tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23207675999988900082024-02-06T18:16:24.281-08:00Lil BI am what I am LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-72867845318156141162019-12-27T14:33:00.001-08:002019-12-27T14:33:28.847-08:00Not much time for blogging - 2019 is nearly doneMy god what has happened this year - the blogging is really slipping. I have considered stopping altogether and just leaving it as a memory bank. We'll have to see how next year goes I think. I'd like to document my mayoral year, but this year's been busy enough with functions and learning the ropes.<br />
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Since I posted in July it's been quite busy. Some nice Deputy Mayor duties including 3 carol concerts, a radio appearance, a Breakfast Prayer Meeting, Dieppe Landing commemoration in Newhaven, Remembrance Sunday and a tree planting event which saw 800 trees planted on Riverside Park.<br />
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Plus lots of Council meetings!<br />
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We've spent a lot of time on the house getting the roof mended and to a stage where we have a spare room ready for Christmas guests. Just the living room and garden to sort now.<br />
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Sadly we lost Shaun's mum last month. She'd had Alzheimers for a long time and her condition deteriorated fast one weekend. It has been a very hard time for all the family, notwithstanding the fact we haven't been able to arrange a funeral yet. <br />
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My 1000km cycle challenge hasn't gone as well as I expected due to weather in the latter part of the year and Shaun changing his shifts meaning I couldn't do the other 200k with cycle commutes. I have done 800km which I am ok with. It's been a busy year and the bikes have barely been out the shed. Must do better next year.<br />
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I've swapped gym provider. Wave was getting boring so Danni and I now go together to Underground. It's much better although we have yet to try any classes. Danni's doing really well, I'm not and really need to get myself sorted. The wedding is now only 10 months away and I've still got the same amount of weight to lose as I did this time last year!<br />
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That's about it for this year I think - see you in 2020!<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-6023073386379953302019-07-26T10:50:00.000-07:002019-07-26T10:50:22.956-07:00Soooooo busy! What a slacker - I appear to have missed March, April, May, June and July (I actually started drafting this post in March and every time I revisit to edit I realise I've missed even more)!<br />
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I've missed birthdays, holidays, local election madness and moving! Basically the last 5 months went something like this :-<br />
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March - not much happened apart from spin classes and some cycling to work.<br />
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April - birthday and a long weekend in Jersey to celebrate birthday, have a break from the moving stress and revisit our honeymoon destination after 30 years. We found our favourite pub, The Smuggler's Inn, and had a yummy prawn based lunch the same as we did last time.<br />
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I tried really hard to replicate a photo Shaun took. <br />
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I think we did ok - maybe not quite right!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPiThSY_2Hff38VJOsrDBHmkFY-033Gn1SlsG0I1aHVIEGUuD-Qvu6R3iWyuJgqIMRVtZ-fqhzVfFIWNcbTFL1698J6PJLqQz2j8TbJHAFiYrV4Q0dgb5dfHKWwWKjQ9v9K9bzpyrXFg/s1600/57238925_10157431428178487_8953944451999334400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPiThSY_2Hff38VJOsrDBHmkFY-033Gn1SlsG0I1aHVIEGUuD-Qvu6R3iWyuJgqIMRVtZ-fqhzVfFIWNcbTFL1698J6PJLqQz2j8TbJHAFiYrV4Q0dgb5dfHKWwWKjQ9v9K9bzpyrXFg/s320/57238925_10157431428178487_8953944451999334400_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And to celebrate 30 years Shaun bought me a bracelet with a freshwater pearl in it.<br />
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May - Local elections which I stood for Town Council and bloody well got elected. Not only did I get elected but I'm also Deputy Mayor for the year. I actually have no idea how it happened. We came back from Jersey, I signed the paperwork and off I went helping with leaflet delivery and doorstep canvassing with my fellow candidates. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Election night madness - having sat outside a poling station for 2 hours in the cold</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading the Children's Parade with our Mayor</td></tr>
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Blown away was an understatement and I still have to pinch myself occasionally - especially when I'm walking around with my Deputy Mayor ribbon on. I've carried out a few duties including leading the Children's Parade for our Fish Festival, attending Year 6 leaver's assemblies and opening our Peace Day event and opening the new local skate park and pump track.<br />
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Oops, two separate events wearing the same clothes, need to change that!<br />
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Shaun's birthday and a week in Salisbury in Tribby. A much needed break from election and house moving stress!<br />
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Our trip to Salisbury was lovely and whilst we were there Antiques Roadshow was being filmed, so off we went to hunt down Fiona Bruce. <br />
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The weather for the whole week was amazing and it was great to get away in Tribby for the first time in the year. We should've gone to Canterbury the following week but it was looking like we might have been able to exchange contracts that week so we stayed at home.<br />
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June - WE ACTUALLY BLOODY MOVED. Very mixed emotions on the day. Lawes Avenue was our first home, where we bought before we were married, brought up our beautiful daughter, lots of lovely happy memories and some we'd rather forget. Saying goodbye to our neighbours was horrible but luckily we're only a 5 minute walk away.<br />
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July starts with our 30th wedding anniversary in our new home, still trying to unpack and settle in.<br />
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1000k in 2019 isn't going great - no cycling in June whatsoever but I am now up to 480 km for the year so far, not really where I want to be. I'm struggling to get to spin classes with council meetings thrown in to the mix.<br />
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Plans for Danni and Joel's wedding are going ok. I need to get to grips with the diet and exercise and get some weight off before I decide what to buy to wear as MOTB !<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-79903193023816278512019-02-22T11:09:00.000-08:002019-07-01T14:11:35.784-07:00Whoosh and there goes February February is such a weird month - the weather's unpredictable but the days are definitely getting longer.<br />
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The distance challenge is going well with Your Mile Challenge - I'm only 5k short of cracking 200km out of my 1000 in 2019. I think I can honestly say I've never done so many miles during February. This has mainly been helped by the fact I've managed 3 cycle commutes this month. I'm struggling with getting to the gym to do miles on the static bike so it's good that I've been able to get outside. I've not been to spin for a couple of weeks either.<br />
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The weather has been mostly great this month - and on one cycle to work I managed to get to the Undercliff to see the sunrise.<br />
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There's nothing like a lovely sunrise to make the ride more enjoyable.<br />
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I've made a couple of purchases over the last couple of weeks - two from <a href="https://www.velochampion.co.uk/" target="_blank">Velochampion</a> who are fast becoming my go to for kit.<br />
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The first was a very fetching luminous <a href="https://www.velochampion.co.uk/collections/clothing-collection/products/element-defence-gilet?variant=34904900615" target="_blank">yellow gilet</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykIZWqY45CPIgmw-J585ip4dGqOvjt582aydI7pvrh2Q5T1oUC-sqq7VWYHk5SSjn2Aww-4VKCxvwjpTu0IiFYmQ2P-P-ZzMvRR9pbvaKP_puYJupyBX7TKQ-7zA3B8C3RW0gh6IMjtE/s1600/Element_Defence_Gilet3_2000x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykIZWqY45CPIgmw-J585ip4dGqOvjt582aydI7pvrh2Q5T1oUC-sqq7VWYHk5SSjn2Aww-4VKCxvwjpTu0IiFYmQ2P-P-ZzMvRR9pbvaKP_puYJupyBX7TKQ-7zA3B8C3RW0gh6IMjtE/s320/Element_Defence_Gilet3_2000x.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from VC site (not me!)</td></tr>
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This gilet is going to be very useful later when the weather warms up and I don't need my rain jacket. <br />
The second purchase from Velochampion was a <a href="https://www.velochampion.co.uk/collections/luggage-seatpack/products/high-visibility-backpack-cover" target="_blank">hi viz back </a>pack cover. I already feel safer with this over my back pack<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from VC site</td></tr>
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I also bought some more lights, cos a girl can never have too many lights!<br />
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I also bought some <a href="https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-womens-merino-sock-1/" target="_blank">Merino Wool socks</a> from Wiggle. They look great but they have made absolutely no difference to the temperature of my feet. Guess I'm going to have to put up with cold feet on winter rides or resort to tin foil. </div>
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The house move is still ongoing - just waiting for some paperwork to be signed off with the house we're buying and hopefully we can complete ready for Easter. At least we have another month before that deadline arrives!</div>
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LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-39203379071490897992019-02-01T13:10:00.003-08:002019-02-01T13:10:57.571-08:00January - the longest month in the whole year!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">I had a "halfway through January" post partly drafted but I just couldn't find the words to finish it off, so it's binned and I've started again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">The end of January has seen the finish of RED January. I've tried to stay active every day - that has included spin and core classes, a couple of cycling to work and walking Archie. Shaun has worked a few very early morning shifts so January has also seen the return of pre-work walks. I'm useless at getting up in the morning at the moment so it hasn't been easy but it has been a joy not a chore. I've managed my first "in the dark" cycle to work - I'm now perfecting the lighting of me and the bike. It's also been quite cold too so perfecting the layering has been interesting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">It has proved to me that I am actually quite active anyway but it has made me think about what I get out of each activity I take part in. Dog walks with Archie are quiet, calm time and appreciating my surroundings. Spin & exercise classes are social and full on fitness. I haven't quite worked out how cycling impacts my well being - I'm still finding myself asking what the hell am I doing this for! I do mostly enjoy it otherwise I wouldn't do it. Cycling to and from work does mean that I get some exercise in without it impacting on the rest of the day. Going to the gym doesn't bring me joy and although I've planned gym sessions they've rarely come off </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">The moving situation hasn't changed, we're still waiting. Fingers crossed we exchange soon then we can start planning the move. It looks like it's not going to happen until the middle of March now. Still plenty of time for more decluttering and boxing up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">To have something to look forward to in the meantime we've booked a long weekend in Jersey. Shaun and I went there 30 years ago for our honeymoon so we thought it would be nice to return for a few days this year. It's not until mid-April (in time for my birthday as well) but at least it's not stressing about the house situation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">We're also looking at our Tribby road trip for this year. Shaun's main summer holiday this year is the last 2 weeks of May. There are so many amazing places to visit in the UK so the destination changes quickly. It is a work in progress but we need to get booking sites soon. Fingers crossed we have a lovely May this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">I've also signed up for the <a href="https://yourmilechallenge.co.uk/" target="_blank">Your Mile Challenge</a> - 1000km in 2019 (it was originally supposed to be 1000 miles but I clicked the wrong entry!) I'm a little behind on my mileage but fingers crossed as the weather improves there will be more rides. I managed 800km last year so with the added cycle commutes I should be ok to reach 1000km this year. If not, I'll be visiting the gym more to do some gym bike miles! </span><br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-749651511343420462018-12-28T12:02:00.002-08:002018-12-31T08:59:17.915-08:00And there goes 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well that was one hell of a year !<br />
