A Punishment Ride!

Hi blog readers.

Well I cant remember the last time I wrote me blog,........Yes I know that I only have to look back, but I was being rhetorical! I had a blinding weekend. Lovely evening out the Old Boy on Friday, boozy dancing on Saturday night with the girls, and lovely lazy Sunday with my Auntie.

I really wasn't looking forward to going out riding, it was cold and damp, and cold! It really was cold. I have beening living in my house for a week with no heating, you would have thought I was acclimatised with it, but of course I wasn't.

We got all togged up in gear, then turned out lights on. Well, the old boy had washed our bikes on Saturday, and didn't remove the lights! Fortunately my light still works, even though it was on for hours before I noticed it! So the battery is a little low, but the Old Boys light just didn't work. Lucky he has the other one!

So we set off down the lane towards TAL, then we going to go through Bromley, turn left and head towards Hayes. All the while searching out a shop that sells the batteries for my light! So we did have a couple of stops, and also a couple of stops because my baby brother was calling me!

I did struggle a little on some of the hills, I was going slower, I did noticed that, but like I said, I had a brilliant weekend!! Now I have to pay!

When we went through Hayes, I wanted to try riding up the really dark road, you know the one, where the Old boy lost me, and I took the well lit road instead, and ended up a the Greyhound Pub, (typical, I really should have popped in for a pint!) I changed the head lamp from flashing to full beam, took the diffuser down and the road was perfect for me to ride down! I could see the end of the road, I knew I wasn't riding in the middle of it, (drivers drive quite fast up this road even though its dark!)and also I could see I wasn't going to go crashing off at the side of the road!. Just A brilliant head light.

We made our way to Locksbottom, the Old Boy was behind me all the way, his back light was brighter than mine. Then straight across the A21, the Old Boy has since told me that going down the A21 would be quicker to get home from Locksbottom, but then he wants us to put in the miles, so we are taking the longer route, with hills, up towards Crofton road.

When we turned left to head on home I said to the Old Boy, "I think I will take the short cut home, and not going through Pettswood, I'm cold, and my feet are numb" "That's just excuses" was his reply. I wasn't to pleased about that, but I wasn't go to let him get away with that either. I am dedicated to getting fit, and I can do this, and of course I want it to be fun as well though, but I will show him I can do it. So I rode on through Pettswood High Street and down Southborough. Yeah that will show him!

I was so glad to get home tonight. Get in, get warm, have dinner and a cupper and write me blog. Yes I am glad that I went out, I needed to get back into the swing of things, so the Old Boy was right in dragging my ass out!! Thanks hun! (There, thats not a 'diss' is it?)

Geeky stats

Blog Extra!

Hello bloggers.

Just a quickie.

I wasn't expecting to go out tonight, not with the Old Boy anyway. But he said "Come on Old Girl, get togged up, we're going for a quick 10 miles" I wasn't really prepared for it, I was still waiting to hear from Smarty Pants, but I gave her a call and told her that I will not be more than 2 miles in any direction so she can still call on me.

Check out the geeky stats for the route, but it included that dreaded Old Hill. How I hate that hill. While we were riding I did get two calls, but both from middle daughter, mother of dude! Just to tell me that he is not very well! It never rains but it pours!!

So back home after what was quite a slow 10 miles really, the Old Boy cooked up a hot hot curry, (to keep us warm from the inside out!) And now we are off to the cinema.

Geeky stats for you.

Grrr darn it. Thats the third time my Garmin played up, it froze on me, and had to reset the whole thing. Whiping out my geeky stats.

But we did ride for about 11 miles, taking in Bromley, Chislehurst and Petts wood. In just over an hour, if I remember rightly!

Hello Lamppost My Old Friend!

Hello blogees,

Today could be an exciting day. After being on 'key keeping' duty for a while this morning, I got myself ready to go for a run. I was planning on doing my old usual route, up to Turpington, Greenway etc, just for a change. But then I had a text from my running buddy, Smarty Pants. I may be needed to be taxi driver (and who knows, maybe midwife if things move along quickly). So it is an exciting day!

With that in mind, I didn't want to be too far away, so I though why not run to good old turnaround lamppost and back. So this is what I did. The weather is ok, not bad for this time of the year, so only had on new running top and trousers. ...... Oh I must say this. I thought as I'm not going to be out that long, instead of looking through the clean laundry for a sports bra, I would just wear an ordinary one!! They make sports bras for a reason ladies, let me assure you of that! My body was not under control one bit!! I felt most uncomfortable, and I kept having to hoist everything back in place! Lesson learned!

Not only that, but because I had my earphones in I would not have heard the phone, nor felt the vibrations of the phone in my back pocket, so the only place I knew where I can feel the vibrations was in my bra, but, as you know, because of ...... the lack of control there, my phone went flying across the pavement! You can probably see where I had to stop and walk back back a bit, to pick up the pieces.

After that I just kept my phone in my hand, I should have done that in the first place. Of course down this path is the usual irresponsible dog owners dogs doings, thank goodness my phone didn't end up in a pile of sh...... shlippery stuff. I ran towards a chap with his dog, I always slow down when approaching dogs, you never know how a it will take it when you are running up towards it, but when the dog owner himself has to tighten the lead and put his body between you and the dog, then you feel justified in looking a little afraid!

Lamppost reached, patted and smiled at, but no standing around for me, catching my breath or taking in the view. Nope, back up the path I go. Again there was another dog owner with his pet. This one looked like he could do a few miles with me to lose some of its weight, but still a frightening looking dog. This one, however, wasn't on its lead. I slowed down, moved aside for the dog to go pass, but the dog wasn't interested in moving on, it was more interest in me!! Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, so much better than cats!, I just don't like the ones that look like big muscly scary dogs! Especially coming sniffing towards me. The owner kindly got his dog away from me, and I ran on.

Dog patrol safely passed, dogs doing elegantly jumped over, and now thoughts of Smarty Pants. Oh wow, it could be any minute. Then other thoughts started to creep into my brain cell. First one was, "I am going to get back looking a little hot and sweaty, even though its only just over a mile". "No problem" You all say, "just have a quick shower, babies don't normally pop out in 5 mins" Well, there's the problem, I have no heating and no hot water in my house, not until tomorrow anyway! No problem, I shall just do the old fashioned way of washing, and pour hot water in a basin and do a standup wash. Sorted.

Then another, more serious thought occurred. I need to fill the car up with petrol! The petrol light was flashing the last time I used the car, I kept meaning to fill it up, just never got around to it. If I don't fill it, and things do happen, then I could very well be playing midwife!!

By the time all these thoughts had gone through my head, and how I am going to solve them all, I was at my path. And I noticed that I had slowed down to walking! Duh, woman, get a move on, you got stuff to do!

I ran up my path turned off my Garmin (Oh yes, I didn't forget to use that today) and set about getting ready for anything that may happen today. Exciting days! A new life ready to begin! Wonderful!

