Unfortunately for us, Beth has had to pull out of the challenge so we are now definitely down to 5 team members.
Paul’s knee is on the mend. He managed a 4 mile walk on the flat yesterday which is good progress and a 6 mile bike ride last week. We now have 9 and 1/2 week before the challenge so the big question continues over whether or not he will be fit enough. It’s asking a lot of his knee to walk up and down a mountain and cycle off road all on one day. So we shall see. I’m trying not to get my hopes up.
As for Sarah and I, we are going great guns with our cycling. We managed a 14.3 mile cycle ride last week in an hour and a quarter which is pretty good going. Our longest and fastest route so far, although it was slightly flatter and probably less off road than previous routes. Still, we can feel our fitness improving so that’s good. I shall brush quickly over the fact that I had to stop half way up a hill because I nearly passed out!!!! I put it down to going faster and in a higher gear than usual. I call that progress!!!
I’ve started doing weights in the gym to improve the strength in my upper back. It will help with the rowing and also off road cycling which can be quite punishing on the shoulders. My back is starting to feel stronger than it has felt in the last 10 years so I’m so pleased with the way this is going. Paul can’t believe the things I am now lifting round the house where previously I would have called for help. Even my osteopath was shocked when he saw new muscles in my back!
I’d like to say that I have less pain with this new found strength but I don’t and I think it’s because I am doing so much exercise to get fit and having to constantly push myself to the next level. What is true is that I can do more exercise than I used to without pain and that is increasing week on week. So once I get fit enough for this challenge, my aim will be to maintain that level of fitness and strength without the pain and without the need to push beyond my comfort zone any more. Now, I’m looking forward to that!
Hope you enjoyed this update.
Jude. x