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We sold the house and are waiting to move. The conveyancing is taking a little longer than it should thanks to a retaining garden wall at the new house. Fingers crossed we'll be in by the end of January.<br />
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I was awarded a Local Hero award for my work volunteering on my local park and we went to Portugal.<br />
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I've taken part in a couple of challenges, both for Challenge the Norm in aid of Mind,<br />
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only one <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.com/2018/04/what-its-april-how-did-that-happen.html" target="_blank">cycle sportive</a> this year but the big change is that I started <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.com/2018/08/national-cycle-to-work-day.html" target="_blank">cycling to work</a> during the summer. I'm hoping to do it more in 2019.<br />
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I'm quite pleased with my stats for 2018 compared to 2017 - 20 more rides and over 300km further - an average of just over 11km per ride. It would be great next year to do some longer weekend rides with Shaun instead of going out on my own. Could have done with a few more active days but then Strava and Garmin don't count dog walking - which is more or less every day.<br />
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We've had some lovely trips in Tribby - my favourite was definitely the <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.com/2018/08/8-days-in-tribby.html" target="_blank">Isle of Wight</a>, probably because we had amazing weather and for the first time we took the bikes with us. <br />
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We're currently deciding where we go in 2019<br />
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Life is a bit on hold with the house and we've also got a wedding to start paying for. Danni and Joel have booked their wedding venue for October 2020!<br />
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It's our 30th wedding anniversary this year so we're hoping to do something special - watch this space!<br />
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I didn't manage to lose much weight this year so it needs some working on in 2019. <br />
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As we go in to the new year I've signed up for RED January and hoping to be active every day.<br />
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Had a good reading challenge in 2018 - managed to read 13 books! I've got all my reading lined up for 2019.<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-2294831254837501352018-12-01T10:17:00.001-08:002018-12-01T10:17:33.913-08:00Challenge the Norm is Done ! Hooray November is done and so is my Challenge the Norm cycle challenge in aid of Mind.<br />
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My original pledge was 86 miles as I wasn't sure if I could do any rides other than spin class. It did however go better than I envisaged even though I didn't manage to get to all my planned spin classes.<br />
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To complete my miles I've cycled to work, been to spin, gone back to the gym and done the spinathon at work. You can read about most of it <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.com/2018/11/challenge-norm-halfway.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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My second November ride to work was lovely - I managed to get my clothing right to keep warm as it's now getting colder but it was dry with a horrible easterly wind - which was good to get into work but not so pleasant on the way home. It's on days like that you feel glad to be alive and it's always enlightening to see the sun come up! The last couple of times I've cycled in I've wanted to keep going instead of going to straight into work. I got in a bit too early to make an appearance at the office so I pushed on to Hove Lagoon. I was glad I did because I was rewarded with a lovely sunrise<br />
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Cycling home was less enjoyable with the easterly wind and it started to rain. I'm hoping that I'll be able to cycle in during December but I'm not doing it if rain is forecast, or high winds!<br />
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I've completed 200 miles over November and I'm now in possession of this beauty.<br />
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The best thing about the challenge is that I'm back in the gym and I'm goping to keep it up during December. I'm already signed up for RED January which is similar to Janathon in that I've got to exercise every day during January. No idea how successful it will be as Wednesdays are always a sticking point.<br />
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The arrival of December also sees the last month of the reading challenge - I'm on my last read of the year which means I should complete the 12 reads of the year. We're already deciding the categories for 2019 but I might try and push it to 14 reads.<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-22969637538646601032018-11-14T13:11:00.002-08:002018-11-14T13:24:26.075-08:00Challenge the Norm - Halfway We're halfway through November already and my <a href="https://challengethenorm.co.uk/collections/challenge-the-norm-2018-cycle-challenge" target="_blank">Challenge the Norm</a> #cycleforMind is going well. I originally only pledged to ride 86 miles (depending solely on the regular spin classes I could do during the month). Turns out at half way through I've already cycled/spun through that so now I'm heading for the 200 mile mark.<br />
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It's great when you get an unexpected boost in your challenge - in the July challenge it was taking the bikes to the Isle Of Wight and having a lovely cycle path to put some miles down. November has been a different kettle of fish altogether. I actually managed to get to the gym in the first week and a road ride which I wasn't expecting. The weather has been great for most of the autumn so far<br />
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As part of the #BeMoreSnail fundraising campaign work had organised a "spinathon". Each willing colleague got a 15 minute stint on a spin bike. It was the most atrocious day weather wise but luckily we had an event shelter up. The event was overseen by the two PTs from <a href="https://www.fitnesshubbrighton.com/" target="_blank">Fitness Hub</a> at Brighton. They were certainly very motivating and played some great music to help focus on the task in hand. We haven't been told how much we raised yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAGfhsgq4wwFeCAEaDSnlU6XPOSC2503BzRVsNJsAAJDHUnqdTC78-wPFlJmCFJVTFATPSukvDiHGAxvjKG4zU3GhqCNDJcmSbh3hi1tObitgJqx1ze358atmNpiQJbnsgNkoLPJu81M/s1600/Spinathon+warm+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAGfhsgq4wwFeCAEaDSnlU6XPOSC2503BzRVsNJsAAJDHUnqdTC78-wPFlJmCFJVTFATPSukvDiHGAxvjKG4zU3GhqCNDJcmSbh3hi1tObitgJqx1ze358atmNpiQJbnsgNkoLPJu81M/s320/Spinathon+warm+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me warming up whilst our HR Manager does her bit!</td></tr>
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I've never been known to sit on a spin bike without going hard so an unexpected 17 miles to add to the total.<br />
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I even did a Sunday morning spin class - 9am on a Sunday was a shocker! I missed out on spin class last night but went to the gym instead and used the bike again.<br />
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The weather's looking good for tomorrow so I'm cycling to work - if it stays mild like this hopefully one day next week and maybe one or two the following week - that should bump the target a bit!<br />
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If I can muster the energy I'm going to the gym a couple of more times too unless I can get out on the road at the weekend!<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-18777016483172142602018-10-19T01:18:00.001-07:002018-10-19T01:18:49.656-07:00#BeMoreSnail Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Txn-ROG3bZnTxK1BIDBKCAkkr0c4J8IgyWd0_FrXetj_DpEJ9eHm3OGZBM4Xg1lgdYqGPAtUJpMSXyfd4lWnAAWLqafJTYLdmgn1_yTGaTferDE9pnjpnyG5s1Fc-GXLn8mKLtbl7B4/s1600/snailspace-logo-300-150.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Txn-ROG3bZnTxK1BIDBKCAkkr0c4J8IgyWd0_FrXetj_DpEJ9eHm3OGZBM4Xg1lgdYqGPAtUJpMSXyfd4lWnAAWLqafJTYLdmgn1_yTGaTferDE9pnjpnyG5s1Fc-GXLn8mKLtbl7B4/s1600/snailspace-logo-300-150.png" /></a></div>
Anyone visiting Brighton since 15th September will have spotted a few painted snails. Following on from the famous Snow Dogs which raised a lot of money for <a href="https://www.themartlets.org.uk/" target="_blank">Martlets Hospice</a>, this year we are being reminded to "<a href="https://www.snailspacebrighton.co.uk/" target="_blank">BeMoreSnai</a>l. If you're coming to Brighton over the next few weeks there is a trail you can follow and selfie with the snails. There are lots of events taking place up until 18th November and today is #BeMoreSnail Day. Also today local famous person, Fat Boy Slim will be walking a marathon taking in all 50 snails - <a href="https://www.themartlets.org.uk/Appeal/norms-snails-pace-challenge" target="_blank">Go Norman </a>!<br />
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You can donate funds for the campaign too <a href="https://www.themartlets.org.uk/Appeal/snailspace-2018" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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At work we've been encouraged to take part, especially as we have our own snail - Inca.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLt9Wti8WP9Kj5MZG8fKzMYB2RzJdmxag_Z9aPzYRFzDIRR2P0jsQviJHGYMEGurPa2ZAVUA9Ajm-Lg24jIcbLs_42y8JyAON0vEy963aHd6m1IEV_3DtmZzIgZ4RaO_bTHgNVpR_lWpw/s1600/Inca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLt9Wti8WP9Kj5MZG8fKzMYB2RzJdmxag_Z9aPzYRFzDIRR2P0jsQviJHGYMEGurPa2ZAVUA9Ajm-Lg24jIcbLs_42y8JyAON0vEy963aHd6m1IEV_3DtmZzIgZ4RaO_bTHgNVpR_lWpw/s320/Inca.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inca sponsored by my firm</td></tr>
