Yesterday I jumped on my new bike and decided to just do a 10 k ride to get the feel of it over the hills, BJ decided he would come along for the ride with me...
All went welll out the gate and up the hill excepted about 3/4 up the hill I realised that maybe I wouldn't have enough steam to get over the hill so thought I should really just walked it over this time... except I forgot one vital piece of information. I have cleats on this bike and wear bike shoes so therefore I was attached to the pedals not like my hybrid where I just used my sneakers.. so the inevitable happened and I fell landing on my back with my feet attached to the bike but they released just as they are designed to do... but my poor boy BJ who was ahead got a terrible fright with his mum laying there with her feet in the air...
First thing he said running down the hill is are you ok mum..... which I replied yeah I think so, the next question was Why did you do it mum,.... you could have scratched your bike.... what happened...
Mind you I felt like a right idiot laying down on the road wondering what in the hell went wrong I know what it was I got too confident and thought I could do anything I know I have still got a lot to learn about my bike.... practice makes perfect I should have ridden up the road a few times and practiced taking my feet off the pedals and stopping...
So what did I do I stood up picked up my bike walked up the hill (at a sort of limp up the hill) with BJ telling me I was bleeding.. and missing some skin.. and we rode our 10 k ride and I just loved it... it was totally amazing the bike handled great, it was so free. Bj and I did some practicing I would ride ahead and stop and wait for him to catch up and consequently I learnt to release the foot and put it down then release the other. We are so busy at the moment getting ready for the ekka, we leave this saturday and you know what this sounds really weird but I am going to miss my bike .... weird hey..... missing an inanimate object.. and I just can't wait to get on and ride and ride.....
So the point of this post.... welll you know if you fall off anything albeit your horse or your bike you just have to get up and get back on..... and this goes for our journeys with our health & fitness.... don't give up don't let one fall beat you .... its so worth the effort to get back in the saddle..
So my lovely friends I hope you got a chuckle out of the picture of this 54 year old grandmother laying on the road with her feet in the air..... with her bike flying through the air landing but not getting scratched with a young boy running down the hill not sure whether to be very concerned or laugh with his mum...... well be reassured I am fine and it won't stop me
I have a few grazes.... but they will heal and so will my pride... but I am still having a chuckle to myself, but I am proud and I am passionate and I am me.....
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
My Longest Ride to date
This weekend I set myself a challenge to ride into town and back in one hit. This is a total of 40k I ride into town regularly every week but then go to work and because the days are so short I havent attempted to ride home for some time.
So this ride was going to be a challenge for my fitness and determination to do it. The plan was to do it yesterday but a storm came over in the morning and wiped any hope of riding. I don't mind rain but thunder and lightening well that can be a bit scary...
I was very disappointed because I felt if I don't make myself do this I never will. So this morning it had to be it... even though the temperate was 3 to 4 degrees...
Philip got me my cup of tea in bed at 6am so I had no excuse I was awake and the day was fine well as far as I could tell at that time of the morning so I got up had the usual porridge, got changed and headed off at 7.30am. I only have a short sleeved bike shirt and bike shorts so I have to tell you I bloody froze I was sooo cold but that wasnt going to stop me I just had to do this it was important to me I must keep proving to myself that I am strong fit and healthy... It could be so easy just to keep doing what I am doing but without challenge and pushing myself I feel I could easily fail myself.
Over the hill and off my legs when so red from the cold my arms had goosebumps the size of Mt Everest but they kept working.... you know your mind does tricks with you it tries to con you that you are totally mad and incapable of finishing what you have set yourself to do.... constantly I kept thinking its too cold, its too far, the bike needs lube on the chain, maybe that front tyre needs a bit of air. Awww come on you have your phone its so easy to ring up and get picked up....maybe you could try again in a couple of weeks... but I didn't stop I didn't give in I just kept going pedaling along.
Its bloody hard when you work so hard at getting along the rode then suddenly you hear another tinkle of a bell and four blokes past you on their road bikes at least this week they said "good morning' but I feel such a dumb woman because I just cant keep up with them or go as well as they do... I just wonder am I wasting my time doing this.... i know the difference is probably about 30 years and my hybrid bike is not comparison to the road bikes they were riding but I truly try so hard to get faster and better. Oh I so wish I had someone who would come with me and ride along side of me, it would be so good just to challenge each other. My boy likes to ride but he isn't keen on the roads and I can understand that.... I must keep trying to encourage him to come along even if we just do shorter distances and have some fun. Maybe I am just being too serious and too hard on myself.
