Plans & Anxiety Levels

Having had our R&R week in Lanzarote we're now in full "plan Australia" mode, and anxiety levels are off the scale for no rational reason!

It's not like I've never flown before but the dread that is building up with the thought of sitting on a plane for the best part of 24 hours is ridiculous.   On our 3 hours 55 minutes no frills Ryanair flight all I could think was how the hell am I going to sit in this position for 12 hours (that's just the bit to KL) and then another 8 hours to Sydney.  Everyone I've spoken to has said it's hell but there will be plenty of movies to watch (I hope they're right) and we will be plied with food and drink regularly and of course at some point I will be asleep (really?)

I have so many questions going round in my head it's now affecting my sleep.

• What the hell happens when we stop in KL for an hour and a half?   Apparently my suitcase does it's own little journey all by itself to our new plane and we toddle off to the Departures Lounge to find out where our new boarding gate is!   Doesn't stop me worrying that both suitcases won't actually make it to Sydney.   I've already decided we're definitely doing the "split both our clothes between two suitcases" trick.  No way I'm walking round Sydney for 2 days in the same clothes I travelled in.

• What do I travel in ?  Something smart cas in case there's a chance of an upgrade or just go comfy in a pair of leggings and a big sloppy tshirt.    Not sure I can go with the second option, maybe change the big sloppy tshirt for a nice top!

• Can you see how anxious I am yet?

• How is the jetlag going to affect me?  we want to see and do as much as we can whilst we're in Sydney but am I going to want to walk and do stuff or just stay in my hotel room for 2 days?  

• How hot is hot?  We've been to Egypt 3 times (in April) and that was hot enough but I think the humidity is slightly different in Aus.  It's the height of their summer FFS - Sydney's cooler than Melbourne, and Melbourne is cooler than Adelaide - still no idea!

• What sunscreen do I take?  Mr B hates wearing sunscreen at the best of times - he ain't gonna want to wear factor 30 everyday! 

• That's just for starters!  Not even thinking about the return!!!!!!

We REALLY want to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and hubby has now shown me the zoo (I'm a sucker for good zoo, and apparently Taronga is one of the best).  There are obviously the must-do's like the Opera House and the botanical gardens.  Apparently the Fish Market is one to do too and we quite like the look of Shark Island and Fort Denison - so much to do and so little time.   OH also found a day trip into the Blue Mountains - ever wish you'd booked an extra day Lil ?

Once we leave Sydney we're in the hands of Lou and Andy.   We already know we've got a week in a log cabin in the Grampians at Halls Gap with the family, and Andy's taking us to Adelaide to watch at least one stage (the only stage in my opinion - Wallunga Hill) of the Tour Down Under.    We're both really excited about this part of the trip and this one event was the whole reason for choosing January for our visit.

So, back to the planning!   It's all getting very real now!

Chestnut Sussex 100

I knew this ride wasn't going to be easy when I saw the profile on the event information, but I was assured it was nowhere near as bad as it looked.  "You'll be fine" said Shaun!

On Saturday we both suffered from a bit of an upset stomach, no idea whether it was food or a bug, and there was every possibility that the ride wouldn't happen, which would have been a massive disappointment.    Saturday night we decided we'd go and when we got to the 20m route split we'd see how we both felt.   

Shaun loaded up Tribby with bikes and kit and off we headed to Bentley Wildfowl where the ride was starting.  It was a bit nippy out so I decided to try out my new Aldi arm warmers.   They were very comfortable, just the right length and the strip at the top meant they stayed in place for the ride.   I also wore the ergonomic socks Shaun bought and he wore the wool ones - sounds like I should have worn the wool ones instead as my toes were a bit cold at one point.

The first stretch to the feed station at Herstmonceux seemed to take forever.   The feed station was in the village hall so nice clean loos and lots of food and hot and cold drinks if you wanted it.   We only stayed long enough to fill my water bottle, have a wee and Shaun grabbed a cup of tea.   

The roads we were cycling down were great mostly, some were very potholed though and in some of the tree lined lanes it was very dark, although we did need sunglasses with the gorgeous sun being so low in the sky.   I did struggle with some of the hills, but I took my time and got up all of them but two, even the one where it was pitch black and came out at the top of the road opposite the road closure.   The road closure it turned out added an extra mile to the route.   

Somewhere between 30 and 35 miles there was a really horrible hill, everyone who passed me was puffing and the minute I saw someone climb off in front of me that was it - brain told legs to stop.  Unfortunately I could see that it ramped up again so brain got the better of legs and I was off ...... walking, up hill!    Shaun was waiting for me at the top with two marshalls who directed us over a busy junction. 

