Not a work day for me today so after much deliberation decided to go to aquafit (well not that much deliberation).
Fairly busy with the over 50's today (what am I saying I am over 50 now too).
Made sure I worked as hard as I could despite feeling slightly annoyed by the people who take the foam 'weights' and wave them in the air (It's not my problem, it's them that are losing out on the exercise).
Afterwards I had a good chat with Chris and then went and did 32 lengths of swimming which is half a mile in that pool. I did it in 20 minutes 30 seconds.
Showing posts with label swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swimming. Show all posts
Friday, 3 February 2012
Friday, 13 January 2012
January 11th
Not working today so was a bit undecided what to do. I eventually decided to go to aquafit at lunchtime. It was cool in the water today but I got to work and soon warmed up. I noticed Chris using a few new moves! I enjoyed it today.
Then, after a chat with Chris I went for a swim. The lanes area was reasonably busy but I managed to find myself a space and do 32 lengths (half a mile)in 20 and half minutes which is 30 seconds faster than last week.
Then, after a chat with Chris I went for a swim. The lanes area was reasonably busy but I managed to find myself a space and do 32 lengths (half a mile)in 20 and half minutes which is 30 seconds faster than last week.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
January 4th
Well, fired up with enthusiasm today.
The weather was not pleasant at all, blowing a hoolie and the sort of rain that really gets you wet. I didn't hang about playing ball with the dogs today. We went on a walk and more or less kept walking. It wasn't weather for hanging about. We were out for 35 minutes and it wasn't pleasant but got us all exercised.
Then I got changed and went to Aquafit at Richard Dunn Sport Centre. Blimey, I thought Chris, our intructor, had been on boot camp training. It was hard work!
After a bit of a chat with Chris I went and swum 32 lengths ie half a mile in 21 minutes.
That's not a bad start to my campaign. I was really good with my diet as well.
The weather was not pleasant at all, blowing a hoolie and the sort of rain that really gets you wet. I didn't hang about playing ball with the dogs today. We went on a walk and more or less kept walking. It wasn't weather for hanging about. We were out for 35 minutes and it wasn't pleasant but got us all exercised.
Then I got changed and went to Aquafit at Richard Dunn Sport Centre. Blimey, I thought Chris, our intructor, had been on boot camp training. It was hard work!
After a bit of a chat with Chris I went and swum 32 lengths ie half a mile in 21 minutes.
That's not a bad start to my campaign. I was really good with my diet as well.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
1st June
Well I have managed to sleep the whole of May it seems as my blog hasn't a single entry for May.
Anyway, I am doing a Juneathon which is like the Janathon I did in er, January and I will be trying to do some form of exercise every day in June.
Blogs are always better if you can add photos as the pictures illustrate the words and the words bring the pictures to life. However my camera has decided to pack in so I apologise for lack of photos. (Stop press I did manage to take a few of the Whitewater course on my phone so have now added them)
As it is school holidays, my daughter Isobel and I decided to go to the Lido in Ilkley. It wasn't a particularly warm day and when we got there there didn't seem to be many cars in the car park. Ha, must remember to check opening times before setting off. It didn't open until 11.30 so with an hour to kill we went into Ilkley town centre then returned at a more appropriate time. By this time it was a mixture of sunny and overcast and there was a total of three hardy souls in the lido. Not a wonder to be honest. I got in and paddled ankle deep and quickly got out again, repeat twice! Then I got braver and went to thigh deep, then bit by bit I managed to go deeper but when I tried to swim it took my breath away. Then I realised we had paid quite a bit of money to torture ourselves, perverse!
It took Isobel a bit longer to freeze her assets but we eventually ran up and down waist deep for a couple of lengths and then I started swimming. Once acclimatised I got into the lengths area which by now was empty and I did 10 lengths. Isobel wouldn't swim so was getting bored on her own so we chased each other around the pool for a while then got out and had a lovely warm shower.
We then went into Otley and got some lunch. Isobel had been getting texts from some lads she knows through canoeing. They were up at Washburn which is about 7 miles from Otley. It's just below a reservoir and various groups can pay for the reservoir to release water for a guaranteed whitewater course. Our canoe club will be doing it next weekend. So I said we would go up to see them. The lads were surprised and delighted that she turned up (she seems to be a bit of a siren at the moment so they are like moths to a flame.
She walked the full length of the water course with one of the guys and got a lift back up. So I walked most of the course and walked back again, this took me about an hour so I reckon about three miles in all.
The lads asked her to go down the whitewater course on the raft but she refused at first although she has done it many times before. Eventually she agreed and borrowed the gear, rash vest, wetsuit, wet boots, b.a. and helmet from various people and off she went.
After what seemed like an age she returned in the van. In the meantime I had read the local paper from front to back, read the supplement, attempted the crossword, read a magazine and had been for a coffee. She then announced she was going down again. I love it when she does these things but I was envious as I had no gear.
Someone from our canoe club arrived and he asked me to go down the course in the raft but I had to decline due to no gear. I'm a big lass so it was doubtful anyone would have any spare gear that would fit me. I would have so loved to have had the opportunity.
So after another eternity had passed Isobel arrived back. We eventually got home at 8.30pm.
Anyway, I am doing a Juneathon which is like the Janathon I did in er, January and I will be trying to do some form of exercise every day in June.
Blogs are always better if you can add photos as the pictures illustrate the words and the words bring the pictures to life. However my camera has decided to pack in so I apologise for lack of photos. (Stop press I did manage to take a few of the Whitewater course on my phone so have now added them)
As it is school holidays, my daughter Isobel and I decided to go to the Lido in Ilkley. It wasn't a particularly warm day and when we got there there didn't seem to be many cars in the car park. Ha, must remember to check opening times before setting off. It didn't open until 11.30 so with an hour to kill we went into Ilkley town centre then returned at a more appropriate time. By this time it was a mixture of sunny and overcast and there was a total of three hardy souls in the lido. Not a wonder to be honest. I got in and paddled ankle deep and quickly got out again, repeat twice! Then I got braver and went to thigh deep, then bit by bit I managed to go deeper but when I tried to swim it took my breath away. Then I realised we had paid quite a bit of money to torture ourselves, perverse!
It took Isobel a bit longer to freeze her assets but we eventually ran up and down waist deep for a couple of lengths and then I started swimming. Once acclimatised I got into the lengths area which by now was empty and I did 10 lengths. Isobel wouldn't swim so was getting bored on her own so we chased each other around the pool for a while then got out and had a lovely warm shower.
We then went into Otley and got some lunch. Isobel had been getting texts from some lads she knows through canoeing. They were up at Washburn which is about 7 miles from Otley. It's just below a reservoir and various groups can pay for the reservoir to release water for a guaranteed whitewater course. Our canoe club will be doing it next weekend. So I said we would go up to see them. The lads were surprised and delighted that she turned up (she seems to be a bit of a siren at the moment so they are like moths to a flame.
She walked the full length of the water course with one of the guys and got a lift back up. So I walked most of the course and walked back again, this took me about an hour so I reckon about three miles in all.
The lads asked her to go down the whitewater course on the raft but she refused at first although she has done it many times before. Eventually she agreed and borrowed the gear, rash vest, wetsuit, wet boots, b.a. and helmet from various people and off she went.
After what seemed like an age she returned in the van. In the meantime I had read the local paper from front to back, read the supplement, attempted the crossword, read a magazine and had been for a coffee. She then announced she was going down again. I love it when she does these things but I was envious as I had no gear.
Someone from our canoe club arrived and he asked me to go down the course in the raft but I had to decline due to no gear. I'm a big lass so it was doubtful anyone would have any spare gear that would fit me. I would have so loved to have had the opportunity.
So after another eternity had passed Isobel arrived back. We eventually got home at 8.30pm.