I know what you are probably thinking that I should get real and accept that this morning I rode the longest I have even ridden in one go without a break.... and that now my legs are burning with the effort that I put in and I should be proud of myself, I am proud and I am happy, yes it was awesome, yes I did do something that I had set myself to do.... plus I burnt 902 calories.
I am a 54 year old grandmother who just loves to ride who loves what I have become and I know its not the end but only the beginning of me and my healthy life. I will just keep doing the best that I can do and believe in myself and what I can achieve...
Yes today I did well and I am proud.
So this ride was going to be a challenge for my fitness and determination to do it. The plan was to do it yesterday but a storm came over in the morning and wiped any hope of riding. I don't mind rain but thunder and lightening well that can be a bit scary...
I was very disappointed because I felt if I don't make myself do this I never will. So this morning it had to be it... even though the temperate was 3 to 4 degrees...
Philip got me my cup of tea in bed at 6am so I had no excuse I was awake and the day was fine well as far as I could tell at that time of the morning so I got up had the usual porridge, got changed and headed off at 7.30am. I only have a short sleeved bike shirt and bike shorts so I have to tell you I bloody froze I was sooo cold but that wasnt going to stop me I just had to do this it was important to me I must keep proving to myself that I am strong fit and healthy... It could be so easy just to keep doing what I am doing but without challenge and pushing myself I feel I could easily fail myself.
Over the hill and off my legs when so red from the cold my arms had goosebumps the size of Mt Everest but they kept working.... you know your mind does tricks with you it tries to con you that you are totally mad and incapable of finishing what you have set yourself to do.... constantly I kept thinking its too cold, its too far, the bike needs lube on the chain, maybe that front tyre needs a bit of air. Awww come on you have your phone its so easy to ring up and get picked up....maybe you could try again in a couple of weeks... but I didn't stop I didn't give in I just kept going pedaling along.
Its bloody hard when you work so hard at getting along the rode then suddenly you hear another tinkle of a bell and four blokes past you on their road bikes at least this week they said "good morning' but I feel such a dumb woman because I just cant keep up with them or go as well as they do... I just wonder am I wasting my time doing this.... i know the difference is probably about 30 years and my hybrid bike is not comparison to the road bikes they were riding but I truly try so hard to get faster and better. Oh I so wish I had someone who would come with me and ride along side of me, it would be so good just to challenge each other. My boy likes to ride but he isn't keen on the roads and I can understand that.... I must keep trying to encourage him to come along even if we just do shorter distances and have some fun. Maybe I am just being too serious and too hard on myself.
I know what you are probably thinking that I should get real and accept that this morning I rode the longest I have even ridden in one go without a break.... and that now my legs are burning with the effort that I put in and I should be proud of myself, I am proud and I am happy, yes it was awesome, yes I did do something that I had set myself to do.... plus I burnt 902 calories.
I am a 54 year old grandmother who just loves to ride who loves what I have become and I know its not the end but only the beginning of me and my healthy life. I will just keep doing the best that I can do and believe in myself and what I can achieve...
Yes today I did well and I am proud.
Monday, June 1, 2009
My Birthday and beyond
I had a lovely birthday this year.... I am indeed very blessed with a wonderful family and so many good friends.
There was no time for riding this weekend, but thats ok I shall make up for it this week. I got some lovely riding gloves, a vest from Philip so that people will be able to see me going along the road and a great foot bike pump. I think everyone is thinking I am not going to give up on my riding.... in a few weeks I will have BJ's bike paid for and my hope is to go in a buy myself a road bike. I love my hybrid but I just feel the next step is the road bike, hopefully I will be able to try one and see if I will be ok. I am not going to spend huge money on a bike but a reasonable price to ensure the quality is there.... I have been so happy with the Giant bike I have and they are in the middle price range.