Only another 5 miles or so to go and another feed station which we didn't stop at, I just wanted to get finished!!!!!  I remembered from the profile that we had a few more hills to do, but they were nowhere near as bad as that big one, and the elevation was decreasing.  

It was great to turn the corner and see the entrance gate to Bentley and hear the music playing.   There was lots of support as we crossed the finish line together and we were given our medals.   

We'd done 41 miles in 4 hours 4 mins (18 mins officially if you count the stop at the feed station). We took the bikes back to Tribby and got changed, and then headed to the coffee shop where we bought some well earnt coffee and cakes.

We'd definitely like to do this ride again in the future, and who knows with a bit of training beforehand perhaps we could manage the 103km (60 miles) route ..... oh and with a lot of hill training.   The support from the organisers was fantastic from beginning to end, and a lovely medal to boot.   Wish we'd gone for the free massage after too! 

Aldi Special Buys 24th September 2015

It's been a while since I've been approached to test and review kit so when I received an email asking if I wanted to test some of the items on sale in the much publicised cycling special buy event at Aldi my immediate reaction was "yes please". 

It seems like weeks ago when I started tweeting and sharing the event on Twitter and Facebook.  The main draw for most people was the price of the Garmin 500 

that was on offer - £79.99 (currently on sale on Wiggle for £118.99).  No surprise then that come Thursday the cycling community was buzzing for a bargain.   Unfortunately there was a fair bit of disappointment on Twitter as most of the stores seem to have sold out of stock quite quickly.  Some stores only had 2 Garmins to sell and by 9.15 Twitter was alive with complaints.  

My only complaint the day before was that I'd spotted the shoes were only in sizes 8-11 - I really want a pair for spin with cleats and these look ideal, but not for my little size 5 feet !

come one Aldi, us ladies need shoes too!

I got home from work yesterday to find a huge box sitting on the table, couldn't actually believe what was in it as I unpacked it with Shaun.

Lots of stuff!

Helmet cover, arm warmers and waterproof under helmet cap

  

Two pairs of gloves

New lights which will look great on Dolce, you can never have enough Muc Off and I'm looking forward to trying out the gel & tabs

Not entirely sure about the beanie

I love the waterproof jacket - just what I needed!

Shaun also went to Aldi yesterday and bought me some socks so I'll be throwing in a review for those as well. 

It's going to take me a while to get through everything and test it out but so far I'm really pleased with the fit of most of the accessories - the gloves are a bit big so I might have to get Shaun to test those along with the helmet cover as he's more likely to cycle in the rain than I am (he cycles to work),  The arm warmers feel lovely and I might give them a test on Sunday's ride.   I tried out the electrolyte tabs at Spin last night - I'm not a great lover of lemon flavours, they tend to make me feel sick but these didn't.  I usually use the High 5 zero calorie tabs so these will make a nice alternative.  

Watch this space folks - reviews are on their way.  

Don't forget though Special Buys are only available as long as stocks last, so don't expect to go into stores and be able to buy what you want in 6 weeks time! 

Did you manage to pick up any bargains - let me know what you think in the comments below or tweet me @lilbeeloo67.

Happy cycling !!!!!!

Tribby's Travels - Back to the New Forest

As we're having such gorgeous weekend weather at the moment we decided to have one last Tribby sleepover before we pack everything away and put Tribby to sleep for the winter, although we might use Tribby for a few bike rides - including one which is coming up this weekend.

As you know from previous Tribby's Travels and other posts we absolutely love being on the New Forest.   It's only a couple of hours drive from home and just about on the limits for Archie the dog's travel sickness.   Unfortunately I can't actually tell you where we stayed as it's top secret.

This year we bought the BritStops book again, as well as signing up for the Caravan & Camping Club.  To be honest BritStops hasn't really been worth the money as this weekend is the first time we've used it and it cost us a fortune at the place we stayed as we couldn't resist buying produce.   Anyway, so all I can tell you is that the place we stayed is number 105 in the book.  
The whole point of BritStops is somewhere to park up overnight which is safe and secure, either in a pub car park, farm shop and various other places which the publishers of the book Mandy and Steve Clarke have negotiated with the owners.   You're not obliged to buy anything in return, although sometimes it is very difficult not to.  This time (without giving away any information whatsoever as to the location) we bought food and alcohol, had a ploughman's lunch and Brunch the following morning.  All we had to pay for at the "site" was £2 for electric hook up.

