Dieting, and more importantly why... Lymphoma Association?

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. 

Confused?

OK, a week later and I have learnt plenty about cycling but I'm also left with many more questions!
I started with a visit to a major chain store (the orange one) to buy some essentials (Spare inner tube, etc....) I received no help whatsoever from their staff, it seemed that simply asking them to help me carry my pushchair up the stairs to see the cycling gear made me too high maintenance. Needless to say I walked out without spending a penny and I have vowed to never walk back into the place again. After lots of Internet research and the help of some forums I managed to make some sense of what seems like hundreds of numbers on one inner tube box, and I hope I've ordered the correct ones. I have a puncture repair kit, which thanks to my dad I already know how to use.And I had a pump, but somehow managed to lose this from my bike frame on the first time of taking it out.

In summary the main lessons and questions that this week has generated.....

1. Even at 30, I'm still scared of the dark.....I'd much rather be on a busy road than a poorly lit cycle path.
2. I hate tow paths
3. I hate muddy tow paths even more
4. Why can't some motorists allow a tiny bit more space?
5. Why do I have to be a size 12 to be able to buy some padded shorts?

and finally

6. What on earth should I put on my bike chain after hosing my bike down? Seriously the mention of WD-40 seems to generate quite a debate!    

How it began...

I always get tearful when watching the London Marathon. Year after year I am touched by the stories, whether these be the reason why people are running, the obstacles that they have overcome and then the look of total satisfaction when these people cross the finish line. Inspired by these sights each year I insist that I'm going to give it a go. Years later I have wasted a ridiculous amount of money on gym membership, I own  a treadmill that makes for a useful shelf in the garage and have I completed my first marathon?
Of course I haven't. I can't run, it's hard and despite people telling me that it quickly gets easier I realise that the truth is I don't enjoy it.... in fact I hate it!

Last year the School in which I teach held an Olympic day and we were fortunate enough to have Ian Leech take an assembly. He had been a Torchbearer and him bringing it in to show us was quite an event for staff and pupils alike. Ian's story was truly inspirational to me and you can read more by following the link, he also reminded me of the fact that I used to love to cycle.

That day I got home and with the help of Google I found the event for me.... Nightrider! This has everything that I need. A distance that is enough of a challenge for me, an interesting route and at the time it was also far enough in the future for me to be able to give birth first!

So now we're in January and I've done it, I've signed up and even got myself a new bike (thanks to all the people who sent me money for my 30th birthday for that).

This blog should see me through the journey of losing weight, getting fit and completing Nightrider in the name of  the Lymphoma Association. I recommend that you follow the link www.mad4mel.co.uk to find out why I am riding for this charity. Ian's words on this matter are much better than mine could ever be.