Geeky stats. (I'm not sure it this is a pb, just cant remember now)

Unexpected 20 Miler With The Old Boy

Hello Blogers

Well, I have been totally blond this month with dates. I wrote all my courses that I need to do for work on this months dates instead of next month.

I should have gone running with the club, as I have not been running with them for a while, but because of all the mix up, I ended up saying that I would go with the Old boy for a ride instead. Oh well. It's my age you know!

Me and the Old Boy got all togged up in our cycling outfits, head lamps flashing, bike lights flashing. We looked the dogs, oh yes!! He is going to take me on his 20 mile route, I have already done this route, but in two sections! And now I will see how they both fit together.

I was feeling pretty ok, considering I didn't think I was going to do any exercise at all today, I wasn't mentally prepared, but maybe sometimes that a good thing. I mean 20 miles, during an evening, for an old couch potato is quite daunting really. But we set off, through the path and up to dear old turn around lamppost, and the along the A21.

Although I have rode this part o many times now, it still gets me puffing a little. The Old Boy seems to have no trouble with it. Well, I'm guessing he has no trouble with it, he is behind me. He don't want me 'dissing' him on my blog. As if I do that! Do I do that...? No, I am very nice to all my family and friends who drag my sorry backside around a running or cycle course! And I really do appreciate each and every one. From the still quiet voices to the loud screaming, "No Stopping" from Naggy Neighbour!

I know where we are going, I know, it makes a change! But who can get lost on straight roads, right. All the way up now to the Halstead turn off. A lovely clear road again to be able to cross over(I did have a word with Him beforehand and asked Him to take care of things like that!) And there we were. Heading towards Badgers Mount. A monotonous steadily climbing road! It is fairly quite down here, but just soooooo boring!!

We soon good to the roundabout at the end, with a last ditch scream coming from me about how boring and hard this road seemed. Then we turned left and made our way home. This is the fast part of the road. So we pulled over just by the sign for Badgers Mount, I must remember to bring my camera and get a picture of me there. Such vanity! So a nice ride down now, all the way, virtually, to Crittals corner from here. The Old Boy was in the lead now, he obviously had enough of looking at my backside, but when we were riding down Sevenoaks Way I was gaining on the Old Boy, and was having to pull up on my brakes!! I could have overtook him, but I decided to let him lead the way. I remember the 'ramp' at the end of this section of road, and I was thinking if I cant make, then I can have a sneaky stop!

I did cycle all the way though, which I was pretty pleased about. Well, when you have joggers coming at you in the opposite direction you got to look good right!

From here the time seemed to fly by. I was enjoying the whole ride from here. The roads were busy, but both me and the Old Boy were lit up like Christmas trees so easily can be seen!

Chislehurst, the Pettswood seemed to arrive quickly, and soon we were flying down Southborough Lane, going through the park is the norm now. The Old Boy still thinks his bike not running right, so time to take them in for the first service. We have done some miles on our bikes already!!!

So geeky stats.

Naggy Naggy Naggy, Oi Oi Oi!

Hello blog lovers,

Well today is Sunday, after a very boozy Friday, and lazy, (but still done something) Saturday, I was planning on not doing anything today, especially after our 60th celebration of our church! All that food, and cakes, and puddings!!!

So I just got back from my church after tiding up, and I sat with a cup of tea, and just then got a text from Naggy Neighbour! "Have you done your run" yet, she wrote. I replied, "No not yet" just so that I sounded like I was going to do something, and then she said "Oh good, I shall come along with you" Oh blimey! Now I do have to go. "Ok, meet you in 15 mins" I texted back. That should be enough time for the tea to settle, right?

I got changed into my gear, and put my new running top on. And as it was still damp and horrid outside I thought I would wear my new luminous green cycling jacket as well. It said it was water resistant! When I opened the door to Naggy, I almost blinded her with my coat. I should have warned her really.

"So where we going" says Naggy, "Oh just my usual route" I said. Lets see if I can get around this whole route with her naggy me. The first obstacle was the hill of course. I managed to get to the top more or less, before I had to reach in my pocket for my snot collector!! Other wise I was in danger of slipping to the bottom of the hill in it!! I know, not a nice thought! But dear Naggy wasn't stopping. So as soon as the deed was done, I had to play catch up. And that is how naggy kept the whole jog going today.

I did stop another time, but again naggy just kept going, and so I just had to run and keep up with her. We were soon in Pettswood. I have run most of the way, I don't think my time will be any faster, but I'm pretty sure it will still be under 40 mins, which to me, is still an achievement! I am old couch potato you know! But from Pettswood, after we had crossed over the walk over bridge, I was non stop all the way home! Can you believe that, I think I did slow down to a walking pace, but Naggy said that If I did that again, the she was going to add on another mile, and we ere going to go through the park!! I didn't want to go on further that what I had in my head. Maybe next time, yeah, next time I will let Naggy choose the route, yeah, that's a good idea. She can take me out of my comfort zone then!

Now, hopefully she won't have read that bit, because I know that she is available to run in the evenings all next week!!! Gulp!

But, I must admit, having someone to run with does keep me on my toes, just like riding my bike with the Old Boy, and he goes pass the roads I would have taken to take a shorter route home! I am a lazy mare!! I admit it! But I am working on it, and, strangely still enjoying it. Even when I'm running now, and not just afterwards! Yes very strange.

Naggy kept me going up the slight incline on Oxhawth, the threat of going through the park was still there. It just would have been the other way around it now! And soon we were on the 'Road That I dare not stop on' This is the discipline that I have given myself. I know I can't stop on this road. I check the time, and Naggy says "This is not about time, its about getting all the way home, non stop from Pettswood" And then it dawned on me, blimey, I have just ran from Pettswood, all the way here, and now I know I can't stop, I have just ran the last 1.5 miles non stop!

I know I am going to be able to do a whole 5k non stop soon. It may have taken me longer than most people to get there, but slow and steady is how I will achieve it.

So geeky stats for my run today.

What A Wet, Yucky Day!

Hello blogees!

Well, our 30 mile trip didn't happen today. We woke up from a good night sleep, (helped by copious amounts of alcohol the night before!) and looked out of the windows. Rain. That horrible drizzly rain that just makes you feel yucky! Not the big fat drenching rain that will fall for an hour and then leave you alone for the rest of the day. No, it's that horrible thin wispy stuff that stays around for the whole day, bringing your mood down, and not wanting to do anything.

So, me and the Old Boy had a shopping expedition, thinking later on it will clear up. We seem to be becoming one of those very sad couples that you see hill walking, or snuggled around the fire of some cosy pub wearing matching jumpers, after taking off thier matching jackets, warming their feet shod with matching shoes! That's right folks, me and him have only bought ourselves the same cycling jackets!! Fortunately mine is a very different colour to his, I went for a bright yellow one, and the Old Boy went for a black and blue one....... hmmm....... just like a big bruise sitting on a bike!

