How to Lose a Belly When You're 42 (part 40)

Monday
10st 5lbs
With poor Eric still in hospital, there was no chance for any exercise today. I still managed to cycle to work and back before we set off to visit him. I'm pleased to report that he was sitting up in bed, cracking jokes and discussing Game of Thrones with us. It seems that he might not have to have surgery after all. Phew.
Home at about 9pm for a feast of a 3 egg omelette and a tin of beans on toast!
No junkfood, no booze, no exercise.

Tuesday
I cycled to work and back. Martha and I went along to dojo. As you may remember from part 38, we have entered a karate competition next month in an effort to restore Martha's enthusiasm for martial arts. Tonight, it was the first squad training session! Only those who had entered the competition were allowed to train with Sensei Julian Cunningham. There were about 14 of us being put through our paces. It was a purely kumite-focused lesson which was a little disappointing for those of us aiming for gold in the kata, but it was still an inspiring session. I was partnered with black belts for the whole hour which is great experience in itself.
No booze, no junkfood.


Wednesday
In the morning, I had some blood tests done at the local surgery and then headed off to work. In the evening, I did a strong weight lifting session inspired by some Meshuggah tracks! I lifted heavier than I have since my injury in March.
No junkfood, no booze.


Thursday
I cycled in to work. This afternoon, I did a martial arts based warm-up with the Sports group and then set up a circuit with them. We did press-ups, tricep dips, leg raises, battle rope, medicine ball squats, skipping rope, bench step-ups, punching focus pads, punching a heavy bag, and jumps over mini-hurdles. We did 30 seconds on each activity and we went round twice! After that, I organised a press-ups in one minute competition. I won with 68 press-ups in 60 seconds. The lad in second place managed 40. I'm not suggesting these teenagers aren't as strong or as fit as I am - what they seem to be lacking is the ability to suffer a bit of discomfort and the desire to push through to better themselves. I will be trying to develop these qualities in them over the next eight months.
I cycled home and then set off on my weekly 10K run. The cycling and circuit-training served as a very good warm up and I felt strong tonight. I set a time of 61 minutes and 38 seconds which is reasonably fast for me!
Back at home, Lucy had prepared a wonderfully healthy dinner of fish, vegetables and brown rice. I'm living like an athlete today!
No junkfood, no booze.

Friday
I cycled in to work. In the afternoon I had a call from a doctor. My blood tests came back fine (apart from cholesterol) but my ECG results have diagnosed me with Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block. Now, the words 'incomplete' and 'block' aren't the kind of words you want to hear when associated with your heart so it was a bit of a shock. I asked her to say it again, which she did! She then explained that I could carry on with the Tommy Godwin challenge and that I should keep exercising. I have an appointment with a cardiologist in about 6 weeks time.
I tried to refocus for the rest of the afternoon and not fixate on my dodgy heart finding.
After work, I rode 15 gentle miles and then enjoyed a night out of curry and beer with Lucy, Jonnie and Sally! What would my cardiologist say!?

Saturday
Up early for a busy day. I took some parcels to the post office and then went toy shopping for a 3 year old's birthday! After a quick visit with Jonnie, I returned home for lunch and then set about fixing a radiator cover to the kitchen wall. I jumped in the shower at 2 and then took part in the 3pm karate session at the Village Hotel.
It was the hardest session I've done since the days when I trained with Sensei Paul Hexley 13 years ago! Sensei Mark led this basics and kata session and he really pushed us. I was expected to do combinations at full speed with no rest in between. I was okay at first, but the more tired I got, the more my combinations got mixed up. It was exhausting. By the end of it, I was bright red, with sweat running down my face.
I tried not to think about my heart!
After that, Lucy and I went to the birthday party with Sally, Harry and Jess.
I dropped Tilly and Amy at the NEC to see a Korean rapper.
At home, I had a beer with dinner and then picked up Tilly and Amy at 11pm. I finally got to bed at midnight.
No junkfood.

