Wherrymans Way Norfolk. October 28th

Lovely day today that could have been mistaken for a summers day. Took the Mountain bikes out for a ride up Wherrymans Way with Arleya.


Arleya. Whitlingham Country Park

 Total distance ridden today was about 22 miles. It was a great route & one that does run all the way to Yarmouth. Which is now on my to do list another 70 mile round trip.
Here's the ride route from today
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/55967298

If you go through Rockland St Mary on a Mountain bike, nip down to the playground as there is a little MTB/BMX circuit in there which is quite cool for a bit of jumping.




Catalogue pose

 Knee is still giving me a bit of agro, dosent bode well for Sunday's race. I'll give the running a rest for a week after.

Also looks like i've sorted some swimming lessons with Norwich Penguins. Lessons on Tuesday evenings to sort our my front crawl

Also had a great book delivered today. England & Wales The Good Mountain Biking Guide. Should help me sort out some good locations for next year.

October 26th

Exercise day off yesterday, weather was rubbish so took the opportunity to start insulating my shed to make it a bit better for my bike & tool storage.

Weather better today so got a 26.68 mile bike ride in this morning
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/55756262

Few more hills than usual which i'm finding a bit easier to climb as my training progresses.

Took a quick trip to tesco's for picnic food ready for a planned mountain bike ride down Wherrymans Way tomorrow, weather permitting.

Also completed my swim tonight. 1300 metres in 50 minutes. A new PB for me. All breast stroke though as given up trying to do the front crawl for now. I have seen that Tri-Anglia are nearly ready for opening 2012 membership so looking forward to joining that & hopefully getting some help with the front crawl.

Knee feels a lot better today which is good with the Mucky Race scheduled for Sunday. Also got a 3 course meal & football in the Aviva box at Carrow Road saturday for the Norwich v Blackburn game so will need to make sure i dont over indulge.

Watched the Wales Ironman race on Eurosport tonight. Guess what! I want to do an Ironman race now. Will probably plan that for 2013 after i've got a few triathlons & the great Barrow challenge under my belt though ;-).

ps, whats the labels box for at the bottom of this box where i'm typing?

October 24th

Week off so thought i'd add today's activity.

Knee still playing up after yesterdays run. Ibruprofen helps a bit until i twist it. went out for a 17 mile ride. Will probably do another similar ride tomorrow, swim Wednesday then rest my knee till Mucky races on Sunday.

Decided to set up a charity page, see if i can make some money for Help for Heros while i'm at it with the fitness regime. Here's the page
http://www.bmycharity.com/clearseaz

October 2011


Right, just about got you up to date with progress.

Bike rides for October so far have totalled 295 miles. 76.87 miles is my new PB. I've done 12 rides, some being on the MTB.

I have also added running & Swimming to my activities.



Running, 3 times, total 6.5 miles. Furthest I've done is 3 miles (today) knee feels ropey. I did do the London Marathon in 2006 & haven't ran since due to mashing the ligaments in my feet & not walking properly since.

Doing the Mucky races next weekend so hoping knee holds up.



Swimming, I bought a UEA sports park Bronze card which lets me swim for £2.50



Arleya 1st Dan



http://sportspark.co.uk/ 

I do this on a Wednesday whilst Arleya does her Karate class. She's now a Black belt & has trained since she was 6 years old with ESKA.

http://www.eska.co.uk/

Trained with them myself for years and got to 1st Kyu grade but had cluster headache problems & knee issues so had to quit. May take it up again one day.

Anyway, back to the swimming. I am rubbish, which is quite ironic considering i worked in Thailand as a PADI diving instructor for 4 years ??????

So, I've swam 3 times, i cant do the crawl so sticking with breaststroke for now. Furthest I've swam is 1000 metres in about 45 minutes.

Did mean some more purchases, goggles, swimming shorts. I have also had to buy some warmer cycle and running clothing. Got some bib cycling tights that are really good, They hold the pad in place a lot better than my shorts & I've thus found less bum pain when riding. Sportsdirect has been a great place to buy gear, very cheap & delivery within days.

So, Triathlons are where it is at now, I will be joining TriAnglia

http://www.tri-anglia.co.uk/ as soon as their membership opens for 2012. I'm hoping i will be able to get coached in front crawl and sort that out ready for my first triathlon in April 2012.

I also took part in my first cycle event this month, Arleya completed it as well which I'm very proud of her for as it wasn't easy for a 12 year old with a lumpy MTB.

Event was the Norfolk CTC 25 mile rough stuff.   http://www.norfolkcycling.co.uk/Ruffstuff.html

Enjoyable & muddy, friendly bunch of people. Thanks to the guys who lifted Arleya & cycle out of the waist deep puddle.

Another thing I'm going to have to do is the Pennine Bridleway, this looks fantastic, so now on the list of stuff to do.

