Update on running and cycling

I thought it timely be useful to write a little update on running and cycling these days. Here goes...

Cycling

Right now my cycling tends to be mostly short local commutes and I'm quite enjoying this.  Normally I go to a Council place in Houghton Regis once a week and from time to time I drop in for a meeting or hot design at the Council offices in Dunstable.  Journeys are just as fast by bicycle, even though I'm hardly a speed merchant these days.

I like the independence cycling brings; going from A to B under your own steam without the fuss of running a car.  Besides, I do admit to feeling a tad smug as I get places quicker by bike.  I also enjoy some traffic free routes which is pleasant and this brings added enjoyment.  Mind you, interacting with other road users can be increasingly problematic and I'll give you some examples:

Being invisible on traffic calming road humps.  These seem to be popping up everywhere in the 20mph residential areas and often narrowed, so only one car can drive over the hump at any one time.  Even when I have priority many car drivers tend to "chance it" with me and assume I'll move out of their way, even though they're in the wrong.  Whenever this happens I hold my ground and ride straight at them.  They know they haven't got a leg to stand on and simply have to stop, looking embarrassed (this should teach them a useful lesson). I don't wish to antagonise motorists but I'm certainly not going to give way if I'm in the right.  Motorists need to learn and take note!

Packs of school boys on their 29ers.  While it's great to see groups of lads cycling to school, they are a bit uncontrolled at times.  They'll ride all over the road, often pulling wheelies and wobbling about.  I tend to give them a wide birth.

Laid back and lowered blokes. These are those increasingly common young men driving around in cars with lowered suspension, often with silly lights and dark windows.  To complete the laid back look their seat backs are almost flat and they can barely see out of the windows; in fact they look like 12 year olds trying to grow beards.  While the laid back and lowered blokes are doing their best to look cool in their uncool cars, I think they miss seeing me at various junctions.  When they do see me, they often look so annoyed their fancy cars are moving so slower than yours truly simply freewheeling past them.  I love this!

Running

I sometimes think I run more miles than I cycle these days, especially if I include treadmill miles.  Nevertheless running still brings more bangs for my bucks and I try to have a run four times a week.
Since the clocks changed back to GMT a couple of weeks ago, I have been running a few times at night.  I quite like doing this as it's something a little different and touches on my senses in a different way.  As I ran out into the countryside afterwork one day with a head torch, I was struck by how much I could smell, much more than normal - onions, damp soil, wood and so on, making it quite special.

It's a strange sensation when you come to run (or cycle) down hill and you haven't seen the change in gradient.  You simply find yourself going faster and faster without anymore effort.
Running at night isn't all plain sailing.  I have to be so careful I don't trip up and fall.  My eyesight isn't brilliant and it's easy to miss seeing the odd stone or tree root and the last thing I want is a twisted ankle or a broken arm away from help.  It is also quite hard to see the natural path to follow with so many falling leaves covering the track.

I am hoping to have a night run during the coming week with my good friend (and financial advisor) John.  Hopefully we will head over my favourite 7 mile hilly route over Dunstable Downs.  While I have run this many times before, perhaps 100s of times, I have never run it at night.  This is the kind of course which does take you off road for a couple of miles and you need company.  So I'm really looking forward to this as I've enjoyed so many night cycle rides over the years and a decent run has the makings of something very special.

I do like Strava; it brings an extra layer of interest to running and cycling.  It can be very satisfying and yet also a bit dispiriting.  Let me explain.  Two years ago I last ran a marathon and my pace was about 8:30mins/mile and I was quite pleased with that.  Nowadays my pace on much shorter runs is typically 9:15mins/mile.  It is depressingly true the blood pressure tablets I take to bring on tiredness and this might account for some of my slower times, together with being two years older.

Which is harder?

Crikey, I have recently entered the Milton Keynes Marathon, this will be the third time I've done this event.   I didn't do it last year as I concentrated on cycling so I could compete in the Coast to Coast in a Day event.  This was 150 miles on the bike over a very hilly terrain.

So, which do you think ought to be harder?  Running a marathon or cycling 150 miles?

My gut reaction is a simple answer – running a marathon is easier, for me.  And then the more I thought about it afterwards the more complex the comparison seemed.

Firstly, to cycle 150 miles it might be worth considering what is involved.  It took me a little over 13 hours to complete the hilly distance earlier this year and this included four feeding stops (probably about 15-20 minutes at each) and a ferry trip across Lake Windermere.  Compared to the 700 other cyclists this time was slower than average, even when taking my age into account.  Getting ready took several months of training, gradually increasing the distances to the point I was fairly comfortable covering over 100 miles in a day – building up gradually is the key here, with a number of shorter rides in between the longer weekend rides.  The shorter rides are important, either for simply keeping those muscles, ligaments etc in good shape, for getting used to some steep hills or some brisker rides to keep my heart rate up to a higher level for a longer period.

For running a marathon, the format is remarkably similar.  I aim for a long run at the weekend and shorter runs during the week and these involved a few hills (which I absolutely love), some shorter sprints (bringing a dose of the Runner’s High) and simply a few short jogs around my local neighbourhood to stay fairly supple.

In running a marathon, it takes me about four hours, give or take a little, to run the 26.2 miles.  This is running at a steady, constant pace throughout.  There are no stops for feeding or drinking – this is done on the move and “little and often” seems to suit me best.  The only possible reason for stopping briefly is to use a Portaloo or at the direction of a marshall, so really it is non-stop, all the way.

The events – how they might compare

The Coast to Coast in a Day is not a race, although there is a hint of being in competition with each other or, at the very least, in competition with the clock and yourself.  After all everyone is given a timing chip and cyclists are identified as gold, silver or bronze according to their time.  You have a fairly broad window in which to start; if I remember correctly this is over two or three hours.