Sunday
The day of the Tommy Godwin Challenge! Jonnie arrived at 8:40 and by 9 we were spinning the pedals out towards the Solihull Hospice. Unfortunately, my bro was unable to join us due to a bout of manflu. We met Nigel, Young Chris and Cheesey Pete, and then found we were standing on the wrong side of the start line! We hurried to the back of the queue and had quite a long wait to get going.

About to set off for the start line.

Straining at the leash...

We were extremely lucky with the weather and as the day went on, the sky brightened and it started to feel like summer again. As usual, there were all manner of bikes out on the ride. We saw tandems, mountain bikes, hybrids and steel-framed classics. The first half of the ride was a delight with plenty of quiet country lanes to roll along. Chris and Pete set a good pace and eventually disappeared up the road. That left the three amigos pushing along just like any other Sunday. Jonnie was on a charge and it took some protests from both Nigel and myself to get him to ease up! We learned that the secret was substituting his usual marmalade for damson jam at breakfast! As we started to near the halfway point, Nigel went on a breakaway and we didn't see him again until the feed station at 31 miles!
It turns out that Pete and Chris had gone to the wrong feed station and they eventually rolled in behind us. After some bananas and tea, we set off together into the lanes. 

An example of the quiet lanes on the first half of the route.

Cooling off the feet.

The second half was on some considerably busier roads than we'd seen previously. However, it also included some great climbing! I got stuck into Astwood Bank, managing to close the gap on Pete but failing to get anywhere near Chris. The lads decided to park up and wait for Nigel and Jonnie but, in danger of cramping, I decided to roll on at a gentle average and let them catch me. So I rolled on, keeping the speed at around 13mph...and I rolled on alone for 8 miles before Pete and Chris caught me but there was still no sign of my regular riding buddies! Eventually, at the 51 mile point, I pulled over and waited. Nigel and Jonnie weren't far behind and it transpired that Jonnie had taken a wrong turn earlier which explained why they hadn't caught me.
We rode on together into the sunshine on familiar lanes. As we returned to Solihull, the chaos all the riders were causing to traffic was quite obvious. It was all a bit moody on the roads, particularly with the BMW and Range Rover drivers charging past on blind corners. (It was also obvious that I need a new saddle. The second-hand one that I've been using since the original broke is simply not comfortable over longer distances. I was in considerable discomfort in the last ten miles.)
Nigel went on a charge over the last couple of miles but he waited for us at the end. We crossed the finishing line together with a time of 5 hours and 43 seconds. We had covered 63 miles at 14.5mph.
We then limped back to my place where Jonnie had a mishap with a kerb. We refreshed ourselves with beer, crisps and hummus.

The Weekend Warriors were victorious. 

Jonnie left after 2 beers but Nigel stayed with me watching old rock videos and drinking ales until he was thoroughly refreshed!
Another highly enjoyable, well organised ride. We'll be back again next year.

(You can read Nigel's review of the ride on his blog Diary of a Mamil.)

How to Lose a Belly When You're 42 (part 39)

Monday
I managed to cycle to work and back today - I borrowed the car from Lucy in the afternoon to make the journey to the other campus.
I'd read that weight training can help with high cholesterol so I took to the bar with much gusto. I lifted heavier than I have since my injury in March. Afterwards, I was aching quite badly and it was an effort to hobble around the kitchen to make dinner!
Tonight, Lucy and Sally attended a Couch to 5K training session in a local park. Lucy returned looking very healthy and pleased with herself. I really hope she sticks to it because the sense of achievement when you get when you reach your fitness goals is hard to beat!
No junkfood, no alcohol

Tuesday
Cycled to work and back. Martha and I attended dojo and were put through our paces by Sensei Julian Cunningham. It was an intensive basics training session with Sensei taking the time to correct those whose technique needed to be adjusted. Drinks breaks were reduced to 10 seconds and then you were expected to be back on the line and ready to go again. Just like the old days! Unfortunately, the pace was too high for Martha and she sat out for the last 10 minutes. She is aware that she has been entered for a competition next month and I'm sure she'll work hard to get ready for that.
In the evening, I sipped two beers in front of the TV with the family.
No junkfood.

