On the road to recovery

After a week of a nasty bout of flu, I had my first ful day in the outside world. Thursdays is the day I go to the west, actually Christchurch to see PT Will. Highlight of the week. I wasn't totally 100% today so we had an energetic walk up to the top St Catherines Hill. The views are stunning and you can see over to the Isle of Wight. Great way of getting back into training. It's time to get back to it and I can,t wait.

Going to be including a lot more rowing in the programme and will be progressing with jogging. It's time also to get back in the pool. Going to be looking a bit more closely to the Paeolithic diet.

2010 Here we go

The New Year is well and truly started and I start the year a high at the lowest weight ever 12 stone 10. Have started to include jogging into training. It's bit of a shock to the system but I am loving it.

Another new part of training is rowing which is really hard work and I feel great afterwards!!

Have been working on doing 10k in one go. I started of doing 5 segments, then 3 and last week in 2 with the first part being 8k.

Have signed up to do the Bealieu triathlon in June so going to work hard on that.

Unfortunately this week I've been struck down with real flu. 5 days off work and very little activity. I have lot to catch up with and ground to regain. I am feeling a lot better now so hopefully it won't be long till I'm back on top.

Swimming The Channel

Last year I swam the distance of the channel in the swimming pool,6 weeks for the Charity Aspire.

This year I am going to attempt to do it in one week. It works out at about 3 miles a day. There are going to be some days when swimming time is going to be short so I'll try to wrack some lengths up in the time I've got.

Day 1

Inspired the Ultra Marathon Runner Dean Karnezes and Gertrude the first lady to swim the channel in 1926, I set about my first batch of lengths. Luckily for me I have next tweek off so I can really get stuck in.

The early swim got me a 50 length start. Not to bad

I had some time in the steam room afterwards as I get eally cold quickly. I had to talk myself out into the really rather chilly changing room.

After a trip to town I went back into the pool just before 3. It's only half lanes. So I was swimming quite happily sighting the lane ropes and then they suddenly dissapeared and people started to jump in the pool with their clothes on. The life saving course had begun. Not wanting to set myself up as a sacrifice I moved to the very busy one lane swimming event.

Churned up 80 lengths and that takes me just over the first 2 miles. More tonight

I signed up for the Pier to Pier Swim event at Bournemouth July. Then I saw an advert for The Timex 2 Women’s Only Triathlon at Eton, which looked like a good event to do a first Triathlon attempt. I signed up for that too.

Then 2 weeks ago whilst doing some Open Water training with Will (oh yes, after the 12 weeks were up he agreed to continue train me), he encouraged me to look into doing the Beaulieu Triathlon 15th June. I got really excited and phoned Richard Isles of Race New Forest, he said there were some places free still. I signed up on line. The countdown to my first ever triathlon was on.

I had a peep at some of the timings from last year and came to terms I may not be in the first 200!! For me, it was more a case of just completing not competing. I love OW swimming, cycling but the run bit, I thought was almost impossible. Due to holding all that weight for more than half my life my knees were badly damaged and I have osteoarthritis.

The day of the triathlon came fast. I got to Bucklers Hard, a beautiful part of the New Forest and the start of the race. I got my number written on my leg and arm, so strange it’s normally me doing that job. As I racked my bike I had to pinch myself that it was me doing this Triathlon.

Managed to get my wetsuit on without falling over, (it looks like a kind of reversal to what Harry Houdini does). I waddled and squeaked my way down to the bank of the river. Richard gave a great and reassuring briefing. Just had to watch out not to swallow jellyfish!!

I was in the Red Hat Wave which the last in. It looked like there were quite a few Triathlete virgins in that group. Before I knew it the claxon had gone off. My practised bi-lateral breathing a good crawl stroke went out of the window as I became a cross between a windmill and a dog. It’s strange swimming with people bumping into you. I was surprised how fast the swim went. Only one little panic when I got trapped next to buoy belonging to a boat. So I waited till people has passed and set off again. I made a dramatically ungraceful exit from the river.

Sailed through Transition 1. Found it a bit hard to catch my breath and think I was one of the last ones through. The marshals made me feel like I could have been Chrissie Wellington, they were brilliant, no less enthusiasm for me.

I did the cycle course on my own, (no dander of drafting). The marshals again were all there waiting with cheers and encouragement. Being on my own and in such beautiful surroundings I had to remember I was actually in an event, so I got a move on.

I have to admit I was glad to see the Dismount Marshals. 25k was just enough for me.
As I started the run most people had finished. Yet again a beautiful setting, along the side of the river, mostly shaded with an arch of trees.
I forgot myself again, 3 years of marshalling is a hard habit to break. As I saw a few of the runners coming towards me I stopped and cheered, then remembered again I was doing this too.

