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I enjoy running. I aimed to do more running, cycling and swimming this year. My ultimate aim is to do triathlons, but I’m waiting for next year for that. I sense however that swimming might not get much of a look in as I do find it mindnumbing and irritating. I will do it as the day off activity I think.

I put my name down for the Berlin marathon at the end of September, so I’m beginning to train for that. However, I recognise that I might not be ready in time. We’ll see, I’m not going to kill myself trying to get there. I’d love to complete a marathon, it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for years.

I ran again on Saturday 20th Feb and managed to complete 5k in 38 minutes. I’d love to use my iPhone to record this, but the GPS is just not picking anything up. I keep looking at the Forerunner 310XT, and the fact that I could have one for a mere £9 per month which includes providing funds for wiggle for lending me the money. But! It’s not going to make be a better runner. Must get the bloody iPhone working properly. It may well be a pebuap thing, I recognise that .

It’s great for running around Glossop as you can run on tracks rather than tarmac, which is better for your legs. I’ve been running on the Longdendale trail and around Bank Reservoir from Hadfield. Sometimes I get there by bike, other times I cheat and get a lift with my running buddy. It’s a lovely run in both locations. You see the changes in the season, the hills topped with snow and occasional wildlife. Super relaxing and helps to focus my ADD mind.

Talking of pain, there is a bit of soreness on the knees, but it stops after a day of resting. I’m taking  Glucosamine & Chondroitin in an attempt to help this. Mostly the problem is the need to lose weight, so I’ve stepped that up a gear.

I’ve also purchased some decent shoes. I’ve been running on trail shoes, which are not so bouncy. To replace them I bought a pair of Adidas Supernova’s from Decathlon in Stockport. They are like wearing a pair of marshmallows on your feet. Dreamy running deliciousness. I’ll try them out towards the end of the week and let you know how I get on with them. Here is how they look in my office.

Marshmallows for the feet

My next job is to figure out how to approach running, do I try and do as far as possible, or do I work on getting decent speeds on 5k and then increase the distance. AIV Media (who runs plays football and creates websites, but not at the same time ) Tells me that he tries to get better times and then increase speed. I believe that Phill, who does marketing, runs blogs rides a bike is into runing is is also training for a 10k run. He uses a treadmill though, which would do my head in. There’s also Trio and Jumbly who are into their running and cycling and cake eating. One day, we will share fantastic cake.

That’s all of my running blethering for now

I have a problem with deciding on the bike I want.

Today I went to a cycle shop in Bury to try out the Orange Diva. I initially planned to get it from Sunset Mountain Bike because of their splendid 24 months interest free credit. However, once in the shop him indoors pointed out the sign on the bike that read “up to 18 months interest free credit”. OK, I thought, I can buy here and bring back if there are any problems. So I decided to go ahead with it. And I was about five minutes away from sealing the deal when the assistant asked me how long I wanted the credit for. 18 months, I replied…… Oh no, only 12 available was the decision. It’s just the sign that they put on the bike. But it’s wrong… I couldn’t have interest free credit on anything over 12 months. Thus making it plainly not up to 18 months interest free credit. Which makes it misleading.  I should probably create some sort of venn diagram to demonstrate how this works. Not like I mind, it was only some of the assistant’s time wasted. A few years ago I would have just gone for the 12 rather than suffer the embarrassment of canceling the deposit and looking like a tit. Nowadays, I don’t mind looking like a tit when it saves me money.

I have heard bad reports about that shop. I didn’t find it all that bad. They are not as helpful as Evans for sure and not as cheerful as my local shop. I liked the variety of bikes on show and the equipment. Nicely stocked. I’d rather buy from my local shop, but they don’t do finance (I do buy all of my bike bits from there though). At Evans it was easier to test drive bikes round the block. I prefer that about Evans and there are a couple of really friendly guys in their Deansgate shop.

So the bike felt fine. Odd after riding a road bike for so long, but the frame size was fine. The gears worked a treat. And I was ready to buy it. I am not so keen on the colour or decals, but as trio pointed out, I can remove them and Jenn pointed out I can change the colour of the bike if needs be. Both pointed out that the way it rides is more important than colour. Fair point. I could get a crappy asda bike in my favourite colour. I don’t dislike white, just seems an odd colour for a bike the lives in the dirt. I don’t like the decals because they make it look a bit like a barbie bike. But that’s just my take on it. I’m no person to ask to comment really as I’m not a very girly girl. In fact not much of a girl at all, I’m middle aged .

I decided to buy from Sunset. But now, on reviewing the bikes, I can’t help but like Kona Lisa and could possibly go up to the Kona Kula Lisa … or could I. I’m not sure.