It was great to see BJ take off on his bike with his sister and brother in law on theirs and they went into the paddocks riding over the hills and banks.... he wanted the moutain bike to be able to do this type of riding but I know I am not able to do it and he needed someone to show the way... Hopefully this will continue because I so want him to be fit and healthy. Leading by example is so important when it comes to our children and I so want to be a good example to my kids.
Had such fun with the grandchildren yesterday its a wonderful stage in my life I only wish I didn't have to work so much and could help my daughters with their babies..... maybe one day it will happen. My girl Tammy is so far away in central qld and today I decided I am watching out for cheap flights and I am going up to see her, she has had such a bad time of late and is feeling so lonely.... breaking up is never easy and I am sure she needs a good hug.... miss her so much.
On mothers day Tammy wrote in her card... that she is so proud of me and what I have done since last mothers day, she said for me to look back and see how far I have come.... such a wonderful thing to be told. You know Tammy is right I have come such a long way... and the journey is nearly over I am close to goal well about 8 kilos away from goal and I will get there...
My back has caused me a few problems of late so I have to rethink things a little maybe a good massage is needed... will have to give that some thought I have never had a massage in my life and I had issues about how fat I am that no one would want to have to put up with an old fat woman... but things have changed for the better so I will give it some thought.
Long weekend ahead and I am going to really challenge myself and ride further than I have before I need to stretch myself and push myself I know I can do so much more this is only the beginning.....
So no funny story tonight or great achievement but keep checking there is more coming and it will be worth the read.....
Cheers...
There was no time for riding this weekend, but thats ok I shall make up for it this week. I got some lovely riding gloves, a vest from Philip so that people will be able to see me going along the road and a great foot bike pump. I think everyone is thinking I am not going to give up on my riding.... in a few weeks I will have BJ's bike paid for and my hope is to go in a buy myself a road bike. I love my hybrid but I just feel the next step is the road bike, hopefully I will be able to try one and see if I will be ok. I am not going to spend huge money on a bike but a reasonable price to ensure the quality is there.... I have been so happy with the Giant bike I have and they are in the middle price range.
It was great to see BJ take off on his bike with his sister and brother in law on theirs and they went into the paddocks riding over the hills and banks.... he wanted the moutain bike to be able to do this type of riding but I know I am not able to do it and he needed someone to show the way... Hopefully this will continue because I so want him to be fit and healthy. Leading by example is so important when it comes to our children and I so want to be a good example to my kids.
Had such fun with the grandchildren yesterday its a wonderful stage in my life I only wish I didn't have to work so much and could help my daughters with their babies..... maybe one day it will happen. My girl Tammy is so far away in central qld and today I decided I am watching out for cheap flights and I am going up to see her, she has had such a bad time of late and is feeling so lonely.... breaking up is never easy and I am sure she needs a good hug.... miss her so much.
On mothers day Tammy wrote in her card... that she is so proud of me and what I have done since last mothers day, she said for me to look back and see how far I have come.... such a wonderful thing to be told. You know Tammy is right I have come such a long way... and the journey is nearly over I am close to goal well about 8 kilos away from goal and I will get there...
My back has caused me a few problems of late so I have to rethink things a little maybe a good massage is needed... will have to give that some thought I have never had a massage in my life and I had issues about how fat I am that no one would want to have to put up with an old fat woman... but things have changed for the better so I will give it some thought.
Long weekend ahead and I am going to really challenge myself and ride further than I have before I need to stretch myself and push myself I know I can do so much more this is only the beginning.....
So no funny story tonight or great achievement but keep checking there is more coming and it will be worth the read.....
Cheers...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Finding my way.....
This morning I decided to ride to work, I actually got out of bed earlier enough just made myself get up and get moving..... it looked such a beautiful morning no wind the sun shining brightly or nearly brightly I mean it was early..... Had my usual breakfast of porridge got dressed and set off..... ask my lovely hubby to drive in, in about an hour and drop off the car with the lunch I had prepared. One of the girls from head office was coming down to help me get ready for the next tax season..... and I had made some lovely healthy soup for lunch.
Set off well over the hill, mind you it was bloody cold and the goose bumps were like mountains on my arms and legs, but I thought it can only get better as that sun gets stronger.... down the other side and what lay ahead of me well you may ask... it was a thick dense fog.. just hanging low on the road in my path... what to do, I decided I had my lights on it will be fine... So off Ihead going those this pea soup of fog heading for work. It was cold and damp but just kept going and going..... it really started me to think that this is how I have been feeling of late just lost in a fog.... but I could see through it eventually I just have to keep going and keep trying to find my way...