Running a marathon is completely different.  Everyone is lined up against the starting line waiting for the gun to send everyone off.  We also have timing chips which generally differentiate between the chip time and the gun time, since it can take several minutes to actually get over the start line owing to the 2000 – 3000 other runners.

Coming in towards the finish line is also different.  With the marathon it is a case of one last push in trying to shave off a few seconds and come in with a real rush of the Runner’s High and the need to walk or jog a little to aid recovery.  After a long 150 miles the applause was just the same but the focus is on having completed the gruelling challenge and never mind the time.

The mental challenge

It is easy to chart a physical training programme and record your progress, increasing long ride miles each week or two (20 miles, 30 miles, 80 miles, 95 miles….).  Training ourselves mentally for the challenge is more subtle and less easy to pin down.  It is influenced by personality, natural determination, how easy it is to do physically and a whole range of other factors.  And yet we shouldn’t under estimate what part this has to play in an endurance event.  Being physically fit is essential, yes of course, but I would argue you must be mentally prepared as well.  In preparing mentally for a challenge, it is not simply a case of building up the miles.

Taking part in running a popular marathon you’re surrounded by other runners, pretty much all of the time and the effect is to sweep you along.  I tend to run a little faster in this situation, which I suppose is part of the general idea.  This doesn’t stop the occasional feeling of being low and down, this can happen at various points when it seems a struggle.  Cycle events are at times more solitary with people starting at different stages and the field stretching our more easily.  It could be argued that the mental challenge is the biggest challenge of all; having the grit and determination to keep going when it all seems to be too much; this used to be referred to as “character building” by unhelpful, well-meaning people.  Sometimes the monotony of the cycle training used to get to me, particularly on the same roads, in the same bleak weather, the same irritating rattle all added up to be uninspiring at times.  I used to allow my mind to wander onto other things, quite often cycling-related and tried to be positive and this generally worked.  Nevertheless there were low periods when it seemed sensible to ask “why am I doing this….?”

It was using my bike on the cycle turbo trainer which was arguably the most difficult.  I still do not like it and find it very unmotivating.  I can only see it as a means-to-an-end.  Some people I know rate spinning classes quite highly and enjoy them, so this could be a possibility in the future.

Sometimes thinking of some kind of a reward is motivating. When I used to be out cycling last winter – and not always enjoying it – I used to think of that red hot shower I’d have when I got bcd to warm myself up, or that lovely coffee with a slice of cake containing 1000 calories.  I used to think of losing a little more weight.  When I did the Coast to Coast I “gave myself permission” to go and buy myself a carbon fibre bike afterwards (and I still haven’t got around to this and I doubt if I will).

Sometimes any of us will hit a bit of a wall, when our energy levels seem to drop and legs feel like jelly.  Generally this lasts about 5 – 10 minutes and occurs around 20-30 minutes in if I’m running and a little later if I’m cycling.

It is also a tricky challenge in the training, for either discipline, when you’re out in bad weather slogging away and questioning why you’re doing it – I find this is a healthy question to ask and reflect on.   It was during the Coast to Coast cycle ride that I once hit a low patch, somewhere in the second half when I found myself cycling alone – this was unusual in that event.  I also remember feeling a bit fatigued and had cramp.  That was the lowest point and probably the most testing. It was also a point where I had to stop because I had cramp in my upper right leg which was extraordinarily painful (I still remember that!).  And yet no matter how bad it became, there was no way I was going to give up: I knew I was being tested in a way.

So, which is the most difficult then?

For me, it is cycling 150 miles.  Running a marathon seems “easier” by comparison.  However, that’s just me and thank the Lord we are all different.

I'm back and running again!

After a few months break from this blog and running, I'm now back.  All is well and here's a summary of what has been happening:

1. Since 1st January I have cycled 2,433 miles, this has included 122,000 feet of climbing.  This is more than I would usually do if I'm spending time running.
2. The reason for concentrating on cycling has been the Coast to Coast in a Day sportive - click here for my account of the 150 mile bike ride.  This has been a wonderful "project" in terms of training, getting my bike right and the company of my friends who I did it with.  
3. At almost the last minute before the Coast to Coast I invested in a Garmin Edge 800 to help with navigation; I was afraid I'd miss a sign and get lost.  I should say that when I'm tired I know I am less attentive and observant, therefore the chances of missing a sign were probably much higher.  Having this gizmo now opens up further possibilities.... unless anyone makes me an offer I can't refuse (it cost me £218).
4. During the months where cycling dominated, most weeks I have managed one run.  Normally this has been about 3 miles, just enough to keep my hand in so to speak.  Now is the time to pick that up once again....

Top Tips for a Triathlon

Pick your clothing and first event - wisely!

If you're reading this, the chances are you might be interested in giving yourself a challenge next year.  How about a triathlon?  Interested?  Here's some Top Tips of things to consider:

"Where can I get some help?"
Join a Tri Club as this will give you easy access to other like-minded people.  Some people have said this sounds a bit scary, joining a club where everyone else is going to be so much fitter than the newbie.  Almost certainly you'll find many people there who are friendly and always remember everyone has started at the most basic level.  Chances are you'll find some expert coaches who can really help improve your technique in the pool or on the bike, as well as your running form.

Tri Clubs are often based in existing sports clubs, swimming pools etc.  By joining, you will probably get easy or cost effective access to a swimming pool, or perhaps a gym.  Don't simply join the first club you check out unless you're completely sure it's for you.

"Spend money wisely"
It is easy to spend a fortune on kit, especially a for triathlete needing to run, swim and ride a bicycle.  Make sure you buy the things you actually need, not things that might look fashionable or trendy - some find it very easy to get carried away.

For many people, the most cost-effective approach is to strike the right balance with price and quality.  For example, you can run in a cheap pair of trainers but you could easily become injured through having the wrong shoe that isn't made for your footfall.  At the opposite end of the scale, do you really need that top-of-the-range shoe if you're just starting out?  Be realistic, take advice, buy what you actually need.