Either way, I’m stuck between the Kona Lisa and the Orange Diva.

I think what I need to do is get the full specs and compare them. I do like the fact that the Diva is made in Huddersfield, but not sure if that is a real reason to buy. Then again, I can’t buy something based on the colour.

So do you have an opinion on the two bikes? Do let me know. Cheers!

The full spec of the Orange Diva is here . The Kona Lisa here, The Kula Lisa (which I should probably avoid) here.

How do you like those apples?
Half of what I did the previous week.

This week there’s fewer spinning classes at the studio, Glossop as it’s half term. You may notice more running though. I recommend a bit of running, it’s nice to do something different than just bike all the time. I ran with a friend on Saturday who got into running last year. She was very patient and ran slowly with me. We ended up doing 5k in 45 minutes, which I think is quite good for a beginner (is it? I don’t know). I biked to the destination which invoved taking in my North Road mini hill challenge, so I was already quite warmed up at that point. It was really quite a pleasant way to start a saturday and we’re running again tomorrow, but a different route.

The second run was with Cherry Baker. We did mix a bit of speed walking in that too though. It was about 3k and around a reservoir. Definitely a nice place to live, despite what anyone might say. I do enjoy living in Glossop. In five minutes you can be out in the countryside. Thirty five minutes and you’re in Manchester. And if you love sitting in traffic, you can try to either get in or out of the place.

This week I dropped a pound, possibly more. The latter half of the week has involved no consumption of sugar at all and no carbs. It’s been difficult, but I’m quite pleased that I’ve been able to stick to it. I think it will pay off next week. I know that it’s not sustainable and not sensible, but I need to try and seriously drop weight before the cheshire cat. That will be a tough one. My first 100 and it takes in Mow Cop, going up!

I’m still considering the mountain bikes. Had a look at some Oranges, and I think I would like an Orange, but I need to try out the Diva (ladies version) first. It all depends on time and so on. Although I am tempted to just buy one and see how it goes, I need to listen to Trio and wait and try.

Next week will be a super busy time. Quite stressful I think, I hope I can fit exercising in. But the great news is it Wales time again next weekend, when hopefully I’ll be meeting Joby and this time we’ll make it to Anglesey.

Just to confuse everyone, my weeks start on Saturday. This is because I generally do the weighing on a Saturday.

This week I tried to weigh myself throughout the week, which helps.

The week went pretty well, I managed to get in plenty of hours. Getting 90 miles in was fantastic, and entirely knackering. Unfortunately I am generally very tired. This, along with work, or maybe because of work means that I’m slightly losing the plot blog-wise. I have had tons to write about, but haven’t had chance to with work plus exercise.

My mind is nearing information overload and meltdown, so please excuse me for a week or so. I hate missing the opportunities to write as there was a lot to talk about from the massive cycle ride last Sunday. I’ll be back and wittering in no time.

Also, I lost a further pound. One day I’ll reveal my stats on that, but I think I’ll always be uncomfortable revealing the numbers to the masses.

Still plenty of plans for long bike rides and the purchase of a mountain bike, everything is on track. I’m just awash in a sea of work.

Week Three, a little late but better that way than never. I’m a bit behind due to spending Sunday on a massive bike ride and thinking about getting a mountain bike.

During this week I sold my Dahon folding bike and I am using the proceeds to buy a mountain bike. I also had the excellent weekend in Wales.

Plans for next week include start sneaking more cycling in during lunch time. Bike acquaintance Chris does a massive one hour twenty three minute bike ride at lunch time, so I’ve no excuse.

This week I lost the weight I had gained in week one and then a bit more. I believe it was a loss of 2lbs from week three.

We stayed in Wern Cottage in the village of Capelulo. In itself, this was a fabulous little holiday. It’s a lovely cottage, beautiful decor and well equipped. We didn’t spot that it was 5 star when we booked it, but it really was like a cross between a hotel and a holiday cottage. Thoroughly, one hundred percent recommended. We arrived after twelve due to work commitments, which meant a short sleep before bike ride. I set out all of my bikey things ready for the morning.

I left the house at about 6.40 and went to wait for Joby at the Fairy Glenn pub. I’d put on many many layers of clothing, a few too many. It was very cold though. And dark. And completely quiet. And a bit spooky. I stood under the pub sign, which creaked as it swung in the wind. For a moment I imagined I was in the intro of a horror film and decided to move around a bit to keep warm and pretend that I wasn’t scared. I thought about Joby coming over the Sychnant Pass and hoped he had some decent lights.