As you know I do wear glasses and you all know what happens in fog your windscreen needs some warmth to keep it clear... this isn't so easy on a bike, my glasses started to cause me some concern I couldn't see I had to struggle to look over my glasses and under my visor on the helmet.... oh well a new problem... must try and get some glasses with window wipers or a heater so eventually there was nothing for it I had to pull over and take my glasses off. I can't see well at the best of times without them but there was not choice I had to keep going I had to get to work and I had to ride there.... I wasn't going to take the easy option of ringing home and asking for help. I must do this and there was no other option or excuse this is something I have to do for me I must pull myself out of the down feeling I have been having of late... of feeling lost and alone.
Traveling along is good for the soul you tend to think and wonder about things I find its the best time for me to plan my day but to think about everything, life, work, kids, family, me, my journeys and what I need to do... It is good to get out there, I live in such a beautiful place such a beautiful valley. The hills this morning were awesome they stuck out above the fog and when I pushed myself to get up them I could see the air i breathed out... like smoke from a dragon, but I got up them and kept going. I suppose what I am saying is that I must keep going I will get through this like I got through that fog this morning... I made it to work it took me a little longer than usual but I got there...
My dear hubby was upset when he arrived to take my bike home in the ute..... he got very frightened I suppose when he saw what I had ridden through to get to work, he told me its not worth it, its too dangerous you could have been hit by a car. I know it probably wasn't sensible but I felt confident and when cars do come along I am very particular about making sure I keep to the side....I am going to keep riding as much as I can I just love my riding its part of me now and that isn't going to change....
This is my life now.... being healthy and strong, throwing myself completely in what I do, its time for me this is my time ........ don't get me wrong my family is so important to me.... but I just have to make some time for me to be me...
Tomorrow my boy comes home from camp and I just can't wait... I have missed him so much we are indeed blessed.....
My birthday on Sunday bring on another year.....
Set off well over the hill, mind you it was bloody cold and the goose bumps were like mountains on my arms and legs, but I thought it can only get better as that sun gets stronger.... down the other side and what lay ahead of me well you may ask... it was a thick dense fog.. just hanging low on the road in my path... what to do, I decided I had my lights on it will be fine... So off Ihead going those this pea soup of fog heading for work. It was cold and damp but just kept going and going..... it really started me to think that this is how I have been feeling of late just lost in a fog.... but I could see through it eventually I just have to keep going and keep trying to find my way...
As you know I do wear glasses and you all know what happens in fog your windscreen needs some warmth to keep it clear... this isn't so easy on a bike, my glasses started to cause me some concern I couldn't see I had to struggle to look over my glasses and under my visor on the helmet.... oh well a new problem... must try and get some glasses with window wipers or a heater so eventually there was nothing for it I had to pull over and take my glasses off. I can't see well at the best of times without them but there was not choice I had to keep going I had to get to work and I had to ride there.... I wasn't going to take the easy option of ringing home and asking for help. I must do this and there was no other option or excuse this is something I have to do for me I must pull myself out of the down feeling I have been having of late... of feeling lost and alone.
Traveling along is good for the soul you tend to think and wonder about things I find its the best time for me to plan my day but to think about everything, life, work, kids, family, me, my journeys and what I need to do... It is good to get out there, I live in such a beautiful place such a beautiful valley. The hills this morning were awesome they stuck out above the fog and when I pushed myself to get up them I could see the air i breathed out... like smoke from a dragon, but I got up them and kept going. I suppose what I am saying is that I must keep going I will get through this like I got through that fog this morning... I made it to work it took me a little longer than usual but I got there...
My dear hubby was upset when he arrived to take my bike home in the ute..... he got very frightened I suppose when he saw what I had ridden through to get to work, he told me its not worth it, its too dangerous you could have been hit by a car. I know it probably wasn't sensible but I felt confident and when cars do come along I am very particular about making sure I keep to the side....I am going to keep riding as much as I can I just love my riding its part of me now and that isn't going to change....