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/penninebridleway/index.asp?PageId=1&ImageId=29#galleryModule

Right, up to date now. I'll fill you in with what i do on a weekly basis now. Cant wait for the Mucky Race next weekend 

Planning all these events & looking to do activities has been one of the key components of staying off the fags.

Nearly forgot. Whilst logging my rides via Mapmyride i have been then uploading them to facebook for a competition called BritPak. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/boardmanbikesbritpack?sk=app_184837178240949

Well, from doing this i was lucky enough to win the Boardman Team Carbon Road Bike.


My new MTB



I also decided to upgrade my MTB to this little beauty that arrived the other day, Specialized Rockhopper. I took it out round Mousehold yesterday, it is fantastic to ride.



September 2011

Arleya at Sandringham finish

So, what happened in September?

Bike rides for the month totalled 349 miles (11 rides). Furthest ride was 76.12 miles. I also dug out my old mountain bike from the shed & ventured down to Thetford Forest.

My walking increased to 20 miles in September.

The Tour of Britain also came round this way & we had a family day out at Sandringham to see the finish.

Mark Cavendish finishing

 We had a great spot on the finish line but had to sit in the rain for a few hours to secure the spot. Was worth the wait though.

Mountain biking was great fun & mean't my daughter could join in with the biking.

Thetford Forest is a great spot, we tend to park at Brandon Country park as it only costs £2.50 per day for Parking, as opposed to the tenner yout likely to pay at High Lodge.

Timber have done a great job on the trails

http://timbermtb.org/website/

During the month of September my fitness idea's stretched to wanting to do Triathlons. Only problem is, i'm a crap swimmer, runner & stilll overweight cyclist. Although, last weigh in had me around 15 stone 6lbs.

Mucky Races 30th October 2011

My next event coming up is the 5k Mucky Race bext weekend

http://www.muckyraces.co.uk/

Steeplechase the obstacle race 30

th October 2011 – Race Information

This document contains important information regarding the event please read

carefully. If you have any questions contact us at info@muckyraces.co.uk.

Getting There & Event Parking

Blackwater Farm, Blackwater Lane, Great Witchingham, Norwich, Norfolk NR9 5PH

http://www.blackwaterfarm.co.uk

Parking will be clearly signposted once you are near the venue. Please follow the

marshals as they direct you.

We regret that once you have entered either the 5km or 10km Steeplechase we

cannot refund, credit or transfer your entry fee in part or in full.

Race Numbers

Race numbers will be collected on the day.

Timing & Results

You will pick up your timing chip on the morning of the race at the registration tent.

Securely fasten the chip to your trainers using the ties we will supply. We will remove

the chips after the race.

Results will be posted on www.muckyraces.co.uk the day after the race.

Event Schedule and Start Time

• 9.30am Gates Open

• 10Km Race Starts 11.00am

• 5Km Race Starts 11.15am

Organised by WR Events Ltd

ww.muckyraces.co.uk

There will be restricted access to and from the parking area so please allow

additional travel time and also you will want time to make your way from the event

parking area to the Start/Finish line. We don’t want you to be late for your race!

We strongly advise that you arrive at the event in your running kit as there are no

changing and basic storage facilities and that you bring warm dry clothing to change

into after the race. There are NO SHOWERS available at the event.

Teams

Men’s, women’s and mixed

Teams of three only eligible for team prize

Each team must have a unique name

Results will be calculated using combined finishing positions of each team member

Race Photography

Race pictures will be available to view and purchase after the event via the website.

Medical Support

Professional medical staff will be present at the Start/Finish area. You should be

reasonably fit to participate with no known medical conditions. You should not

participate if suffering from a cold, flu or injury as this can be very dangerous.

Toilets

There will be toilet facilities available for contestants and spectators.

Water

There will be one water station at approximately the half way point of both the 5KM &

10KM run. We do advise that you bring your own water.

Goody Bag

An event goody bag will be handed out after the race which will include your T-Shirt

as well as extra items of swag.

Prizes

Awards will be made to the following for the 5k & 10k races

Top 3 Men by finishing position

Top 3 Women by finishing position

Winning team for men, women and mixed

Refreshments

Hot and cold refreshments will be available on the day.

Organised by WR Events Ltd

ww.muckyraces.co.uk

Check List

To ensure that you have a great day, have a quick run through of the check list

below:

• Avoid alcohol the night before

• Eat a light meal and drink plenty of water before the event

• Don’t be late!

And remember to bring:

• 4 safety pins to attach your number to your vest

• A warm change of clothes for the journey home

• Money for refreshments.

• A towel

• Water

What to Wear

You will get wet and dirty. We advise that you wear a synthetic t-shirt or long sleeve

shirt, shorts or running tights and a good pair of off-road running shoes or at least a

good pair of running trainers.