"Do I have to spend thousands on a new Tri bike?"
In a word "NO" you don't.  Tri bikes are obviously designed and built for triathlons but they are not absolutely essential.  A decent road bike  (which you might already own) should be fast and comfortable enough for being in the saddle for a few hours.  Road bikes are fine for starting out, nobody should frown on this at all.

Perhaps once you have a few good events under you're belt and you're still improving, that could be the time to consider a Tri bike.

"What are the distances?"
There are different kinds of distances according to the type of marathon event.  They include:

Sprint: swim 750 metre,  cycle 40k, run 5k
Standard (Olympic): swim 1.5k, cycle 40K,  run 10k
Long (half Ironman): swim 1.9k, cycle 90k, run 21k (a half marathon)
Ultra (Ironman): swim 3.8k, cycle 180k, run 42k (a full marathon)

Sometimes people are under the impression that all triathlons are actually Ironman i.e. the full works and where only the fittest of the elite can possibly take part.  Sure, to do an Ironman you have to be extremely fit and well trained, plus have a natural talent and have the outstanding commitment.  And yet, looking at a Sprint or an Olympic length marathon, could these be looking a little more possible?  Maybe?  Why not?

"What clothing do I need for swimming?"
In open sea races, you'll probably need a wetsuit.  The material thickness will depend on how much insulation is required according to the temperature.  Alternatives include the "shorty" or "triathlon suit" or "tri suit" which don't cover the legs - these then are easier when it comes to jumping out of the water and straight onto a bike.

The really important thing is to get one that fits properly and it's where going to a decent shop is going to take all the uncertainty away.  If your Tri suit is too big, it will be like having an under water parachute around you and this will sap your energy, as well as slowing you down considerably.  If it's too small you will have restricted movement and anyone seeing you try to take it off will laugh their socks off.

"You mentioned shops…."
Finding a store where everything trialthon is under one roof is very helpful and well worth tracking one down.   As you become more known the staff will understand what you need in terms of advice and kit, plus they'll be willing to share their own experiences - they're often rightly proud of their own achievements and it's natural to share these with others!

If you live in the northwest, shops like Eureka are specialist suppliers and natural meeting places for other triathletes as well (there's a 77 year old cafe there, a natural meeting place)

"Do I train at all three disciplines together?"
In general, yes.  Yes but do these on different days of the week.  For example, you could swim on a Monday, Run on a Tuesday, take a rest on Wednesday, bike on Thursday.  Many keep the weekends for long endurance bike rides or runs.  The different disciplines use different muscles in different ways, so it's a good idea to allow them to rest while you do something different.  Doing something different could also include using a cross-trainer in a gym - this still provides good cardio exercise without pounding your joints.  Plan actual rest days as well - if you don't you'll probably get an injury at one stage.

"When I be ready to enter a race?"
It is probably a good idea to sign up for a race straight away, to get something in your diary.  Aim for an event which is in about 6 months time.   t makes sense to go for a Sprint distance (unless you're superbly good).  Myself, I always seem to train better if I have an event in my calendar - its something to aim for, something to motivate me.

Cycling with children

Cycling with our two daughters is sometimes , shall we say, "interesting".  It's almost like their characters and outlook in life are being expressed through the way they cycle.  This can be seen from all kinds of different angles and perspectives and almost a reflection on life.  Might be worth exploring a little here, so let's see how this turns out....

Here's Hannah who's 12, our youngest daughter.  Not a keen cyclist by nature but wiling to have a go.  Determined to cycle at her own pace no matter what everyone else is doing - anyone who doesn't accept this may have to grapple with Hannah discarding her bike there and then and walking, possibly in the opposite direction.  It's fair to say you know where you are with Hannah!  Even when she was learning to ride her bike there was that solid independence - "you can show me what I need to do and then I'll work it out myself" with Hannah refusing any help in mastering the art of balancing.

Then there's the cute side of her - the smiley sticker on her helmet, the little animal stickers on her bike.  Who cares if she's covering up the upmarket manufacturer's logo.  There's a determined side as well, perhaps one of not wanting to be outdone by her elder sister in going up hills.  Hannah's technique is to plod along, allowing her sister to wear herself out by blasting up a hill in top gear.  Meanwhile Hannah ambles her way up the hill, slowly and in bottom gear.  They both arrive at the top at the same time and thoughts of the Hare and the Tortoise spring to mind.

Becky on the other hand is different.  She appears more at-one with a bike and has been a natural.  Now she has stepped into the world of road bikes I have difficulty in keeping up with her.  We wonder if she will become a future Victoria Pendleton.  Seeing her on a bike is seeing her full of ambition and youthfulness which needs capturing, nurturing and coaching to see where it may take her.

For Becky there's more of a sociable side to cycle: much less likely to ride alone for the joy of it but loves riding with others.  Like her sister, she has no concern about the mechanical side to a bike.  Just so long as it's a personable possession and does the job.  Thankfully no regard to the latest groupset or aerodynamic spoke design.

I put the idea to her a while ago about cycling competitively.  Having mulled it over there's now a little interest and I think there's a little potential there to be harnessed and see where it leads.  It's wonderful seeing that zest for life, that joy of rolling along through the countryside taking in all that is around, enjoying the experience.

Becky and Hannah are full of contrasts when compared to each other.  Both have their own characters and determination to do things their way and, to a certain extent, on their own terms.  Isn't life a bit like that - having to make yourself heard, sometimes to push yourself forward and yet to recognise times when you need to allow others to go first, to consider the "greater good" and what's best for the family or the team as a whole.  What parts do we as individuals have to play in a team, a family, a class, an office, a church group or simply our place in the world.