The whole secrecy thing is that most of the "sites" have limited spaces, in this case 2, so if a non Britstopper tried to use the site it would take away a space from someone who had bothered to spend £30 on the book.

After we'd eaten our lunch on Saturday I sat down to read some of my latest kindle book and Shaun was pottering about and playing with Archie.  Unfortunately the effects of some cider I consumed happened soon after sitting down - while I slept Shaun went off for a wander through the forest with Archie.   I had every intention of going with him, or even meeting him in the village for a spot of shopping but that never happened.   We had a very lazy afternoon and after dinner and last dog walk I made up the bed and snuggled under the duvet and watched a DVD.  There was a lovely sunset

The next morning when we eventually woke up was chilly and misty, while I was putting the bed away Shaun took off over the Forest again with Archie - I missed my chance again!

Giant spiderwebs

I never did get my walk or shopping, once we'd had brunch it was time to pack up and head home.   We had what can only be described as a very lazy weekend, which I suppose is exactly what you need sometimes.

As I said at the top, we're not putting Tribby totally to bed just yet.   We've got a sportive to do on Sunday (Indian Summer permitting) and another at the end of October (Pedal in Preston Park).  It's quite possible we'll have to sleep in the campervan over Christmas too, after which Tribby will be going into "storage" at the in-laws whilst we travel round Australia in January.   Hopefully Shaun's shift pattern will allow us a few more trips next summer, we really haven't had enough this year !!!!!

I'm Hanging Up My Runners - well for now

Don't panic ...... let me explain.

Since my last update I joined a group of friends on Faceache and we started the Couch 2 5k (C25K).  Week 1 went fine, didn't really struggle with the actual running segments - 3 completely different runs, one was a trail run along the riverbank at Ouse Valley in glorious sunshine, one was very wet along to the beach and the other one was a lovely warm day.   Week 2 didn't start too badly either - my first run I decided to head in a different direction and again the running segments were fine, a bit puffy & panty in places but I was beginning to remember why I love running.   Then came a kick fest at boxercise and the day after (which should have been Week 2 run 2) never happened as my legs were completely mashed.  That weekend we were away in Tribby so I decided I'd repeat week 2 the following week and go from there.    The legs never really recovered.   The calves have been as tight as hell and the shins decided to stay painful too.  So, now I should be coming up to the end of week 4 and there's no way I'm going to be able to run.   It's probably sensible to pack up the idea of running again, even if it's only until after our holiday in Aus.   I've got 2 very long flights to get through and I don't want to be worrying about cramps in my legs or worse.

After a lot of thought I've decided to concentrate on the bike and my overall fitness with boxercise.  I might add another class in to the mix, maybe Kettlebells which is also run by Claire, and of course there's always spin classes to help with cardio and leg strengthening.   It surprises me actually how much of a difference spin has made to my road cycling.   I'm actually standing more now than I did at the beginning and I'm sure it's all down to the leg strengthening that comes with spin.

I'm not saying I'm never ever running again.   The C25K podcast is fantastic and I shall be keeping it on my Ipod for future use, just might not be until 2016 now, let's see what happens with the legs!

To Do in 2015 - Update

Back in January rather than posting New Years Resolutions I posted a "To Do in 2015 list".   After all, what's the point in making resolutions, rarely are they kept to.   In March I posted update - it's been a while so I thought I should update you all on how things are going.

1 Lose Weight

This one has been a hard one - I did get back down to 11 stone thanks to a combination of Jantastic and starting 5:2 and since then managed to maintain.   Keeping going with 5:2 has been difficult to fit in around family life.   There are only a couple of dishes that Danni will eat, Shaun has been on some ridiculous shifts over the last couple of months and I try not to fast if I've got a planned exercise class or bike ride.   It's hard enough walking the dog on fast days!   MUST TRY HARDER - don't want to get another lecture from the Nurse when I go for my check up next month.

2   Read More Books

This to do is going well - I've read 3 books (pah - who am I kidding!)  all of them Peter James!    I have downloaded quite a few new books to my Kindle ready.  Reading times have mainly been when we've been away (when Shaun's not dragging me out for a walk somewhere with Archie) and at bedtime - which is why it's been such slow progress.   At night I probably only read a few words before my eyes are shut and my Kindle lands somewhere on the bed!    MUST TRY HARDER!