Now, not only do we have the same make of bikes, but we have the same make of jackets! This is getting ridiculous! But he has accessorised his bike a little further, by buying a 'man bag' for it. It's a little triangle shaped thing that sits under his crossbar. Very fetching. I also got myself a couple more bits for my running as well.

After we got home from our shopping, we noticed a break in the weather, and decided to do just a 10 miler somewhere. Just an easy ride out. After we got ready, new jackets on, plus headlamps! we set off. It had started to rain again, and the headlamps showed how much it was raining. I was not looking forward to this ride at all. Not in the dark, not in the horrid thin wispy rain. I was looking forward to getting home and having my steak dinner before we even got on the road!

I must say, we did look good, all lit up like Christmas trees, the tubing and names on our jackets were all made with reflective material! and what with the extra lights on our heads, we made sure everyone could see us!

We had to go down Southborough lane, pop into the doctors to post something. and the Old Boy noticed a fatal flaw in his man bag. He had strapped it tightly around the cross bar, restricting the brake cable! Well, I tried not to smirk, but he sorted it out, and was soon on our way.

Heading up to Bromley, the rain was getting more and more, my glasses getting rain soaked. I managed to get to Bromley High street, and I had to wipe off the rain. the Old Boy always organised and had tissues on him! We cycled slowly through the high street, and then on towards our usual Bromely route. But instead of going down the rest of Plaistow Lane we turned left at headed off some other direction. "Where is he taking us today?" I wondered! It was dark, and you know me with directions, I hadn't a clue where we were heading. I just had to make sure that I kept an eye on his blinking lights and radioactive jacket!

The rain was coming down. I just started to recognise places, especially as we went under the rail way bridge near Chislehurst! "Your going to take me up summer Hill" I says to him "Nope" came his response. We stopped by an off license and the Old Boy had a flutter on the lotto, and came out with a bit of chocolate. I said, "You are taking me up Old Hill then" "Yep" he said. ARRRGGGGGHHH I hate that hill. It really is steep and long. I know I am not going to make this. Not in the rain, not today, no way! Not only that but there is road works on here, and cars parked on one side of the road, and loads of traffic. It was not a good time for me to attempt this hill today.

We started up the hill after having our choccie break. The Old Boy tried to encourage me, "You're doing better then me" he says, just a few minutes after this I cried out "ARRRGGHHH" and had to stop. The Old Boy kept going, I could see him, riding slowly up the hill, but he was moving on his bike. He managed to ride the whole hill, no stops. Not this time. He was very pleased with him self, and I was very proud of him. It is a horrible hill, and he did well to get up there. Well done Old Boy.

I walked part of the hill, and then got back on the bike to just finish the top. Next time, lets see how far I get. The way home from here is pretty easy now. No challenges, fairly on the level, with only just the slightest of elevations. I was so looking forward to getting home. I have enjoyed getting out. Testing out the new jackets, and the headgear, and also just to stretch and spin the legs.

The last mile or so home and all I had on my mind was my steak dinner. Coming down our road I was feeling pretty wet and sorry for myself, but I did feel good that I had gone out with the Old Boy on our matching bikes, in our matching jackets.

Geeky stats for you

Just A Short Ride!

Hello blog readers.

Yes, it is just a short ride today, only 10 miles, just to keep our legs spinning, and not seizing up on us.

We set off, going up to do part of the Old Boys 20 mile route, I did the first half yesterday, and so I am doing the second part today! So I have done his 20 miles in two parts.

It was ok. Busy! Very busy roads. We went up Orpington. Why, everywhere I go, is up, I don't know. But there you go, up the hills to Oprington, then we turned left down the high street, around the one way system and on to Carlton Parade. then up the busy road, towards the bypass.

We stayed on the road, until we got to the bypass, then used the cycle path after this. its all uphill, again, the Old Boy thinks I need plenty of hill training! So it's just as well we on the cycle path, if I do have to stop, at least there will be no cars hooting me.

We rode to Crittals Corner, using the cycle path, which dips down and we have to ride up, (more hills!) and the on towards Perry Street. This is where I wanted to go on Monday, but the rain beat me. So it's nice to see the route with the Old Boy, I may not get lost now, if I try this route out next time.

But it seems, to me, it's still going up hill! I can't understand it. My home must be about 20 miles below sea level! It never looked that way before, mind you, I have always gone every where by car or bus! He did mentioned to me about trying out Summer Hill, or Old Hill. But I'm not read for another hill yet. I need to truly put PerryHall Lane firmly in place, under my feet! Never to be a burden on me again! Well, that's what I hope. But I know that will always be a hard ride. And I know there are other hard roads and hills out there, but I am hoping with experience I will be able to tackle them better.

When the Old Boy said that we are turning left, when we got to Chislehurst, then I knew that Summer and Old hill where not on his agenda. I was quite pleased, and I did express my feelings about those particular hills, like "No, I don't want to do those yet, I'm not ready" kind of way! But this is still part of the route that the Old Boy does, when he goes on his 20 mile blasts. It's just as well, because we need to stop off and get some shopping at Pettswood.

Heading through the barriers, and then turning right. Down hills now, we must be at the top of where ever it is we were heading! Thank goodness! And now we are heading for home.

Into Pettswood, and stop at the local. After I came out of the shop, the Old Boy suggests getting some sushi. Well, that is just the cherry on the cake.

Shopping done, sushi bought, and now heading off home, for dinner and relaxation.

Geeky stats for you.

PB Or Conquer My Nemesis? Hmm?

Hello Blogers,

Well today I have had a busy day, exercise wise that is. Well to think of it, just a busy day in general. First I had to get up! Well, its an achievement for me! Then I went for a run, came home tidied up a little after the dude, had a shower, done toddlers, came home, more tiding up, school run. etc etc etc, then I went for a bike ride!

"How does this woman do it" I hear you all asking. Well the truth is, I have no idea! I got the Old Boy hooked on keeping fit, and now I got to go with the flow!

So today, I am going to keep this bit fairly short......... ok you can stop sighing now.......and hooray-ing....... ok? Have you all finished? Well this is the short bit.

Good music kept me going, off course I didn't quite manage to get round the whole way without a few stops, but when I did stop it was further along the route, and stopping for less time.

So, I asked you in the beginning, personal best or conquer my nemesis, Perry Hall Road! Well let me tell you, I got a PB. did this route in 38.06 minutes, just take a look at the geeky stats



After my shower, and all the other stuff I mentioned, I was waiting for the Old Boy to come home so that we could go for a 10 miler. I had already told him that I had my personal best today, and he was well chuffed with me, even sent a kiss on my phone! Then he asked if I was up for a 10 miler. "Yeah no problem" I said. I was feeling on top of the world.

