A pal of mine, Stuart Kerr, is taking on the challenge of Lands End to John O'Groats starting today. I will join him on the Preston to Carlisle leg and then on the Strathaven to Fort William leg. So when I went out in light rain (which just got heavier) yesterday with the wind howling I set my mind for a tough struggle.
In a group of 5 cyclists we went out for 3 hours and we had all worn the wrong gloves. My hands lost all sensation meaning I couldn't feel the handlebars (not to be recommended) and laterly couldn't change into the big ring. That's challenging when you are climbing big hills.
But all I could think of was my pal Stuart who is new to cycling and would be starting off today - sadly in pouring rain! When the puddles are forming in your shoes, as they were yesterday, you have to take your mind somewhere positive otherwise you'd just give up. My place is the reason I am on my bike and what I am trying to achieve. Stuart's will be on the money he is raising and his family who are supporting him on his journey.
When I finished on the bike I spend 30 minutes in the shower followed by an hour in bed and some hot chocolate. After that I stuffed my face and life was good again. The cold and wet conditions a thing of the past.
So the legs are feeling good but the gear changing problem wasn't just my frozen hands and my bike if off to the hospital (Willie Bain - the best bike mechanic ever!) this afternoon. In the meantime, good luck Stuart Kerr.
Almost forgot, on Friday I had a Swim Smooth lesson with coach Alan Cardwell. It was my first time in the pool in a year so the video is a bit "ugly". Swimming in an "endless pool" with a mirror so you can see yourself swim was amazing. Alan picked out a couple of key points (from an endless list!) which I will now go and work on - thanks Alan. It was good to be back in the pool so now I feel ready to return to proper triathlon training!
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