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
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.
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.
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