Soon I saw a tiny light in the distance. Turns out it wasn’t a willow the whisp, or a mad axe murderer (on a bike) it was Joby. He was cold and mentioned something about that being the most frightening experience of his life. And later, in the cold light of day on examining the pass, I think he was probably right. Worse still, he could have just ridden on the sustrans. The website said it was closed between Llandudno and Penmaenmawr, but it was only closed between Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan.

This is the view up the Pass

Thr route that Joby took in the pitch dark.

The route was quite steep initially, and dark. And also cold. I have a constantly running nose and eyes in these conditions. I wonder if this is a universal experience or is it just me and my beginners nose. I was wearing specs as I generally suffer with running eyes.

I managed to make us go massively off course and down to the exact spot where the route was closed between Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan. Which meant a nice climb back up a very steep hill.

In general the road is much smoother and better cared for than anything around here. It’s a lovely route through farmland with stunning views of sea on one side and mountains on the other. When it’s light of course. The majority of the roads are very light on traffic, which was wonderful. It was also quite tough with the inclines. One hill in particular was steep and I threatened to stop and stand with the bike, but I refused to. On the icier, nearer sea points the road was very slippy and I provided some comedy moments as I slipped and fell off. I said something along the lines of “I’m going”. As I couldn’t find purchase on anything. But I wasn’t travelling at speed and I had so many layers on I almost bounced back up.

A couple of things I noted were that I probably ate and drank too much before leaving the house. I had two cups of coffee and two welsh cakes. Not huge amounts, but enough to make it less enjoyable to cycle. I’ll remember that for next time. Very very small amounts and eat as you go I think.

Another thing was that I wore my cycle trousers under my waterproof trousers. I was very warm but felt restricted and uncomfortable. I need maybe just padded boxer shorts and some thin thermals leggings instead.

The day before I bought some new gloves and some seal skin socks from High Peak Cycles. Both items were brilliant. I wore the seal skins with thermal inners and my feet were toasty warm. Not warm and boil in the bag effect. Nice and toasty warm. The gloves were so much better than the endura ones I bought before. The fastener on those has broken, they are not breathable and make gear changing difficult and uncomfortable. Plus the lining comes out when you take them off. These ones are made by Chiba and they do the job brilliantly. Warm, comfortable, easy to move while wearing them too.

A further and final thing to note was the need to drop some weight for the hill climbing. Joby climbs with ease. I know he rides a bike more than I do, but in general I do a lot of exercise. I will never be any good up the hills until I drop more weight. One reason I need to do more bike riding is I forget this fact. So, onwards and upwards with the training and I better lay off the chocolate.

We were out for about two to two and a half hours and I think I did about twenty miles. According to Joby we were very close to Anglesey.

I’m going back to the same place at the end of the month, so maybe I’ll make a journey to Anglesey. Maybe it will be light at seven am too, which will be a bonus.

In the afternoon I walked to Conwy over the hills and from a distance I saw the route that Joby took. Yes. Very scary.

Included in the shots below are images taken from the morning bike ride, one of the iron age settlement on the way to Conwy and a few on the beach the following day. See me run on the beach? That’s how fast I am

So, not a brilliant number of hours there. I cut back a bit this week, the reasons being:

1. I was planning on a cycle outing at the weekend
2. I’d been told not to over train by a fellow com-padre and fat blogger
3. I’d  done a lot of training the previous week and put weight on

I don’t know if I lost anything last week as Saturday was when I check, and I’ve been away all weekend. I checked during the week and there was no gain. I managed to keep a record of calories in for a day, but then stopped.

I’ve become a bit despondent on the weight front to be honest, although that doesn’t take much. I do need to get out more on the bike as that reminds me that I need to try harder. It really isn’t easy, but then nothing is, is it.

I’d like to end on more than an oh well, but it’s another average week in the fight to get fit and thin. Thankfully this and following fellow fat cycle bloggers keeps me going. It can be done, it can be done.

A good thing about swimming is the lack of equipment required. Of course, when I start doing open swimming, I will need a wetsuit and they are super expensive. But that will come later. For now, nothing more is required.

I pretended I was in a miniature biathlon and ran to the pool. It is only about ten minutes away. And when I say “run” I probably don’t mean it in the same sense as your regular athlete. I am to running what the EDL is to race relations, public order and intelligent informed debate.

Glossop swimming pool is housed in a beautiful building, so much nicer than other leisure centres I have tried swimming in. It was built during the victorian era presumably to provide exercise and entertainment for the local millworking population. It has a slight feel of a church about it. Vaulted ceilings, huge windows and ornate metalwork on the balconies. The brickwork isn’t painted, which gives it a warm slightly serene and relaxing air. A further bonus is that it is very clean and well maintained. The water isn’t freezing or too hot. In sum, a pleasant environment to swim in.