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So today I took advantage of the amazing weather we're still having and Shaun being on a rest day and cycled to work, taking in some of the beautiful sights of dawn rising<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CYUJUaKohvS_2Luvd8oSUJTO748SR02orklI12gOJhjpQjXBOADIBKoPCi1yfnyVfh3i52kKxNeMCf_GZdTy62eZ0rHclO0IE4FJFPcUcFsAOpGVU0_Fs4cTDQhyyplc10lsAxspLMM/s1600/Sunrise+over+Brighton%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CYUJUaKohvS_2Luvd8oSUJTO748SR02orklI12gOJhjpQjXBOADIBKoPCi1yfnyVfh3i52kKxNeMCf_GZdTy62eZ0rHclO0IE4FJFPcUcFsAOpGVU0_Fs4cTDQhyyplc10lsAxspLMM/s320/Sunrise+over+Brighton%2521.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over Brighton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEA3gs5Y1ogA7aZCILrvs98SnBQej7CoXzPkTgPih6SzUNKdWzQwdscZOvOS_vBzWPy4SVj-bT5exlXgrNcF-3FLElEwEdb6m_qO0HITAaoeiEizSXl97N22ZS8NttEalG3AZZOF7jEWM/s1600/sunrise+out+to+Newhaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEA3gs5Y1ogA7aZCILrvs98SnBQej7CoXzPkTgPih6SzUNKdWzQwdscZOvOS_vBzWPy4SVj-bT5exlXgrNcF-3FLElEwEdb6m_qO0HITAaoeiEizSXl97N22ZS8NttEalG3AZZOF7jEWM/s320/sunrise+out+to+Newhaven.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise back to Newhaven/Peacehaven</td></tr>
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and the snails which are on my route in - although I did go a bit off route to selfie Inca & Goldie! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WD3ry9LTmYBlWjGlbPSxyWUYPCLDeVg_kJ7GjBiBPjsfVcdl0K2nExtHKUiDqLIprHyzWjcLaQzZ0ilhQO-ls2LEXeQ2vWPQLYRw6gVd4PkL6pFzScxhteobEeMYNVZR-PNCSxHo_JA/s1600/Goldie+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WD3ry9LTmYBlWjGlbPSxyWUYPCLDeVg_kJ7GjBiBPjsfVcdl0K2nExtHKUiDqLIprHyzWjcLaQzZ0ilhQO-ls2LEXeQ2vWPQLYRw6gVd4PkL6pFzScxhteobEeMYNVZR-PNCSxHo_JA/s320/Goldie+selfie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMM9bs-XNUx0i_qOifbBhyucrJQ-DdNgkwqSX5zlDGTiBDpAhlKcD7lBQYNkZ4Tyj2ssvJBkWIL46N5fonaiNyiWqzTbrND1CzgjgNE6cDU07TTL4dnwR9leZO1NFs1QZMMR7BiHhqbk/s1600/Inca+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMM9bs-XNUx0i_qOifbBhyucrJQ-DdNgkwqSX5zlDGTiBDpAhlKcD7lBQYNkZ4Tyj2ssvJBkWIL46N5fonaiNyiWqzTbrND1CzgjgNE6cDU07TTL4dnwR9leZO1NFs1QZMMR7BiHhqbk/s320/Inca+selfie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inca</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaInjtFLWt8LtqKZBYYcDVOLGrQpY44dIJx5SzojThwMPp2qbIA-bm602-_d-SstSBDHV-TveZl6aHKVNCbo_io0YdvV3Fhv94tTWYiL3GMDxO06PQx9UQQblCYyDvCt-bVkA-NEQFW6I/s1600/Ne+Nor+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaInjtFLWt8LtqKZBYYcDVOLGrQpY44dIJx5SzojThwMPp2qbIA-bm602-_d-SstSBDHV-TveZl6aHKVNCbo_io0YdvV3Fhv94tTWYiL3GMDxO06PQx9UQQblCYyDvCt-bVkA-NEQFW6I/s320/Ne+Nor+selfie.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nee Nor - sponsored by Peter James the author</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLHRnLoyopuaQEWbZd2EKiU7Xo1Qxxwo64RoiibiuJ3-Pr0KrIpcUsyBNfX3gmM0xd_mSrQDslnwd2bgUgghpGYZuiX9gMnBqFy2aHeJyYsoWqs8vjtlNiU2gKn3id7lNi63fTUm5kCs/s1600/Snail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLHRnLoyopuaQEWbZd2EKiU7Xo1Qxxwo64RoiibiuJ3-Pr0KrIpcUsyBNfX3gmM0xd_mSrQDslnwd2bgUgghpGYZuiX9gMnBqFy2aHeJyYsoWqs8vjtlNiU2gKn3id7lNi63fTUm5kCs/s320/Snail.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Search of Regina Hotel</td></tr>
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On a recent visit to Stanmer Park I also grabbed a selfie with the snail outside the house </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMUy6HBRan84qmvKWiqyA-KDZ0ZCJComlOHc5EHHS-lhxsyupDBmpUdnderzhDlEa6clFmM_Z0G8YjeYnmRlb5ob7KNvT0rPNdBN5LjBDR_Czy2S4J9Kvn62kJ6bifjX4SVnHz0J5Ku0/s1600/Stanmer+House+snail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMUy6HBRan84qmvKWiqyA-KDZ0ZCJComlOHc5EHHS-lhxsyupDBmpUdnderzhDlEa6clFmM_Z0G8YjeYnmRlb5ob7KNvT0rPNdBN5LjBDR_Czy2S4J9Kvn62kJ6bifjX4SVnHz0J5Ku0/s320/Stanmer+House+snail.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
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You can upload your selfies to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #BeMoreSnail and see what fun everyone is having.</div>
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Oh and that's also Cycle to Work #6.</div>
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Have a fab day and don't forget to #BeMoreSnail.</div>
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LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-74822186525461867852018-10-15T05:47:00.001-07:002018-10-15T05:47:09.528-07:00When Trying Something New Seems Like a Good IdeaI get bored quite easily in the evenings when I'm on my own or not at spin, running a meeting or spending time with loved ones and quite often it ends up with me doing online shopping (poor credit card). Saturday 6th October was no exception - can't remember why but I suddenly caught myself looking at booking a Les Mills Experience at my local gym. 5 mini "taster" classes, 3.5 hours on a Sunday morning ............ starting at 8.30am (did I mention it was a Sunday?)<br />
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I've wanted to try Body Pump & Combat for some time but have been put off going to a class for either as it always seems everyone there is super fit and knows exactly what they're doing, I just couldn't face being the newbie! So when Wave Leisure advertised their taster morning I thought it would be a good idea - Body Pump, CX Works, Body Combat, Body Balance and Body Attack. I couldn't get on Body Balance so would have to either sit it out or see if I could sneak into an unused space on the day - more on that later*! I did manage to book on to the other 4 classes.<br />
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Sunday 14th October arrived - Shaun was less pleased at this fact as the alarm went off at 7.30am. I arrived at the centre with about 10 mins to spare and then spotted a lot of familiar faces - the class was being done by most of the people who already do the classes but I tried not to be put off. The Pump station was already set up to go (the regulars were busy changing weight plates over but after some advice from a friend who was there luckily, I left mine as they were set up - my friend Jeremy said "don't worry about the weight - worry about the technique" so that's what I did! Quite enjoyed it apart from all the faffing around with equipment, it's quite fast paced so I got a bit behind on some of the moves, but otherwise quite enjoyable, and it was nice to be lifting weights again. <br />
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45 mins later we were being thrown out of the studio so that the room could be set up for CX Works - omg really didn't enjoy that class, I'm definitely going to stick to my Saturday morning Core Blast class. 30 mins of doing I don't know what and we were out again so the floor could be cleared ready for Combat. Luckily I can't get to the CX Works class to give it another go!<br />
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No idea how long Combat was but I actually quite enjoyed - the instructors were good and I think having done boxercise helped as I already knew my punches and kicks. <br />
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The music is great and I think if I'm not concentrating on the moves so hard I could get quite a good workout from it. <br />
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*Next up was Body Balance - the one that was full! I didn't hang around in the end and cancelled Body Attack - I had other plans which included lunch out with Mr B and visiting <a href="http://www.pelhamhouse.com/" target="_blank">Pelham House</a> in Lewes for Danni as a possible wedding venue. Beautiful isn't it - and that's before a major refurb for next year!!!!!!<br />
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I certainly didn't feel like I was missing anything I'd worked quite hard - my Garmin said I'd burnt over 300 calories so I was happy with that.<br />
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Monday morning and I'm in all sorts of ouchy - ouchy in a good way - quads are on fire and I can't raise my arms very high. I'm definitely going to give Pump and Combat a go and need to try out the other two I missed. <br />
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Operation #MotheroftheBride is a go!!!!!<br />
<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-69007068447567350962018-10-02T01:20:00.001-07:002018-10-02T01:20:29.274-07:00Helloooo October!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're now firmly in autumn - maybe someone should tell the weather gods! Not that I'm complaining although it is difficult to know what to wear. There's a fine line between freezing cold standing at the bus stop at 7.30am and coming home and it's 25 degs at 2.30pm. I'm still wearing my summer clothes and footwear (sadly the shorts and strappy tops have gone away) but it's becoming increasingly difficult in the mornings.<br />
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Thank god "Scroll Free September" is done with - turns out I can't cope without my occasional dip into social media during the day - terrible I know, and maybe I need to get a grip of it - or maybe there are other things I need to change, like my job!<br />
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My exercise regime has been pretty dire during September - my last class was a triple core blast, body conditioning, spin combo at the beginning and since then I've done an evening bike ride and two cycle commutes. One of the cycle commutes was during one of the storms and meant cycling in 50mph gusting wind - bit scary. I've now done 5 cycle commutes - the last two I cycled from home .... up the hill! Not very pleased with myself though at riding on the pavement for a short while - it's not worth crossing the road to get onto the road and then stopping again to cross back to join the cycle path. I only got shouted at once which was lucky. My only other option would be to cycle downhill and into the housing estate and cycle up a really horrible steep hill to the cycle path. I've done it once on a previous ride with Shaun, it's not pleasant! I am going to try and cycle in again during the autumn and winter, but it will have to be a dry day when Shaun's on a rest day in case I have a problem .... .don't want to leave Archie worrying about his walkies<br />
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My lack of 'mojo' was mainly down to the fact my partner in crime has been on the "can't do a thing bench" due to an operation. She normally picks me up and drives me to classes. I haven't been mainly because I can't be arsed to move the car from it's precious parking space in the road or walk halfway across town if I'd driven myself and not been able to find a parking space when I got home. I was planning on substituting classes for the gym - which is a 10 minute walk from home - but instead I've spent time packing boxes and getting rid of some of the belongings I don't want to take to the new house.<br />
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After a month we found out our buyer hadn't even started the process from his end - no mortgage, no official instruction to solicitor. So ....... he's had a bomb up his arse from the estate agent so fingers crossed we should start to see some movement - all we want is to exchange and have a moving date. Being in a state of limbo is sooooooo frustrating.<br />
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I was trying to think what challenge I could set myself this month - I've signed up to do the Challenge the Norm ride in November but really need to get my general fitness back. I've downloaded a handful of "30 day challenges" so let's see how these go.<br />
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Fingers crossed the warm, dry weather lasts well into October - don't fancy coping with SAD and a house move!<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-10794204512026816732018-09-14T12:57:00.000-07:002018-09-14T12:57:11.038-07:00Halfway through September !!!!!It's been a month since my last post. It's been a bit stressful but luckily there have been a couple of Tribby trips - one to Crowborough and a long weekend in Canterbury. The house move continues - we've sold, found a bungalow we both love which is in the right place and has a driveway for Tribby and the car which is ace. The paperwork is with the solicitor and we're going "with the flow". Not easy when you're me - even the solicitor commented on how much paperwork I'd given to her!<br />