For me trying to pull all this together while we're on the road is like trying to herd a pair of playful kittens along.  I'll never get it right but trying is a wonderful thing each and every time.Every time we've been off together cycling, there are such precious memories and a life lesson on two wheels.

A London Skyride one or two years ago

Sufferfest cycling activism group

At work I get a email bulletin from G4S from time to time. If I were Mr G4S I would be keeping a low profile these days in view of the Olympic security debarcle.   It's a circular email advising recipients of potential protests or flashpoints which could cause public disorder.  I was, however amused at the
following extract:


Sufferfest online cycling activism group intends to hold a counter-Olympic event at New Street, City of London from 1700 - 2200hrs. The event is supposedly to oppose the refusal of the Olympic committee for failing to recognise the movement. Any action is expected to be small, and is likely to assume the form of a bicycle event. Possibility of minor disruption.


It will take place on 2nd August (i.e. tomorrow).


Keep it peaceful and well ordered, people, please.  You have a right to protest regardless of whether we agree with each other.  If it turns into a "bicycle event" all well and good.

Lost in the Cotswolds, again

Wallie and his odd socks somewhere in the Cotswolds

Maybe it's the effect of Wallie wearing odd socks.  Perhaps it was the unusual sight of the sun going to our heads or Wallie's complete aversion to riding along any kind of A road, especially the A40 as it runs through the Cotswolds.  We took a few wrong turns which, considering the Cotswolds are a fairly compact area and where we have cycled many times before, is a bit of a mystery.  We nevertheless found ourselves looking at the map quite a few times.

Normally I like to cycle and run on my own.  I do this for all kinds of reasons but the most important is having some space and time to myself and being able to think a few things through, to work through problems and other things bugging me.  However, going for a bike ride with an old friend like Wallie is different.  We've known each other since the early 1980s and enjoyed many things in common: cycling being the one that has stood the test of time most of all.

There's something nice about meeting up with a friend and ambling around country lanes, not racing each other or trying to out-do each other.  No, just enjoying each other's company.  Naturally we do our Victor Meldrew impressions but of course we're far too young to be grumpy old men.

This is something we do once or twice a year.  Each of us taking a day from our respective work and driving from opposite directions to meet in Burford.  Burford, by the way, is an absolutely ideal base for a day's ride around.

Those miles just drifted by as we talked, chatted or just listened to the sound of our bikes whirring away as we ambled our way along.  Not that we were alone as the only cyclists about.  Each time we do this we seem to spot more and more which, for me, is a real encouragement.  This is such a great way of getting some exercise because it doesn't feel like it at all: there must always be a place for a gentle amble in any training or exercise regime, surely.

A new tradition is also developing as we do this.  Once we've finished our ride we treat ourselves to afternoon tea in a Burford cafe.  All very nice but to be honest, a bit of a rip off.  Next time we'll do something different but still frightfully nice, what o?

Related:
Mid summer night ride
Another great day in the Cotswolds
Cycling at night
Autumn cycle ride in the Cotswolds

This evening's rainy bike ride

I haven't cycled much lately, what with one thing and other.  In seeking a bit of inspiration I watched the Tour de France highlights on TV this evening (first time for many, many years) and couldn't resist going for a quick blast afterwards.

It was raining.  I hesitated.

"Becky, do you think I should run, cycle or stay in?"

"Go for a bike ride Dad".

"And you Hannah, what's your view?"

Hannah replied (with her daft question look) "Bike"

"Rachel?" I gently enquired.

"You decide" was the firm reply.

And so it was.  Quickly changed and I was off.  Just a quick blast covering 8 miles in the rain and I loved it, almost following my favourite hilly running route, but not quite.

Here's a few highlights:

1. hardly any cars on the road once outside the town
2. at one point the road was flooded.  I couldn't go into the middle of the road because I was about to be overtaken.  As I hit the water it was so deep it felt as if I'd pulled the brakes on hard
3. a car then overtook and showered me with a huge deluge. For half a second I was annoyed and then I felt exhilarated!
4. clocked 39mph on a fast downhill stretch
5. got reminded of how versatile the Thorn Audax really is
6. felt fabulous

Some lowlights:

1. reminded that my Montane Featherlite jacket is NOT waterproof
2. my Specialized Sonoma shoes soak up so much water it's like wearing diving boots
3. forgot brakes don't work very well in the wet....

Related:

My cycling in the rain guide

Church picnic 2012

It's now turning into a bit of a tradition at our church to have a picnic sometime in the summer, straight after a Sunday morning service.  Now to put things in context, you have to remember we're talking picnics in the English summer and there being no guarantee of a dry day.  We have had our fair share of soggy sandwiches and grumpy kids but this year it all came together so nicely. 

These are the ingredients:

Church service as normal

+ Reminder for everyone about picnic

+ Free lunch for anyone who has forgotten, didn't know etc

+ Promise of lift there 

+ AND back

+ Just 7 or 8 miles each way

+ Raindrops on window - sermon extended - hmmmmm

+ Fire alarm drill afterwards - gets everyone out efficiently

+ About 100+ people drive

+ About 10+ people cycle

+ Pastor spotted with knotted handkerchief on balding head

= a good time for everyone

Being together

Being together or "fellow-shipping" in church lingo is a good thing to do and particularly nice to be in beautifully relaxed surroundings.  A chance also to chat to new people, or maybe with those where there's not been much opportunity recently.

People watching

I like doing this.  After we'd all scoffed our picnic lunches, a game of rounders got organised.  Unfortunately I was too engrossed in chatting to secure a place in a team but it was good to watch nevertheless.  This was probably to everyone's relief as I know I'd be hopeless.  You know there's quite a few cool batters (is that the right word?) with one or two shots going so high and far you'd wonder whether anyone would ever find the ball.  Then there's the "trip up an elder" challenge.... elders is another church term for leader in the church.  They don't have to be elderly men but funnily enough they're grey or greying.  Still a good sport to watch!

