Dieting
My plan was always to begin dieting again after having my little girl. But as I had started my cycling, I though that this would mean that a strict diet wouldn't be necessary. After no change in weight over the space of 3 weeks (in fact I think I actually put weight on!) I have rejoined Slimming World. This is a diet that I have done successfully before, it's great because you are able to lose weight but still eat (always a bonus!). *I should add that they haven't paid me to say that. * More importantly I don't need to deprive myself of carbs, which I feel are going to be crucial to me over the coming weeks.
Training
After being out of action for a little while due to a combination of snow and illness, I'm back on the training plan. I completed my longest cycle to date yesterday of about 13 miles and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I vowed when I got home that I would check out any routes more in the future, because I wasn't prepared for some of the climbs en route! But the truth is that I really shouldn't give myself opportunity to talk myself out of these tougher challenges. During the longer climb that I faced yesterday, at one point I was really struggling but I was really well supported by some lovely fellow cyclists as they came speeding past me- I realised quite what a lovely and friendly community I am becoming part of. I am also proud to say that I'm not aching today, so does that mean that I need to push myself further in future?!
Why Lymphoma Association
I’ve
chosen to support Lymphoma Association for a few reasons. Mainly the fact that my
inspiration to begin cycling came from Ian Leech. He is the father of a
previous student at the school that I teach. He is an inspirational man who
lost his beautiful daughter Mel to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma when she was just 21
years of age. I could talk forever about the amazing work that he does, if you’re
interested you can find out more at www.mad4mel.co.uk. The facts in short are that Lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer. It is most common in those aged
under 30 or over 55. The fact that this affects so many youngsters is what
really struck a cord with me, an example being the beautiful Alice Pyne who won
a Pride of Britain award last year. Having spoken to some of those affected by
the illness there is no doubt that the work that Lymphoma Association does in
invaluable. The charity provides support for the sufferer, their family and
even the specialist nurses. I hope to hear more from those who have been touched by this wonderful charity as my journey progresses.