Friday, 11 March 2011
Lent day 2
Yesterday I got those 'do I want to go swimming' feelings. Why do I feel like that. I always have. I enjoy any of the things I do when I get there but I do so easily talk myself out of it. I've never understood why. Probably my basic laziness.
Anyway I didn't talk myself out of it and went along to Spenborough Pool. Thankfully it wasn't very busy at lunchtime and there were only two other people in the fast lane.
I did 50 lengths in 43 minutes (there are 48 lengths to a mile at this pool) so I was pleased with that. I also included one length of back crawl and one length of front crawl in that. Front crawl is definitely not a strength for me and I do not feel confident doing it but I didn't drown so must be doing something nearly right.
After a pleasant hour or two wondering around the nearby town's charity shops I came home and had something to eat. By that time I was starving.
In the evening I went to my usual circuit training class. This class has always been small but I don't know why as the instructor, who is also a friend, is excellent. She is very knowledgeable and is willing to help you if you have any problems at all. Last week there were 9 of us which is almost unheard of for a long, long time. This week there were only 4 probably due to the heavy winds, rain and hail. Who can blame anyone staying at home in that lot.
Anyway an hour of circuits done and dusted. Roll on Friday.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Much more positive
Right, have to pull my socks up and get back to it or I won't have lost any weight by the time it is my big 5-0 in July.
Took a healthy lunch with me today but had a slight mishap with a couple of biscuits, Someone had bought some and left them in a tin with the lid off right next to my desk!!!
Never mind it was a hiccup and nothing more.
Got home from work early and decided that I was going to do something tonight. Swimming was the name of the game. I asked Peter if he fancied going and he reluctantly, at first, said yes. So off we went.
It's never busy at this pool so there were three in my lane and two in Peter's lane. I did intervals starting with four lengths of breaststroke and then two each of just breatstroke arms, just breaststroke legs, just front crawl arms and just front crawl legs interspersed with 2 lengths of breaststroke between each different discipline.
66 lengths done and dusted for me in approx 45 minutes (clock has disappeared from the poolside so it was only a guess). Pleased with that.
Took a healthy lunch with me today but had a slight mishap with a couple of biscuits, Someone had bought some and left them in a tin with the lid off right next to my desk!!!
Never mind it was a hiccup and nothing more.
Got home from work early and decided that I was going to do something tonight. Swimming was the name of the game. I asked Peter if he fancied going and he reluctantly, at first, said yes. So off we went.
It's never busy at this pool so there were three in my lane and two in Peter's lane. I did intervals starting with four lengths of breaststroke and then two each of just breatstroke arms, just breaststroke legs, just front crawl arms and just front crawl legs interspersed with 2 lengths of breaststroke between each different discipline.
66 lengths done and dusted for me in approx 45 minutes (clock has disappeared from the poolside so it was only a guess). Pleased with that.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Day Twenty Seven. More water
Got to Spenborough Pool today a little earlier than last week but not much. By the time I got in the water I had 41 minutes left so literally plunged straight in to the swimming.
There were two other guys in the fast lane who were front crawlers but we never got in each other's way. Part of the way through my lengths both guys got out and left me to it.
One way of keeping me from getting bored is to play with numbers in my head. I usually decide how many lengths I am going to do based on what time I have got but I tend to go for a realistic figure that I know I can achieve. I then play about in various ways the numbers, fractions, percentages etc depending on whereabouts in the sum of lengths I am.
The other thing I use in my swim is other people! I love it when there is someone in the same lane or the next one who is either slightly slower than I am or slightly faster.
If they are slower than I am then I work out where I will pass them again and try to beat that target. If they are faster then I work out where they will pass me and try to make it a bit further. This all helps to stop me from slacking the pace.
Anyway I managed to do a 48 lengths (a mile) in 41 minutes so I was quite pleased with that.
This evening is usually my circuits night but I got a text yesterday saying that my instructor's mum had died. After a few enquiries I got confirmation that class was off tonight so Peter and I went to see a preview of a new film called 'The Fighter' about boxing. (can that be counted as we were theoretically training with the boxers??).
There were two other guys in the fast lane who were front crawlers but we never got in each other's way. Part of the way through my lengths both guys got out and left me to it.
One way of keeping me from getting bored is to play with numbers in my head. I usually decide how many lengths I am going to do based on what time I have got but I tend to go for a realistic figure that I know I can achieve. I then play about in various ways the numbers, fractions, percentages etc depending on whereabouts in the sum of lengths I am.
The other thing I use in my swim is other people! I love it when there is someone in the same lane or the next one who is either slightly slower than I am or slightly faster.
If they are slower than I am then I work out where I will pass them again and try to beat that target. If they are faster then I work out where they will pass me and try to make it a bit further. This all helps to stop me from slacking the pace.
Anyway I managed to do a 48 lengths (a mile) in 41 minutes so I was quite pleased with that.
This evening is usually my circuits night but I got a text yesterday saying that my instructor's mum had died. After a few enquiries I got confirmation that class was off tonight so Peter and I went to see a preview of a new film called 'The Fighter' about boxing. (can that be counted as we were theoretically training with the boxers??).
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Day Twenty Six, All that water and still thirsty.
I work every other Wednesday so can only get to Aquarobics on the Wednesdays I don't work. Today was one of those days thankfully.
I did the Aquarobics but I am still amused by the people who use the foam 'weights' but wave them about in the air or float them on the surface of the water rather than trying to get them under the water. I'd overheard two women collecting the weights and one said 'the bigger ones make it harder don't they' so they took the big weights and only used to steady themselves in the water!
After the Aqua I was talking to my friend Chris, who is the instructor. We chatted about all kinds of things and it is amazing how fast an hour can pass with me in the water and her on the side of the pool.
Eventually though I went over to the lengths part of the pool and proceeded to do 30 lengths in 21 minutes. I then did another two and then a last one of front crawl. Then I asked the attendant how many lengths in a mile here. The reply was 64 so it is a 25m pool. So I had done just over half a mile. Cool!
I did the Aquarobics but I am still amused by the people who use the foam 'weights' but wave them about in the air or float them on the surface of the water rather than trying to get them under the water. I'd overheard two women collecting the weights and one said 'the bigger ones make it harder don't they' so they took the big weights and only used to steady themselves in the water!
After the Aqua I was talking to my friend Chris, who is the instructor. We chatted about all kinds of things and it is amazing how fast an hour can pass with me in the water and her on the side of the pool.
Eventually though I went over to the lengths part of the pool and proceeded to do 30 lengths in 21 minutes. I then did another two and then a last one of front crawl. Then I asked the attendant how many lengths in a mile here. The reply was 64 so it is a 25m pool. So I had done just over half a mile. Cool!
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Day Twenty, Some Good News, Some Bad News
I have been coughing all night on and off but still don't feel 'ill'. It's not a chesty cough just a sore, tickly throat.
Today was swimming day and I nearly talked myself out of going. Did I feel like going? What if I coughed too much in the water? Did I have a headache coming on? etc. BUT I went, later than I normally do but I went. I did 36 lengths (three quarters of a mile)in 32 minutes. So it wasn't a washout after all.
This evening I also went circuit training. My legs felt heavy while running around the room but not too bad other than that.
The bad news is that my sister in law is being taken off the life support machines and drugs and isn't expected to last through the weekend. In fact the latest telephone call said that she is unlikely to survive tomorrow. Depending on the news in the morning we will be going across to the hospital to say goodbye to a beautiful 46 year old woman, a wife, a mother, a sister and a daughter!
Today was swimming day and I nearly talked myself out of going. Did I feel like going? What if I coughed too much in the water? Did I have a headache coming on? etc. BUT I went, later than I normally do but I went. I did 36 lengths (three quarters of a mile)in 32 minutes. So it wasn't a washout after all.