Of Course I was thinking maybe we would go through Hayes and stuff like that, but he said something about we are going to GreenstreetGreen, and then on to Opington. "Have a go at your nemesis" he says to me. Why!! Why when I was feeling on top of the world, why would I want to come crashing down just now. But then he carried on, "I'm going to take you on to parts of my route that I do" he says "up to Halstead"

Now those of you who know those roads these are pretty scary roads, even in the car. (or is that just me that thinks that?) and to ride a bike up there, at night, with just a plastic and polystyrene hat on seems ludicrous to me. Well of course I was wearing other things!!! tut, you guys! lol. But a quick word upstairs to keep us both safe (and vigilant) and on we go.

To be truthful, the only prat..... oops sorry, stupid driver that I came across was one wanting to turn into Maccie D's on the A21, he was not using his mirrors at all! and tried to squish me under his tyres in his eagerness to get his teeth into some sort of meat substance sold at these establishments. The Old boy told me that we were to keep going, pass where I usually turn off to head on home, (Greenstreet Green) and on until we see the sign that says Halstead.

I was in the lead position, I knew this road, I had to drive down here when I had to pick him up after his fishing expeditions, (and I always turned off too early) So I just kept going until I heard him say "Stop here Old Girl, until there is a safe gap to cross"

Well He must have been looking out for us, we didn't have to wait long, a huge gap, no cars coming up, and the cars coming down were far enough away that we could cross this road safely all the way. And now we are on a boring, boring, uphill road, in the dark!

I just kept on peddling, waiting for that roundabout that will send us home. Thankfully we made it. We decided to make this a pit stop. Me and the Old boy have new accessories for our new bikes, Bottle Holders But I am the only one with a bottle that fits, he he he. We stopped near a sign that says 'Badgers Mount' I tried to get the Old Boy a picture of me standing there to show you all, but his super douper, all inclusive, making tea, and washing up new mobile phone don't have a flash!

The road down from here is, ....well,.... its ok. The roundabout at the bottom is pretty scary. You have to pretend to be a car then! Get in the right lane, which is the middle land and the go kind of straight across this. No problem with that, sorted.

From here it was pretty mundane, its was fast, because its down hill, top gear all the way to Orpington! We turned left at Charleton Parade so that we will be facing my nemesis. Like I said before, I already have my PB, I am tired, still suffering from the cold, and now my nemesis, Perry Hall Road! Hmmm, not today, I am thinking.

My thoughts were "Just take it easy Old Girl, no-one will shun you because you didn't make it, you have had a busy day!" NAH Stuff that!! I am going for it! Why not! What is the worse that can happen?!

The Old Boy said to me "Its here Old Girl, you're nemesis" "Ssshh" I said "You going to sneak up on it?" he says jokingly. I hankered down in my seat, thought about all the stuff I have been told, "relax your hands, count 1, 2, 3, keep peddling, don't stop, just relax"

So I did. I didn't stop peddling. The Old Boy asked if he should go ahead of me, and I said yes! This was my battle, my challenge, I needed to do it. He went off, up the hill. Now it was just me, my bike and that hill. Peddling, peddling, think about what I have been told, keep an eye on the traffic, keep an eye on the road, I looked up. I can see the roundabout, already! You can do this Old Girl, keep going, don't stop! Flippin nora, Old Girl, you can do this, you can do this. I'm peddling like crazy, I'm counting, I'm relaxing. I reached the roundabout and even crossed over it as there were no cars waiting to use it. I went passed the last place I stopped, I was telling myself to keep on going. I just had to do this today. Onwards and upwards, the Old Boy gone from my sight now, probably reached the top and was waiting for me, but I kept on going. My legs were telling me to stop peddling, my head was telling me to stop peddling. But I just kept on going. I looked up and I could see the top of the hill. Not far to go, then its on the level! Oh wow, I can do this, I am going to do this.

I done it!! the Old Boy was just coming along the other side of the road to cheer me on. I was laughing, almost crying! I flipping done it.

So the answer to the question, PB or conquer my nemesis? Do both Old Girl!!

Geeky stats of my ride today

A Wet Cold Ride For Me!

Hi blogees.

Today I went out for a bike ride. I am still not feeling ready to run yet, I like my lungs where they are!, but the cycling seems easier on the chest and the breathing, but still giving you a complete workout. My goodness, I sound like an advert!...Anyway. It looked bright out this morning, but I did roll over and have an extra hour in bed. By the time I got up and ready for my ride it was overcast. Still, I'm not one to let a challenge go.

I was planning on doing a 20 mile route today. The Old boy seems to have fired me up and I'm wanting to to keep up with him now!! What with him losing 24 pounds since Christmas, doing 20 miles in just over hour and half. I'm not having it, I started well before him, it's taken me blooming ages to lose a stone, and what with this cold zapping my energy, filling my chest, throat and nose with gunk, I am having trouble sticking to my training plans! Oh that's it, I needed that.

So today is a kind of 'show off' to all that I am not just a fair weather fitness nutter. I am a proper fitness nutter, all weathers. If it wasn't for this cold!! tut. But anyway, I went out, and it just started to rain. Huge sigh! I even said to my self, "just go later, for goodness sakes." But I needed to go now! If I went back in, then I knew I would just sit down and do nothing. Its only a little light rain, so just get on with it.

I was going to do the Greenstreetgreen route, with an extra bit tacked on from the beginning of Poverest road, going up to the bypass, and down Perry street. Who is this Perry geezer anyway, that he has two roads named after him! But, (I know, there is always a but.) But, the rain got heavier, it was making lovely tunes on my hat and raincoat. My legs, wrapped only in jog pants, were already starting to feel so cold and wet. So from here I decided just to do half of what I planned. I still planned on going to Poverest road though, and try and get up there in one go.

By the time I was riding down the A21 it was hissing down, my glasses became more of a hindrance as I couldn't see through them, it was just as well I decided to ride on the cycle path instead of the road! At least I could keep stopping and wiping my glasses. Well that's what I should have done, but I rode most of the way, on the path, looking over my glasses! Then I had to slow down to cross over the road, one of the reason I don't like riding on cycle paths, you have to act like a pedestrian! But as I started to ride again my chain fell of the bike. A quick stop to put it back on, then wipe my glasses and off I go again.

The rain had slowed down a bit, and my glasses remained fairly clear. I was even beginning to think about doing the twenty miles. Turning left now at the last roundabout, through GreenstreetGreen and Orpington, a song was in my mind. #Ah Lord God, Thou Has Made Heavens# It kept me going, even the line #Nothing is too difficult for thee# I wish He hadn't sent the rain just now though. I can't image God wanting to get fit somehow, but thinking about how He would not find this ride today too difficult kept my mind amused and off my wet cold legs, dripping wet hat, and rain speckled glasses.

Through the high street at Orpington. My goodness, I seemed to have got here quick! There is a lot of traffic about. I am not going to go up Perry Hall Road, I am going to do Poverest, and if it don't rain anymore, maybe I will go further. So round the one way system, and a car toots me. I have no idea why, I gave indication of my intentions, I had the right line. Maybe he just wanted to let me know he was there! That negotiated now on towards Poverest.

