So I have swum the length of the channel and I am on my way home again and as part of that had a 20k swim challenge with Will. He won by 2 hours!!!





Now it's the 100km challenge - Will is running I am on the Cross Trainer/power walking. This is going to be a tough one. I can only manage about 6 1/2 km per hour but hopefully that will get better. I have just done 6.45km . Did I mention Will did over 12k worth of running today. So the race is on.






Had some recent up and down times but lots of nice things happen too.


Still having a great time training - I can feel things changing. I can haul myself up on the parrallel bars now. Can't do a lot when I'm up there, but I am up there.





Have started sketching again. Love just sitting by the sea (when it's not too cold) and putting colours down on paper.


Christmas cards are all made

Eh look at Harry...it doesn't seem that long ago he was a little baby and now he has been sent out to work

2006

2008

TWO DIFFERENT CELEBRATION MEALS BUT HALF OF THAT BODY ALMOST GONE

Managed to complete the Aspire Chanel swim in less than half the time that was alotted so I have decided to see if I can swim back too!!

I've really enjoyed the challenge and it had got me into thinking about more challenged but maybe more about that later.

Seem to have got a new lease of life on the fitness front.

I am now doing training with Wil at a leisure park which has various stations around the park at the back where you can do step ups, hang and do push ups from rails, loads of stuff. Such good fun.

Yesterday I had a go on the swings. Something I haven't done for 40 years. Got a bit of bullying in playgrounds and of course bing so overweight was in danger of breaking swings. So big steps are still going on.

Doing massage at the Great South Run on Sunday which will be great. There are some fantastic stories behind the people who are running. Also the Elite Athletes will be great to see in action just as those who have never done anything like that before but have had a real go

I wrapped up my holiday week in spectacular style by visiting the Bournemouth Air Show - not once but 3 times.

Got to see my beloved Red Arrows and some other planes.

Whilst having a fab training session with Wil, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast flew over head. The Lancaster flanked by a Spitfire and a Hurricane.

Earlier I made it down to the Radio Solent tent on the beach and was reunited with Julian Clegg again. Was great to meet him again. And lurking sinisterly in the corner was a Darlek but apparently he was house trained and he allowed me to have my photo taken with him.

Friday I went to see the full Air

Show with Mum. We had a good pitch, right in the middle of the 2 piers and apparently the centre of the display.

Heart stopping displays from helicopters rotating and going backwards. Wing walkers doing handstands at 1,500 feet. Full Battle of Britain Flypast, Red Arrows, the amazingly noisy Tornado Euro Fighter etc...

Today I went for a 5k Beach March in the morning. It is a great workout for the legs and glutes and a lot harder than you think. I worked my way round those who were determined to sunbathe even though the cloud was low, the day before holes in the sand, sand castles and small dogs.

After I had finished I just had time for lunch before today's Air Display started. The weather wasn't too good for displaying heavy weapons of mass destruction. The stars of the show turned up to make another spectacular show.

Commentary was great fun, Pilate's taking the p**s out of each other. Also listening into the Red Arrow's orders. So calm for little planes hurtling towards each other at 500 miles an hour.

Great weekender

Just got back from our annual pilgrimage to Greenbelt.
Fellow Greenbelter Stu and I count the year in 2 halves. One the countdown to Greenbelt and the other the countdown to Advent/Christmas. So you can see this is an important part of my life.

It takes me a short while to settle into the rhythm of Greenbelt. It's a great atmosphere, people from all walks of life, shapes, sizes, ages, differing backgrounds, wierd and wonderful and that was just our party!!!

Highlights for me this year -
Concerts with music of Messaien and Martyn Joseph and Christmas Carol singing in the Beer tent - yep Christmas Carols. On Monday night the Beer Tent was officially declared a Christmas Party Zone. After a visitation from the man in red we got down to singing Christmas songs with all the voice we could muster lubricated by organic cider.

It was absolutely fabulous

Two worlds colliding

It's always over too fast

It rained a fair bit not so much that it ruined our time there. Mark and Stu got absolutely drenched walking home after a beer tent session.

Managed to survive the temptations of the food caravans. Really yummy food but I went prepared and had my own style of yummy food

Now it's time to get back to thinking of th next steps in life. Greenbelt is great for reminding you who you are and have a feeling a few things have to change

Channel swimming is on the horizon too.