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At the beginning of the month I pledged to #<a href="https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/scroll-free-september.html" target="_blank">ScrollFreeSeptember</a>. <br />
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No social media for whatever period of time I chose. There were 5 plans to choose from Cold Turkey - no scrolling whatsoever (no way Jose); Social Butterfly - no scrolling whilst out socialising; Night Owl - no social media after 6pm; Busy Bee - no social media during working or school hours or Sleeping Dog - no scrolling once in bed. There's no way I could go Cold Turkey and the only one I really struggle with is checking my Facebook and Twitter while I'm at work so I chose<br />
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I'm not going to lie - it's been hard. The first day was ok because I was extremely busy but I'm gradually struggling with not checking because I get a bit bored. One thing I have realised is that I actually don't miss out on anything - it's all still there when I get on the bus at 2.45pm, apart from Twitter timeline which is a nightmare. Just wish I could get through the day without checking it at all. I'm going to try really hard for the second half of September - let's see how we go.<br />
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I was supposed to ride the Orro Sussex Classic Sportive last weekend but had a massive anxiety attack over my painful foot (no idea what I've done) and the elevation and I forgot to do my asthma inhalers before we left so took the decision to DNS - the first ever self imposed. Not a great feeling - lots of tears, feeling angry at myself for giving in etc etc. Shaun went off and rode - I sat in Tribby boiling the kettle for tea and eating anything I could find in the cupboards. Shaun's race report wasn't great - although he did complete it in just over 2 hours. Lots of horrible roads, cars, hills and generally not pleasant so that made me feel better. We did get a fab photo from the event photographer - think I might get this made into a canvas!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending like a pro</td></tr>
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Following all the fun and excitement of Challenge the Norm during July I've signed up for another to do in <a href="https://challengethenorm.co.uk/collections/challenge-the-norm-2018-cycle-challenge/products/challenge-the-norm-virtual-cycle-challenge-virtual-cycle-challenge-ctncycle" target="_blank">November</a> . I've pledged London to Peterborough - only 86 miles for the month but I'm not sure if I'll get out on the road or not. It could just be a month of spin classes.<br />
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Right, I'm off to pack some more boxes - will it ever end ?<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-53777236507812939312018-08-15T05:57:00.001-07:002018-08-16T03:17:35.284-07:00National Cycle to Work Day & Home Again !I have wanted to cycle to work for ages but it all seemed a bit too much involved. Coupled with that and the fact my workplace isn't very cycle friendly (no showers and not particularly secure bike storage). One of my colleagues (a confirmed non-cyclist) suddenly decided in April she was getting an e-bike on the firm's cycle to work scheme and she wasn't going to be using public transport for the whole summer - she's done brilliantly and I'm so impressed by her determination - she even cycles in on the most disgusting weather days, not that we had many during June and July. <br />
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My other excuses include :-<br />
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<ul>
<li>the hill out of town is horrible and I have to join it at it's steepest without warming up my legs!</li>
<li>I have to get back for the dog when Shaun's at work</li>
<li>I don't want to be at work whilst I'm a fat, sweaty mess.</li>
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But, today is National Cycle to Work Day - Shaun is on a rest day and the weather is ok and of course I love a challenge (who knew?)</div>
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Shaun, bless him, having only got to bed at midnight got up early and took the dog out for a quick walk round the block, loaded Candy into the car and drove me to Saltdean where I could set off in relative ease from on the Undercliff path which runs into Brighton Marina. It was a very pleasant ride, a ridiculous headwind which was confirmed by my colleague when we compared notes, but yes, a lovely ride. </div>
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What did I learn today ?</div>
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<ul>
<li>Planning is key </li>
<li>I should've taken most of my stuff into work the day before</li>
<li>a few baby wipes in selected areas worked just as well as a full shower (which I had when I got up this morning)</li>
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I had a lovely ride home, albeit the cycle path and Undercliff path were a bit busier than they were at 7.30am. I didn't really save myself any time cycling to and from, and as I get a staff pass for the buses I certainly don't gain financially. What I do gain though is a very smug feeling at the end of the day as I've had a good workout instead of sitting on my bum looking at my phone! Wish I'd stopped for some photos now.<br />
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Will I do it again?</div>
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ABSO-BLOODY-LUTELY</div>
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Maybe not every day - you still can't convince me that riding to work in hefting rain is good for me! </div>
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LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-24642140789051980602018-08-08T13:51:00.000-07:002018-08-08T13:51:54.894-07:00And there went July !Quite a busy month all in all - as well as our 8 day Tribby trip we've had a weekend trip back to Graffham which ended in going to Haslemere for Donaldson Day with my parents. It was a horrible wet weekend, the only one in the whole of July! <br />
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The mobile fish & chip van was back so no need to cook on Friday night which was a bonus.<br />
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We were originally put on pitch 42 - a not very nice pitch as even the chocks didn't help with the level so as soon as 43 next door became vacant Shaun went to the site office to ask if we could move. We had a window of opportunity on the Saturday to get moved so quick unplug and move Tribby and we were in a much nicer spot - a pitch number to jot down and remember for future requests.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a rare moment of sunshine through the trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the door on Saturday morning!</td></tr>
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The weather was a bit inclement but it was nice just to get away and relax properly for a couple of days.<br />
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On the Sunday we woke to rain so dismantled the bed, showered in Tribby and got ready without opening the door - no mean feat with 2 adults and a dog inside. Shaun took Archie for a quick walk after and disconnected us from the electric and I stayed in the dry!<br />
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We headed into Haslemere to have breakfast with mum and dad at Hemingways and then headed to the Town Hall for the service of remembrance. This is the second Donaldson Day I've done, so proud of my parents for what they've found out about my brave 3x great grandfather William and to be able to say I'm a living descendant. The occasion is always well attended by the local councillors and Mayor (although this year we had the Deputy Mayor), a representative from Surrey Police and this year the Police Chaplain attended and gave a prayer. Mum had made a beautiful flower arrangement which was placed by one of the plaques. Our walk 3 times around the Town Hall was a soggy affair and it was great to get back inside to listen to presentations from the Chaplain, the police representative and Dad's latest additions to the story of William and his wife Janet.<br />
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I left mum and dad to it as we needed to get home and get unpacked ready for work the next day, and have lunch.<br />
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During July I also took part in Cycle for MIND, a cycle challenge set up by <a href="https://challengethenorm.co.uk/" target="_blank">Challenge the Norm</a>. I had to pledge a distance to cycle during July, pay £20 entry fee and for this I received a medal and a neck scarf. I pledged to ride 190 miles, which could be completed on the road and also a spin bike. I thought I'd easily be able to complete the challenge with 2 spin classes a week and cycle to and from the class and add some additional miles during the month. Taking the bikes on holiday helped as I completed 30 miles during the week. I actually ended up cycling over 200 so could have probably pushed on to complete the 250. During the month I also won a draw to receive any item of clothing from the site which I chose a top and wore it to spin, and a couple of days ago my medal arrived.<br />
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I've also set up a <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lesley-anne-boniface" target="_blank">just giving</a> page if anyone fancies supporting this great charity - TIA. I love doing these sorts of challenges, it's certainly motivates me to get out on the bike, and it's a great way to support charities! I'm now looking for another challenge - any ideas, please let me know. I've got another sportive on 8th September - I'll let you know how it goes.<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-31119904142413362832018-08-05T05:30:00.001-07:002018-08-05T05:30:31.518-07:008 days in TribbyWow, weather remains just about perfect (for me anyway).<br />
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Second week of July Shaun and I with Archie tribbyed (not sure that's a word but who cares) over to the Isle of Wight. We were a bit worried about Archie on the boat (disgracing himself) but he was fine. We were instructed to take a bag on board with everything we might in case of accidents - it was worse than taking a baby on board as we trundled to the "dog deck" with a bag filled with bottles of water, kitchen towel, dog poo bags and disinfectant.<br />
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We managed to get onto a slightly earlier sailing which meant we arrived at <a href="https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/isleofwight/adgestone/adgestone" target="_blank">Adgestone Campsite</a> early, but the staff were lovely and allowed us to pitch on arrival.<br />
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Because it wasn't busy we had a choice of pitches and so plumped for one under a silver birch tree for some lovely shade.<br />
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The site is lovely and very "Isle of Wight" in that it hasn't been updated for a while. It has great facilities though, including a swimming pool and I think if we hadn't had the dog we would have used it to cool down. <br />
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We also took the road bikes with us - although it did mean going out separately it worked quite well. Shaun would go out first thing in the morning and he found me a lovely trail to follow which meant I was away from the roads and no chance of getting lost. I went for a recce ride that night along the <a href="http://redsquirreltrail.org.uk/" target="_blank">Red Squirrel Trail</a> to see what it was like - got to 5 miles when I had to turn back as the trail turned into gravel. I'd love to get up into Newport and see what the rest of the trail is like.<br />