Perhaps it was this that made everyone swimming in the pool do so at the pace of a leisurely amble in the park. I went for the lane swim and the ladies only swim that followed it. Lane swim wasn’t bad (although there were no lanes). Ladies swim was massively frustrating. I am generally a modest person and (I like to believe) tend to be lacking bullshit regarding my own abilities. However, I am a good swimmer. I used to swim competitively as a youth and while I was never going to swim at national or even regional level, I do have better technique than most people.

So we’ve established, by me telling you, that I’m a good swimmer. It’s my best sport. The result is that despite being overweight I can go quite fast. Comparatively. Which means that in the pool I was mostly either behind or in front a pool width wall of women swimmers so I couldn’t manage a proper uninterrupted swim. I observed that most women were there with a friend and swam and chatted, stopping for a quick chat, then a bit more swim-chat. Swim-chat means you can’t put your head under the water. Which means you go very, very slowly. It was like experiencing the horror of having to shop in tescos on a saturday and probably for the swim chatters, the same level of exercise. I shouldn’t have a go, because it’s better to exercise than not, but come on! Try at least to break a sweat ladies. I believe that they say you should try to do exercise that renders you “out of breath” three times a week. If you can swim-chat, that’s not really exercise. Maybe it is more of a social thing.

Anyway, that was my experience of swimming. I think I’ll have to go to the early morning sessions if I want a proper swim. I imagine people who want swim-exercise rather than swim-chat go to those sessions.

I tried out my new goggles and mp3 player. And here are the results:

Goggles

Aqua Sphere Vista Goggles

These were absolutely brilliant. They do not let any water in, you can see everything clearly and they do not give you a headache by having to seal so tightly that they cut your circulation off. I recommend them. I think they probably look a bit over the top in the pool, and people probably think you look like an idiot. I ride a bike though, so I’m used to that.

Waterproof MP3

Speedo Aqua Beat Waterproof MP3 Player

I wanted one of these for ages. Swimming is, it has to be said, really dull. I imagine open swimming isn’t. But pool swimming… yawn! I’ve always wanted to listen to music while swimming. And a few years ago I saw a waterproof MP3 player. They were much more expensive then. This one seemed pretty reasonable, so despite quite a few bad reviews, I gave it a go.

The results:

Of course I failed to read that the software is pc only, which actually wouldn’t be too bad as I run windows in virtualisation mode on my mac. BUT they put the software on the mini-cd thing. So I couldn’t load into the laptop which doesn’t have a nasty drawer thing. Anyway… it turns out you can just drag and drop songs onto the drive when it appears on your desktop. Means you can’t order them or create playlists. But then there is no user interface on the player either, so it doesn’t really matter. It is a sub-optimal system for sure, but it is better than nothing.

While Swimming:

Good points:

• It works! You can listen to music while negotiating a wall of swim-chatters.
• The unit is fixed in place on the back of your head with your goggle straps. You could attach with swimsuit straps too, if you’re a lady. It stayed there without any problem at all. I read in reviews that it comes unfastened, but not for me.

Negative points:

• The earphones are really useless. Maybe I have massive earholes, but I couldn’t get the things to stay in. Especially while doing front crawl. My sister informs me that you have to buy the £40 headset in order to make the whole thing work. Which makes it more expensive than I was expecting.

Conclusion:
Was the MP3 player worth it? I believe it would be if the headset would stay in. It does make swimming laps less tedious, which would be even less tedious if there were proper lanes to swim in.

Last year I did the ride and it initiated an interest in cycling and specifically riding longer distances. I signed up for the ride last year because I thought it would be an achievement. On completion, it felt like a great achievement, although I hadn’t done any prior training or planning. I was very under prepared and unfit.

The bike I rode was unsuitable. Too big for me. After forty miles, it hurt like hell. My knees were killing me and my feet and little fingers were completely numb. In particular my arse as I had not trained or developed cyclist’s bum. Then there was the last stretch along Lytham/St Anne’s front where it felt like I was inside some sort of hamster wheel and the scenery was moving, but I wasn’t. But despite no planning or training, I made it. I do not recommend this approach to others. Prepare and get a decent bike that isn’t meant for someone 6 inches taller than you.

I really look forward to this years ride. However, I was thinking about this last night. In July I will have cycled to Paris from Blackpool. I will also have completed a 100 miler, maybe more.

So how about doing Manchester to Blackpool…. and then back again? 120 miles in a day. And no need to get a family member to pick you up from Blackpool!

What do you think?