That tandem!

The centre of attraction this year was Andrew's tandem.  Everyone wanted a go with shrieks of laughter as people wobbled away.  We were not immune from this....

Hannah, Poppy and myself having a spin on Andrew's tandem!

Why don't more people (Christians) cycle?

On the picnic last year, I cycled there myself (and the first to arrive!) and this year there were about 10 -15 of us.  That was brilliant!  So, next year.....?  We'll wait and see.

Cycling seems such a lovely way to travel to church - a simple, easy and reflective thing to do, no fuss or hassle.  Great for the whole family to do.  I know bicycles don't get a mention in the Bible but there must be some principle there to say cycling is a good thing to do - travelling under your own steam in a thrifty kind of way.  Surely....?

Active parents = active children?

Becky, my 13 year old daughter riding my bike!

I know that my first responsibility is the well being of our two daughters - to provide, love, nurture and prepare them for making a good contribution to society when they grow up.  For me, this is probably the most difficult job in all the world.


One of the things we are determined not to do is to fall into a modern parenting trap.  The trap is raising kids in sterile plastic bags, while wrapped in cotton wool.  Another thing is ensuring they're not lazy and ought to have a bit of independence as they grow up: self confidence and reliance.  There seems to be a mentality around about not climbing a tree because you might scrape your knee, or not to risk going outside because there's a chance it may rain.

Kids don't seem to cycle very much these days

Earlier this week I took my kids to school and happened to notice another parent unloading a bicycle from their car.  Naturally this caught my eye and this was soon followed by bumping into an acquaintance (Chris) who is a Bikeability trainer (in "old money" this is the Cycling Proficiency test).  We had a brief chat in which he said he'd come to do the cycling training.  Out of one class only 3 children were doing it (and I think that was Year 6 - an ideal age).  This is depressing and sadly it is not unusual.  I remember when our girls did this training, there weren't many others doing it.

The vibes I pick up is around the kind of excuses parents sometimes use to justify their own lifestyle.  Some of these are paraphrased as:

• The roads are too busy
• There are too many potholes in the roads
• Bikes are too expensive
• We don't have enough time
• There might be a paedophile lurking out there somewhere 

Why is this so important?

Physical fitness

I was at a conference earlier this week at Bristol (Social Investment in the public sector) and it was mentioned the NHS spends 10% of its funding on Diabetes related issues.  Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem which, it could be argued, can mostly be attributed to modern lifestyles with their poor diets and a lack of exercise.  Children tend to follow the example of their parents, often picking up many traits of their lifestyles and attitudes.  While I was in the West Country I went to see my parents at the coast and it is appalling seeing young adults waddling along the sea front so heavily.  Many were over weight and you could see plenty of "man boobs" wobbling around under football tee shirts - there were so many!  It is not helped by the number of candy floSome wise wordsss, chip shops, fizzy drinks etc that could be bought in many places.  There were middle aged people who were clearly obese needing walking sticks and then some older folk needing huge battery powered wheel chairs which were almost the size of a small car.

Surely it is important that our children, who are still growing and impressionable, grow up being physically able (wherever possible) and fit and healthy.  Their habits, interests and past times now will probably have an influence on their adult lives, so let's get this right now.

Confidence

Rising to a challenge takes some confidence and I think it's good to stretch our children from time to time.  There's something about that self belief, confidence and willingness to rise to the challenge - isn't that a quality  we need in society, in commerce?  Then there's something being able to accept things when we fail, when we don't quite make the distance.  That happens in life and knowing how to handle that is important.  Being able to reflect is important too, to learn from our mistakes and errors, to consider our impact on others around us in our communities.

How do we know our limits unless we try; unless we push ourselves to the limits and then just a little bit further?

Pushing boundaries

Children can push boundaries in all kinds of ways and I think that's all a part of growing up, no matter how trying it is for parents at times.  To be honest, there are some boundaries that get pushed which I don't find helpful (like my patience at times!) but other times with school work and what can be achieved is positively encouraged.  Surely so many things have been achieved by the "greats" of history when boundaries, accepted conventions and beliefs have been pushed to the limits?

To be imaginative, to dream

Just imagine how dull the world would be without art, without music or an outlet for our feelings and emotions.  Just imagine a world without people with vision, without courage or conviction to do what is right.  We must nurture our children to be like that but vital to do it with the right value base - to know what is right and wrong, just and unjust.  

Some wise words

Surely the age old saying of "healthy bodies, healthy minds" must have much going for it.  That's just a saying but in the Bible there is the book of Proverbs (which I often find myself reading or recalling) and in chapter 22 it says:

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it (verse 6)

The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!" (verse 13)  For me this means we shouldn't be lazy, thinking of excuses and reasons why we shouldn't do things.

Related:

You might like to check out a blog I enjoy - the Family Adventure Project - now I don't know if they're Christians or have any faith (I honestly don't know) but I do admire them.  They also cycle, amongst other things, as a way of raising their kids in a wholesome way.  Very readable, sometimes funny, sometimes reflective, inspirational and always worthwhile.

Cycling to school a previous blog ramble from April 2011.

C2C Coast to Coast

Becky, just before dipping our back wheels into the Irish Sea

Here's the ingredients of our C2C cycle ride, from Silloth to Tynemouth....

In numbers:

Miles: 110                     Punctures: 0
Days: 3                          Travelodge nights: 4
Kids: 3                           Adults: 2
Back-up Mums: 2          Sun burnt: 0
Cycle Route: 72            Days we got wet: 2
Wrong way: 2                Steep hills walked: 0

Hannah, Kate & Becky.  I just can't remember what Dave was getting them to count.