Wednesday
10st 5lbs
Resting Heart Rate: 43
Cycled to work and back. Tonight was the last ever D&D session with my players. Three of them start university very soon so won't be able to attend our weekly sessions. I ended the campaign with a climatic confrontation with a dracolich (Night Dragon) followed by a look into each character's future and how they eventually met their end! It was all a bit emotional so the players recovered with homemade chocolate mousse which I managed to resist! The game and celebrations ran over a little and by the time I got home from dropping them all off it was after 10pm. I couldn't find the energy to do my planned weight lifting session.
I drank a cup of tea, played some Minecraft, went to bed at 11 and slept like a baby.
(Lucy went for a run tonight - I really hope she enjoys getting into exercise!)
No junkfood, no alcohol, no exercise.

Thursday
Cycled in to work. In the afternoon, I took the sports group on our planned 2 mile run. One of the lads, whippet thin and full of energy, set a good time of under 18 minutes. Another fella, a former weight lifter who is now, by his own admission, rather overweight, struggled round in 31 minutes. I ran with him and was there when he was retching in a bush with the effort! The other lads made a very disappointing show and spent most of their time waking and talking. I have a lot of work to do with them!
I cycled home, got changed, and set off on my proper run. Unfortunately, I had left my phone at work and so couldn't Strava my 10K tonight. I used my stopwatch and finished in 62 minutes and 52 seconds. I felt strong for the first 4 and half miles and then it was just pain to the end.
At home, I discovered that Lucy had been booze shopping! I sipped a glass of cava after my run and then had 2 ales with dinner.
No junkfood.

Friday
Cycled to work and back. After work, I had an ECG at the local surgery - just to keep an eye on me after I reported some strange sensations in the chest recently. They're just being overly cautious.
In the evening, Martha and I attended the advanced karate class. Sensei Ronnie was away running a grading session at Stratford but I was glad to see Sensei Mark had taken his place. Sensei Mark once said that he 'hates teaching' and would rather train. I don't believe a word of it - tonight, he once again proved himself to be a highly motivated and passionate instructor who always expects the best from his students. Great session.
Home for homecooked dinner and a cup of tea before bed.
No junkfood, no alcohol.

Saturday
Up early for a healthy breakfast. Jane the cakemaker arrived shortly afterwards and then Lucy and the dogs piled into the car with us and we set off for Sutton Park. We were joining Jonnie and Sally and their family to take part in the 2017 Birmingham Memory Walk raising money for the Alzheimer's Society. Please take a look at our Justgiving page.
We arranged to meet at 9:30 and Lucy, Jane and I were concerned that we were 10 minutes late because of traffic. We got to the start point where we were subjected to sugar-sweet pop hits and an overly-enthusiastic MC. And then it started to rain! We waited until we were soaked through before deciding to buy some plastic ponchos (blue bin liners!) All they did was seal the moisture in!
Unfortunately, we had to wait for some family members who turned up two and half hours late. We had missed the official mass start by an hour and by now I was shivering and miserable and my feet were just blocks of ice. At least it had stopped raining.
Eventually, we set off and were surprised to find that we were still surrounded by crowds of people as we strolled through Sutton Park. The mass start must have been a real crush! I hadn't realised how crowded it would be - I had brought the dogs with me and Freddie was having a tough time of it on the lead. I had hoped that he'd have a bit more space to run around in.
Anyway, the 5K walk was very pleasant and the weather was gradually becoming warmer. It was a strange sensation: the top half of me was beginning to sweat whereas my feet were still completely numb with cold wrapped in soaking wet socks.
By the time the walk was over, everyone was in fine spirits and the medals finally put a smile on my face.

