Weekend of mixed fortunes

Got up at 5am for my 4-hour ride on Saturday. Did the first 30 mins on the turbo waiting for it to get light (God, I'm weird) and then headed out. Pretty soon realised that I'd been slightly over-ambitious about the weather. The forecast had said sunny and 17 degrees but, in retrospect, I think they may have been talking midday sun. Got to the end of the road and had to turn back for my full gloves.

Half an hour later and suddenly the bright, clear morning turned into something like the heath scene in Macbeth. Heavy and very cold mist and was getting really irritated as my bike lights wouldn't stay on. In the end, I got off and tried to fix them. Living in modern times is superb sometimes as I was able to Google from my phone how to get them working. After a demonstration on You Tube, I set off again but because I'd been stopped for about 15 mins, my body temp had dropped and I soon realised I couldn't feel either feet or my little finger. Decided to abandon ship and head home. I mean, it's probably no secret that I'm rather a fair-weather cyclist but there was literally nothing enjoyable about the time I was having. Got home and Dora was just waking up so had a lovely cuddle and put the electric blanket on. About an hour later, no sign of the mist and it was scorchio. Typical - especially as Chris had to work.

Managed to get a turbo session in in the afternoon in the garden when Dora was sleeping so managed about 2 hours total - 2 hours short of plan. What can you do eh?

Determined to right the wrongs, I decided to go for another chilly experience and headed to the lake this morning. Last year, my first open water swim was the last weekend in April so this was really pushing into virgin territory. Needn't have worried. Very cold for the first 100m or so and then just totally loved it. Did 1500m and felt like I could have done more. Alas, the lake was turning into a water skiing lake at 9 so I had to get out. Love the new venue though - Princes Club - and Dora had a lovely time on the swings and slide so all good.


Just about got my costume dry and then it was off to Dora's swimming which was lovely. Then, this afternoon, we played in the meadow near the house and my friends Liz and John looked after her while I ran for an 1 hr 30. Was scorchio and in parts the towpath was like the Waterloo & City Line but felt OK and at least had fluid with me this time.

So, all in all, a good week. Disappointed I didn't get my long ride done but that's life, I guess. Must do better next week.