Week 1 - Restart

 Monday

A restart. A last chance?

I've been here several times before: A blank training log in front of me, a determination that this time will be different, an unshakeable faith in the process...

The first thing to do was weigh myself. I stepped onto the scales ready for a shock - and I got one. I was exactly a stone heavier than the last time I had weighed myself (in February)!

After this sobering discovery, I snapped on some lycra, performed a quick service on the bicycle (lubrication and tyre pressures) and then said good morning to James when he drove up at about 8:50. We agreed it was a chilly start but we expected it to get warmer. I had a base layer and a jersey, James was wearing a thin raincoat over his jersey. 

We set off to Purity. It was a slow ride. We didn't intentionally take it easy, but we were definitely at a chatting pace today. We discussed my stone of excess weight, how I was currently stronger than I had ever been, how I had turned my left ankle in the dojo two days ago, how my left knee was still a problem. I like chatting stuff through with James. He pointed out that, although I was now at the start of a new fitness journey, I was cycling down to Wilmcote for cake!

It was good cake! Coffee and walnut, with a strong cup of coffee to go with it. We found ourselves watching women's football with Eric and Jane. When it went to penalties, we decided it was time to head back out into the lanes. It was warmer now, and James removed his jacket.

We returned via our Honiley Variant route. I don't remember ever riding it in reverse, but I must have because Strava gave me a few cups for it when I got back home. It was a nice route and one we intend to ride again.

Today's cycle: 38 miles at a very pedestrian 13.6mph.

The rest of the day was spent indoors tending to my eBay account. I cooked a healthy dinner for the family (lots of eggs and mushrooms) and tried to remember to drink water. I also tried to resist any more junkfood but couldn't help saying yes when the kids offered me an ice cream Snickers!

Cycling, junkfood, no alcohol

Tuesday

I woke up and stayed in bed for 20 minutes reading a book and sipping water. I realised that I had forgotten to measure my blood pressure yesterday (I always take my blood pressure when starting a new training phase.) I got up and activated my automatic blood pressure monitor: 134/80 with a resting heart rate of 52. Lots to do...

After breakfast, I cycled into work and back. I wasn't there long, only a few minutes to get something I had left in one of my filing cabinets. I travelled on the fast bike. It was raining lightly but there was hardly any wind.

After that, Lucy and I went to the Post Office in Solihull. Still raining.

A little later, We took Fred for a walk in Hay Wood. Yes, it was still raining, but we had waterproofs and walking boots. It was a lovely walk and we didn't see another human being for about an hour!

On the way home, we went to see a friend who had just moved into the area. I connected her washing machine and Lucy and I moved some furniture around for her. Lucy took her shopping, and Fred and I went home.

I scoffed a late lunch. Two hours later, I set about some weight lifting. The walk earlier had proved to me that my ankle and knee were still not fully recovered. I did an hour-long weight training session that focused on arms, shoulders and a bit of core. No squats or deadlifts yet.

Lucy came up with the perfect homemade training dinner - chicken with rice and lots of greens!

Weight training, no junkfood, no alcohol

Wednesday. 

Up at 6:45. After breakfast and some weight training, I drove out to the NEC for some exam invigilation training. I've only ever been to the NEC to attend events such as Common Wealth Games powerlifting or Iron Maiden in concert. In the middle of the day, I was stunned by just how vast it is and how empty it was! I found the room, got talking to a couple of invigilators, and waited for the training to start, Happily, the 2 hour training session only took 45 minutes! Before I knew it, I was back in the car and back home.

Lucy made a lovely dinner and I ate far too much of it. In bed by 10:30.

Weight training, no junkfood, no alcohol

Thursday

Up at 5:45! I was back at the NEC by 7:30. The exam started late, but I was lucky enough to be put in a room with a single candidate (who has medical issues.) I managed to keep still and quiet for 3 hours. I helped tidy up and then I was back in the car by 2:30.

It was a lovely sunny day. When I got home, I jumped on the bike and set off for 15 miles in the countryside. I found it really hard going at first - I was tired and hungry - but after ten miles I started to get into a rhythm and the last few miles were rather enjoyable. 

Then, the sun called me out to the backgarden where I read some comics and drank some beer. Later I was joined by Dodgy Debbie, Luke and Lucy for few more drinks!

In the evening, I manned the barbecue. I cooked chicken thighs which I had been marinating in chilli, garlic, paprika, cumin, olive oil and black pepper for over 24 hours. They turned out lovely!

More Walking Dead later, and then I tried to read a chapter of my book but I was too tired (and tipsy) and didn't make it to the end!

Cycling, no junkfood, beers

Friday

There was no milk, so I cycled to Tesco before breakfast. Then I hung some washing out. A little later, Lucy and set off for Wilmcote to set something up for Jane and Eric. It was a lovely sunny day. On the way home, I dropped Lucy off at Tesco and then took Freddie the dog for a walk in the park. We saw Dave and his dogs while we were there.

Back at home, I got stuck into some weight training. I reintroduced dead lifts today. I reduced the weight dramatically and monitored my form carefully. I am pleased to say that my knee didn't hurt - I intend to get back up the proper weight before Christmas. However, my ankle was a little sore during the reps.

In the evening, Lucy and I walked up to See Jonnie and Sally. The beers were flowing and Jonnie got the barbecue going and made us a lovely dinner. Having had no lunch, I ate rather a lot! 

Lucy and I walked back down the road. We were reading in bed before 11pm!

Weight training, no junkfood, beers

Saturday

I sent the morning drinking lots of water and tending to my eBay account.  After a huge lunch, I cycled along to the dojo to teach my Karate lesson. Again, I had a range of students to teach from a beginner in a white belt right up to black belts. We focused on kata today - I assessed them on Tekki Shodan and one student managed to pass. We ended, as always, by letting loose on the heavy bag!

Disappointingly, back at home, I found myself reaching for a beer at about 6pm. It seems I just can't get out of the holiday mentality.

Karate, no junkfood, booze

Sunday

James, Jonnie and I cycled off into the lanes at 9am despite a light drizzle and a chilly wind. We'd travelled about 2 miles when James's rear tyre punctured. It didn't take him long to replace the tube.

James working hard, Jonnie and I supervising...

After this, the rain became a little heavier, enough to make Jonnie put his raincoat on (I would have done the same had I brought one with me.) Still, it was a warm day and we were in no danger of getting cold. Unfortunately, the rain managed to switch off my rim brakes - they hardly worked at all! This meant I was taking the descents even more gently than usual.

It wasn't long before the rain stopped, we warmed up, my brakes came back, and we began to put a little pressure on the pedals. We travelled along our Petticoat Route and stopped for cake after only 18 miles!

After polishing off a huge slice of coffee and walnut cake (the lads had lemon drizzle) it was back into the lanes for the final 15 miles. James complained of tired legs after his gardening exertions during the week. The lads let me win the sprint in a solo effort up to Jonnie's house.

Home for a lunch of leftover chicken, green beans and spicy noodles.

In the evening, Martha, Lucy and I went to Edgbaston to cheer on the Birmingham Phoenix against the Oval Invincibles. It was a great match with Jamie Smith doing the business with the bat to help us to our first victory of the season.

Rather good seats!

With Martha at the cricket!

Of course there were beers to celebrate, and there were crisps too! Then I got home and found myself eating more leftover chicken at10pm!

Cycling, junkfood, alcohol

Summary

NOT the restart I had in mind. Not to make excuses for myself, but I obviously still feel in holiday mode. With 9 days left before I return to work, let's see if I can find a bit more willpower next week!