The Cakemaker and me with our medals

We got in the car and queued up to get out of the park.
Later on, I did a weight lifting session before dinner and then headed out with Jane and Lucy to the Fieldhouse. We experienced the majesty that was DJ Penny on the decks, spinning our favourite tunes from the 70s and 80s. Her assistant, DJ Nigel, spent the hour cutting shapes on the dancefloor! 
No junkfood, three ales.

Sunday
Unfortunately, a family member was taken ill and went to hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning. This meant that I had to miss out on this morning's cycle. Nigel and Jonnie did 24 hilly miles without me. 
I managed to cram in yet another weight lifting session in the evening when we got back from the hospital. I allowed myself three beers and some trifle after dinner.


Another acceptable week of training with the weight heading in the right direction.

How to Lose a Belly When You're 42 (part 38)

Monday
Weight: 10st 7lbs
I have to teach at two different sites on Mondays so I can't really cycle. It's not the distance that's the problem, it's the transporting of folders and workbooks etc.
Anyway, it was a pretty miserable day at work and I was glad to get home. I did a weight lifting session and blasted out some Cradle of Filth. I lifted heavier than last week and was pleased to find that it was a lot easier! Mouse and her mate Hydro came to hang out with me for a while which cheered me up too.
I cooked a healthy Mexican scrambled eggs (loads of vegetables) with homemade potato wedges.
I had a cup of tea while watching the new series of Preacher.
No junkfood, no booze.

Tuesday
Another testing day at work but at least I got to commute on the bike today. I rode in to work in the rain but the mud guards on the Raleigh worked wonderfully.
Tonight, Martha and I attended dojo. Sensei Gary led us through a fairly intense fighting lesson. I was running with sweat by the end of it! Just what I needed.
After conversations with Sensei Gary and Sensei Jody, Martha and I have decided to enter both kata and kumite competitions in Wolverhampton next month. I don't expect to do very well in the fighting, but how else can I gain that sort of experience?
Back at home, I ate healthily but drank a few beers to Mom in the evening.
No junkfood.

Wednesday
Cycled to work and back. In the evening, I went out for my weekly 10K run. Unfortunately, it was a slower time than last week: 64m 42s. I still have 7 months to get my time under an hour ready for the Birmingham 10k so I'm not too worried!
No junkfood, no alcohol.

Thursday
I cycled in to work on the race bike today. For the ride home, I put my Lycra on and did some extra miles. I ended up doing a slow 15 miles after work.
I went to see my doctor this evening and she's a bit concerned about my cholesterol: it's 6.4. However, she says the ratio of good and bad cholesterol (high density and low density Lipoprotein) is fine. She's going to test me again in six months time.
She started talking about ways to lower my cholesterol such as cutting down on chips and not eating prawns. I explained that I don't eat much fatty food, but I do have a weakness for beer and homemade cake. "You'll have to cut out the beer and cake," she said.

I looked her in the eye: "But I'll become depressed," I explained.

"Maybe some cake one weekend and then the next weekend you could have half a pint of beer." She saw the look on my face and quickly added: "...or a pint."

I exhibited great self control by not bursting into tears.

I don't think I said anything. 

She then gave me a pair of leaflets about cholesterol and I found myself outside in the rain. 

I went home and drank two beers.

What have I done to myself?

Friday

Cycled to work. Tried not to fixate on the thought of thick globs of cholesterol squeezing themselves through my arteries while I tried to teach. Cycled back home.

I attended Sensei Ronnie's advanced karate class. It was a superb lesson focused on kumite. I didn't have to spar with any lower grades and I actually got to fight three different black belts. I managed to get a couple of decent hits in but I'm fairly sure they were taking it easy on me.

I went home feeling good.

After dinner, I sipped a month's worth of beer allowance (2 bottles of bitter) and fell asleep watching the Vuelta.