This evening I also went circuit training. My legs felt heavy while running around the room but not too bad other than that.
The bad news is that my sister in law is being taken off the life support machines and drugs and isn't expected to last through the weekend. In fact the latest telephone call said that she is unlikely to survive tomorrow. Depending on the news in the morning we will be going across to the hospital to say goodbye to a beautiful 46 year old woman, a wife, a mother, a sister and a daughter!
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Day 13, A bit of variety
Went swimming at lunchtime at Spenborough which is a 33m pool. It was unusually quiet in the pool today and only one person in the fast lane so i got in there. I like it when someone else is either slightly faster than me or slightly slower. If they are faster I try to keep up or to stop them catching me up. If they are slower I try to pass them or not let them catch me. As it happens the bloke that was already in the lane was slightly faster than I was. This always stops me getting bored just counting lengths. I managed 72 (a mile and a half) in 63 minutes. I finished tired but happy.
This evening I went circuit training. My buddy wasn't there tonight as she is ill so as there was an odd number of us I opted to train on my own. This isn't a problem until I come to the boxercise part and you need a partner. Thankfully Chris, the instructor, said she would do that bit with me. It was a warmer night so by the time we were doing cool down stretches I was pouring with sweat. Shows I was working at least.
This evening I went circuit training. My buddy wasn't there tonight as she is ill so as there was an odd number of us I opted to train on my own. This isn't a problem until I come to the boxercise part and you need a partner. Thankfully Chris, the instructor, said she would do that bit with me. It was a warmer night so by the time we were doing cool down stretches I was pouring with sweat. Shows I was working at least.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Day Twelve, A Better Day
After a better night's sleep I got up this morning with more vim and vigour (what the heck is VIM apart from a household cleaner?
I decided to go and find out if Boots were having there now legendary 75% off sale. It soon became apparent it wasn't today. Thank goodness it wasn't really as I discovered I had left my purse at home in my jacket pocket.
Around lunchtime I went to the local leisure centre to do aquafit. The instructor is the same one who does my circuit training and someone whose family I have known since childhood. She is lovely, and so helpful if you need to know anything about exercise she is always willing to help.
It always makes me laugh though going to aquafit on a lunchtime means there are quite a few older ladies and when Chris tells us to use the foam 'weights' they wave them around in the air rather than pushing them under the water. Still at least they are doing some exercise instead of sitting in front of the TV.
After 45 minutes of that I took off to the other side of this very odd shaped pool where there is a straight area where you can do proper lengths. I've never found out how long these lengths are but I did 30 in about 22 minutes. Thankfully it wasn't very busy so there wasn't any weaving in and out of other people.
I decided to go and find out if Boots were having there now legendary 75% off sale. It soon became apparent it wasn't today. Thank goodness it wasn't really as I discovered I had left my purse at home in my jacket pocket.
Around lunchtime I went to the local leisure centre to do aquafit. The instructor is the same one who does my circuit training and someone whose family I have known since childhood. She is lovely, and so helpful if you need to know anything about exercise she is always willing to help.
It always makes me laugh though going to aquafit on a lunchtime means there are quite a few older ladies and when Chris tells us to use the foam 'weights' they wave them around in the air rather than pushing them under the water. Still at least they are doing some exercise instead of sitting in front of the TV.
After 45 minutes of that I took off to the other side of this very odd shaped pool where there is a straight area where you can do proper lengths. I've never found out how long these lengths are but I did 30 in about 22 minutes. Thankfully it wasn't very busy so there wasn't any weaving in and out of other people.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Day Six, Time For A Change
After running 4 out of five days so far I thought it was time to do something different today.
The day started with a dog walk. We went across to our local moor and threw the ball about for a little while. Once the excess energy was out of Bear's system we walked down to the second moor and threw the ball about some more. My right arm should resemble Popeye's after all that ball throwing. We walked about 2 miles in all after this. Very pleasant walk but it was threatening to rain.
I got back home, grabbed my swimming gear and headed back out of the door. Haven't been swimming for about two months so didn't want to do too much so aimed for 50 lengths of a 33m pool. There were already three people in the fast lane and only one in the next lane so I went for the second lane. Managed to do 50 lengths of breaststroke in 46 minutes.
The afternoon was spent with my partner up at the local hospital as he had an appointment there regarding his eyes. After loads of tests he has to go back toorrow to for a CT scan. It's something to do with blood pressure in his eyes.
Anyway to finish the day off I went back to my circuit training class. Five of us there tonight. Put quite a bit of effort into the exercises and felt good but tired by now. Part of the circuit is boxercise exercises and that really makes me puff and pant.
Anyway I feel justified in not running today as I did quite a lot anyway.
The day started with a dog walk. We went across to our local moor and threw the ball about for a little while. Once the excess energy was out of Bear's system we walked down to the second moor and threw the ball about some more. My right arm should resemble Popeye's after all that ball throwing. We walked about 2 miles in all after this. Very pleasant walk but it was threatening to rain.
I got back home, grabbed my swimming gear and headed back out of the door. Haven't been swimming for about two months so didn't want to do too much so aimed for 50 lengths of a 33m pool. There were already three people in the fast lane and only one in the next lane so I went for the second lane. Managed to do 50 lengths of breaststroke in 46 minutes.
The afternoon was spent with my partner up at the local hospital as he had an appointment there regarding his eyes. After loads of tests he has to go back toorrow to for a CT scan. It's something to do with blood pressure in his eyes.
Anyway to finish the day off I went back to my circuit training class. Five of us there tonight. Put quite a bit of effort into the exercises and felt good but tired by now. Part of the circuit is boxercise exercises and that really makes me puff and pant.
Anyway I feel justified in not running today as I did quite a lot anyway.
Friday, 22 October 2010
Down a few more pounds
Time soon passes on and yet again I have been remiss with my blog.
I have been busy doing things. Walking, aquafit, swimming etc and despite being tempted umpteen times I have only been a tiny bit naughty once.
Last Thursday I made a chocolate cake for my friend Gemma's birthday. I managed to not lick the bowl. Isobel filled it with Jam and topped it with chocolate and hazelnut spread, then decorated it with chocolate buttons and glitter. All of which I didn't succumb to either while making it or after Gemma cut it. However the remainder of the chocolate spread was in the fridge, OPEN! Oh dear. Thank goodness there wasn't much in it.
Friday morning, the dogs and I had a really good walk up the Spen Valley Greenway. We went up the Greenway playing with the ball and walking at a fairly relaxed normal place. It took us 55 minutes in all. I decided the return journey was going to be different. We stepped up the pace and didn't mess about and it only took us 35 minutes.
Steps on the Greenway
A view from a tunnel on the Greenway
I lost another three pounds in the second week of the Octoberthon so 8lbs in total.
Sunday I was at Derby comping day so we decided to stop at the hotel in Mickleover overnight. When we got there we all decided to go use the swimming pool. Small but okay with a jacuzzi and steam and sauna rooms. Did a bit of swimming but I had developed a dodgy knee the night before so I didn't do too much. Went in the jacuzzi and steam room too and then rejoined Claire.
Later we went for a meal in the restaurant. It was a full three course job but once again I exercised restraint although I did have a small pudding of pear and rice pudding.
View from the hotel window on Sunday morning
Sunday was the first day that I didn't do any exercise as it was the comping day. A lot of sitting down done today. However my halo is intact despite there being two packs of biscuits on the table I didn't have any. At lunch there was cake on the table, Claire, my friend had mine. Then during the afternoon, chocolate cake, carrot cake and fruit cake all appeared but I firmly turned them down. Claire had mine again.
This week I haven't done much exercise and I am feeling like my resolve is weakening. I walked to and from the car on Monday and Tuesday. Had a good long walk with the dogs to Drighlington and back on Wednesday and a nice walk on Thursday with them.