Here is another Thursday and they always go so fast. Had a good week in terms of fitness and eating. I feel really well, I am sleeping better and I am exercising with a mission on a regular basis.

On Sunday I discovered a beautiful piece of Dorset coast. I caught the train to Hinton Admiral and cycled to Highcliffe Castle. I happened on it only by chance as I cycled past. I followed people in and found at the back of the gardens there was a nature reserve with a pathway that went all the way to Muddeford. Really nice ride. Cycled up the coast around Christchurch and down to Hengestbury Head where I watched the waves for quite a while. Good place for sorting out your head.

Today I had my session with Will. Had a great time of motivation and sorting out of ideas. So I've kinda dropped the idea of entering the Tour de France and Olympic cycling for maybe the London to Brighton cycle ride.

Firstly the swimming of the channel. Starting to build up swimming lengths. On Tuesday I went swimming with a friend from work and did 40 lengths. I got into a zone and just kept going.

This evening we had a family get together to celebrate nephew Andrew's Birthday. OK embarrassing Aunty bit.........I can't believe he is 19 already. He's grown up so fast. He is lovely though, very proud of him.

And as for people growing up fst ....look at Harry. Walking and talking and generally being a right little charmer.

After last week's re-aligning with goals of fitness and health, this week has been a right 'ol challenge.
Sugar - why was it ever invented!!
All my life I have had a close relationship with sugar. I have such a sweet tooth and crave anything sweet if I am not in an inch radius of it.

Well this week's challenge was to reduce the sugar by at least 95%.
Not easy. I could say I went kicking and screaming into a sugar free state of 'Cold Turkey'. No turning to cereal bars or anything that 'Boots' could offer in their diet range.
I even dreamt of eating platefuls of doughnuts. It's hard at work as there is a plentiful supply of doughnuts, flapjacks etc I have got past the point of just picking them up and smelling them. Now I can walk past without looking.

Alongside all that a getting to grips with real exercise in the gym. I have joined the puffers and blowers in the weights area. Although they are making meaningful grunts with 40-50k , I in turn, am going purple and almost blowing a gasket at 6-7k.
Still I am trying - but this time unless I am hanging on to the walls or innocent by-standers as I leave the gym I don't feel it's a real workout -

Had a PT session with Will today. It was tough, we did a PHA work out. My arms got to the point of wobbliness and shaking. I think my strength is improving. I was using heavier weights than usual and managed to get through the sets, just - apart from one little misdemeanor!!!
The hour always goes too fast especially when I spend the whole week looking forward to it.


Last night Gorgeous Stu and I went out on the town and had a fun night. We started of with a nice relaxing swim and then went on into town. We got to see a great cabaret act with Drag Queen Sally Vate. As you can see she has adopted me as one of her own!!!! In the past I have had bad experiences of drag queens and have been allergic to them for long time - Sally is lovely and very funny

New and Big Waves

Yesterday I was back on the South coast. My appointment with the Medical Herbalist was at 10 so it was an early train and a cycle ride from Bournemouth to Southbourne. The wind was strong but behind me so it was an easy ride.

The staff were all very friendly and I had a great chat with the 'Herb' man.

2 major points of discussion are Headaches and Osteoarthritis. I know I take to many painkillers and want to significantly reduce them. It is difficult to pin point the cause of the headaches as I have had them since I was a baby. I have done loads of research on them to see if there was another route rather that aspirin. And I have tried lots of different things but with no success.

He prescribed Guarana a herb that may help reduce the need for so much aspirin.

Also we are going to look at Cranial Osteopathy this sounds really interesting as he said a lot of migraines come from misalignment of the cranial bones or vertebrae

After my session with Will and my talk with 'Herb'man I want to everything that I eat to be as natural as possible.

At the moment it seems a bit of maze.

I need to lose sugar from my diet, except naturally occurring sugars in fruit

that's going to be the toughest

Steer clear from wheat based products e.g bread, pasta, some cereals

Bump up magnesium rich foods

I am also keeping off dairy stuff from animals,

but I am more a less vegan anyway so that's not really an issue.

Eat loads of fresh fruit and veg and try and make as much of meals from scratch as possible.

oohhhhhhhhh and exercise properly as prescribed by the guru of fitness.