Saturday
10st 6lbs

Up early for some peanut butter on crumpets. Are peanuts high in cholesterol? Fuck knows.
After a relaxed start to the morning, I did some vacuuming and then took the dogs round the park. I got back home just before a really heavy rain downpour. I'm glad we decided to ride tomorrow and not today!
I did a bit of ironing while watching Star Trek: Voyager (what a corker of a show!) then had a sickeningly healthy lunch of tuna on dry toast while Lucy enjoyed cheese, crispbread and soup!
This afternoon's karate session was led by Sensei Mark. It was a superb session, covering basic techniques followed by a breakdown of kata. I was soggy with sweat by the end. Just what I needed!
Back to the house for some homemade curry and two beers with some visitors from Wilmcote.
Lucy watched Strictly Come Dancing so I drank tea and listened to Nine Inch Nails and PWEI in the mancave.

Sunday
Nigel was gathering strength at home today and so was unable to make the ride. I turned up at Jonnie's dressed for bad weather: knee warmers, base layer and a rain jacket! We set off at a good rate after deciding to ride the Stratford 48 route as preparation for the Tommy Godwin Challenge ride on the 24th. After 15 miles, we hurled ourselves up Billesley Manor and Jonnie remarked that it felt a little easier than the last few times we'd done it. Could we be getting fitter?
We cruised down through Binton and then bobbed along through Luddington at a good pace (around 20mph.) I applied the pressure along the Ridgeway to Wilmcote and arrived for cake after 25 sweaty, satisfying miles.
I tucked into a huge slice of homemade cake and tried to ignore thoughts of cholesterol and blocked arteries. I followed that with a banana and a cup of tea.
Back in the lanes, we climbed up to Snitterfield, Norton Lindsey and then up the Widowmaker in Langley. On the way, we crossed paths with an organised club race. I tried to stay with a couple of riders up a hill. I managed to stay on their wheels for about 20 seconds before I was dropped!
We decided to take a couple of detours to turn the Stratford 48 route into a Stratford 50 route. Back at Jonnie's, we sipped beers and compared Strava results. I was pleased to see I'd set a new PR over the two climbs at Preston Bagot.
Ride: 51 miles at 14.5mph
I pedalled home to walk the dogs after devouring the rest of last night's homemade curry.
In the evening, I treated myself to apple pie and ice cream and a few beers while watching a film with the girls.

So yes, I'm very concerned about my cholesterol and will have to make some changes regarding my alcohol intake. Trouble is, I've been asking myself what would a life without beer would be like. I can't imagine it would be much fun. Could I socialise when all my family and friends are enjoying a drink? What would be my reward after a week at work? Once I increase the exercise and make my diet healthier, I'll be interested to see what my cholesterol levels are like in six months time.

How to Lose a Belly When You're 42 (part 37)

Monday
It's a bank holiday and the weather is gorgeous!
In the morning, I gave a second coat of paint to the four dining chairs in the back garden. I worked without a shirt on and ended up getting sunburn on my shoulders and the back of my neck (although I didn't realise this yet.)
After a banana for lunch, I jumped on to the bike at about 2pm. This was my fourth ride in as many days and my legs felt like lead weights. It was one of those rides when you're almost convinced that the brakes must be sticking. I just couldn't get up to speed! I can't blame it all on the heat - I'm simply not as fit as I used to be.
Most worrying was the noise coming from the bike. A well-serviced bike should be silent (loud rear hubs are an exception) but I could definitely detect a sort of rubbing/whirring noise coming up from my machine. I'm half convinced that it's the bottom bracket. However, with the bike upside down and spinning the pedals, I couldn't hear a thing.
By the time I got to Wilmcote I was a sweaty tired mess and my average was an embarrassing 13.9mph. I restored myself with another banana, some homemade cake and a terrible cup of tea. After re-tuning Jane's car stereo, I clambered back on the Specialized determined to get the average back above 14mph.
I tried to keep the pressure on during the ride home but often caught myself daydreaming in the quiet heat of the lanes. I woke up at the foot of the Danzey Green Lane Climb and laid down the V. I managed to get a gold cup on Strava!
High Cross route solo: 35.7mph at 14.2mph.
Back at home, I applied the final coat of paint to the chairs while sipping a beer.
They may have been a couple more beers and some chocolate ice cream after dinner...