Day 1

We stayed the night before the start at the M6 Travelodge called Southwaite, just a few miles south of Carlisle and started the C2C ride from Silloth.  We maintained the tradition of dipping our back tyres into the Irish Sea before we left and although we felt a bit daft climbing up and down with our bikes, we drew some comfort in knowing the local folk must be used to this kind of spectacle.  Once on the road it took us a little while to get into the right pace i.e. not too fast or slow and a few minor adjustments to saddle heights etc.

Dave had worked out the route beforehand as he knew I would easily get us all hopelessly lost at least twice each day.  We aimed to keep off any main roads as much as we could and this worked fine throughout.

The first day was about 42 miles heading inland.  Not too hilly although Hannah maintains she had " Mum I cycled up at least three mountains today".  We finished at Brampton which is about 10 miles east of Carlisle.  Rachel and Ruth picked us up and took us back to the Travelodge before getting us there for an early(ish) start the following day.  A few comments about sore bottoms but everyone was keen for.....

Day 2

In Brampton, ready for C2C Day 2

That's me in the middle.  You might be wondering why I'm on a mountain bike which is too small for me.  Answer: girl (Becky) on right hand side who is hankering for a new bike and wanted to have a go on mine, the Thorn Audax Mk3.  Before we set off I lowered the seat, swapped the pedals and tilted the handlebars up for her.  She loved riding my bike and I hated riding hers - a neat reminder of why riding a bike with the seat too low is hard work and painful.

This day contained some fantastic scenery having progressed from gently undulating countryside in Day 1 through to a more rugged and exposed landscape as we climbed out of Henshaw and past the Chesterholm Roman site up onto some stunning scenery.  Going up was quite a struggle for Hannah (12) and not a very experienced cyclist.  She's not alone in leaving it too late to change into a low gear with a steep climb ahead and then grind to a halt when the low gear doesn't click in time.  Her solution?  Go back down to a flatter part and do it again: I really admired her for that.  Although the ascent was slow, she did it with a fair amount of "Daddy how long will this mountain take?" and singing made-up funny songs.  

Once we made it to the top, it seemed we had several miles of gentle free wheeling before we descended into Hexham, where we finished our second day.  While we were going down, man did the heavens open?  It was fantastic!  Talk about raining cats, dogs and stair rods!  It felt like we were cycling down a river at one point!

Day 3

Hexham to Tynemouth was easy on the Sustrans Cycle Route 72, so no need for Dave to keep an eye on the prepared route and no chance of me getting us lost (well, not much).  

This was a ride of real contrasts.  Firstly it was very different to the previous day and secondly within the ride itself we had some lovely riverside pastures and right through to the metropolitan areas of Newcastle.  Not many hills (or Mountains) for Hannah to sing her way up.

And then we made it to Tynemouth for the tyre dipping ritual once again.  Rachel and Ruth were there waiting for us with hugs, cheers and praise for the girls having made it.  I had previously promised Hannah and ice cream once we'd finished and the one and only ice cream van drove off as we arrived!  Nevertheless, the mums had a really nice hot meal lined up for us in a near-by pub where we could all reflect on the miles and smiles of the C2C route.

We made it!

Will we do this kind of thing again?  Yep, hope so!

C2C training: the funniest ride!

Even before we left home, there was a flat tyre on Hannah's bike.  I fixed it but not well enough, I didn't put the patch in the right place!  Just 2 miles from home, the tyre was again flat and here we are fixing it.

I might need to work on her road safety skills (when on proper roads with cars etc.).  She's quite a comic at times.

Here's Hannah flaked out upon arriving at Grandma's house, after 10 miles.  C2C is next week, not sure now how well we'll manage!

More Coast to Coast training

As you know, we are planning to ride a Coast to Coast route during the fast-approaching half term break.  So here's a couple of snaps on a recent Sunday afternoon cycle ride to get limbered up a bit.  Getting Becky and Hannah up and out took some doing but they were reassured the ride was only 4 miles.  Well, I can tell you, I got that completely wrong and seriously under estimated the distance.  They were none the wiser and didn't complain a bit once I'd relented and agreed to buy an ice cream for each of them (not that I really approve of Sunday trading).

Look Dad, this frame really is too small....

Hannah enjoying a bit  of "me" time

Becky trying out my bike

Becky has had her eye on my bike for several months, knowing that with the seat down a bit she can ride okay.  While she can ride it, it really is the wrong size reach etc.  A real laugh seeing her in my cycling shoes that are too big, even for me!   She is wanting a new bike for her birthday in July.  A women's specific bike 50-52com frame or thereabouts, perhaps with a triple chainset, would be absoluetly ideal.  Any suggestions or offers? 

Just leave me a comment and maybe we can discuss further?

MK Marathon - decided for sure

Here's a bit of a rambling round-up; time to sit back with a coffee as I go through this with you.

Remember me telling you I was a little uncertain about doing the MK Marathon?  About a month ago as part of the training I did a 20 odd mile run, thoroughly enjoyed it, but I managed to pick up an injury that has bugged me ever since.  I've tried to treat it by easing off running but not completely - still need to keep my hand in but I've done some cross training (for me only worthwhile if made to be really hard work - just boring otherwise) and a bit of cycling.

I think I'm mostly recovered and yesterday morning was the self imposed "test" with a gentle 9.5 mile run.  I ran at roughly 10 minute / mile pace (6mph) which is which is the pace I hope to average on the marathon itself as a "get around".  Already I'm thinking I'll be in better shape for a Cheddar Gorge event in September!

Everything was fine, mostly.  Consistent with runs over the last few weeks, my leg was very painful and stiff to start off with.  Being aware I was running along the edge of my foot I consciously made myself run a more even form in making my foot land flatter.  Seems to work and aside from the odd twinge, I was good when I got back.  Not too fatigued so I'm cautiously looking forward to the marathon!