3   Explore Great Britain

This one has been great fun - we spent two weeks in July on a road trip through Sussex, Wiltshire & Somerset and then had a few days in the New Forest thanks to our prize win break.   I'm hoping next year we might spread our wings a little further and go North a bit more, trouble is we love the West Country.

4    Get Running Again   

Exciting news on that front - I went for a little test run last Saturday.  It went ok - breathing was fine, shins were fine, calves were a bit tight but apart from that it was great.   Until I fell over during a walk break - going from open ground to wooded area was a disaster.   I twisted my ankle badly and grazed my knee - no more running that day.   I have however downloaded the NHS Couch to 5k podcast on to my Ipod and I am now on week 2!  Fingers crossed.

5   Increase the Mileage on the Bike

Yep, ticked that one off.   40 miles on the Davina Big Sussex Bike Ride.   Cycling has been a bit sparse since then mainly due to Shaun's shifts and the lovely British summer meaning we haven't been out as much as I wanted to.   I have been going out alone doing my 15-20 mile loop but I find it so boring, (a) being on my own and (b) doing the loop.   I was hoping to ride a charity event in September and get up to 60 miles but I think that might have to wait until next year's Davina.  I'm hopefully going to do the Pedal in Preston Park again in October - this year's target is 43 miles (137 laps apparently) to tie in with the 137 years since the Brighton Velodrome was first built. 

6   Try Some New Recipes

I'm constantly printing off new recipes for 5:2 and we have had some lovely meals.   I've also had to fend for myself more when Shaun's been working late. 

7   Australia

As we speak everything is going well with the planning - Visas are done, Lou & Andy have arranged accommodation for a holiday within a holiday at their favourite site in the Grampians so we won't be in Melbourne for too many days and Andy has also arranged for a trip to Adelaide to watch the Tour Down Under.   Shaun and I are looking at things to do in Sydney - if anyone's got any recommendations please comment below.   We have no idea where to start.  We have 3 days to do as much as we can - apart from climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge (that was one of Shaun's ideas!)  If I'm back running I'd like to take part in a Parkrun in Melbourne (I think Albert Park is the nearest) and apparently Andy is sourcing two road bikes for us whilst we are there.   We also need to sort out money - anyone got any ideas on the best way to take spendies?   Don't want to max out the credit cards so would be nice to have some cash, but obviously we don't want to walk around with oodles of dollars in our pockets & presumably the exchange rate for cash out of the wall from our Current Account will be ridiculous!

Looks like the "to do" is going well.

Tribby's Travels - Back to Slindon

We've just had the perfect weekend away in Tribby - Shaun packed up ready for me to finish work and leave on the Friday.  Thankfully the Club site at Slindon is only about an hour away from home on a good run.   Luckily I didn't forget anything this time - even remembered to pack my running stuff.

 Friday night was the first night this year it's been warm enough to sit out in the evening.   Shaun had packed the new Lidl BBQ to try out.   We bought some venison burgers when we were in Salisbury so they were the trial meat for dinner!

Normally we have dinner and get ready for bed at about 9pm - this time we stayed up until about 10.30, chatting and watching the bats flying across the campsite.

We also tried out our new mozzy curtain - it even keeps out the wasps!

On Saturday morning Shaun got up and took Archie for a short walk and when he got back I went for my first run in 2 years.  The tracks from the campsite through the woods are perfect for running along - unless you're me who has trouble staying upright.

I was quite pleased with the run overall - I managed to run for a full 10-15 minutes (surprised how the lungs and legs remembered what to do after all this time) and in total with a couple of walk breaks I covered just under 4k in 30 minutes.   I really should've kept running and not walked - the minute I walked I turned my ankle and came crashing to the ground.   Didn't think I'd done too much damage and managed to run a little bit afterwards.

Shaun was waiting for breakfast so a quick shower and get dressed and then sit down to scrambled egg & smoked salmon on toast.   We then headed out of the site and walked down to The Forge in the village for a coffee and some cake,

 and then across the Estate a bit further to the Spur pub.  Quick drink of cider and then we walked back to the site for lunch.

Saturday evening my ankle started to swell - the only way to elevate was to put my leg up on the table - no ice so a tea towel soaked in cold water had to do the job.   Can't believe my first run out finished like that!

On Sunday we had to pack up and go home, so sad as the weather was lovely again.   The ankle was feeling much better but a bit stiff.   I was kinda hoping it would continue to hurt into Monday morning so I didn't have to go to work!

Our next trip is Bank Holiday weekend - back to Salisbury for 3 days!