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On Sunday Shaun headed out on his bike for an hour and when he got back we had brunch of smoked salmon & eggs! In the afternoon we got a bit fidgety so walked the other half of the Red Squirrel Trail into Sandown - it was a bit warm for Archie but we did check the pavements and made sure we had water for him. We walked along the esplanade to Browns Golf and had a knickerbocker glory!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM905_cAS8kUSb1knT5qoz_-ri9wNH6XYRuMp2ZVXQGlBcLyc2_lnmP2HnLYEZqjpt16lDPLgBDF37dcyIwU44UHewnfNWQY_DdGKhDk6yrKi5-E9Z2Rqa_IYARNeNn9SsmpBRsCwFvXs/s1600/longing+to+go+on+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM905_cAS8kUSb1knT5qoz_-ri9wNH6XYRuMp2ZVXQGlBcLyc2_lnmP2HnLYEZqjpt16lDPLgBDF37dcyIwU44UHewnfNWQY_DdGKhDk6yrKi5-E9Z2Rqa_IYARNeNn9SsmpBRsCwFvXs/s320/longing+to+go+on+the+beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archie was desperate to get on the beach - but no dogs allowed</td></tr>
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On the Monday Shaun headed out on his bike to find St Boniface Down and I walked Archie - he did find a road and a cafe<br />
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when he got back we went to the onsite cafe - Ginger Tom's - for a full English breakfast and proper coffee. It was a very nice breakfast and set us up properly for the rest of the day. A bit later we walked down the Red Squirrel Trail to Pedallers, a local tea room and had some cake.<br />
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When we got back I got changed and re-rode the Trail on Doris.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedallers was closed</td></tr>
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On Tuesday we took the "bone rattler" train from Sandown to Shanklin as we wanted to visit the Chine. We had a lovely walk from the bottom up to the waterfall and back down again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bottom of the waterfall</td></tr>
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We walked on the beachfront to see if there was anything decent for lunch but couldn't find anything - we needed somewhere with shade for Archie. Having given up we took the lift from the beach to the town and then walked along the cliff top and found the Hideaway - perfect, hidden gem!<br />
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We stopped off at the Co-Op for provisions and then took the bone rattler back to Sandown.<br />
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Wednesday we woke up to grey skies so Shaun headed out on the bike and Archie and I snuggled up in bed. When Shaun got back we went for another breakfast at Ginger Tom's.<br />
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At lunchtime we walked up to the <a href="http://adgestonevineyard.co.uk/" target="_blank">Adgestone Vineyard</a> - just a mile from the campsite. We were going to do the Tour but it was getting a bit warm so we sat on the veranda and had wine and a cream tea. <br />
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Quick bike ride after while Shaun prepared dinner.<br />
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On Thursday we were up early to pack and relocate to the New Forest. We took the ferry from Yarmouth to Lymington for a change.<br />
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We arrived at <a href="http://www.rushcroft-farm.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rushcroft Farm</a>, Sway and were lead to our pitch. We stayed at Rushcroft a few years ago but it's changed quite a bit. Not sure if it's for the better with an extra 50 or so pitches. It certainly made for some decent people watching. <br />
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It's at this point we realised we should have stayed on the IOW for the whole week!<br />
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We didn't do much on Friday - a short walk on the Forest as it was so hot and humid and on Saturday we took the train from Sway to Brockenhurst.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dog waiting for a train</td></tr>
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We bought some food for dinner and some cake! </div>
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After dinner we started packing up - Shaun wanted to be on the road before it got too hot. So, not only did we wish we'd stayed on the IOW for longer, we also wish we'd had two weeks away instead of one. The island is definitely well set up for touring by bike - there's lots of trails and routes to follow so we'll definitely be back, maybe without Archie.<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-31207892339225184602018-06-30T12:05:00.001-07:002018-06-30T12:05:47.422-07:00And that was June ! I love June - it's such a lovely month as it heralds the arrival of summer! Fingers crossed it's a "proper" summer and not one of the ones where it rains for half of it.<br />
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We definitely started June with a bang - our first Tribby trip of the summer and it all ended up at a vineyard in Sussex. On Friday the 1st we headed to <a href="http://www.meadowviewpark.info/" target="_blank">Meadowview Park</a> in Seddlescombe to meet our friends Paula & Dave from Essex in their motorhome Bessie. A lovely site with what we could make out were quite a few long term units and just a few bookable pitches. We had a lovely evening chatting and catching up, eating too much and drinking far too much - I have no idea how I got into bed that night!<br />
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On the Saturday we packed up and walked across the road from the campsite to a lovely garden centre that served breakfast in it's cafe. It was so much easier to have someone else cook and wash up!<br />
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Breakfast over we drove the 3 minute schlepp up the lane to the vineyard at <a href="https://www.carr-taylor.co.uk/" target="_blank">Carr Taylor Wines</a>.<br />
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Shaun had bought vouchers for us to have a mornings wine tasting, vineyard tour and lunch. We'd previously asked the owners if we could camp that night so it meant that Shaun and Dave could enjoy the wine and not have to worry about driving to another site. They said it was fine so we did - our first wild camp for a very long time!<br />
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The vineyard is a lovely setting for a night's stay, helped of course by the wonderful weather we had that weekend.<br />
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In between Tribby trips we've been tidying up the garden and painting the outside of the house to make it more appealing for prospective purchasers - we've only had a handful of viewings since we went back on the market. It's all becoming very frustrating indeed. It's ok all the time there's nothing on the market that catches our eye. The agent is now suggesting we drop the price again. I'll be glad when it's all over!<br />
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I've also been busy making Citronella candles for our Tribby trips. We had some containers that we bought ready made candles in and instead of throwing them away I decided to buy some candle making equipment and reuse them. Could get a little business going here, although we need some better equipment and a bit of practice!<br />
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We had another Tribby trip - this time we tried out a non Camping & Caravanning site at <a href="http://www.sumnersponds.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sumners Ponds</a> at Barns Green near Horsham. A lovely site mainly for fishing folk but there's lots of lovely walks around the extensive grounds and the village pub and store are a 10 minute walk away. We've been so lucky with the weather this month - it was only another 2 nights away but still so nice to get away and do very little. <br />
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Very nice site but I don't think we'll come back during the height of the summer season - far too busy!<br />
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And in other good news - Tribby passed her MOT on Monday and Danni passed her driving test on Tuesday. We went out to celebrate last night - Wahaca for dinner and then a trip to the local theatre to watch the Case of the Frightened Lady. It was excellent as always - Gray O'Brien and Ben Nealon never disappoint. Danni enjoyed watch a Weasley twin help solve the crime !<br />
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We've just got to wait another couple of weeks before we find out what Danni's graduating with. Next we're off to the Isle of Wight and the New Forest.<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-57223979236645151492018-05-25T03:39:00.000-07:002018-05-25T03:39:03.519-07:00The end of an era !<br />
It's been a week of mixed emotions. <br />
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Regular visitors to the blog will know of my tentative venture into attending boxercise classes back in <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/doing-something-different.html" target="_blank">2014</a> (yes it's been that long!) I arrived slightly nervous, going on my own during a particularly bad bout of anxiety which was a major step forward for me, but very quickly I settled in and became a "regular" "one of the girls". To start with it was billed as a "womens only" class but we have seen men come and go during that time - mostly go! It's been an amazing 4 years of weekly, occasionally twice weekly beasting. I've made some great friends from it and I think I've learnt quite about my mind and my body. It's been my Monday (and/or Tuesday) night stress relief and it's made me realise what my body can actually do when I overcome the "I can't do that" voice in my head. I couldn't do burpees when I first went - I can barely do them properly now but hey I'm doing it so let's not get tetchy about it. I still can't do a proper press up but with Claire that never mattered, not in class anyway. I'm sure in her PT sessions she'd make me do them properly.<br />
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We've had lots of giggles along the way and I've enjoyed it far too much, but sadly due to injury Claire has had to give up Boxercise and Kettlercise. <br />
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Monday was our last class<br />
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So in true Claire style it was a mad bad vomit inducing beasting - we all look a bit minging in the after-class photo! </div>
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Words cannot express how much I'm going to miss doing this class and seeing the girls, luckily some of us still do Claire's spin class twice a week so it's not all bad. I just hope that Wave Leisure can come up with an instructor as good as Claire and a class that measures up - I have no idea what I'm going to do instead but at least it's summer so I can always go out for an hour on the bike! </div>
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LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-71651143104973802742018-05-12T12:42:00.001-07:002018-05-12T12:42:32.086-07:00Making the most of the Vitamin D BoostWhat a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend we had last week- helped of course by some amazing weather. Nothing beats a decent run of sunshine and warmth for making me feel better. Sadly we're back to normal "May weather" this weekend.<br />
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On Saturday morning I took Candy (the Cannondale) for a spin to a class at the sports centre and then cycled back. The class was core blast - I think this is my 3rd or 4th time I've done the class and it never fails to deliver a whole load of pain during and after. No cardio just a continuous 30 minutes of ab(core)-breaking moves. I was beginning to feel the effects quite early on in the evening and on Sunday morning I definitely knew I'd worked absolutely every part of my core! 59 minutes of cycling to start off my British Cycling/Strava Ride 5 challenge. why I didn't spot it was only 59 minutes before I got off the bike I will never know!<br />
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On Sunday we got up nice and early, Shaun walked the dog and I got some odd jobs done around the house and then we set off for a ride. I never ask where we're going anymore because I know I'll only spend hours fretting about the distance or the elevation so it's best not to know. Shaun did ask whether I wanted hillage or something more gentle - it's Sunday morning ffs, the sun is shining and it's already 20 degrees! why would anyone want to volunteer to do hillage just for the sake of it. So we did a nice "gentle" 30 mile ride from home, out to Golden Cross and back again. Two stops, one at Arlington Reservoir<br />