When we did our session on Thursday it was tough but that's how hard I should be pushing myself so it's time to pull the proverbial finger out!!

There should be a significant change

After my appointment I went down to the sea front to watch the waves. They were really dramatic. There were some young lads swimming in the sea and enjoying the waves. I was a bit jealous, I remembered how, as children, we used to go in the sea in Norfolk with waves like that.

It was hard to get me out of the sea I loved it so much. The waves would take you off your feet and bounce you around. I could hardly catch my breath from laughing so much and swallowing sea water. I used to use my Dad as a diving board and then he would disappear and then a pair of legs would appear from the sea as he demonstrated the under water handstand!!

So it was nice time there remembering Dad.

Mama Mia

Had a really interesting day today.
I went to Bournemouth quite early and cycled to Christchurch for a session with PT Wil. It was a 'cards on the table' session. Wil has paniers on his bike that are a bit like Mary Poppins bag. You never know what is going to come out next. I remember one session we had a bike ride to the top of a big hill. I found it quite challenging but Wil, I didn't realise, had a whole gym in his paniers. He pulled out a mat, a gym ball complete with pump to inflate it, dumb bells, kettle weighs!! Was a little disappointed to see he didn't have a cross trainer in there as well.
Today's surprise, if not a bit shocking was he pulled out amongst everything else a pair of scales.

Can't hide what the scales say. It hasn't been going well. But i have started a new programme which I started this weekend and I am making significant progress.
Had a great chat with Wil and though it wasn't easy to understand why I keep going wrong I have made a real commitment to going forward. I am lucky to have a PT like Wil, who has loads of experience, patience and endurance.
Hopefully will be blogging more to let you all know how it's going.
So brilliant motivation and bloomin' hard work out. Feel like I can achieve goal. Feel like my sparkle is coming back.

I think this is why I have been so hesitant in working on my own PT knowledge and training, I haven't felt that I have been a shining example ....Well that's going to change.

I cycled back to Bournemouth this afternoon to see Gorgeous Stu and we went to see the film Mama Mia. I was a fan of Abba the first time around and can sing most of their songs to the point of embarrassment.
Oh but I loved the film. You have to go and see it. It's such a feel good movie. I felt like it was a big injection of fabulousness.
Stu and I sang our way through it, breaking off every now and then to shed a tear , all in all a really fun movie.
Meryl Streep is amazing and if you want to see Colin Firth in lurex and boas it's the film for you.

PS I want to slim down so I can wear dungarees like Meryl's!!!

Tomorrow I am going to see a medical herbalist to see if we can crack the headaches and maybe relieve my degenerating knees.

Wow it looks like my computer is going to let me blog again.

I'll have to go very carefully!! Incase I upset it again.

I am now established in the sports shop and I am trying to learn about sweet spots and noodles!!
It's great learning new things it's just retaining the info I have a problem with.
I have started on the massage trail.

I have massaged at a number of Triathlons this season already. I just love it!! Even the sandy feet!!
A few weeks ago I helped out at the Forestman run by RACE NEW FOREST. It's an Ironman distance race. 2.9 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride then a full marathon. Some people think they are mad but I am in awe of them, such an achievement.

So I am going to swim the channel. Sounds good eh! But it is the distance of the channel in a swimming pool over 12 weeks for charity. It's a good goal setting task.

I was at the Pier to Pier race last Sunday in Bournemouth I was so inspired that I think I am going to have a go next year.

Me getting into a wet suit is worth a blog of it's own.

Starting a 12 week programme with Wil. Trying to strengthen and tone up the muscles.
It's been quite a battle over the last few weeks.
But when I think about it, who is the battle with. It's really strange to think it's with myself.

So I can either win or lose...think I'll go for winning.....it's more exciting!!!!

Been having a lovely time. Getting more and more confident on the bike. Have ridden twice from Brockenhurst to Bournemouth and I think I might try even further distances one day. But one thing at a time. Trying to get the hang of map reading and the highway code and a certain roundabout in Christchurch.

Had very motivational chat with Will 2 weeks ago and have started a serious campaign to get out of this static slump.

My new job at the sports shop is going really well. Everyone is really friendly and all work hard to make the shop work. Customer service is excellent which I love.

I am getting to know all about cricket bats, tennis racquet's, balls, sports shoes and the famous MBTs.