This is my life now.... being healthy and strong, throwing myself completely in what I do, its time for me this is my time ........ don't get me wrong my family is so important to me.... but I just have to make some time for me to be me...
Tomorrow my boy comes home from camp and I just can't wait... I have missed him so much we are indeed blessed.....
My birthday on Sunday bring on another year.....
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Another day
Well this morning I woke up thinking I must get up and meet Linda & Ben down at the Mount for our ride..... it was cold and windy and showers were threatening.... what to do. So easily could have stayed in bed but my good hubby got up and went outside and loaded my bike into the ute. Well its hard to say I am not going now, but I didn't so dressed quickly grabbed the hrm and bike computer and set off.
Got down to the mount and only poor ben in sight.... had a rough late night yet still made the effort to come out and ride, no sign of Linda which is very disappointing for me as I was so hoping I had found someone to ride with...
Anyway talked to Ben and said its ok if you want to leave it to another day and we waited for a few minutes for LInda.... so no show and Ben says come on we are here lets ride so we did just for 10 k this morning. I have been so busy of late and the weather hasn't been the best so I haven't ridden for two weeks and its bloody amazing I was stuffed.... must remember to warm up on these rides before trying to push myself.... Its stupid I know but when you have a young 21 year old boy to ride with you want to prove to yourself that you can keep up.... well I did for a while but he flogged me on the way back.. mind you the head wind wasn't helping an old girl like me.
It was good to be on my bike and riding along with someone it always makes me feel good, it was a short ride but a ride regardless and I did get out of bed and we did make the effort. So worth it.
I have been running on the tready the last couple of weeks because of the lack of riding you know I have always enjoyed winter but now not so much because it restricts my riding time... bring on the longer days... the winter blues are here.
Heard something funny tonight.... Philip rang someone about buying one of BJ's bulls and he comes down to the ekka with cattle.... but he is a bit worried this year he has heard about my boxing abilities and thinks it might not be safe... oh well what a compliment a big burly man scared of a soon to be 54 year old woman with red boxing gloves... oh the power, just might go to my head.
thoughts to myself this week get out of bed earlier and be ready to ride to work regardless of the chilly air..... need a long sleeve bike shirt... note to self check ebay.
54 in a weeks time... wish I had started this journey so much earlier maybe then it would be easier on the old body... but for an old girl I think I am holding up well. Getting the dickie shoulder xrayed and ultrasounded on saturday can't stand not have the mobility it just hurts too much....need to do something about it..
Cheers dear blog, off to bed, the boy is off to camp tomorrow and we NEED TO GET UP EARLIER but I know he will have a good time... have re packed the bag 3 times today but I think he is happy now. Too much pressure on kids these days he was scared if we didn't get the pillow into his bad his teacher wouldnt be impressed.... geez what do they do to your kids at school frighten them into submission.... ridiculous. I must have a chat to his teacher and soon.
Got down to the mount and only poor ben in sight.... had a rough late night yet still made the effort to come out and ride, no sign of Linda which is very disappointing for me as I was so hoping I had found someone to ride with...
Anyway talked to Ben and said its ok if you want to leave it to another day and we waited for a few minutes for LInda.... so no show and Ben says come on we are here lets ride so we did just for 10 k this morning. I have been so busy of late and the weather hasn't been the best so I haven't ridden for two weeks and its bloody amazing I was stuffed.... must remember to warm up on these rides before trying to push myself.... Its stupid I know but when you have a young 21 year old boy to ride with you want to prove to yourself that you can keep up.... well I did for a while but he flogged me on the way back.. mind you the head wind wasn't helping an old girl like me.
It was good to be on my bike and riding along with someone it always makes me feel good, it was a short ride but a ride regardless and I did get out of bed and we did make the effort. So worth it.
I have been running on the tready the last couple of weeks because of the lack of riding you know I have always enjoyed winter but now not so much because it restricts my riding time... bring on the longer days... the winter blues are here.
Heard something funny tonight.... Philip rang someone about buying one of BJ's bulls and he comes down to the ekka with cattle.... but he is a bit worried this year he has heard about my boxing abilities and thinks it might not be safe... oh well what a compliment a big burly man scared of a soon to be 54 year old woman with red boxing gloves... oh the power, just might go to my head.
thoughts to myself this week get out of bed earlier and be ready to ride to work regardless of the chilly air..... need a long sleeve bike shirt... note to self check ebay.