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for a wee, refill the water bottles and snaffle a revolting sugar laden flapjack from the kiosk between us. Thank god I didn't have to eat it all by myself - think the ducks might've had a nice breakfast. The second stop was at Southease YHA - we like stopping there, it takes us off a very busy A road and the coffee and food and is very nice, all freshly cooked. It also has stunning views of the South Downs while you're eating.<br />
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All in all a very nice ride over 2 hours 30 minutes. That takes my total Ride 5 challenge to 3 and a half hours. I also managed to cycle to and from spin class on Tuesday. Just got 50 minutes to get done before 16th May.<br />
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On Monday (the very much needed Bank Holiday) I spent with Danni. She'd got tickets for the <a href="http://foodiesfestival.com/brighton-food-festival/" target="_blank">Foodies Festival</a> at Hove for her and a friend but the friend dropped out so I got first dibs on the ticket. Shaun and I were supposed to be going but he decided he didn't want to go after all. Shame 'cos it was very good. Lots of drink and food to try - I was a bit concerned that we might need help getting home after sampling the gin but it was fine. There was lots of choice for lunch too. I had a Chicken Souvlaki and Danni went for a Crispy Chicken Pancake.<br />
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Look at the size of them! We had to walk around a bit after before we decided on what cake to buy for afters!<br />
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There were also lots of demo's and talks by various famous bakers and chefs. We headed to the tent to see <a href="http://www.marktilling.com/about.html" target="_blank">Mark Tilling</a> who was the 2016 winner of GBBO Creme de la Creme. He made the most amazing Gin & Tonic cake and showed us some wonderful handmade chocolate decorations. Definitely an inspiration. <br />
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Danni entered an Instagram competition to win a Kitchen Maid Mini - fingers crossed she wins!<br />
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Having a day out with Danni also gave me an opportunity to search the shops for a graduation outfit. I really wanted a dress but they're either too long or too short or too flipping expensive (Monsoon!)<br />
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I walked a total of 16,000 steps (10k/5 miles) so it's no surprise that my feet have been flipping killing me all week. Damn you PF !<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-64449330961186691072018-04-29T10:20:00.000-07:002018-05-12T11:52:38.718-07:00Claiming my blog & an edit<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3832158/?claim=32wecfsg263">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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Having a bit of a clear up on the laptop and came across a bookmark for Bloglovin. Apparently I haven't "claimed by blog" yet so here we go!<br />
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It's the last two days of April - having had a bit of a heatwave we're now back to normal "April weather" whatever that is. We did turn the heating back on briefly yesterday!<br />
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This month I've been very humbled by being nominated twice for an "Unsung Hero" award, one for the Town Council and one for the District. These are awards given out for services to the community above and beyond. I don't really feel that I deserve to be an "unsung hero" - all I do is motivate people to look after our local park by picking up their dog poo and not leaving litter, plus nag the landowners to improve it for the good of the community. I couldn't do this without the support of other volunteers so the awards are for them too.<br />
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The Town Council event was very low key but well attended - mainly due to the number of people nominated and their supporters. There were certificates for all nominees and prizes for winners. The second event was an invitation only lunch which I went to yesterday. I'm extremely proud to receive these nominations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lewes District Council Awards</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM_-sVV9CnQNfS-9u82-sBIyniJs3K18OwP8MsDqQMtDaJDeSi4SrV92qgj4sAFp1045qXK4Y5O9-9a-AxGm5u1VenNDb2djxk1KuBKdFXGq1-DJqIAGuOH7GivgDFdIybqwv5uI-IbU/s1600/Newhaven+Volunteer+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM_-sVV9CnQNfS-9u82-sBIyniJs3K18OwP8MsDqQMtDaJDeSi4SrV92qgj4sAFp1045qXK4Y5O9-9a-AxGm5u1VenNDb2djxk1KuBKdFXGq1-DJqIAGuOH7GivgDFdIybqwv5uI-IbU/s320/Newhaven+Volunteer+award.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Town Council Awards Evening</td></tr>
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I'm signed up to complete the <a href="https://www.strava.com/challenges/british-cycling-ride-five" target="_blank">British Cycling Ride 5</a> challenge on Strava. 5 hours in the saddle between 3rd and 16th May. Should be easy to achieve, especially as we have a Bank Holiday weekend coming up. If I complete it I'll<span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d32; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "roboto" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif , "apple color emoji" , "segoe ui emoji" , "segoe ui symbol"; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">receive a free British Cycling phone pouch, a digital badge and the chance to win a Cervelo R3 Disc road bike or a Focus Raven Max Pro mountain bike. Sounds good doesn't it?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We're in the process of planning Tribby trips for the summer - no idea at the moment apart from a trip to Carr Taylor vineyard for some winetasting and a much needed Bessie/Tribby trip in June. Before that we're on "dry rest of April and May". I desperately need to lose weight - Danni has this week handed in her Uni dissertation and graduation is booked for 1st August. Having seen the photos from Portugal there is no way I'm turning up to the graduation at 11.5 stone! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fingers crossed for the good weather to return soon so I can get out on the bike - otherwise I'm going to be shut away in the gym.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-29955237438103088462018-04-21T11:10:00.001-07:002018-04-21T11:10:32.036-07:00What? It's April - how did that happen?Crikey I have let things slide ! <br />
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February came and went, March as you will remember was mainly flipping freezing cold and now we're nearly in May. Not entirely sure what happened to April but I seem to have blinked and missed most of it.<br />
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The house is now off the market. We did get an offer but it was way below what our budget would cope with and there was absolutely nothing left on the market within our price range. Luckily Shaun reigned it in, sacked the estate agent and now we're back to not doing housework, tidying up, worrying about what we're cooking for fear of creating a smell and just generally living in our house, clutter and all. No idea whether we'll try again - at the moment we're just monitoring the market to see how things are moving. Similar houses to ours are now selling around us so maybe we'll be brave and go for it again.<br />
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Our March sportive was cancelled due to the arrival of a second wave of Beast from the East. Quite thankful to be honest. We hadn't managed to get out training because the weather had been so awful. We did however manage to ride the Sigma Sport South Down Spring Sportive earlier this month .... again. The first sportive either of us rode - the one we cut our sportive teeth on and this was our third outing. The weather was ok. Bit rainy at the start and horrendous winds when it stopped raining. The headwind in the last 6 miles completely did me in and it was the worst I'd ever finished in. Happy to get the bling and freebies at the end and we got to see some local countryside.<br />
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My favourite photos from the day and of course the obligatory bling<br />
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Our trip to Hertford was good. The weather was pretty awful and we did have to cut it short by one day. It was good to get away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjjSnpdZw4yBYRBwLC70E8vEK2mbenKtUmlOOgaK0jcj_JrWvqeLaq_yTjTpuU45eEn0PprChm1rtBq8L6LCm7vFk12BDjc2dNIJeNM9-yMqp9l_mHJX7klaebqikIN1143BFHO9Pwfw/s1600/Archie+post+deer+chase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjjSnpdZw4yBYRBwLC70E8vEK2mbenKtUmlOOgaK0jcj_JrWvqeLaq_yTjTpuU45eEn0PprChm1rtBq8L6LCm7vFk12BDjc2dNIJeNM9-yMqp9l_mHJX7klaebqikIN1143BFHO9Pwfw/s320/Archie+post+deer+chase.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archie got a bit muddy after chasing a deer & had to have a shower off!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9orCSILly5XFrEtZV8vMb42szbFC0AKZce7uHGPKHdcAB3LK9EmL65GZP9qP8plIvKoW_KH3tKgQUFbjuCy93vs7Z2j23cHyzBynTVUXSDfQj-f-pZm62AucPGgDD2pp-zrnR9uZRgM/s1600/tribby+%2526+blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9orCSILly5XFrEtZV8vMb42szbFC0AKZce7uHGPKHdcAB3LK9EmL65GZP9qP8plIvKoW_KH3tKgQUFbjuCy93vs7Z2j23cHyzBynTVUXSDfQj-f-pZm62AucPGgDD2pp-zrnR9uZRgM/s320/tribby+%2526+blossom.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tribby bathed in cherry blossom!</td></tr>
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Our week off and Tribby trip was quickly followed by the long weekend in Portugal which I mentioned in the previous entry. Shaun's Dad is 80 this year so to celebrate we booked a family trip to the Algarve. It just so happens that it's my birthday the day before his so double whammy. Shaun had booked a lovely surprise of an evening jeep safari for my birthday with <a href="http://www.alsafaritours.com/" target="_blank">Alsafari</a>. The most amazing 5 or 6 hours spent bombing about the Algarve hills and trails, learning about the culture, the natural surroundings and then enjoying a kind of a sunset (not easy when it's not the best weather) and finally tucking into a hearty meal of soup, piri piri Chicken and a plate of the local oranges. All washed down of course with a very nice glass of Vinho Tinto. The whole trip was made by our guide, Marco.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhi_Y-En-j6BztjzQCZjQNvZOYqR1go1Kbpr58aR9vqyTR_fv2N02SF-FI-nTpU08VR9WF8olS8hQ7V6X5zZ5jdSsyxSi3BSHHNnW4fUzrtLP9hdwWGZN3SUx_JGqlqQoL2IvqzcrLViU/s1600/30716667_1040631776083947_3781453867854594048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhi_Y-En-j6BztjzQCZjQNvZOYqR1go1Kbpr58aR9vqyTR_fv2N02SF-FI-nTpU08VR9WF8olS8hQ7V6X5zZ5jdSsyxSi3BSHHNnW4fUzrtLP9hdwWGZN3SUx_JGqlqQoL2IvqzcrLViU/s320/30716667_1040631776083947_3781453867854594048_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the front of our villa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAZsc6j8JSWZoL78SmKvsVEQ5_M0mT7GOyOvFqlCK1LzC3oUweiC9EiTrr-czC8Z25jp4rjtF2ZjLD8Uk1Y9noK9JAbyOnjpiPfageJvYCcBk0W9HfoqO9XD9Ath6rqZypOabw8V2g8E/s1600/30728190_1040631089417349_3716881096143536128_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAZsc6j8JSWZoL78SmKvsVEQ5_M0mT7GOyOvFqlCK1LzC3oUweiC9EiTrr-czC8Z25jp4rjtF2ZjLD8Uk1Y9noK9JAbyOnjpiPfageJvYCcBk0W9HfoqO9XD9Ath6rqZypOabw8V2g8E/s320/30728190_1040631089417349_3716881096143536128_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the birthday people</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winetasting ..... on a Sunday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmmmm breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sun's out, legs out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the last supper - huge prawns</td></tr>
