It's been a couple of weeks since I last updated the blog and there's certainly a lot to update you with. Training in general is coming along nicely. I'm feeling fitter and fresher each week now and have really started to enjoy it.
So where to start?
Lets start with going for a Body Balance Assessment at Be-Fit in Newcastle. I've known Antonia Pellegrino and her brother Michael for a few years now and have seen some of the work they have done with pro-sportsmen and women. So when Antonia suggested going along for an assessment and putting together a training plan I jumped at the chance.
First thing I was told was to stop running. I don't need to be putting the miles in at this early stage but instead concentrate on strength and cycling.
Next I was told that my right foot was out of line and needed manipulating. This would help prevent all sorts of issues. So for the next 20 minutes or so I was bent, pulled, stretched and prodded (with a chopstick!). The end result? A straight foot and no ankle pain. It did feel a bit odd walking around at first...and I also felt taller. After that we went to the gym to pull together a fitness programme concentrating on my back, legs and shoulders (basically, the parts of me that are going to get a hammering on the bike).
So after an hour there I felt a million dollars! Seriously, you should checked them out. They work miracles there .
Despite being told to stop the running for a while I couldn't resist a sneaky jog to see how my new trainers and newly aligned foot felt. I'll be honest, it felt weird. But at the same time I felt good and there was no ankle pain!
Most importantly though over the past few weeks is the increase in bike training. The weather has improved so I've gradually started to get the bike off the turbo trainer and out onto the road. I did a few shorter rides in the evenings after work (including a climb up Dunston Bank in Gateshead) to get the feel for the road again. I was quickly reminded about how poor the roads are at the moment, dodging potholes while contending with a few impatient drivers. Then there was the spilt diesel on a roundabout which I was turning right on in Wallsend. The adrenalin was pumping as the front wheel started to slide out from under me. Luckily, I stayed on and there were no cars.
However, yesterday (Sunday) was my first ride of any meaning of the year. 7am, looking out the window, blue skies, no breeze and sunshine. Perfect!
Wrong. Within 30 minutes I realised it was a lot nippier than first imagined. I had my fingerless mits on so was feeling the cold a bit but in general it was all fine. Heading from North Shields I made my way along the banks of the Tyne, along the Quayside and then made my way up the bank through Scotswood, Newburn and Throckley, eventually reaching the top of the climb at Heddon on the Wall. Once I was at Stamfordham I turned and made my way back to North Shields via Ponteland, Wide Open and Backworth.
Now, remember I said no breeze? Wrong! There was a slight breeze coming in off the coast which I had to cycle into from Ponteland for the next 20 miles until I got home...and it was cold and energy sapping. That being said, I pushed on and made it back in one piece with no major dramas.
This morning, my legs feel great. So it's back to the gym tonight for another strength session.
On the donation side of things. I'm getting a lot of encouraging messages of support and have now just about reached the £300 mark....10% of my target. I would dearly love to smash that the £3000 target well before I start in September so please, share the blog with as many people as you know and visit the fundraising page and donate . It's for a great cause.
Until next time..