There was a welcome drinks station on the run. I did a power walk/hobble. I just wanted to finish.

Towards the end of the run I turned to the final few yards. I thought most people would have gone home to their Sunday dinners. There were a few people having a picnic and gave me a clap as I went past. This was brilliant as I have never had a clap for doing anything sporty. I heard some cheering up by the finishing line. Thought that must be the award ceremony going on. Then it got louder. I saw Will and his family at the finishing line cheering and clapping. I looked to the left and saw about 200 people cheering and giving me a standing ovation. It was like a film.I couldn’t hold the tears. I made it. I may have been last but I was on top of the world.

I would encourage everyone to have a go at a triathlon. If I can do it anyone can.

Training for the Triathlon is gaining momentum. It has been a busy month. Lots of swimming, walking and cycling. At the end of April I went up with a couple of friends to do some massaging at the London Marathon. We were based at the Horse Guards Parade, massaging for the Army Benovolent Fund. We didn't have a lot of massaging to do but it was very interesting to see behind the scenes. We got to see where the horses are kept and the soldiers!!

Triathlon season is up and running again so that's exciting. Especially as I am watching very carefully now to get any tips I can. The Winchester Triathlon was last month which Will did very well in.

I had a lovely walk last week with my friend Helen. We walked from Bournemouth to Hengestbury Head and back, 20k in all. Unfortunately I didn't realise how strong the sun was and got very badly sunburnt. Now it has all pealed off but it was quite sore for quite a while. It was worth it though for the views across the bay were beautiful.

I am eagerly awaiting the delivery of my wet suit this week. It should be quite a challenge to get it on and off quickly. Now I'll be able to get in and do some open water swimming

This is little H on a birthday treat at Marwell zoo.Lots of birthdays this month . Great Nephew Harry 3rd, Nephew David on the 6th and 21st Birthday for Catherine today. Loads of Birthday cake.

Meanwhile on the training front. Have got a plan now from PT Wil and on the way. Doing lots of swimming, cycling and a version of jogging that brings a smile to the official runners on the street.

Next Sunday we are massaging at the Winchester Triathlon. The season is up and running again and it's sooooooo exciting. And I think we have a place in the London Marathon massaging for Army Benevolent Fund. So it's all go

Try Tri Baby

OOOOh look we have gone all Pink. This is in celebration for the fact that I have signed up to do a Triathlon!!!!!!!!!! Not in the sense of a race more for the experience and to raise some money for Breast Cancer Care.
I have 3 months to train and to work out how to get into a wet suit. The date is July 4th at Dorney Lake, Eton. The Timex Women Only Triathlon. I have opted for the Sprint Distance. 400 meter swim, 20 k bike ride, 5k run or walky jog for me!!

So lots of work to do!!!
So watch this space!!

Started today with a 1.5k swim. I only got kicked once by the blessed breast stoke bunch. Really think anybody who has legs longer that 1 meter shouldn't be allowed to do breast stroke in Lane Swimming.

Next part of the day was to do a cycle ride but guess what got to 6 1/2 miles and I got another puncture. So it's off to the bike shop again tomorrow.

Had a gorgeous afternoon with my Mum, Sister and Family walking around the New Forest. It was a beautiful day. Luckily Nephew-in-Law, Paul has a big car and we managed to get my disgraced bike back home

This is Harry exploring the New Forest

2009 and a quarter

It's already a quarter through the year and I haven't blogged yet. This year has already had a lot of ups and downs but on the up now.

Was knocked off target a bit through losing focus over the last 4 months. Instead of going through all the ins and outs let's start the New Year now.

Last week I cycled from Winchester to Bournemouth for Comic Relief. I love going on long distance rides but I'm never quite prepared for things going wrong.

My route took me via Romsey, Ower, Copythorne, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, New Milton, Christchurch and Bournemouth.

At Brockenhurst I stopped off to have a chat on the Charlie Crocker Show on Radio Solent. Unfortunately the next time I spoke to her was in Christchurch with a flat tyre. I am all out for equal rights etc.... but when it comes to mending tyres that's boys work. Charlie put out a plea on the radio for any young good looking lads that might be carrying a puncture repair kit with them to come to my aid....but alas no one turned up so I walked the rest of the way. And actually it was a great relief to get off the saddle for a while ! Great day loved it

Now it would seem that my life should have the Rocky Theme Tune, 'Eye of the Tiger' playing in the background as I start a big push to get fitter and move on. I need to regain territory lost and go even further. It's the best thing to be fit and feel confident. Hiding and comfort eating is horrible. So it's get up and go time.

Still being trained by the ever patient Will. Who, incidentally is training for Ironman, Austria read all about it here and sponsor him if you can.

http://www.justgiving.com/willnewbery

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.