Thursday night though we went out for a meal from work. We went to the Aakash in Cleckheaton where it is a buffet meal. I asked if I could have a straight meal instead and they agreed. I didn't have a starter, extras or pudding.
I have been busy doing things. Walking, aquafit, swimming etc and despite being tempted umpteen times I have only been a tiny bit naughty once.
Last Thursday I made a chocolate cake for my friend Gemma's birthday. I managed to not lick the bowl. Isobel filled it with Jam and topped it with chocolate and hazelnut spread, then decorated it with chocolate buttons and glitter. All of which I didn't succumb to either while making it or after Gemma cut it. However the remainder of the chocolate spread was in the fridge, OPEN! Oh dear. Thank goodness there wasn't much in it.
Friday morning, the dogs and I had a really good walk up the Spen Valley Greenway. We went up the Greenway playing with the ball and walking at a fairly relaxed normal place. It took us 55 minutes in all. I decided the return journey was going to be different. We stepped up the pace and didn't mess about and it only took us 35 minutes.
Steps on the Greenway
A view from a tunnel on the Greenway
I lost another three pounds in the second week of the Octoberthon so 8lbs in total.
Sunday I was at Derby comping day so we decided to stop at the hotel in Mickleover overnight. When we got there we all decided to go use the swimming pool. Small but okay with a jacuzzi and steam and sauna rooms. Did a bit of swimming but I had developed a dodgy knee the night before so I didn't do too much. Went in the jacuzzi and steam room too and then rejoined Claire.
Later we went for a meal in the restaurant. It was a full three course job but once again I exercised restraint although I did have a small pudding of pear and rice pudding.
View from the hotel window on Sunday morning
Sunday was the first day that I didn't do any exercise as it was the comping day. A lot of sitting down done today. However my halo is intact despite there being two packs of biscuits on the table I didn't have any. At lunch there was cake on the table, Claire, my friend had mine. Then during the afternoon, chocolate cake, carrot cake and fruit cake all appeared but I firmly turned them down. Claire had mine again.
This week I haven't done much exercise and I am feeling like my resolve is weakening. I walked to and from the car on Monday and Tuesday. Had a good long walk with the dogs to Drighlington and back on Wednesday and a nice walk on Thursday with them.
Thursday night though we went out for a meal from work. We went to the Aakash in Cleckheaton where it is a buffet meal. I asked if I could have a straight meal instead and they agreed. I didn't have a starter, extras or pudding.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Jane Tomlinson - Leeds 10k Run For All
Saturday 26th June
I've missed a week and can't remember everything I have done in that time.
Not really a testing time today except of nerves. There was an event in a local park called Cyclefest and I volunteered to help out with the Disabled Cycling Club. However three days before I got an email from Richard who did the German cycle ride with me. He was going in fancy dress as Daddy Bear and using one of the cycles from the cycling club to tow Mummy and Baby Bear (who were teddies by the way) but he wanted a Goldilocks. Yours truly stepped up to the mark.
Short white broderie anglaise dress bought and dyed bright yellow. Long blonde wig with an oversized yellow bow on top. White pumps and white ankle socks. Got some funny looks as I stepped out of the van in the park!
Francine and Malcolm dressed in their Christmas outfits and Richard and I dressed in our ensemble then left the park on our bikes and cycled into town. Two drunks sat on a wall wondered what was in their drink, thank goodness we weren't pink elephants!
We met up with lots of other cyclists in Centenary Square none of whom were in fancy dress but plenty of familiar faces. We then had a Police escort on bikes out of town and back up to the park.. There must have been 40 to 50 of us altogether.
We travelled slowly for the benefit of the less abled and children. So I was waving my wooden spoon at people on buses and shouting 'morning, have you had your porridge?' to anyone we passed. There were a lot of smiles around even in the traffic queues.
We cycled back into the park where lots of stalls were now in evidence and the Cyclefest began. What a great day!
When I left there I came home got myself sorted out, picked up the dogs and went up to Sleningford to join Peter and Isobel (and Isobel's friend , Leah) for the family weekend with the canoe club.
Sunday 27th June
Got up and had a fairly easy morning. The girls were up and in the water pretty early and out again before we got in. We hadn't taken a canoe up as there wasn't much water in the river and Peter's back has been really off again. We did take an inflatable dinghy though so we messed about in that. Some of the club did come down from The Hole to the bottom of the campsite but it wasn't easy as there was more rocks than water.
We went up to the hole with the dinghy but both of us in it made it too heavy and every rock could be felt through the bottom of the boat. Peter did The Hole and I walked down the side of the river which is harder than you think. Further down I took the boat over the last couple of little weirs but bruised my shins on the rocks.
We stayed on the campsite until about 3ish as we knew England was playing in the World Cup so the roads would be quiet! (They lost to Germany 4-1, silly buggers).
Thursday 1st July
Was up early and took the dogs out for a walk at about 6.30am. It's nice at that time as there aren't many people and, more importantly, very few dogs about.
At lunchtime I went swimming and managed 72 lengths (1.5 miles) in 61 minutes. Not bad for a person who does breast stroke and not crawl. I am thinking of doing some lessons to learn to crawl poroperly though.
Evening I went circuit training and took Liz a cycle helmet, drinks bottle and puncture repair outfit that I had blagged from the Cyclefest. She was chuffed to bits.
Friday 2nd July
This morning I had arranged to go cycling with Liz. Went over to her house as she is close to the Leeds Liverpool canal. We joined the canal at Crossflatts, Bingley and set off gently. She complained her backside was aching. I thought the seat was way too low but my allen keys didn't fit. We stopped off at Ellis Briggs cycle shop which is right alongside the canal. He raised it for her and then I he said the seat wasn't suitable for her as it was a man's seat. I suggested she looked at what was on offer and she found one she liked and bought it and got it fitted.
We carried on down the canalside spotting ducks with ducklings, a family of swans and some geese and their goslings. There was also a cheeky squirrel on the towpath.
We got to just under the 7 mile mark and to another set of locks so we decided to use that as a marker and a turnaround point. Liz seemed to be enjoying herself although she did tend to go really slow or speed up and brag that she was ahead of me!
We got back to Liz's house a tad under 14 miles after having to negotiate our way around a family of swans whose dad was a little aggressive and protective. So we cycled round the block to make it 14.1 miles in total.
Saturday 3rd July
Was up early again and out with the dogs. After the usual playing on the moor to get rid of some of their excess energy we carried on for a proper walk. Across fields they both raced after the bunnies. They would come back to check I was still about then chase more bunnies. Thankfully neither of them are fast enough to catch them but it does give them some good exercise. We were out about 1.5 hours in all. The dogs were shattered for the rest of the day.
Isobel is away at Guide camo so Peter and I weren't sure what we were going to do today but he suggested we look at an event called Cliffhanger that was advertised on the radio. We decided to go to Sheffield to this.
First thing we saw as we arrived was Robin Hood Water Sports and someone we knew from the canoe club. After a short chat we set off round the events. There was a bouldering competition (climbing without ropes) going on and various cycling exhibitions. Lots of stalls and some fun stuff like having a go at learning to ride a unicycle and zip wires. We enjoyed the event.
Then we had a wander around Decathlon (a very big and comprehensive sports shop) and I bought a very bright yellow cycling type top in the biggest size possible. Good day.
Sunday 4th July
Up early again (this is getting to be a habit) and out for a walk with the dogs by 6.30am. Cooler and more overcast today thankfully as I am doing the Jane Tomlinson 10k run today in Leeds.
Got there on time and we were soon herded round to the start. Grabbed a bottle of Gatorade to help me along the way. Couldn't hear what was being said on the tannoys and stage so had a chat to a lady who was also on her own. Then things started moving and we were off.