54 in a weeks time... wish I had started this journey so much earlier maybe then it would be easier on the old body... but for an old girl I think I am holding up well. Getting the dickie shoulder xrayed and ultrasounded on saturday can't stand not have the mobility it just hurts too much....need to do something about it..
Cheers dear blog, off to bed, the boy is off to camp tomorrow and we NEED TO GET UP EARLIER but I know he will have a good time... have re packed the bag 3 times today but I think he is happy now. Too much pressure on kids these days he was scared if we didn't get the pillow into his bad his teacher wouldnt be impressed.... geez what do they do to your kids at school frighten them into submission.... ridiculous. I must have a chat to his teacher and soon.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The beginning
Well Ithought I would give this blogging a go.....
This is a place about me and my journey in making me the best I can be... its time for me now to get my life where I want it to be.... I want to have time for me, I wonder if that is being selfish or wrong but I just feel its something I need to do.
My family is wonderful my kids are my life I am such a very proud mum my hubby is supportive and loving I am indeed very blessed.
I am now 32 kilos lighter than when i started this journey 2 years ago... it hasnt been easy but its for life this is me now and that isn't going to change I love my riding, boxing and just anything that is exercise. I would love to be able to run but my body just doesn't like it so I do what I can enough for the pink tris.
But my love is cycling... I just love its freedom, just pedalling away pushing yourself hard climbing those hills is just something I so enjoy... without realising coming down a hill I have been known to burst into song..... its just magic. I live in such a beautiful valley the country roads are just so good to ride along there is some traffic but it isn't too bad.
The next stage is riding longer distances I would love to feel confident enough to participate in the brisbane to gold coast ride or to get to south bank one saturday morning and do the 32 k ride along the river.... I dream of having a road bike now I know I could handle it, just need time to work out how I can get one.... there are so many other things need doing around here first....but I will get that bike one day. For now my hybrid gives me life and freedom.....
I suppose I could keep blogging here for ages... I will come back and do more because hbc to me now is something that isn't giving me what I want.... I feel so isolated from the girls.. they all meet up so often now and I just can't get there... so I am lost.. Good news though is a local lady Linda wants to ride with me so we are going to work on that, hopefully good weather tomorrow and we shall have our first ride.. together ....
Thanks for a good friend in Bekkles who said for me to start a blog. so she can keep track of me and my rides..... hope you enjoy my efforst Bek as I enjoy yours... happy reading..
This is a place about me and my journey in making me the best I can be... its time for me now to get my life where I want it to be.... I want to have time for me, I wonder if that is being selfish or wrong but I just feel its something I need to do.
My family is wonderful my kids are my life I am such a very proud mum my hubby is supportive and loving I am indeed very blessed.
I am now 32 kilos lighter than when i started this journey 2 years ago... it hasnt been easy but its for life this is me now and that isn't going to change I love my riding, boxing and just anything that is exercise. I would love to be able to run but my body just doesn't like it so I do what I can enough for the pink tris.
But my love is cycling... I just love its freedom, just pedalling away pushing yourself hard climbing those hills is just something I so enjoy... without realising coming down a hill I have been known to burst into song..... its just magic. I live in such a beautiful valley the country roads are just so good to ride along there is some traffic but it isn't too bad.
The next stage is riding longer distances I would love to feel confident enough to participate in the brisbane to gold coast ride or to get to south bank one saturday morning and do the 32 k ride along the river.... I dream of having a road bike now I know I could handle it, just need time to work out how I can get one.... there are so many other things need doing around here first....but I will get that bike one day. For now my hybrid gives me life and freedom.....
I suppose I could keep blogging here for ages... I will come back and do more because hbc to me now is something that isn't giving me what I want.... I feel so isolated from the girls.. they all meet up so often now and I just can't get there... so I am lost.. Good news though is a local lady Linda wants to ride with me so we are going to work on that, hopefully good weather tomorrow and we shall have our first ride.. together ....
Thanks for a good friend in Bekkles who said for me to start a blog. so she can keep track of me and my rides..... hope you enjoy my efforst Bek as I enjoy yours... happy reading..
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