They have a cycle lane here, along Cray Avenue, and it does feel so good riding passed all the cars stuck in the traffic jams! But then the rain started to fall a bit more. Serves me right for gloating! At this point I decided to just do ten miles. Go home and have a soup. Decision made I rode as quick as my legs would go, towards Poverest. When I got there, what did I see? Road Works Flippin nora. I should have gone up my other nemesis Perry Hall Road. I cheated. I got off my bike and walked passed all the road works and then got back on again. It seemed quicker to do it that way (I was going to ride on the pavements, but there were pedestrians on there ). And besides, I don't think I would have started off so well on that particular part of the hill!

I still had a fair bit of the road to ride up, and I didn't stop. I kept on and on towards Pettswood. The rain seemed to have stopped again, and I was thinking maybe I should ride on through Southborough Lane and head off into Bromley.

As I was thinking this I already knew that I was going to ride on through Southborough, and not turn left into either Oxhawths. The Fairway then, not going over the walkover bridge, no, I'm a cyclist, I will go under the bridge and through the highstreet, just like all other road users.

Heading down Southborough, going as fast as I dare, I see the sign flares up, "Slow Down" Is that for me. Do those signs flash for cyclists? because there was no car behind me! Well, not directly, just after we went passed the sign then there was a car. I was just so cold, and so wet through, all thoughts of going into Bromely were far from my mind. I decided to go through the park and go home and warm up. The rain started to come down really hard just as I got to the park, so it was just as well I decided to go home!

Home, home, home, as e.t. would say. I took the bike in, stopped the Garmin (so precious minutes wasted) and felt quite proud of myself that I actually went out in this horrible, horrible weather.

So, my geeky stats.

The Old Boy Had Plans!

Hello Blog lovers.

Well, today was an experience!! There was me thinking we were going for a 10 mile jaunt because of my daughter, the first born, and her bloke were coming for the weekend. Apparently they are getting withdrawal symptoms from the little dude, my grandson. Oh yes, they come for him first then the oldies!!

So we set off, the Old Boy said something about riding to Green street Green. Of course that is so do-able, I can do that sleeping now! I thought maybe we would be doing one of those hills, Perryhall Road, or Poverest. But when we were on our way he said, "I am planning on going up to Cudham" Well, I didn't feel as freaked out as I thought I would, and we did drive up that way last night! I think he must have been subliminally getting me ready for it (is there such a word as that lol)

Green Street green came all to quickly, and I mean that literally! When we were on the cycle path riding down hill to the last roundabout, we were both rolling, but I was finding that I had to pull on my brakes! The Old Boy didn't though! We had a quick stop in the car park of the pub, and he tried to give me a pep talk, saying its a long road, the hill starts about 150 yards up the road, and to just take it easy. Well of course I am going to do that!

So the start of a very long, long, long, long hill! Ok, so its not hugely steep, but after riding up it it feels like it! I start off pretty ok, like I said its not, particularly steep, just a long, long time going up it. There are these little plateau's, even though you are going up hill, it just don't feel like it, and you can get a bit of pace on.

About mile 7 or so I just had to stop. The Old boy telling me that he was feeling good. We didn't stop for long, just long enough to catch my breath. Then up again, the long, long road. "Get yourself in a special place" he tells me, "A nice happy place and keep on peddling" I try and think of a nice place to be, eating chocolate, mmmm, nope that didn't do it, pie and mash, how I love pie and mash, nope that didn't do it. How about having the family round, hmmm, well, that's working, ok, yes, I can do this, now add a friend or two of yes, thats it, a party, love having a party!

Darn it, I lost my thoughts. Flippin nora, this hill is hard!!! "Oi, car driver, don't get so bloody close" I yell at a huge four by four driver. "Get to that special place" Says the Old Boy. Special place!! I just want to go home! But I tried again, so, where was I? Oh yes, friends, party, mmm, yup, I'm there.

Its a totally demoralising road for cyclists, well, cyclists like me! The 'proper cyclists that use this road, just flew passed. With his cycle helmet on, his Lycra shorts and top, and his special Oakly flipping, 'look at me' sun glasses, (Oh yes, the sun is shining, its gorgeous out here today. "Why would you bring me up here?" I yelled at the Old Boy, "Why, why?" "I just thought you could do it" he said, I wished that thought stayed in his head.

Well I am not going to go on. You can imagine my thoughts on this ride. The Old Boy does, "Do you hate me?" he says. I can't remember if I answered him or not! I do remember getting faster on some parts of this road, which amazed me! But soon there was a turn right that we had to do. "Soon be going down hill" he says.

I am looking forward to going down hill. That road was long, it was hard, and it was wet! Apparently the Old Boy had been 'eating my dirt" all the puddles that I had gone through and muddy patches, because he was behind me and pretty close, he was getting covered!! I so wish knew that on the way up, that could have been my very happy place! But no down hills yet, in fact there is another up hill "ARRGGHHH, what the........I can't do it!" I am changing gear as I am trying to get up yet another hill, but I was so tired, and so fed up, I was actually changing up and not down. It was getting hard to peddle up, the cars coming pass me, and all I could think of is, "Why is it so hard" I was totally confused now! I had to stop. Then I realised I had changed up the right hand gears to the top!! The Old boy had to change down while I hand spun the peddles.

The way home from here the Spinning Wheel, just up the top of this road though, was guite pleasant. It was mainly down hill, and the hills that we did have to go up were not as long as the one that we have already done. I was looking forward to getting home today.

Biggin Hill was soon in our sights, and time for a quick pit stop. I was as dry as the dessert getting up that hill, (it may have been the sausage and bacon I had for breakfast), but the off license was a welcome stop. A bottle of water, and a freddo!! So definitely deserve that.

Just a straight road, all the way down to the A21. Not a lot of hills, and quite enjoyable now. Near the end of this road, the Old boy did say that we should turn left and go towards Bromley and the then go down Southborough Lane to make it up to twenty miles. I didn't mind, it seems I have a little bit left in me to do that. But of course, it's not just down southborough lane, its up it and into Petts Wood. This seem so hard now. The crawl pace I was going up here, reminiscence of the days when i first tried it.

I didn't stop though, kept going, through Petts wood, down to the mini roundabout and then home!!

Brilliant ride, well, half of it anyway! Now for the housework!!

Geeky stats

Stop Being Such A Bloke Old Girl!

Hello blog readers

Yes it's me, I'm back! Well, technically I didn't go anywhere, I have been here at home. But I have been suffering, and, may I add, still suffering from man flu.......ok.....it's a cold! But it has knocked the stuffing out of me slightly.

