea I made my way downstairs and out of the back door to check out the chill factor. Brrrrrr it was freezing, I was soon back inside up the stairs and dived under the duvet, I made my mind up there and then that a bike ride this morning was not happening for me.

I snuggled back down into the warmth of the bed but from underneath the duvet I was already starting to feel guilty at my decision, it wasn't like it was a surprise I knew the night before that we were going out for a ride today. The clock was ticking and Philips start time was fast approaching. Five minutes more, just five more I kept telling myself and then as though ejected from my bed I sprung into action.

Within no time I was washed dressed searching for gloves and Ipod and getting myself together.

We aimed to do fifty miles and although the morning was very cold it was a great morning for cycling, the sun was out and the air was still. The windless morning brought out enthusiasts in

there droves, runners and bikers all enjoying the crisp sunny morning.

It was a great ride mostly flat which meant we clocked some good speeds and was made all the more worth while by the sight of a baby deer skipping across a snow covered field, would of made a fantastic picture but unfortunately we were too far away.

At 42 miles my back tyre decided enough was enough, slight hitch but not a problem, the flat was changed and out came the CO2 inflator which went off like a fire cracker. Three cartridges later and my tyre was still flat. A very nice chap came cycling towards towards us and told us to "carry the extra weight and get a proper pump" thankfully he produced one and I thought it would only be a matter of minutes and I would be cycling off into the distance. Wrong. Bang went my tyre. It was in fact the nice chap and Philip who cycled off into the distance leaving me to walk to the next village which luckily was only about half a mile away. While Philip raced the remaining 8 miles back for the car I hobbled on cleated foot into the village and found a bench to wait for rescue.

Provisions soon ran out (we did have bananas too but this also just happened to be in the bag on the back of Philips bike)

I was soon rescued by my knight in muddy cycle armour.

So apart from my unfortunate puncture today was a good ride. I am back at work tomorrow so hopefully weather prevailing I will be running for the next four days and then back on my bike Friday for a weekend of cycling.

"Those who wish to sing always find a song"

On Your Marks - By Joanne Bartlett

2009-02-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

My running shoes have been on and off over the years mainly for pleasure and overall fitness. Six/seven mile runs have always seen me well within my comfort zone though I have being known to run further on occasions. I have completed two 10k runs for charity and have always wanted to run that extra mile.

Now officially registered for my first half marathon I will be running those extra miles in May and am really looking forward to the challenge of running my own pace my own race and making it to the finish line in a reasonable time.

Philip is more into pushing the pedals than pounding the pavement though I am hoping maybe later in the year he will dig out his running shoes.

Again ruled by the weather here in UK at the moment looks like the next few days will be in the gym. As pretty and picturesque as this snowy weather may be and loved by many it is not so good under foot and tyre for training.

"Slow and steady wins the race"

Peddler’s Perch - By Joanne Bartlett

2009-02-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

Mileage could of been a lot more this week but the weather here is not so great (18 miles ran, 58 miles cycled).

Philip and I managed a ride to Scarborough (Yorkshire Coast 58 miles) on Thursday and called in at his mums where much appreciated warmth and a very welcomed lunch awaited.

The ride started out great battling the headwinds and I felt very strong, fuelled from the previous nights pasta dinner and the leg strengthening from my running I was enjoying the challenge of the weather as we pushed out the miles, however, around the forty mile point it was apparent that I was having a few problems with my seating arrangement.

I have never paid much attention to the seating of my bike other than changing the height of it probably because I have never had any cause to before. I do know that different saddle designs exist for male and female cyclists accommodating the genders differing anatomies but never having any problems in the seating area before I have never given it much thought (a recumbent ride would have been heaven at this point) I was in agony and did not know how I was going to continue shifting around in my seat every few seconds I was not able to ride properly. The train station was seeming to be the only option. Although I could of done with a bit of extra padding in them I did however have my big girls pants on and dug in for the next 18 miles to Scarborough. Seems my sit bones are not sat right upon my saddle.

I have found a few alternatives to sit those bones on which look a great deal comfier than what seemed like a weapon of torture balancing above the frame of my bike, here are a few of the comfier looking choices.

As comfy as they all do look I think I will be checking out something along the lines of the Terry Ti Butterfly Saddle it just wouldn't be very fair seated upon a sheepskin saddle bearing in mind that we ride through a lot of countryside "Baa-aah"!

Back to my running for the next three days then Philip tells me we are cycling what ever the weather on Friday Saturday and Sunday so maybe snowchains would be a good buy as we are white over here this morning and its still falling.

Lost It - By Joanne Bartlett

2009-01-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

Well as you can see I have lost my original blog through tinkering about with Html codes, however, I am trying to retrieve it but to no avail so a new blog here is up and running but unfortuantly I am not able to get all my old posts back.

Hopefully those of you who have been following my ramblings will still do so and any newbie readers pick up from here.

Gaining momentum by friendly gradient

Exciting the senses to smiling radiant

Think not of whether or when it will end

Relish the moment, enjoy the bend

Committed angles which make Pisa blush

Adrenaline engaged, experience a rush

Conscious green as hedgerows passed

Innocent thrill, sustained to last.

Joanne Bartlett