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Just a few photos of the jeep safari trip - Shaun took quite a few.<br />
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I think we'll definitely go back to the Algarve ...... just not in April!<br />
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Nothing else planned for the rest of the summer at the moment. We've got a weekend coming up with our Essex friends in June when we visit the Carr Taylor Vineyard at Sedlescombe. Following that we've got a week in July, we can't quite agree on where to go so we need to make a decision soon.<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-6275393625200518502018-02-02T01:03:00.002-08:002018-02-02T01:03:25.103-08:00February - At Last !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Who else is glad to see the back of January ? The month that kept on giving! <br />
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A few things to look forward to which we've booked or plan to book - we've got a week off work booked for the before Easter bit so hopefully we'll be able to get away in Tribby, although Easter is a bit early this year so we're holding off booking anything until the last minute. Apart from the weather issue there aren't many sites that are open before 1st April so we're not exactly spoilt for choice, but Shaun has picked a Camping & Caravan Club site at <a href="http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/hertfordshire/hertford/hertford" target="_blank">Hertford</a> (we're heading North for a change!) It says it's a top site for dogs so that's always a plus. There's nothing worse for us (or Archie) than getting to a site and there being limited walking from the site.<br />
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We've booked a long weekend in Portugal in April to celebrate Shaun's dad's 80th birthday, which just so happens to be the day after my birthday. A villa is booked for Shaun's sister and husband, one of her sons and a friend, dad and us. It's a shame that Danni and Joel can't join us but final preparations for finishing Uni come first.<br />
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That's it so far although the calendar is marked up with all Shaun's long weekends so hopefully we can get away in Tribby but no solid plans yet.<br />
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I'm over halfway through my first book of the year - first choice is David Millar's Racing Through the Dark. A shocking read about his rise and fall as a pro-cyclist after his doping ban. It's really well written and easy to read.<br />
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We've been out on the bikes a couple of times during January building up and adding hillwork as our training for the SRS Spring Sportive in March. To be honest I'm dreading it, the elevations are pretty scary and it will be a big test - luckily it's only 36 miles! <br />
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The house is still on the market .... just ! We've had nearly 30 people view and are waiting for news an offer that has been placed but it's not looking good. We've been able to view a couple of properties too and it's now pretty clear in our minds what we want and what we don't, despite the Estate Agents thinking they know better. Why do they do that - I'm not a timewaster and I am not going to look round a property just to please them. Still onward and upward, 3 more viewings this weekend so hopefully we'll get a more firm offer from one of those. Fingers are definitely crossed<br />
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Out for a treat tonight with Danni, Joel and my parents - we're going to see War Horse at the Brighton Centre. <br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-5575052786512616652017-12-30T09:51:00.000-08:002017-12-30T09:57:29.420-08:00Review of 2017 and goal setting for 2018<br />
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It's that time of year again!<br />
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Highlights of the year were my first <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/new-forest-spring-sportive-and-tribby.html" target="_blank">New Forest</a> sportive and wearing my newly designed cycling top, <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/the-big-five-zero-easter.html" target="_blank">my 50th</a> and Danni's 21st birthdays and meeting <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/london-bike-show-take-2.html" target="_blank">David Millar</a>, Vincenzo Nibali, <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/juneathon-diva-tribby-trips-purchase-n1.html" target="_blank">Davina McCall</a> and Ned Boulting at his Bikeology Tour. Did anyone else get to see Bikeology? Such a fun evening.<br />
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We also had a fantastic holiday in <a href="https://bigbirdslife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/sometimes-break-does-you-good.html" target="_blank">Crete</a>. I have no idea if we'll get away in 2018, it may only be Tribby trips this year. We've had some nice trips away this year (again not as many as we would have liked) but we did make it back to Birmingham, Salisbury, Canterbury and the New Forest and we had a lovely long weekend with our friends Paula and Dave in deepest, darkest Kent. I'd really like to start venturing North in 2018 but we shall see where the mood takes us!<br />
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Looking back through Strava and Garmin it's not been too bad a year on the bike (better than I thought anyway) - struggled with motivation and the weather, and there just seeming to be too many other things going on. According to Strava I've done 502km over 45 rides (compared to 740km last year over 23 rides). Hoping that we will be able to increase the distance again in 2018 and get some winter rides in to train for the 36 mile <a href="http://srs-events.cc/event1/event-details.htm" target="_blank">SRS Burgess Hill</a> Spring Sportive I've just entered us into for mid-March. We need to check out some more sportives for later in the year - would like to do another New Forest one, maybe even increase my longest ride.<br />
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The reading challenge wasn't too bad - I've only got a couple of books left to read again this year. Planning on finishing my current read and then start on the new challenge for 2018.<br />
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Weightloss has been dire - and I'm currently at the heaviest I've been since pregnancy. At least 2.5 stone to lose especially as Danni has her graduation ceremony in July - I would prefer not to be the fat momma in the photos. Possibly back on Slimming World.<br />
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<b>Goals for 2018</b><br />
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Read more<br />
Ride more<br />
Say no instead of yes<br />
No sweating the small stuff<br />
Lose weight<br />
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Hopefully lots of exciting things to come during 2018 - watch this space!<br />
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Happy New Year !<br />
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<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-87349932473808961242017-10-15T10:43:00.000-07:002017-10-15T10:43:55.583-07:00Juneathon, Diva, Tribby trips, a purchase N+1 & the Bike ShowNot very good at keeping on top of the blogging at the moment - here's a very quick catch up.<br />
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Not long after returning from holiday Juneathon started - yes the summer version of the festival of running/exercise and excuses called Janathon. My efforts were sketchy at best but I did manage to do something every day even if it was only to walk the dog. June always includes the annual Davina Big Sussex Ride. Both of us entered properly this time so Shaun could enjoy the whole experience. I even managed to get my selfie with Davina! A bit slower this year, probably down to trying to find Davina at the feed station, but it's always an enjoyable ride.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#TeamGRN</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#TeamTrueStart</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Davina</td></tr>
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We've had a couple of Tribby trips since we got back from Crete too - short weekends at Graffham and Crowborough Clubsites and a long weekend at Salisbury. The weather in Salisbury wasn't brilliant but it was nice to have an extra night away in one of our favourite places. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finally got to see Old Sarum on Sunday! </td></tr>
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The following trip was August Bank Holiday when we met up with our friends Paula & Dave who own Bessie the motorhome. It's all their fault we bought Tribby. We had a lovely weekend at a Certificated Site near Marden in Kent called <a href="http://www.faracrevineyard.co.uk/camponavineyard/" target="_blank">Far Acre Farm</a>. It was great fun, and just what we needed and a reminder that we don't spend nearly enough time with them.<br />
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Also in August I took ownership of Candy the Cannondale - a lovely hybrid which I've been using for dashes to Sainsburys and Boxercise classes as well as a couple of longer rides.<br />
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It's a lovely ride - thanks to hubby's employer's Cycle to Work scheme. The plan is to use Candy for winter rides. It has meant I had to sell my beautiful Dawes, my first road bike but it has gone to a lovely new home where I know she'll get lots of use, so not much N plus 1 but N minus one plus one.<br />
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A couple of weeks ago we returned to Birmingham for the bike show. Much improved this year as we got the chance to meet Vincenzo Nibali as well as buy some new kit - to be unveiled later - and "enjoy" the VIP lounge. <br />
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I'm not a massive Nibali fan - he's done some really dodgy things during races and has been DQd from stages and even thrown off races. However, he is an amazing cyclist and having listened to his interview with Ned Boulting at the show I have gained some respect for him. He admitted he's done some really stupid things and he is truly sorry for them. My next cycling scalp is Ned Boulting - we're off to see his show next weekend at Brighton - watch this space!<br />
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The cycling and Tribbying has taken a back seat for now while we sell our home of 30 years and look for somewhere to buy. I'm hoping this period of extreme stress will help with weightloss and in 2018 I can start again with the cycling and set some new goals. In the meantime it's time to concentrate on the reading challenge (two more books to read) and attempt to keep my house spotless for viewing. I'm still doing boxercise and spin, need those for stress relief.<br />
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I'll be back soon to let you know the latest but it's Ciao for now.<br />
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LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-5746108887594717672017-08-11T13:55:00.002-07:002017-08-11T13:55:40.172-07:00Sometimes a break does you goodDecided to have a bit of a break from blogging after we got back from Crete in May. No particular reason but I just didn't feel like it, and couldn't come up with the words I wanted to write - a bad case of bloggers block I'd guess you'd say. <br />
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Our holiday in Crete was amazing despite the rain for the first few days. We'd treated ourselves to an upgraded room - one with our own swimming pool. Our hotel, the <a href="http://www.solimarhotels.gr/aquamarine/" target="_blank">Solimar Aquamarine</a> was beautiful having just had a lot of money spent on refurbishing it. Our room was enormous just for the two of us, a huge double bed, a walk in shower and a bath and of course the pool outside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the hotel pool</td></tr>