But I really missed not going out, jogging or riding. And I was so jealous of the Old Boys efforts yesterday! 20 miles in 1 hour 38 minutes!! I want to be able to do that!! So I said to him that I am going to go out just for a nice gentle ride, just to stretch the legs. He said that I could choose my own route, at least that way I won't get lost! I decided to do the Greenstreet Green route. Down the A21, around the pub where I used to stop, and on through Orpington high street. I wanted to see how far I can get up my nemesis, Perry hall Road! How I hate that hill. I want to get as far as I can today, at least to the bloomin round about, and hopefully beyond if there is no traffic coming over it!

I set up the Garmin, it better not go loopy loo on my routes! The Old Boy kept saying "You wait to it wipes out all your data and you feel you have done a goon one" I just hope it don't! I will probably throw it against the wall or something! But it seems to be all in working order. It's counting out the seconds and we go on our way.

We head off through the path, towards turn around lamppost, and up the A21. This road now don't seem that bad. Not like the first time I tried to get up here. I had to stop! Several times, if I remember rightly, I shall have to go back and take a look at my blogs to check it out! I do seem to find this route easy now. Is it because I have this super douper fast light weight bike, or is it because I am getting fitter. There is only one way to find out, and that is to ride my old bike up here and test it out! Just after the second roundabout, the Old Boy noticed that my shoelace was undone, I carried on till we got to the pub and then pulled over to do it up.

"Whats the time lapsed?" says the Old Boy "It says 23 minutes" I said. "Oh, well that's 6 minutes slower than what I done yesterday" he says. Tut, well I do have man flu, I chose not to comment on that.

Heading off now to Orpington. Heading off to my nemesis, that darn hill, that bit that I have not yet gone all the way up!! It's on my mind! Lets see how I do. That will be the telling of whether its me getting fitter, or whether it's the bike that is making me faster. I am going on the understanding, that no matter what bike you are sitting on, if there is a steep hill, its you that has to do all the hard work to get up it. Whether you have a light weight bike or just your happy shopper bike, its still going to be hard, hard work!

Going through the high street now. It seems to be quite a quick time today, or maybe that is just me. I shall have to try and find one of similar distance to compare. Well, now its time. Lets see how far this Old Girl can get up this hill today! With my cold, energy levels in my boots, inactive since Saturday!

It's dark out, The lights of the cars coming down the hill reminding me how steep it is. The road stretching up and up. I can just 'feel' it saying to me "Come on Old Girl, lets see what you're made off" Head down, just look at the bit of road in front of me, concentrate, knock it down to a gear that is comfortable to peddle, .....ok, its the lowest gear now. Just keep going, keep on peddling, keep on peddling. I'm grunting and moaning, and blowing out my ears trying to get as far as I can. I look up, Oh wow, the round about, I can see it. Get to there Old Girl, come on you can do it. Ok, its there, the roundabout just up ahead, "Please, please let it be clear, I need to get further now" I said in silent prayer. "Agghhhh" I shout out, "Go on Old Girl" says the Old Boy, I look up, the round about is clear, "Oh wow, thank you Lord" I am shouting and moaning out, the Old Boy is behind me "Keep going, keep going" he is shouting out at me now "AGGHHH" I managed to ride pass the bollards this time, before I jump off my bike. I wanted to kick it, or shout at it, for letting me down...... I know, I know, it's not the bikes fault, it's that darn hill!.... OK, it's my fault But look, oh wow, furthest I have ever got so far! Next time, you darn hill.

"Why did you stop" The Old Boy says to me, "50 yards, that was you had to do, then you were at the time" he continued "I was in 11th gear" He boasts "Well your so ........clever" I called back to him. The ride home from here was relatively easy, compared to that hill. But I was feeling ok with my effort today. Next time I know I am going to do it. Next time all the way to the top!

We decided to ride through the Fairway at Petts Wood, then through the High street and on down Southborough Lane. Not only that but I still had a little left in me to go down as far as the first pub, and then go through the park.

Yup, I'm feeling pretty good with this ride today. A brilliant effort. And I didn't get lost, mind you the Old Boy was behind for most of the ride! But now, Going up Whitebeam and down our round he puts a speed on. Get his heart rate going a little. I know mine was, getting up that darn hill!!

Even with a cold I did pretty well I thought!!

Today's geeky stats for you. Showing just the one stop on my nemesis, up past the roundabout this time On Perry Hall!!

I hear Bells!

Hello blog readers

Well today has been a very, very nice day for me. A lay in in the morning, waking up to tea and griddled bacon and sausage. Then the Old Boy said that we are going shopping. Its an awfully windy day out today, and we would not have liked a pleasure ride today.

So our plan was to go shopping, for jeans, for little old me! Which we did, but of course as any lady knows, new clothes means new shoes! So the Old Boy treated me to two new pairs of shoes and a pair of boots! Am I spoilt or what, and no, Mr. 100 Mile Runner, none of them were running shoes he he he!! (mm, Maybe I should take the Old Boy to the sports shop next time, I could do with some more jog pants, .....and cycle pants)

But because we have being doing well with the whole healthy eating, and the exercise thingy, I wanted to go for a run, just the usual 3 miler, and see how well I do.

So after we got back from shopping, a little relax, try on everything again! and then change into jog pants. The Old Boy wanted to do something as well, but not a 10 miler on his bike, (he is not feeling that great) and he is still not ready for a jog yet, but he decided that he would come along on his bike He was going to be my personal trainer on todays run!

Outside, Garmin set, Old Boy set, and off we go. I am going to have to go some to keep him happy! After all the big talk, and the blog reading, then I am going to have to do some pretty impressive footwork! ..........Or just stick to my pace and try and try and try as usual! Off I go, my shadow following behind. I got to get up Hollingworth hill if nothing else! I got to get up it all this time. With him watching it needs to be done

I could tell my heat was racing a bit, and my breathing was all over the place, knowing I was being watched by 'Big Brother' the pressure was on as I started running up the hill. Knowing that just up here its a flat piece, knowing just up here, along the road for a bit then its all down hill. I got to think of that, and not the Old Boy riding comfortably on his bike behind me. I pushed myself, I tried to fly up this hill, to get it over and done with, impress the Old Boy on his transport. I suppose I should be grateful that he hasn't got his motor bike on the road yet!

I got to the top of the hill! Blimey that was hard. But I stopped jogging! So annoyed with myself, I walked for a few paces, and then through my music playing on my IPOD I heard the Old Boy RINGING HIS BELL! Oh, so that's how he is going to play his role, is it! Turn the music up a bit more!

I ran and ran as far as I could, trying desperately not to stop. The chill of the evening air cooling my already sweaty face, I think about where I normally do my next stop, if I was on my own! I managed to run passed there, (the half mile mark) and carried on and on until I got to Shepperton Road. This is where I normally stop again, but I ran on a little further and then stopped. Again with the bells, I looked to my right and saw him do the sign of I'm watching you' the the whole fingers to the eyes and then pointing at me!

I think I stopped again on this route, and the Old Boy rode alongside of me, 'tinging' his bell, no doubt, but I had my music up loud and just glared at him from under the peak of my cap.