Set off steadily and ran for the first 15 minutes. Then moved to doing what I had planned r3/w1. This seemed to work well and although it was warm I didn't feel too bad. Just before the halfway point I saw a girl holding her arm and bending forward, she went straight to the first aider. Hope she was okay.
Just after the turnaround point there was another Gatorade station but I don't know why they give it to you in cups here. How can you carry on running and drink the darned stuff. I poured mine into my empty bottle and carried on. The r/w was working well for me until the last 2k. Then it started getting a bit muddled so I tried r2/w1, r2/w2 and r1/w1 until i knew I was on the downward home straight. I still didn't feel too bad. Right in front of me nearly at the finish was a blind runner roped to a sighted runner. Unfortunately he tripped on the finish mat and fell quite heavily right in front of me. If I'd been any closer I would have gone over them.
Anyway my finish was 1.14.05 which is about six minutes faster than last year.
I've missed a week and can't remember everything I have done in that time.
Not really a testing time today except of nerves. There was an event in a local park called Cyclefest and I volunteered to help out with the Disabled Cycling Club. However three days before I got an email from Richard who did the German cycle ride with me. He was going in fancy dress as Daddy Bear and using one of the cycles from the cycling club to tow Mummy and Baby Bear (who were teddies by the way) but he wanted a Goldilocks. Yours truly stepped up to the mark.
Short white broderie anglaise dress bought and dyed bright yellow. Long blonde wig with an oversized yellow bow on top. White pumps and white ankle socks. Got some funny looks as I stepped out of the van in the park!
Francine and Malcolm dressed in their Christmas outfits and Richard and I dressed in our ensemble then left the park on our bikes and cycled into town. Two drunks sat on a wall wondered what was in their drink, thank goodness we weren't pink elephants!
We met up with lots of other cyclists in Centenary Square none of whom were in fancy dress but plenty of familiar faces. We then had a Police escort on bikes out of town and back up to the park.. There must have been 40 to 50 of us altogether.
We travelled slowly for the benefit of the less abled and children. So I was waving my wooden spoon at people on buses and shouting 'morning, have you had your porridge?' to anyone we passed. There were a lot of smiles around even in the traffic queues.
We cycled back into the park where lots of stalls were now in evidence and the Cyclefest began. What a great day!
When I left there I came home got myself sorted out, picked up the dogs and went up to Sleningford to join Peter and Isobel (and Isobel's friend , Leah) for the family weekend with the canoe club.
Sunday 27th June
Got up and had a fairly easy morning. The girls were up and in the water pretty early and out again before we got in. We hadn't taken a canoe up as there wasn't much water in the river and Peter's back has been really off again. We did take an inflatable dinghy though so we messed about in that. Some of the club did come down from The Hole to the bottom of the campsite but it wasn't easy as there was more rocks than water.
We went up to the hole with the dinghy but both of us in it made it too heavy and every rock could be felt through the bottom of the boat. Peter did The Hole and I walked down the side of the river which is harder than you think. Further down I took the boat over the last couple of little weirs but bruised my shins on the rocks.
We stayed on the campsite until about 3ish as we knew England was playing in the World Cup so the roads would be quiet! (They lost to Germany 4-1, silly buggers).
Thursday 1st July
Was up early and took the dogs out for a walk at about 6.30am. It's nice at that time as there aren't many people and, more importantly, very few dogs about.
At lunchtime I went swimming and managed 72 lengths (1.5 miles) in 61 minutes. Not bad for a person who does breast stroke and not crawl. I am thinking of doing some lessons to learn to crawl poroperly though.
Evening I went circuit training and took Liz a cycle helmet, drinks bottle and puncture repair outfit that I had blagged from the Cyclefest. She was chuffed to bits.
Friday 2nd July
This morning I had arranged to go cycling with Liz. Went over to her house as she is close to the Leeds Liverpool canal. We joined the canal at Crossflatts, Bingley and set off gently. She complained her backside was aching. I thought the seat was way too low but my allen keys didn't fit. We stopped off at Ellis Briggs cycle shop which is right alongside the canal. He raised it for her and then I he said the seat wasn't suitable for her as it was a man's seat. I suggested she looked at what was on offer and she found one she liked and bought it and got it fitted.
We carried on down the canalside spotting ducks with ducklings, a family of swans and some geese and their goslings. There was also a cheeky squirrel on the towpath.
We got to just under the 7 mile mark and to another set of locks so we decided to use that as a marker and a turnaround point. Liz seemed to be enjoying herself although she did tend to go really slow or speed up and brag that she was ahead of me!
We got back to Liz's house a tad under 14 miles after having to negotiate our way around a family of swans whose dad was a little aggressive and protective. So we cycled round the block to make it 14.1 miles in total.
Saturday 3rd July
Was up early again and out with the dogs. After the usual playing on the moor to get rid of some of their excess energy we carried on for a proper walk. Across fields they both raced after the bunnies. They would come back to check I was still about then chase more bunnies. Thankfully neither of them are fast enough to catch them but it does give them some good exercise. We were out about 1.5 hours in all. The dogs were shattered for the rest of the day.
Isobel is away at Guide camo so Peter and I weren't sure what we were going to do today but he suggested we look at an event called Cliffhanger that was advertised on the radio. We decided to go to Sheffield to this.
First thing we saw as we arrived was Robin Hood Water Sports and someone we knew from the canoe club. After a short chat we set off round the events. There was a bouldering competition (climbing without ropes) going on and various cycling exhibitions. Lots of stalls and some fun stuff like having a go at learning to ride a unicycle and zip wires. We enjoyed the event.
Then we had a wander around Decathlon (a very big and comprehensive sports shop) and I bought a very bright yellow cycling type top in the biggest size possible. Good day.
Sunday 4th July
Up early again (this is getting to be a habit) and out for a walk with the dogs by 6.30am. Cooler and more overcast today thankfully as I am doing the Jane Tomlinson 10k run today in Leeds.
Got there on time and we were soon herded round to the start. Grabbed a bottle of Gatorade to help me along the way. Couldn't hear what was being said on the tannoys and stage so had a chat to a lady who was also on her own. Then things started moving and we were off.
Set off steadily and ran for the first 15 minutes. Then moved to doing what I had planned r3/w1. This seemed to work well and although it was warm I didn't feel too bad. Just before the halfway point I saw a girl holding her arm and bending forward, she went straight to the first aider. Hope she was okay.
Just after the turnaround point there was another Gatorade station but I don't know why they give it to you in cups here. How can you carry on running and drink the darned stuff. I poured mine into my empty bottle and carried on. The r/w was working well for me until the last 2k. Then it started getting a bit muddled so I tried r2/w1, r2/w2 and r1/w1 until i knew I was on the downward home straight. I still didn't feel too bad. Right in front of me nearly at the finish was a blind runner roped to a sighted runner. Unfortunately he tripped on the finish mat and fell quite heavily right in front of me. If I'd been any closer I would have gone over them.
Anyway my finish was 1.14.05 which is about six minutes faster than last year.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Starting again
Sunday 16th May
Didn't feel too bad on the day I came back from the cycle ride. So we were up early next day, with canoes firmly attached to the roof of the car, we headed towards York, Nether Poppleton actually.
We were actually a little bit late but met up with the rest of them as they were taking the cars to the other end. Once they returned we all launched onto the river.
It was a nice morning with a slight breeze and a threat of rain eventually. We had a nice steady paddle down the river. There were about 20 of us all told.
When we got into the town centre we pulled out of the river for a lunch break and a drink.
With everyone satiated we then put back onto the river and continued down stream. We had a slight shower but nothing much.
Eventually we got out at the boat club landing. It was warm thankfully so we didn't freeze while we waited for Pater to go and get our car from where we started. In fact we sat and had a nice chat with a few girls from the club.