CONTACT

We are here to help if you would like any additional information or assistance then

please contact info@muckyraces.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

Many questions you might have will be answered in the FAQ section below

Frequently Asked Questions

How many runners enter the races?

We are expecting up to 500 runners.

When should I enter?

As early as possible! The race will be a sell out.

How do I enter?

Enter online by clicking on the ENTER NOW. Make sure you chose the correct

distance.

What is the age limit?

Runners must be 17 or over to enter to run the 10km run and 16 to do the 5km run.

I am ill or Injured should I run?

You should not run if ill or injured for your own safety. You cannot give your number

to someone else in your place. This is for insurance reasons.

Organised by WR Events Ltd

http://www.muckyraces.co.uk/

Bikes for sale



Me in Thetford Forest




Before I start updating my Blog for September I would like to show a couple of cycles  have for sale.

The details behind the sale of these bikes will be clearer once  post September 2011 blog & October blog up to todays news.





http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270838550036&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270837131164&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

August 2011

My daughter

August has saw an increase in ride mileage & additional walking sessions as this will be part of my great barrow Challenge.
I did three walks totalling 10 miles
Bike rides - 11 totalling 331 mile. The furthest ride was 63 miles. In fact, i rode my first half centuries during August 2011, the first being 55 miles.

Finally saw a drop in weight to 15 stone 10 lbs. I have been disapointed in the slow weight loss despite my increased physical activity.

I bought some SPD pedals & Shimano shoes. This has made a difference but i do tend to get a numb right foot & some pain in the ball of it. I have adjusted the positioning of the cleats numerous times & have reduced this a lot.

I'm also finding my backside is hurting after the longer rides. I think i need to invest in a better pair of shorts or a new saddle.

August also gave me a new cycle event to watch in the form of La Vuelta in Spain http://www.lavuelta.com/

Added a retirement activity to the wife & my list which is to buy a camper van & travel round France & Spain following the cycle tours.

Think that's about it for August.

July 2011

My new bike

I managed to do 8 bike rides in July totaling 187 miles. My furthest ride was 41.13 miles.
I'd purchased the Lycra padded cycle shorts & a couple of tops which was quite a traumatic experience venturing outside looking like a sausage (according to my wife). I didnt have much spare cash but found some reasonable priced stuff on E-Bay.

After a few trips out looking like a sausage I decided i did'nt care what people might think i looked like & just enjoyed my cycling.

A big part of July for me was watching Le Tour de France religiously. Thanks to Sky Plus i was able to watch every full race. The commitment & dedication these guys showed despite the obvious pain they were going through was truely inspirational. I'd never heard of Mark Cavendish until July but he'd suddenly become one of my hero's, not to mention Cadel Evans & Hoogerland who got back on his bike after his terrible crash.
http://www.flyingchaz.com/2011/07/hoogerland-crashed-into-barbed-wire-by-car-in-tour-de-france-scandal/

So now I wanted to do more than just the Norwich 100. The next challenge i discovered is The Great Barrow challenge. http://www.greatbarrowchallenge.co.uk/

I will be taking part in this in 2012 as well.

Cycling - June 2011

So, in order to complete the Norwich 100 mile cycle ride in 2012 i needed to get a decent road bike. http://www.bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=317

I didn't know anything about cycles so bugged mates & trawled through internet forums to find out what was a good bike for under £1000.

Decided to go for a Boardman Road Team. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_789209_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

Did my first ride in June which was just under 8 miles, over the next few weeks i did 6 rides & built up to a 20 mile ride.
I was  logging my rides through http://www.mapmyride.com/ which i have also found to be a great incentive.

I was starting to get hooked.

I began to read more and more about cycling & various challenges which i will touch on later.

So, for June 2011 i logged 92.76 miles

Let us begin - quit the fags

Hi

My name is Andy & i'm 43 years old. I've decided to document my journey from knackered 43 year old smoker to hopefully an ultra fit, old person.

My new regime started in June 2011 after getting fed up of putting on weight, i was 16 stone. Wheezing whilst trying to sleep & coughing my insides up each morning, i'd smoked 30 a day for the best part of 25 years. I had no energy & suffered from insomnia.

So, quit smoking  get fit was the plan. I've done this before but always crumbled so needed an incentive. My incentive was train for the Norwich 2012 100 mile cycle challenge for the British Heart foundation

I stopped smoking on Sunday 19th June 2011. I used the nicotine patches & inhaler through my GP which really took the edge off. Currently 125 days smoke free.

I'll post some more of what i have done exercise wise since quitting, plus how my goals have changed within a short space of time. I will try update the blog weekly with progress & new challenges I find.

If your like i was a few months ago & have all the excuses not to quit smoking, try to lose weight & get fit. If i can start the journey, anyone can.