As ever the run was uplifting.  I enjoyed running through some country lanes that are now springing nicely into life.  The fields reminded me of how I like to run in "England's Green and Pleasant Land ".  No hugely inspired ideas, no weighty problems solved, no burdens lifted.  Just a pleasant run, enjoying the scenery and knowing I could do it.

After breakfast I happened to speak to my mother on the telephone.  She is horrified at the thought of me trying to run a marathon.  "At your age as well!  You should know better, I should rest and take it easy if I were you. What happens if it rains, won't you catch a cold?".  All the more reason to do it.  Can't wait to next Sunday and then to tell you all about it afterwards

Later on yesterday Becky, my eldest daughter, needed a lift over to Luton for a tap dancing class, so I took the opportunity to put the bike in the back of the car and go for a ride while she was dancing.

Really enjoyed it.  Got lost and what made it worse was having strayed off the edge of the map!  That is not cool.  As I was on the side of the road trying to figure out where I was, a car pulled up and started talking about directions.  I thought my luck was in, perhaps they were offering me some directions.  Turned out they were lost too and had no map at all.

You can see from the above photo, I was just inside Hertfordshire and a jolly nice area too.  "Very Hertfordshire around here as well" I thought.  The clouds were rather heavy looking and I was probably in store for a deluge but it didn't happen for me - a shame!  I know this probably sounds weird but sometimes it's really nice being out in really heavy rain - it's so refreshing and exhilarating.

I was really encouraged and pleased to see plenty of other cyclists out.  Mostly MAMILs* in pairs, whizzing along briskly, though nobody over took me!  There were a couple of mountain bikers and a woman plodding along - enthusiastically dressed in the Lycra gear and on an expensive-looking new Trek hybrid bike.  She wasn't going fast, in fact it looked a bit of a struggle for her, but the important thing was she was out there and having a go.  Seems there really is an explosion of new cyclists out riding decent road bikes in order to keep fit and lose that city bonus.  Brilliant.

So there y'go.  A "reassuring run" before breakfast and a nice bike ride after breakfast.  On that ride I covered 22 miles and, astonishingly, I hit 42mph as a maximum speed - I had no idea I did that yesterday!

*MAMIL = Middle Aged Men In Lycra

Coast to Coast training ride

C2C practice ride for Becky & Hannah

"Becky how far do you think we've been riding for?"

"About a mile or two"

"Are you sure?  Must be at least 20 miles.  I never knew this mountain was so steep" panted Hannah

"Have you tried changing gear?"

"Ah great idea Becky, I know Dad explained all that gear changing stuff but which one do I press?"

"That small one on the left, by your thumb.  If you go any slower you'll fall off"

Clank goes Hannah's gears.  Much easier now; a little quicker too.

"Do you think Dad will buy us an ice cream when we get to the top?"

We got ice creams.  This was a "training" ride for our mini holiday to do our Coast to Coast ride in June.  We kind of got the idea last year when we stayed in Cumbria and couldn't help but notice all the route markings and fantastic countryside from the Irish Sea to the North Sea.

We're planning to do a short route consisting of 35 miles x 3 days and staying in Travel Lodges.

The great thing is, we're doing it with our like-minded friends Dave and Ruth with their girls Kate and Hannah (in the same classes as our girls).

World's best saddle bag?

It is all very well for cyclist and blogger Tejvan Pettinger in his truly excellent Cycling Info blog to talk about buying the largest saddle bag you can, he has neglected the above Carradice saddle bags, still made in the UK (thankfully).

I was amused by the thought of other roadies asking him "are you going camping?" upon seeing his somewhat compact saddle bag on his training bike.  If they saw mine they'd be asking if I was moving house.

There are so many fantastic things about Carradice saddle bags.  They're so durable as this one testifies - being circa 1988 or thereabouts.  They're probably "bomb proof", timeless and that adds to the charm, I think.  Certainly heavy duty and comes in handy for carrying some paperwork to and from work, my lunch, mobile phone, wallet, ID badge and clothes for the day.  Permanent occupants are a spare inner tube, some spiders, tyre levers and a spare pair of glasses.

It is amazing what these can carry, having stuffed them full of tins from Sainsburys; I use my pannier bags for less robust cargo.  It is easy to carry a 4 pint bottle of milk, smoothies and tins knowing they're strapped in there really securely.  Hardly anyone ever cycles to our Sainsbury's to stock up on loads of shopping - people look at me and think I'm either a disqualified driver, weird or too mean to drive my car.

These bags are hardly  elegant, aerodynamic, modern or trendy.  Instead they look a bit dated, a bit CTC-ish of old and generally twinned with a Brooks B17 saddle but I couldn't care less.  For use on an all-purpose bike they are great bags.  Mind you, I can't imagine Tejvan Pettinger et al using one - unless you know different (and now there's a challenge).

Commuting by bike - problems to overcome

Cyclists in pole position at Trafalgar Square traffic lights

Following the previous Ramble about all the good reasons why commuting by bike is so good, here are a few problems I have needed to solve.