Thursday 20th May
Had to go into work today for a training session so missed my swimming. However I went to circuit training this evening.
Monday 24th May
At long last I went back to Tong Baths to do my swimming intervals. Got there a bit late as I was waiting for Peter to sort himself out. However I did manage 64 lengths (a mile)in 40 minutes so quite chuffed with that.
Thursday 27th May
Got up in good time and took Isobel to school. Evie came with us in the car as we were going running this morning. Haven't been for ages but was ready for it this morning and it's not many weeks now until the Jane Tomlinson run in Leeds. We went straight down to the Spen Valley Greenway and I did 39 minutes of run 2/walk 1 and I honestly didn't find it too hard at all. Finished it off with 6 minutes cool down walk. Evie was shatterd as she had already had a walk with Peter and Bear.
Lunchtime and I went swimming at Spenborough pool. It's been a few weeks since I came here as well. I was late getting there today and then I saw my friend Claire filling her sweetie machines so I had to have a quick chat.
I did 36 lengths in 29 minutes so pretty pleased with that as it is three quarters of a mile. Claire was still there when I came out so we had another chat.
Evening came and off I went to circuit training. Jeanette was there tonight. I haven't seen her for a few weeks. Im fact there were eight of us there tonight. Felt like I did a good workout.
So that was a busy day.
Didn't feel too bad on the day I came back from the cycle ride. So we were up early next day, with canoes firmly attached to the roof of the car, we headed towards York, Nether Poppleton actually.
We were actually a little bit late but met up with the rest of them as they were taking the cars to the other end. Once they returned we all launched onto the river.
It was a nice morning with a slight breeze and a threat of rain eventually. We had a nice steady paddle down the river. There were about 20 of us all told.
When we got into the town centre we pulled out of the river for a lunch break and a drink.
With everyone satiated we then put back onto the river and continued down stream. We had a slight shower but nothing much.
Eventually we got out at the boat club landing. It was warm thankfully so we didn't freeze while we waited for Pater to go and get our car from where we started. In fact we sat and had a nice chat with a few girls from the club.
Thursday 20th May
Had to go into work today for a training session so missed my swimming. However I went to circuit training this evening.
Monday 24th May
At long last I went back to Tong Baths to do my swimming intervals. Got there a bit late as I was waiting for Peter to sort himself out. However I did manage 64 lengths (a mile)in 40 minutes so quite chuffed with that.
Thursday 27th May
Got up in good time and took Isobel to school. Evie came with us in the car as we were going running this morning. Haven't been for ages but was ready for it this morning and it's not many weeks now until the Jane Tomlinson run in Leeds. We went straight down to the Spen Valley Greenway and I did 39 minutes of run 2/walk 1 and I honestly didn't find it too hard at all. Finished it off with 6 minutes cool down walk. Evie was shatterd as she had already had a walk with Peter and Bear.
Lunchtime and I went swimming at Spenborough pool. It's been a few weeks since I came here as well. I was late getting there today and then I saw my friend Claire filling her sweetie machines so I had to have a quick chat.
I did 36 lengths in 29 minutes so pretty pleased with that as it is three quarters of a mile. Claire was still there when I came out so we had another chat.
Evening came and off I went to circuit training. Jeanette was there tonight. I haven't seen her for a few weeks. Im fact there were eight of us there tonight. Felt like I did a good workout.
So that was a busy day.
Sunday, 11 April 2010
OMG, I've been lazy!
A PRETTY SHEEP
The week before Easter I was feeling very down and quite penniless to be honest. I couldn't afford to go swimming on either of my usual days nor had I the money or the inclination to go circuit-training. Didn't feel like cycling either. Very unlike me on the whole.
On 3rd April we went to Somerset for a weeks holiday. I had won this at a comping day last year so we were going on a wing and a prayer and hoping we could keep costs down as much as possible. We were staying on a caravan site but weren't sure what sort of accommodation we were going to be in but were pleasantly surprised we had a bungalow that slept six (there were only three of us though). The downside was that it was very old-fashioned, as in outdated rather than cosy cottage type old-fashioned. Everything looked like it had been there since the 70's. Still I wasn't complaining when it hadn't cost us anything. It did have a decent washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave and fridge so that was good.
The swimming pool on site was about 200 yards from the bungalow. The first time we tried going it was full and they wouldn't let us in. 'Full' was about 20 people I think! We did manage to go every day after that though and at a £1 a time it wasn't bad at all. I didn't do my usual drills or full on length swimming but usually did about 10 lengths to warm up a bit and then we would challenge each other to underwater swimming or running the full length of the pool or side-stepping etc. So we were very active in the water.
I took my bike with me and was intending to do several rides but I got a chest infection and did a lot of coughing. On the Wednesday I did manage to don my cycling gear and found that the bike chain was a bit rusty from getting really rained on during the trip down to Somerset. It was about half a mile of winding tracK from the bungalow to the road and all uphill and mostly very steep so I walked up there. I was looking forward to the first bit as it was along winding road downhill. The bike was so bad that I had to pedal DOWN the hill. Several times I thought of giving up and going back but carried on a 'bit further' and then decided that I would go to the bike shop in Minehead and get some oil for the chain. (A lady in the pool had told me of this bike shop).
I found it a bit hard going as I was coughing all the way. A lot of the roads were quite narrow and quite busy so I was aware that at times I was holding traffic up but I tried not to do too much of that. Eventually at Carhampton there is a proper cycle track. It is shared with pedestrians but they are few and far between so that's okay. I passed about four other cyclists in all, going the other way. The track went past Dunster Castle and widened into what I assume was the original road just before Minehead.
Having acquired oil, and liberally doused the chain in it, I flew out of Minehead heading for Porlock. Somewhere I took a wrong turning as I found myself going up a smaller road than I remembered from a couple of days before. I tried various variations of road and eventually came to a very steep road. Oh well it felt like it was in the right direction so off I went. I had to stop twice up this hill. Little old grannies with zimmers could have passed me going up here!!! When I reached the top I recognised the road so carried on again. Blimey even slight inclines took it out of me but I plodded on. How far was Porlock? Had they moved it further on?
A WATERWAY IN ALLERFORD NOT FAR FROM PORLOCK
Seemingly a lifetime later I reached Porlock and had a think about where to stop, this end of the village or the other. Nowhere jumped out at me as a good place so I carried on a bit and then made the decision to carry on to Porlock Weir about 1.5 miles further on. I had decided that I couldn't face the hills on the return journey so rang Peter and asked him to pick me up. Thankfully he agreed, so I asked him to bring a change of clothes and we could go out for the rest of the day to Lynton and Lynmouth. The weather was glorious and I had a nice sit on the Weir and waited for them to come and find me.
THIS IS PETER IN LYNMOUTH
One of the days we tried to fly a kite but the wind wasn't strong enough so I wandered along the bay for a mile or so and then back again.
PETER AND ISOBEL ON THE BEACH TRYING TO FLY A KITE
I had got talking to another local person in the pool who told me about various walks and where to park etc. Isobel and I walked along the Mineral Line which is an old railway. It isn't much publicised and the main part you can walk along is only about 2-2.5 miles long. Peter dropped us off at Washford and we walked to Watchet.
ISOBEL WITH YANKEE JACK
Then in the evening this lady, Liz, came and picked us up from the bungalow and took Isobel and I for a walk and told us some history. She then drove us to another place to show us the deer and they are usually quite close to where we were walking. Oh deer, this particular evening they were only just visible on a far hillside. Never mind it was very pleasant still.
So although I haven't done anything hard and fast I have been reasonably active all week. Despite quite a few treats (Easter eggs and Somerset cream tea amongst them) I have come back a pound lighter than when I went so that is good.