Tuesday
I was on the late enrolment shift today so I had the morning to myself. I took the opportunity to do an hour's lifting. I lifted heavier than I have since March, but still not a heavily as I did before my injury. The arm was still painful during light curls.
After my second breakfast, I jumped on my bike and cycled in to work. I was very sluggish on the bike today - I'm not sure if this is because I've done 4 bike rides in 4 days, or because of the lifting session this morning. Probably a combination of both.
I cycled home at 7pm and had a healthy dinner.
No junkfood, no alcohol

Wednesday
Cycled to work and back and then did a lifting session before dinner. I lifted ever so slightly heavier than yesterday.
I'm still eating healthily but I'm getting really hungry. I had a bowl of Shreddies before bed!
No junkfood, no alcohol.

Thursday
I jumped on the scales this morning and was disappointed to learn that since I rebooted my training 10 days ago I've actually put weight ON! I tried to convince myself that it was muscle!
Oh well. I cycled in to work determined to do better.
After a day of healthy eating and being hungry, I cycled home and got ready for this week's 10K run. I set off quite prepared to lope round in 68 minutes or so but soon realised that I was travelling faster than that. At the half way point I was still on for a decent time (for me) so I dug in a little bit to try to maintain it. I eventually finished, feeling strong, with a time of 62m 55s. A slow time for most people, but a decent time for a little fat bloke who hates running!
After dinner, I accidentally sipped most of a bottle of red wine.
No junkfood.
In the evening, I was flicking through Facebook before I went to bed and I came across an advert for Go Sober for October raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Without really thinking about it too much, I signed up! I'm excited about raising money for MacMillan and about what a month without alcohol will do for my health and fitness. All I need now is to reach my £100 target. You can help me to get there by donating through my Soberhero profile here. Thanks!
I think that going a month without even a sip of my beloved real ale will prove harder than any of my sponsored runs or cycle rides. Wish me luck!

Friday
September. I will be 43 this month. It's highly unlikely that I'll lose my belly in 4 weeks so I guess I failed to meet the target I set for myself when I named this blog. Oh well, the only sensible thing to do is try harder and rename it How to Lose a Belly When You're 43...
After a terrible night's sleep, I cycled in to work, ate healthily, cycled home and then went to dojo. It was a fighting based lesson where I was eventually partnered with Martha. It was a slow technical lesson that didn't really get going so I didn't break a sweat. I'm sure it was very good for the development of my Karate skills, but I do prefer fast and furious lessons!
Home for a healthy vegetarian pasta dinner followed by 2 bottles of ale.
No junkfood

Saturday
A full-on training day. I started by taking the dogs out for a walk in the lovely warm sunshine. After a light lunch, I went to the afternoon Karate session at the Village Hotel in Shirley. Sensei Mark was covering the class for Sensei Gary. He started off with a mostly old-school lesson working on basic fighting techniques concentrating on covering distances. At the end, we did some heavy bag work - something we definitely don't do enough of! The only blemish to a good afternoon's training was some random bloke who put on a pair of boxing gloves and started pacing up and down at the back of our dojo! One of the black belts suggested he wait outside so he stood just outside the doorway watching us. Strange chap.
I ate healthily all day. I cooked lamb's liver for dinner. Liver is actually classed as a superfood, it's so good for you! I also had some lovely green beans fresh from Lucy's garden. Awesome training food!
In the evening, I had nothing stronger than tea.
No junkfood, no booze.