1. Clothes, shoes etc.  Sometimes I get myself organised and make sure I have clothes at my office, ready for me to change into.  Other times I take a change of clothes each day.  The main thing is having a shirt which won't become too crumpled looking.  I always keep a spare pair of shoes under my desk but I do bring them home to give them a good polish from time to time - otherwise the leather will totally dry out! I always smile when I'm so obviously in my cycling gear (yellow jacket, helmet, clicky shoes) and someone in reception asks "Have you cycled today Doug?".
2. Body odour!  As we don't have showers, and if I'm really in need I have a quick wash in the "bathroom".  I do not like to use de-odourant but sometimes do make an exception.
3. Bad weather happens less than we think here in the East of England; a relatively dry part of the UK.  Squally winds and freezing temperatures are the things that I loathe the most.  This is where the correct cycle clothing comes into play.  Having cycle specific clothing is an investment worth making if you plan to cycle often.
4. Squashed lunch might seem a daft problem but I can tell you, squashed cheese and pickle sandwiches just doesn't look good by lunch time!  Even worse than being squashed it where they fall to bits!  A lunch box is useful, depending on how much space you have.  Otherwise pack more robust things like flapjacks and apples
5. Fear is real.  Fear of cars, accidents, pedestrians, lorries and so on.  The solution is found in being visible with lights and a yellow jacket where appropriate.  Otherwise confidence, experience and a good road sense will help,
6. Papers take up lots of room and can be heavy.  Planning ahead and having pannier bags are my solutions as I often have to attend meetings elsewhere on different days. Sometimes I have to take papers for several meetings and these can seriously slow me down.   Just as well I have not been "especially chosen" to have a laptop, I'd only lose it or leave it somewhere.
7. Cramp is a bit of a problem for me but only in my feet.  I have rambled about this before and it does bug me sometimes.  I get it in some of the muscles in my feet, normally one at a time but when it strikes in both feet together, that can be a bit scary.  I think the most probable cause, in which I could do something about, is the shoes I use and keeping my feet warm and dry enough.  Click here for a review of my shoes. Click here for a ramble from last year about getting cramp.

Seven reasons to commute by bicycle

Commuting by bike around Trafalgar Square

Yesterday I went into London for a meeting (by train!) and as I walked from Charing Cross to Haymarket I was struck by the large number of cyclists during the rush hour.  I was impressed.

As you might know, I go through phases of cycling to work myself.end to be wider and straighter - makes it easier for cyclists to be seen well in advance.  For me it's a ride of about 13 miles from one town to another along busy roads.  There are some more rural alternatives which I also like to take but these too can be busy in the rush hour.  So here's a few of my own reasons:

1. Arriving energised, feeling so alive and awake.  There's no doubt in this, I do feel so "alive", especially after a fast ride.  It makes me more productive.
2. Quicker.  For my 13 mile ride, it normally takes 45-50 minutes, depending on traffic, wind direction etc.  Normally by car it takes me 30-45 minutes, so not much in it.  An urban ride is almost certainly quicker.
3. Cheaper. Once you have a decent bike with lights, clothes etc. there is not much to pay out for.  Compare that to a car!  Purchase price, fuel, tax, insurance, car parking, servicing, breakdown cover and so on.  If your employer operates a Cycle to Work scheme, the set up cost is considerably reduced and worth looking in to.  I work for a particularly slow part of the public sector which, by nature is reluctant to indulge in this kind of thing
4. Makes a statement about who you are and what you stand for - not following the crowd.
5. Improves fitness as any kind of cycling will do
6. Environmentally it's cleaner and we all know cars pollute very badly in stop-start traffic; typical commuting conditions.  One of the cyclists in the above photograph is wearing a face mask to improve the air he's breathing
7. Avoid the stress of traffic jams with being able to weave in and out (safely of course) to speed your journey but not to annoy motorists.
8. Any others?  Have I missed something?  Please leave a comment.

Cycling again

Getting nice photographs of me cycling on my own can be a bit of a challenge as you may already have noticed, hence the best I can do is the above image - me and my shadow.

Nevertheless I have started cycling again and my 2012 mileage has now risen to the heady figure of 113 miles.

It felt great on Sunday afternoon having a gentle spin out into the countryside and visit my mother-in-law for a cuppa and natter. Then, feeling inspired I cycled to work on Monday; thoroughly enjoyed it but very slow coming home.  Cycling muscles are a tad out of shape!

Withdrawal symptoms

My apologies for not blogging very much lately.  I've missed you too.  It seems there is always so much to do these days at home, at work, wider family and church demands all squeezing my time.  Please don't take that as a grumble; it's not.  As much as I love running and cycling and blogging about it, I wouldn't want it any other way.

I think I'm suffering some withdrawal symptoms, particularly from cycling.  This picture was taken this morning as I popped into the garage for something or other.  Like so many in the UK, we don't actually use our garages for parking our cars in as instead, we use them for all kinds of other things as you can see.

The MK Marathon training schedule is proving very hard to keep up with 4 or 5 runs a week.  I just don't seem to be getting the opportunity to run that often.  I do manage about 3 or maybe 4 runs each week: 2 are generally on a treadmill in the gym and the long run at the weekend is spent running through the countryside.  Weekend before last I went running for 2 hours 20 minutes in which I must have covered about 14 or 15 miles.  It was hard towards the end with plenty of snow around; I ran across some fields through previously unbroken snow.  It was wonderful.  It was uplifting, inspirational and humbling.  Humbling for all kinds of reasons.

As for cycling, I'm getting out of the habit which I'm feeling increasingly unhappy about.  I have done less than 70 miles so far this year and must snap out of this.  There are some occasions when I could genuinely have cycled the 13 odd miles to my office but have chosen to go by car instead having justified it in some way.  At least the days are getting longer and the icy weather won't last for much longer.

I need to keep reminding myself of all of the real benefits of running.  The Runner's High and those feelings of elation and profound satisfaction; rising above all of the challenges, the niggles and feelings of self doubt.  The peacefulness and beauty of being the first to run a particular trail one day; the first to leave my footprints and be inspired by just being there.  The physical health benefits of burning 700 calories an hour, the benefit of putting my body under a little bit of pressure to make it stronger for the next run.  Tomorrow I have to go to London and won't get back home until 9.00pm, so not much chance for a run for a run until the day after.  I just have to keep believing I can work through this dis-jointed training and know that the right opportunities will arise.

So once again, please accept my apologies for not blogging so much lately.  I really value the bits of encouragement that come my way from friends, family and colleagues.  Here's to clocking up plenty more miles in the near future on two wheels as well as two feet.