The main road now I cross over. Running along, the wind still at me, blowing in my face, making it hard to stay upright. It blew my cap off! I had to stop and go back to pick it up! But t least the Old Boy cant ride next to me as I'm on the right side of the road! But he is still riding along side me. Looking at me! How many times have I stopped now. Am I due another one. If he wasn't here then I could stop whenever I wanted to. I kept going. Under the railway bridge, The Old boy is in front of me now! At least he can't see if I slow down. I watch him as he turns left up the Fairway. I carry on running. A quick stop, then get a feeling that he is watching me and I carry on running. Turn the corner. Where is he? I cant see his twinkly lights. Memories of Thursdays ride come back to me, only this time at least I know which way to go. I carry on another quick stop and the take a look behind me. There is the Old boy! Where did he come from, Where did he go? Ting ting on his bloomin bell again. Ting ting as I am still walking. But now its the pub bit, I got to run passed the pub, great advert for all the smokers remember!

That done and Old boy goes around the square and cathest me just as I am about to cross over. The wind is still quite strong! Run towards the walk over railway bridge now. And I do walk over it. Then its the lovely run down hill, just cross over the road Old Girl, think about that down hill run. You can get into the zone, forget the music, forget the Old Boy on his bike and fly down here.

Just the little hill to the crest. Not too bad. Then down hill. I open up a bit, strides getting longer, pace picking up, faster now, feeling like a runner! Now I got to add this in, (after all, its my blog, and its how I am feeling and doing and thinking on my runs after all) but, the snot and mucus that is building up inside is just yuck! I have had to be very unlady like at several places along my route so far today, but this time things just wouldn't clear! It was making me gag! There I was running at a pretty good pace for an Old Girl, but this nasty mucus was making me heave! I almost threw up because it was just 'hanging around' the back of my throat.

There nasty bit done now folks, you can start reading again. Towards Oxhawth now, second Oxhawth of course, and running up here. I take a glance at my watch. I need to keep this up, then I can get a PB! just need to stay at this pace. Of course I didn't, and those blooming bells were ringing, ringing ringing again.

And then there was 'The road I dare Not Stop On!' At least I wont here the Old Boys darn bell! But I was feeling pretty tired. Whether it is that I am not running at perfect health, or its the time of day that I am running I don't know, but I knew I need extra help to keep running up this road, so I take out the earplugs. I knew the Old Boy will be giving me encouraging advice, and instructions and orders and boosts and all the stuff you need to hear when you are on your last legs!

"That's it Old Girl, keep going, a bit more now" he was saying "Push out a little more, widen your stride out" I was listening and trying to do as he asked "That's it, 100 yards more now, I feel a sprint finish coming on" he says. Is that a sprint finish from him or me!! The headwind down this piece of road was not good, I had my head down, not good for talking in as much oxygen as I could. Try and try, run faster, go on Old Girl, do it!

I gave it as much as I could, I spread my gait, I ran faster, pace was higher, I tried to sprint. All up my path, pushing harder, faster. Done it! Stop the clock.

"That's a good run" he says "Must be a PB" but alas it wasn't. Even the Old Boy couldn't believe it. Oh well. Next time.

Geeky stats for you

Double Bubble, Jog And Cycle

Hello blog lovers.

Well today has been another busy day for me. No time for lazing about, well, apart from first thing this morning!

After I eventually got up I got my jogging gear on, and gave myself a stern talking to, that I am going to do well today. To be honest, I really didn't fancy going, but sometimes you just have to force yourself to do things that are going to be good for you in the long run.

The sun was out this morning, and that always puts me in a good mood, so already I was feeling better about todays run. I was doing the same route again, but I am getting a little bored of this route and I shall have to sort out another 3 miler somewhere different! I'm sure that will help me stay motivated. Mind you, you should read about the bike ride today, further in the blog, and you will see that I am not good with directions! So staying pretty local is going to be the only option!

I got all the way up Hollingworth Hill today, which I was very, very pleased about, I knew I could do it, but my legs were hurting a tad, I kept going on for a little further before I stopped! One day, One day I will make it all the way. For goodness sake Old Girl, you have done it before!!!! I was quite hard on myself, telling myself what a lazy old bovine I was! Because I stopped I knew I was going to have other stops on the way, so I set myself targets as usual. No stopping until this point, not stopping until that point. Run this far before the pedestrian gets to a shop, lamppost or other mark that I notice.

This is how I do this run. This is why I think I need to change to a different route, see some other sites, landmarks and set a new challenge for myself. I began to enjoy the run, I had my tunes playing on my IPOD until I got to the walkover rail bridge, then the battery ran out! So it was just me and the road, but what a road, mostly down hill! Ok, so there is a slight incline to get to Crest View but then all the way down after that! This road has become my happy place on this jog. Oh yes, I definitely think its time for somewhere new to run! I mustn't stay in the comfort zone!

Running down to bottom Oxhawth then up towards Faringdon, a couple more walking stops (darn it Old Girl). But I made myself run all the way to the little incline to 'the road I must not stop on'. And then I take a stop! My daughter 'tooted me in her car, and I had a 30 sec chat with her, spoke to my gorgeous grandson, and then went back on my way. Non stop now to my door, turn off the Garmin and look at the time. Darn it, if I hadn't stopped to chat to daughter......tut, oh well, who knows, I may have ran slower if I didn't have that little breather!!

After I got back I had loads of stuff to do, shopping, banking, booking eye appointments and then getting back to cook up a lasagne for dinner later!

Of course when the Old Boy came home from work, we mapped out a route for a ride together. It looks quite an easy route, and was quite do-able after my run this morning, it wont be that taxing!

So we set off. I knew kind of where we were going, but you know me and directions, its like numbers, they just don't stay in my head. I need to follow twinkling lights!! We set off, down Faringdon and head towards Bromley, via Blackbrook Lane. So far, so good for me, I know this part. I know the fantastic hill that we will be flying down once through Bromley, but from the bottom of there, then I am totally reliant of following the Old Boys twinkling lights. I know that we turn left at the station, but of course I forgotten where to go after that! There was quite a bit of traffic, I rode on the pavement as I couldn't see the Old Boy anymore, and I knew he would be waiting around the corner for me (I hope) When the pavement became to narrow to ride on I got off and walked my bike passed all the cars that were stuck at the traffic lights waiting to turn left like I had just done, and carried on walking my bike as there was just too much traffic to safely get back on my bike again. And it was just as well, I hadn't a clue where the Old Boy was! Did he go straight up, I'm sure that's where we had to go, because I can kind of remember something like that. So I walked over the crossings looking and peering left and straight ahead for any sign of the Old boy. Oh well, just keep going straight I thought. Then I heard a shout "Old Girl! Oi, Old girl" I looked to my left and I saw the Old Boy with his front light raised high for me to see him, I was heading in the wrong direction!!