BEAUTIFUL IRONWORK ON A CHURCH DOOR
The week before Easter I was feeling very down and quite penniless to be honest. I couldn't afford to go swimming on either of my usual days nor had I the money or the inclination to go circuit-training. Didn't feel like cycling either. Very unlike me on the whole.
On 3rd April we went to Somerset for a weeks holiday. I had won this at a comping day last year so we were going on a wing and a prayer and hoping we could keep costs down as much as possible. We were staying on a caravan site but weren't sure what sort of accommodation we were going to be in but were pleasantly surprised we had a bungalow that slept six (there were only three of us though). The downside was that it was very old-fashioned, as in outdated rather than cosy cottage type old-fashioned. Everything looked like it had been there since the 70's. Still I wasn't complaining when it hadn't cost us anything. It did have a decent washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave and fridge so that was good.
The swimming pool on site was about 200 yards from the bungalow. The first time we tried going it was full and they wouldn't let us in. 'Full' was about 20 people I think! We did manage to go every day after that though and at a £1 a time it wasn't bad at all. I didn't do my usual drills or full on length swimming but usually did about 10 lengths to warm up a bit and then we would challenge each other to underwater swimming or running the full length of the pool or side-stepping etc. So we were very active in the water.
I took my bike with me and was intending to do several rides but I got a chest infection and did a lot of coughing. On the Wednesday I did manage to don my cycling gear and found that the bike chain was a bit rusty from getting really rained on during the trip down to Somerset. It was about half a mile of winding tracK from the bungalow to the road and all uphill and mostly very steep so I walked up there. I was looking forward to the first bit as it was along winding road downhill. The bike was so bad that I had to pedal DOWN the hill. Several times I thought of giving up and going back but carried on a 'bit further' and then decided that I would go to the bike shop in Minehead and get some oil for the chain. (A lady in the pool had told me of this bike shop).
I found it a bit hard going as I was coughing all the way. A lot of the roads were quite narrow and quite busy so I was aware that at times I was holding traffic up but I tried not to do too much of that. Eventually at Carhampton there is a proper cycle track. It is shared with pedestrians but they are few and far between so that's okay. I passed about four other cyclists in all, going the other way. The track went past Dunster Castle and widened into what I assume was the original road just before Minehead.
Having acquired oil, and liberally doused the chain in it, I flew out of Minehead heading for Porlock. Somewhere I took a wrong turning as I found myself going up a smaller road than I remembered from a couple of days before. I tried various variations of road and eventually came to a very steep road. Oh well it felt like it was in the right direction so off I went. I had to stop twice up this hill. Little old grannies with zimmers could have passed me going up here!!! When I reached the top I recognised the road so carried on again. Blimey even slight inclines took it out of me but I plodded on. How far was Porlock? Had they moved it further on?
A WATERWAY IN ALLERFORD NOT FAR FROM PORLOCK
Seemingly a lifetime later I reached Porlock and had a think about where to stop, this end of the village or the other. Nowhere jumped out at me as a good place so I carried on a bit and then made the decision to carry on to Porlock Weir about 1.5 miles further on. I had decided that I couldn't face the hills on the return journey so rang Peter and asked him to pick me up. Thankfully he agreed, so I asked him to bring a change of clothes and we could go out for the rest of the day to Lynton and Lynmouth. The weather was glorious and I had a nice sit on the Weir and waited for them to come and find me.
THIS IS PETER IN LYNMOUTH
One of the days we tried to fly a kite but the wind wasn't strong enough so I wandered along the bay for a mile or so and then back again.
PETER AND ISOBEL ON THE BEACH TRYING TO FLY A KITE
I had got talking to another local person in the pool who told me about various walks and where to park etc. Isobel and I walked along the Mineral Line which is an old railway. It isn't much publicised and the main part you can walk along is only about 2-2.5 miles long. Peter dropped us off at Washford and we walked to Watchet.
ISOBEL WITH YANKEE JACK
Then in the evening this lady, Liz, came and picked us up from the bungalow and took Isobel and I for a walk and told us some history. She then drove us to another place to show us the deer and they are usually quite close to where we were walking. Oh deer, this particular evening they were only just visible on a far hillside. Never mind it was very pleasant still.
So although I haven't done anything hard and fast I have been reasonably active all week. Despite quite a few treats (Easter eggs and Somerset cream tea amongst them) I have come back a pound lighter than when I went so that is good.
BEAUTIFUL IRONWORK ON A CHURCH DOOR
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Just swimming
A quieter day today than most Thursdays. I was being very lazy today. I wrote up my blog from last Sunday and then went swimming.
Spenborough pool today. It was reasonable when I got in, three in the fast lane and two in the next one. However there was a sudden addition of too much testosterone. Three young men got into the second lane then decided to come across into the fast lane. This made for very choppy water as they all sped off at top speed doing front crawl. However they could only do two lengths at a time and then had to rest, wimps! They lasted about 20 minutes then got out again.
Meanwhile I had been quietly plodding away at the lengths and managed to do 72 in an hour. That's a mile and a half. Pleased with that.
Spenborough pool today. It was reasonable when I got in, three in the fast lane and two in the next one. However there was a sudden addition of too much testosterone. Three young men got into the second lane then decided to come across into the fast lane. This made for very choppy water as they all sped off at top speed doing front crawl. However they could only do two lengths at a time and then had to rest, wimps! They lasted about 20 minutes then got out again.
Meanwhile I had been quietly plodding away at the lengths and managed to do 72 in an hour. That's a mile and a half. Pleased with that.
Friday, 19 March 2010
A whole week!
I have been very remiss this week and haven't done any blogs this week.
So starting on Monday 15th, I went swimming at Tong Pool. It was fairly quiet as usual but I was in the end lane which is actually two lanes. There is a guy who trains hard who always swims along the wall side and I usually keep out of his way and we respect each other. The only trouble this week there were two of those women in who insist on swimming up and down talking to each other and taking up the space of three or four people. I still managed to do 70 lengths of intervals in 45 minutes though.
Thursday 18th. Weird day today. Woke up early thought I might go for a run then thought if I'm going for a long bike ride that might not be the best idea. The internet had gone down and I spent part of the morning getting it sorted out so decided it was too late for a long bike ride and I would go swimming as usual. Then I got an email asking me to come down to Centenary Square for a photo opportunity for the internal newspaper, Pride at Work. So I got my gear on and cycled into town.
I met up with Richard, Jan, John, Tom and Woody and we did a few photos and then they all went back to work. So I thought I might as well go for a ride. I srt off up Thornton Road out of Bradford. I got about 4 miles up the road when I spotted a phone on the grass verge. I stopped to pick it up and got my feet tangled in the pedal straps and fell off the bike.
Once I picked myself up I realised my bike chain had come off, I rang Peter for instructions. Once I was covered in oil and I had jammed the chain down the wrong side of the bike Peter decided to come and get me....my hero!
I started to walk down the road with the bike but it was difficult as I had to lift the rear of bike to move it. So I leaned up against a lamp-post and waited for Peter.
While I was waiting two lads jumped over the walll across the road, looking like they were bunking off school. They crossed to where I was and one asked me if I had a problem with the bike. I told him the chain had come off and he said he's sort it. Sure enough in a few minutes he had got it back in place and I thanked him and gave him a wet wipe to get the oil off his hands. He said 'no problem love' and went on his way. How kind!
When Peter arrived I remembered the phone I had picked up and looked through the numbers on it. 'Mum' seemed like the best option so I rang it. The woman at the other end was a bit stern at first. Then she realised she was getting the phone back and thanked me. She came down to Halfords where I said I now was and picked it up. She was very grateful and we had a lovely chat.