Sunday
I woke up very excited, like a kid on Christmas Day! Today was going to be full of mates, bikes, cakes and beer. Some of very favourite things!
Dan and Fast Ant arrived just after Russ, and after handshakes all round we headed off to call for Jonnie. There has been much discussion about what to wear on today's ride because the weather promised to be very changeable. Fast Ant, probably the most experienced road cyclist of the lot of us, was dressed like a complete noob: two cotton shirts and some canvas shorts! Most of us opted for two layers (base layer and jersey) and Jonnie sensibly added a rain jacket too.
Jonnie was still feeling the effects of a very necessary marathon drinking session at the weekend and started cautiously. I was cold so I was pushing up the average from the word go in an effort to get warm. Jonnie soon cruised past me as soon as we started descending, however! By the time we reached Ullenhall we decided to relax the pace a little and the chatting started. 
Unfortunately, not long after that, the rain started. This made my descending even worse as it has been quite a while since I'd ridden on wet roads. I struggled to stay on the wheels on the approach to the Purity Brewery but as soon as the road turned upwards I could catch up.
The road through Binton is a steady climb for 1.5 miles. I got on the front and dragged the lads up there and I'm pleased to report that we got some gold Strava cups for our efforts. By now, we were riding in the wind and rain and really looking forward to some tea and cake! 
The tea stop was most welcome but unfortunately, sitting in wet clothes meant that we got colder instead of warming up. It had been Dan's birthday this week and it's Russ' birthday tomorrow. Jane the cakemaker had stuck a candle in her lemon cake by way of celebration. I, of course, had the coffee cake.
It wasn't too long before we were back on the bikes. The first section was downhill and the windchill factor was almost painful through the wet clothes. As Jonnie pointed out, today was one of the few times I'd ridden WITHOUT a rain jacket!
After exerting ourselves on the Gospel Oak Lane climb (0.3 miles, 100ft) we had warmed up sufficiently to enjoy the ride again. We cruised along the High Cross route in reverse while discussing Game of Thrones (the pros and cons of shagging one's auntie.)
Near Claverdon Station, a driver of an old Capri let us know his displeasure with having to share a road with us. A dickhead like that shouldn't be allowed to have a class motor. Soon afterwards, a driver stopped to ask us directions. Jonnie inadvertently sent him in the wrong direction and we set off again.
There is a very steep downhill section from High Cross to the road leading into Lowsonford. I don't like it, especially on wet roads, and I took it very easy today. This meant that I was quite a way off the back when heading up to Lapworth. Jonnie knew that there was no need to wait for me because I'd claw the time back on the hills, but Russ didn't know this and he stopped to see if I was okay! What a nice fella. With lovely bar tape.
Eventually, we were on the approach to Jonnie's place and I reminded everyone that it's traditional to have a sprint for the line! Dan went off very early, I tried to follow and Fast Ant sped off too. Dan made a very good effort but couldn't hold off Fast Ant who won the day. Russ came up alongside me but gave up when he saw the top of the hill (his words!)
We got back to Jonnie's congratulating each other on a grand ride and then set about comparing Strava results whilst drinking Purity ales. 

Energy drinks by Purity

Today, it was obvious that Fast Ant is still the fastest and fittest road cyclist I know. Dan has lost none of his strength and speed, and Russ has trained himself into a fine rider. Earlier this weekend, Jonnie had sacrificed his fitness to support a mate going through a dark time. 
And I was just the little guy at the back, loving it as usual!
What was also obvious is that friends can still be good mates even though we don't see each other as often as we used to.

Russ, me, Uncle Jonnie, Deadly Dan, Fast Ant (and Teddy the dog)

Back at home, I refuelled with water and homemade frittata and did an hour of ironing while watching Star Trek Voyager.
Needless to say, the rest of the evening was given over to cake, Lucy's fabulous cooking and beer!