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Before we'd left we'd booked a cycle tour with <a href="http://www.hellasbike.net/" target="_blank">Hellas Bikes</a> and had picked out some other trips we wanted to book through our travel company (First Choice). Unfortunately because we hadn't been able to contact our rep we missed a Gorge Walk but luckily managed to book a trip to the Palace of Knossos which is on the other side of the island. Whilst the hotel food was good we did venture out to enjoy proper Greek food at local tavernas. We've decided we won't go All Inclusive in Greece again, you lose the atmosphere.<br />
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We found a great way of getting around Chania - the <a href="http://www.funtrain.gr/" target="_blank">Little Fun Train</a> provided a number of mini tours including the one we chose - a ride up through the Gorge to a small village in the mountains where we could have lunch and a cold beer or visit a local museum set up to show the German occupation during WW2. It wasn't very expensive either just 19 euros each - a great way of spending 3 hours, and a lot cheaper than some of the excursions being offered by tour operators.<br />
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Wish we'd known about it before we left for Crete - there was so many other trips we could've done.<br />
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Our trip to visit Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos meant a very early start and a never ending 3 hour coach ride. It was well worth it, the Palace was amazing, I've got a zillion photos, far too many to share on one blog.<br />
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Our bike tour was brilliant. Our guides took us up into the mountains and we cycled back down, stopping off at various points to learn something of the life of the Chanian people, their religion and their ancient past history. We stopped off for coffee and cake soon after setting off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee & cake stop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it was mainly downhill but there were some small inclines too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our finish line - the beach at Maleme</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me on my "flower bike"</td></tr>
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If we go back to the Chania area we'll definitely do another tour with them. They picked us up from the hotel at the time we'd arranged and made sure we were safe the whole time. We even thought we'd hire bikes from them too, getting around seemed quite simple.<br />
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We even braved the local bus service and went to Chania for a few hours. The bus stop was right outside the hotel so we just waited until it came along - no timetable available - it wasn't very expensive and well worth the trip - Chania is a beautiful Venetian port. Lots to look at and you can just sit on the harbour and get ripped off for food and drink - 17 euros for a beer and a sprite! Lesson learned - lunch was bought away from the harbour.<br />
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All in all a lovely 10 days, despite the weather and First Choice attempting to make our lives a misery! Absolutely couldn't have done without our own pool - it felt a bit unsociable but we still managed to get to know other holidaymakers. <br />
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Lots more to come - including a new bike and a couple of Tribby trips and a sportive!<br />
<br />LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-77294405667881994182017-04-17T13:06:00.001-07:002017-04-17T13:06:12.914-07:00The Big Five Zero & Easter I've been waiting ages for my Christmas present from Danni & Joel and the first opportunity was Wednesday after we got back from the New Forest - done and dusted now<br />
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Quite cute I think!<br />
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Thursday saw the arrival of the big 5 zero birthday - no idea what I was doing or where I was going but it was soon revealed that Shaun, Danni and I were going on the Brighton i360 and then having lunch after in the Bellevue which is underneath the i.<br />
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Some lovely presents including a night away with a meal, a couple of afternoon teas and a voucher for beauty treatments at a local salon, a cycling related poster and some cash to spend, and some pretty flowers.<br />
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Didn't do much Thursday evening and on Friday we headed to Shaun's sisters for a barbecue to celebrate father in law's birthday. It was lovely to catch up with his side of the family - not something we do very often.<br />
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Friday night Shaun said we were going for a 40 mile bike ride the next morning so when I got up on Saturday and didn't feel up to it I decided to have a duvet day and catch up with some of the telly we'd recorded. At mid-day Shaun told me to get ready to go out because he was bored and wanted to go out, whilst I was getting ready Danni arrived with Joel - wasn't expecting to see them at all! We drove out of Newhaven and finally arrived at the Green Man at Ringmer, didn't spot my brother's car parked next to us but there they were - mum, dad, Steve and Jo waiting for us to turn up with the table all decorated - what a lovely surprise. Think I gave everyone heart failure when I posted on FB that I was having a duvet day and watching 10 hours of NCIS LA.<br />
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We had a lovely lunch - bit too much food!<br />
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On Easter Sunday we actually made it out for a ride - not far just 17 miles! It was very chilly with no arm and knee warmers - no idea why I thought that was a good idea, first time ever I've been cold on the bike and won't make that mistake again. The roads were very busy, a couple of scary moments so we stopped at the YHA at Southease for a coffee and cake and then rode the Egrets Way to Piddinghoe instead of the road. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No idea why he was doing the grumpy face</td></tr>
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I haven't done much today apart from washing, sorting out my winter to summer clothes ready for work and a MASSIVE pile of ironing whilst watching the first episode of the new series of Dr Who and 4 episodes of the current series of Line of Duty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Told you it was MASSIVE</td></tr>
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Back to work for 4 days - Operation Greek Goddess is a go, back to classes too and back to the weightloss. Going to take it easy with the classes though, no doubling up until I'm sure the rib is going to behave itself. LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2320767599998890008.post-3191991725783685572017-04-16T13:21:00.001-07:002017-04-16T13:21:39.198-07:00New Forest Spring Sportive and a Tribby Trip <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Following on from the last <a href="http://bigbirdslife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/oops-we-did-it-again.html" target="_blank">post </a>last Saturday Shaun and I headed to <a href="http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/dorset/wimborne/verwood?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=Verwood&utm_campaign=google_places" target="_blank">Verwood Camping & Caravan</a> Club Site for a few days on the New Forest and to take part in the New Forest Spring Sportive. We'd both entered the 66 mile standard ride as had our friend Steve Hyne (@mountainhiker59 on Twitter). I'd more or less decided on Friday I wasn't going to ride at all and leave Shaun & Steve to ride together. I'd had a bit of a problem with my asthma meds during the week and was a bit scared to put my lungs and heart under any unnecessary strain. Shaun had decided that Doris and my kit was going to the New Forest anyway even if I only went for a short ride on the Monday. During a chat with Steve on Saturday evening it was agreed that if I got a decent nights sleep I would ride the 29 mile short sportive with Shaun and Steve would ride the 66 miles alone, provided we met before and after at the start. So glad we made the decision.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish & chip dinner</td></tr>
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The next morning we got up early with an aim to be off site at 7am as soon as the gates were opened and drive the short distance to Somerley House for the start and meet Steve. Once we'd met up and sent Steve on his way, we headed to registration and then back to Tribby to get the bikes ready. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go #TeamGRN</td></tr>
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We were soon being set off through the start gate and out on to the Forest. It actually felt great to be on the bike, I hadn't had time to be nervous about the ride itself and what was ahead, I just had to ride and enjoy it. After 12 miles we arrived at the first feed station - tables laden with flapjack, hot cross buns, chocolate mini eggs, cola bottles (apparently but I missed them), the usual PowerBar nutrition and sports drinks. Quick comfort visit and we were off again. 17 miles later and we were heading back into the grounds of Somerley House - 2 hours 10 mins moving time. I was extremely happy with the ride. Don't think I would've managed the 66 miles but I still got a medal and a finishers tshirt so I was happy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUMGzCXclsxN3I9CAnHg19gM0H9h0XV_Ymk46bH3u1dl9xO_6hDIXO176mtC5HHpU2afo94Fp0wIwqEdJMZDgBmTuE7FF3Q2sBfizKh6uIKF8wMwSATsFvV8au2hc7vAJIl7vR_AGlnY/s1600/sportive+bling+%2526+tshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUMGzCXclsxN3I9CAnHg19gM0H9h0XV_Ymk46bH3u1dl9xO_6hDIXO176mtC5HHpU2afo94Fp0wIwqEdJMZDgBmTuE7FF3Q2sBfizKh6uIKF8wMwSATsFvV8au2hc7vAJIl7vR_AGlnY/s320/sportive+bling+%2526+tshirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bling & tshirt</td></tr>
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We took the bikes back to Tribby and got changed and then headed back to the finish to wait for Steve who came in another couple of hours after us. There was a lovely atmosphere at the finish with a band playing, food and coffee stands. While we waited we had a cup of coffee and sat in the sunshine - it was a lovely day! <br />
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Reunited with Steve we headed to a pub in Ringwood for some lunch. Unfortunately being such a lovely day the pub was really busy and the wait for food was getting longer, so we had a drink and a catch up and then went our separate ways. We headed to Lidl to buy some food - we hadn't catered for Sunday night!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feast!</td></tr>
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<br />We hadn't really planned anything for Monday other than a lie in and maybe a recovery ride. To be honest the road running alongside the campsite was so busy I didn't fancy cycling on it. We could've driven Tribby on to the forest and ridden from there but neither of us really had the energy so after brunch we headed to Burley to stock up on cider and Brockenhurst for a coffee and cream tea and buy a new table in the amazing camping shop in the village.<br />
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While we were in Brockenhurst we said hello to the donkeys<br />
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Dinner on Monday night was the Pork Ragu & Veg I'd planned for Saturday with some prosecco and some rose wine (we seem to have drunk quite a bit of prosecco over the weekend)<br />
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On Tuesday we headed home, picking up the dog from my parents on the way. Time to download finisher's times, Garmin and photos. Official time was 2 hours 20 minutes and the photos were brilliant.<br />
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I think we'll definitely do this sportive again, or at least more rides on the Forest. A great event.LilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863677274995579305noreply@blogger.com0