Last Thursday's session with Will -I met him at the Splash at the bottom of the High St in Brockenhurst and we went for a lovely ride, with a bit of sprint interval training, around the New Forest.

Then I cycled on to Bournemouth. I love cycling that way because I know I will end up by the sea. And I got to spend the afternoon with Gorgeous Stu. But unfortunately I managed to crack his goldfish tank. If I told you how you wouldn't believe me......... sorry Stu!!!

This Sunday is the Salisbury Fast Twitch Triathlon. I have managed to persuade my lovely and not least heroic, nephew David to get up at 5.30 am to drive me there. Looks like it is going to be wet so lots of muddiness I expect. I still love it though.

Had a great day today. Met Will for a session early and I mean early. We cycled from Christchurch to nearly Poole. As you probably know cycling is one of my vices now!! I love it and being by the sea with the Guru of Fitness chatting and laughing is a great start to the day. And the bonus is getting an hour of CV work in. He didn't laugh too much at my cycling helmut!!

I don't know if the lactic acid was setting in but at one point we saw someone walking on the water. Before proclaiming the 'Second Coming' we realised it was someone with floating devices on their feet. Quite cool way of getting around I guess and freaking people out especially if you had someone in a long white dress!!

After that I went to Gorgeous Stu's to go for breakfast with his parents Reg and Maureen. Really lovely relaxing time, great company and a great breakfast. Living it up in Beal's.

Afterwards we went shopping, an activity in the past I used to hate but now I quite enjoy it and even brought some trousers for work and a T shirt (as you can see below, although I do look like I have been recently released from an institution, 'poor girl thinks she's Superman'!!!!) , and an ordinanace survey map for cycling. Not sure why though because when I find out where roads are they always change them around to go to different directions.

Had a fabulous evening last night watching Dr Who behind the sofa, or behind cushions really, with Gorgeous Stu. We both get terribly involved. Love it so much and the special effects are fantastic.


Then up at the crack of dawn for another Triathlon. This time I was marshaling. It's a great atmosphere when all the triathletes come in to wrack their bikes. There is a real buzz and a sense of shock that some to seem to have awoken from a dream and are putting on wet suits. The lake near Ringwood soon puts everything back into reality, quite chilly today I think

It was an Olympic Distance Triathlon. I was dropped in my marshaling place, which was the middle of nowhere... well I learnt it was actually opposite the local Naturist Camp, didn't see anything though!!! Beautiful place I heard a cuckoo for the first time this year and little bunnies skipping across the road. Quite Disneyish.

I was on the run course not too far from the end so I was able to tell them the good news that they were near the end.

Pt Wil was racing and was in the first group, excellent....
This is him just disappearing up the road

I have cycling helmet, lock, lights, fluorescent bands, and saddle. Just cycling tights, shoes, wet suit, snorkel, and wings to get.

Now I have to get used to wearing the helmet really don't like the idea and it needs some adjusting as I feel slightly strangled, but it's better than having scrambled brains.

Went to gym last night and someone was watching the football on the screen. I think Southampton scored, he cheered and fell off the cross trainer and so did I nearly laughing at him.

DETOX REPORT


Detox is going well.
I have put a few of the recipes I am using on HERE
The weight I put on during the flu is begining to shift and I'm feeling so much better.

O.M.G

These are very rare photos. I can't remember why I exposed myself as I used to avoid the camera like the plague. It must have had something to do with being at Art College. But it is history.








Just needed to put this photo in too to remind myself that the above is no longer

Helta Skelta Bike Ride

Following a morning of thunder storms and doing Sun dances on the roof I was determined to go for the long bike ride planned on my programme.
So to kill 2 birds with one stone I had also planned to meet 2 old work colleagues in Stockbridge so I cycled there and back about 18 miles, not too bad for first long ride on Hamish.
Cyclists from this area will know the road really well for it's hills. I only got off twice and fell off once trying to do a hill start!!!
The great thing is with this road's hills is that 'what goes up must come down!'. I free wheeled down some steep hills with one eye open and hoping for the best. But it is the best fun ever the 'rush' is great. I heard Will's words in my ear 'cycling is all about anticipation, anticipating the next move and the next gears'. When I got to nearly the bottom of the hill i put Hamish on a high gear and peddled for all my worth to see if I could get the momentum to get up the other side. Mostly it worked but changing gears going up steep hills is not easy so I got to work that one out.
There were some serious cyclists out in their full gear and I felt quite chuffed when they gave me the nod and acknowledged me as a 'trier'

I got to Stockbridge and was welcomed with French flags. After realising that I hadn't closed my eyes too long and ended up in the Tour De France, I soon took in the smells of the French market.
I walked past rows of stalls selling biscuits, sweets, olives, wierd looking sausages and crepes...... eating my apple!!