After regrouping and him telling me that 'He told me so' "Turn left at the station and left again" he said again. I am just no good a remembering directions or sense of direction! I just hope I am not going to be last when we do the London to Brighton bike ride this year! I shall probably end up in Torquay! We travelled straight down from here, a slight deviation from what we planned, not that I would have known anyway!, and rode on down to Hayes lane, I knew Hayes Lane, I think! That turns into Pickhurst, its all up hill but nothing to bad. I can see the Old Boys twinkly lights, so I felt ok still. Its pretty dark, and I cant remember the names of the roads that the Old Boy had mentioned!

By the time we got to Baston Road though, I had lost the Old Boy, but I knew we were heading for Keston, and then on to Locksbottom! I can remember him saying that we are not going to go down Barnet Wood lane, that is such a dark road, and he knows I don't like that road. But there was still two roads to choose from. There was the other dark, but very busy road or there was the lighted road, Baston, still busy, but I know I can see and be seen! I'm sure he would have gone this way, and I'm sure this is the way to Keston, I remember riding up here or down here before!

But I tried to check. I gave him a call, but my stupid phone just kept cutting out! I tried again to call him but no answer. Maybe he didn't take his phone! I did try going up the dark road, I tried to see what this road was called, maybe that would help me to decide. I rode up a bit, and just as I decide to ride this road, is when there was no other traffic! It was really dark! I couldn't see the road, and only the trees were lit up, maybe I need my light angled down a bit more. I just didnt like it. No, thats it, he wouldn't have go this way, he knows I don't like dark unlit roads. So decision made, I took the nice bright well lit road heading towards Keston. Then another crossroads. "Oh blimey, now where Old Girl" I asked myself. I looked ahead and I saw a sign saying Keston, well that's it then, that's where I am going!

I rode on and on until I saw a couple of pubs, the Fox on the hill and the Greyhound. But not where I thought they would be! I expected to come up a slight different road! My sense of direction is next to useless! But I pulled over to the Greyhound. At least I know my way home from here if I decide that I want to go home now. But I still wanted to catch the Old Boy up, and I feel pretty sure that he would be up the road a bit passed the Fox on the hill, but I felt it best to try and call him again.

This time he answered! I explained where I was, and he explained where he was, and where he has been looking for me! and the fact that a mini driver, who had driven passed me while I was calling the Old Boy the first time, explained where I was! He did go up that dark road, not Barnet wood land but the one next to it, and he was waiting for me at the top. In fact, if I had turned left at those cross roads we would have bumped into each then!

He explained where we should regroup, and that is not to go passed the Fox but go passed the Greyhound! Thank heavens I called really! and then turn right at the bottom of that and we should then meet at the old Keston Mark. (Where I thought I would have ended up when I took the lighted road)

After this we managed to stay together, but then I know this route, I know where we are going from here, so I wasn't too bothered if we lost each other again.

We got up a bit of speed on some of these roads, the wind trying to slow us down, and blinding me with my tears! The road through Locksbottom is a lovely road, and you can get up some good speed. Turning left into Crofton, another lovely road to ride on and through Petts wood.

Nearly home. Down Faringdon I could see the Old Boys twinkly lights turn right into our road, no doubt he will ride around the green gloating that he got there first, but when I rode up to our gate, he was off his bike and leaning on the wall as if he has been waiting hours for me. He wasn't that far in front!!

So geeky stats for jog and bike ride below



and bike ride

Early Start? Why Not!

Hello Blog readers.

It was an early start for me today, makes a change. I am normally still tucked up in bed thinking about getting up and making a cuppa. But today I had an errand to do. I reserved a car seat in a shop and I had to get it, as there just seems to be few of the ones that I want, in existence! Of course I need a shower after jogging and then I have the whole toddlers group today! Busy day!! Such a high flying life I have!

So I set off early. School children were still eating breakfast I should imagine. Ok, so they will be walking to school at least, but its still well before 9 in the morning! I was feeling the cold air, and wishing spring would get here real soon. But still feeling positive about todays run. I had a rest day yesterday, I just wasn't quite in the mood. My mind just wasn't on anything yesterday. You know you get those days, where you wake up and just feel........ *sigh* fed up, and just generally yuck. So today I was looking forward to running off the cobwebs and filling up my lungs with oxygen.

I was determined to get up the first hill today, non stop! I just needed to do it. Almost! Almost! Blimey, why did I stop! I know why I stopped, it was because I forgot about my breathing! I was puffing and blowing so much I could have blown up a hot air balloon! So after a telling off, I got my breathing under control and continued up the hill. I was nearly there anyway, why did I stop!

I was listening to tunes on my IPOD and trying to find some good jogging music, if I can get my feet running at the same beat as music then I can concentrate on my breathing. Or so I thought! It was working for a while, and listening to music does really help, maybe I should turn up the music a bit more so I can drown out the little voice saying "Ok now walk for a few paces"

I thought I was getting around this route pretty quickly. I was feeling good, I am beginning to think that Naggy and the Old Boy are right! Its all in my head! I can run, I am a runner, but I keep listening to the silly little voice in my head that tells me to walk. I should listen to them and to the positive small voices, "Go on, you can do it, keep running" I have until April to get round this bloomin 3 mile course, 5k! That's all it is. I can do this. The cycling is a good cross trainer for running and jogging, so another runner told me. So everything I am doing is right. I just got to stop thinking that I can't do it, and that I must stop running.

There, telling off done again!

So through the fairway of Petts Wood, and I run passed the pub! Of course that time in the morning there was no one to try and impress, not that my running would do that anyway! But am am getting tougher on myself. I do stop again, and then run to the railway walking bridge. Cross over there (walking!) and then from here I tell myself "That's it Old Girl, listen to the tunes, enjoy the run, its all down hill, no stopping until bottom Oxhawth" Well that's what I told myself, and guess what? I did it. I love running down hill, it makes you feel like you can run forever. That's what I need, a 5k all down route, not too steep, just a gentle down hill, non stop for 5k, does anyone know a road like that?

So from the bottom Oxhawth I have a another little stop and then run again. One more stop on this road (by the slight incline) and then I'm on the 'Road That I dare Not Stop On' I am still feeling pretty good, I take a glance at my watch and I can see that I am on for a PB here if I can keep up this pace. Not sure how much I am in front but from the beginning of Faringdon I am on target for a PB! Wow.

So I really concentrate hard on my breathing, on my pace, on everything, but I am running on the pavement, with those slight little dips for driveways, I need to do this so I don't have to watch out for cars and buses. A tad more energy used up now is not going to do much damage!

Wow I am feeling good, pushing all the time, "Keep it up Old Girl" I say, "You're doing well" I know, crazy isn't it, but you really do talk to yourself when you're working out! turn down my road, that's it, keep it going, up to my house now. Stop the clock!

Oh yes, PB! right there, I even doubled checked on my garmin site, just to make sure!!

So geeky stats, put up with a huge smile!! :-)