Friday 19th, this has been a long missive so I will try to shorten this one. I did the bike ride to Skipton like I did a fortnight ago but this time I didn't finish at Bingley but kept going back into Bradford so 49 miles done in all today. My nether regions are a bit sore and I have a group training ride on Sunday. Oh dear!
So starting on Monday 15th, I went swimming at Tong Pool. It was fairly quiet as usual but I was in the end lane which is actually two lanes. There is a guy who trains hard who always swims along the wall side and I usually keep out of his way and we respect each other. The only trouble this week there were two of those women in who insist on swimming up and down talking to each other and taking up the space of three or four people. I still managed to do 70 lengths of intervals in 45 minutes though.
Thursday 18th. Weird day today. Woke up early thought I might go for a run then thought if I'm going for a long bike ride that might not be the best idea. The internet had gone down and I spent part of the morning getting it sorted out so decided it was too late for a long bike ride and I would go swimming as usual. Then I got an email asking me to come down to Centenary Square for a photo opportunity for the internal newspaper, Pride at Work. So I got my gear on and cycled into town.
I met up with Richard, Jan, John, Tom and Woody and we did a few photos and then they all went back to work. So I thought I might as well go for a ride. I srt off up Thornton Road out of Bradford. I got about 4 miles up the road when I spotted a phone on the grass verge. I stopped to pick it up and got my feet tangled in the pedal straps and fell off the bike.
Once I picked myself up I realised my bike chain had come off, I rang Peter for instructions. Once I was covered in oil and I had jammed the chain down the wrong side of the bike Peter decided to come and get me....my hero!
I started to walk down the road with the bike but it was difficult as I had to lift the rear of bike to move it. So I leaned up against a lamp-post and waited for Peter.
While I was waiting two lads jumped over the walll across the road, looking like they were bunking off school. They crossed to where I was and one asked me if I had a problem with the bike. I told him the chain had come off and he said he's sort it. Sure enough in a few minutes he had got it back in place and I thanked him and gave him a wet wipe to get the oil off his hands. He said 'no problem love' and went on his way. How kind!
When Peter arrived I remembered the phone I had picked up and looked through the numbers on it. 'Mum' seemed like the best option so I rang it. The woman at the other end was a bit stern at first. Then she realised she was getting the phone back and thanked me. She came down to Halfords where I said I now was and picked it up. She was very grateful and we had a lovely chat.
Friday 19th, this has been a long missive so I will try to shorten this one. I did the bike ride to Skipton like I did a fortnight ago but this time I didn't finish at Bingley but kept going back into Bradford so 49 miles done in all today. My nether regions are a bit sore and I have a group training ride on Sunday. Oh dear!
Friday, 12 March 2010
A lot of exercise.
This morning, Thursday, I got up early and had my porridge. Then I got ready to take Isobel to school and put Evie, the dog, in the car with us. I was going for a run.
What a beautiful morning it was. Cold, but sunny. We set off on a steady R2/W1 but then a man had to hold tight to his dog as it was having a right growl at Evie so I felt it was unfair to stop running right next to him so carried on for 2.5 minutes. That didn't feel too bad so I carried on doing R2.5/W1. This meant I got further up the Greenway today. It was pleasant running today and Evie managed to trot along side me or just in front of me actually.
I got back to the car feeling good!
At lunchtime I went to Spenborough pool. There were three people in 'my'lane, the fast lane, already but the other lanes were quite busy. I noted that there was one guy doing front crawl, he has become quite a regular. Then there were two women in the lane. I saw that one woman was a very slow swimmer but the other one wasn't too bad. As the lengths ticked by, the woman who was swimming slowly became quite annoying as she wouldn't hold back at the end of the lane even though you were about to overtake her.
She disappeared eventaully. Not sure if she moved lanes or got out. The other woman carried on for a while longer and then got out. This left me and fast front crawler. When he got out I thought great I've got the lane to myself. Then three people moved up from one of the two slow lanes. A guy and two girls. They pretended to do front crawl but the last girl could only manage three or four strokes before grabbing the side and then going again. Then they swam side by side or jumped up and down on the lane rope. They were sooooo aggravating! The staff never said anything to them either.
Despite all this I still managed 60 lengths in 46 minutes. I was happy with that.
Then this evening I went circuit-training. There were June, Liz and myself and two new girls. Set off absolutely fine but by the time I was doing the second lot of running up and down the side of the hall my legs felt heavy and I felt tired. I carried on though and got my second wind and did alright.
What a beautiful morning it was. Cold, but sunny. We set off on a steady R2/W1 but then a man had to hold tight to his dog as it was having a right growl at Evie so I felt it was unfair to stop running right next to him so carried on for 2.5 minutes. That didn't feel too bad so I carried on doing R2.5/W1. This meant I got further up the Greenway today. It was pleasant running today and Evie managed to trot along side me or just in front of me actually.
I got back to the car feeling good!
At lunchtime I went to Spenborough pool. There were three people in 'my'lane, the fast lane, already but the other lanes were quite busy. I noted that there was one guy doing front crawl, he has become quite a regular. Then there were two women in the lane. I saw that one woman was a very slow swimmer but the other one wasn't too bad. As the lengths ticked by, the woman who was swimming slowly became quite annoying as she wouldn't hold back at the end of the lane even though you were about to overtake her.
She disappeared eventaully. Not sure if she moved lanes or got out. The other woman carried on for a while longer and then got out. This left me and fast front crawler. When he got out I thought great I've got the lane to myself. Then three people moved up from one of the two slow lanes. A guy and two girls. They pretended to do front crawl but the last girl could only manage three or four strokes before grabbing the side and then going again. Then they swam side by side or jumped up and down on the lane rope. They were sooooo aggravating! The staff never said anything to them either.
Despite all this I still managed 60 lengths in 46 minutes. I was happy with that.
Then this evening I went circuit-training. There were June, Liz and myself and two new girls. Set off absolutely fine but by the time I was doing the second lot of running up and down the side of the hall my legs felt heavy and I felt tired. I carried on though and got my second wind and did alright.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
More water sports.
Nothing too exciting to report. Yesterday I went to aquafit at Richard Dunn Sports Centre. The instructor is the same girl who does my circuit training so I know her very well. She does a similar routine for aquafit as we do for the warm up and cool down at circuits but we use those spongy 'weights' as well.
After we'd done the aquafit session I went off to the other side of the pool where there is a straight bit for length swimming. I should explain that this pool is a very strange shape with curv bits but there is one part that is straight. Sometimes it is roped off to signify that it is for people to swim lengths. About 10 lengths in to my session two Asian guys got in and were messing about swimming under each others legs or floating on their back. Eventually I said, very sweetly, that this part was for length swimming and they looked blankly at me. So I explained some more and they then started attempting to swim lengths. I did 30 lengths and then got out.
Today I went swimming at Spenborough. Got there a bit late so did 60 lengths in 52 minutes.
This evening I went circuit training and had a small personal triumph. Being a big girl I have never been able to do the full bridge (or plank) for the whole time until our instructor blows the whistle and tonight I did it, twice. Small victories!
After we'd done the aquafit session I went off to the other side of the pool where there is a straight bit for length swimming. I should explain that this pool is a very strange shape with curv bits but there is one part that is straight. Sometimes it is roped off to signify that it is for people to swim lengths. About 10 lengths in to my session two Asian guys got in and were messing about swimming under each others legs or floating on their back. Eventually I said, very sweetly, that this part was for length swimming and they looked blankly at me. So I explained some more and they then started attempting to swim lengths. I did 30 lengths and then got out.
Today I went swimming at Spenborough. Got there a bit late so did 60 lengths in 52 minutes.
This evening I went circuit training and had a small personal triumph. Being a big girl I have never been able to do the full bridge (or plank) for the whole time until our instructor blows the whistle and tonight I did it, twice. Small victories!
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