I had a lovely time with Susan and Christine and caught up on all their news and shared mine.

I have a new job - after working back in the book shop for a few weeks and having/recovering from the flu, I have been given a job in a sports shop.

If I think 3 years ago, me working in a sports shop or even going in one would have just not been on the cards. How life has changed.
In the middle of updating my story, and it is a great reminder where I have come from but also, now I have so many challenges, opportunities, and ideas for the future.....exciting eh!
It's strange, but recently a lot of photos of me when I was bigger seem to have come to light. I found some from when I was at Uni yesterday and they are horendous. I f I can work it out I'll put them on next post.

Stu sent me this today and it is a good reminder of why I am doing this.
Just need to put this is as well so I don't feel so scared !!
l

Fablass Day

Some days are like a whole holiday stuck into one day. Yesterday was one of those days. I met Wil at Christchurch and we cycled to Saint Catherine's hill. My bike, a bit like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang found it's mountain bike side and off we went.
So exhilarating. Mud, puddles hills up and down (those who know me will know I was in my element) ..fantastic fun the view is spectacular across the Avon Valley. I got stuck in the mud a few times and I found a few new pitches to scream at.
Fresh air in abundance.


Wil admiring the scenery, I think!!



Then all spattered with mud we cycled back into Christchurch. Apparently there is thing called the Highway Code that you are supposed to abide by as a cyclist, so I think I need to do that rather than my creative cycling.Had a brilliant chat about goal setting etc in a coffee bar. Passer by admired our muddy bikes.

After leaving Wil I cycled into Bournemouth, against the wind which was quite a challenge but even more fresh air...just can't get enough. I am quite lucky really.




Then it was off to Gorgeous Stu's for a chat and some healthy food. So great to have time with him cos we laugh a lot.
All in all a Fablass day

Now apparently I have to 'behave for 2 weeks'

Winchester Triathlon

Sunday was the Winchester Fast Twitch Triathlon. My first real massage appointment on my own.
Roger of Concept Sport was already well into organisation mode by the time I had got to Riverside at 6.30 am. The park had been red and white taped and the signs were up.
I had the job of writing numbers on limbs of Triathletes as they came in for registration. They really are a great crowd and we always have loads of fun.

I pitched up my massage bed in the corner which I must practice because it did look a bit like a scene from Laurel and Hardy. I put it on it's side, pulled the legs out and tried to flip it over to stand up, but the legs kept going in all directions.

I learnt quite a few things about how not to do things but it is a learning curve.
I was a bit worried no one would come for a massage and I would come home a bit disillusioned, but luckily that didn't happen.
I went out to watch a bit of the race. Managed to catch Wil as he flew past on his bike. He came first in his categoryWELL DONE WIL



Seem to be feeling the after effects of flu, have not much energy but I know that will change maybe tried to do too much too soon. Yeah you can take that as a confession Stu!!!LOL

DETOX DAY ONE

Why is that when you think of de-tox you wake thinking of custard doughnuts.
Still feeling the after effects, lack of energy and feeling a bit low...so perfect time to do a detox

Sometimes detox plans are so complicated and you have to chew bark from an unpronounceable tree and drink wee. But Will has shown me one from Evolution which looks good although some of the things I have never heard of.

Started off with
early morning drink of hot water and lemon with 1/2 teaspoon of Manuka Honey
Breakfast
Rolled Oats Porridge, soya milk with chopped apple and cinnamon, with a few nuts sprinkled on top.
Good start can cope with that

Had a pear for morning snack

Lunch
Flat bread with tomatoes,leaves, cucumber and humus

Oatcakes for break
Dinner
Tofu and lentil stew fron dinner
Orange and a plum
So far so good the doughnuts have left the front of my mind and are being disolved by hot ginger and lemon tea