Week 35 - Sparring

Monday 26th August

I had two breakfasts this morning, I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's a Bank Holiday?

Today, I decided to refill the firewood boxes. We had burned through three boxes on Saturday evening when we had a barbecue with friends in the back garden. I put my Black and Decker Workmate on the front drive and set about sawing up all the old wood I had lying around in various places. It was lovely working with my hands in the sunshine, listening to some great tunes on the portable speaker. 

When that was done, Lucy and I walked up to Tilly's house to help her with her garden. I put her new lawnmower together and then mowed the small lawn in the back garden. Also in the back garden is a relatively small, gnarled spiky tree. It was possibly a blackthorne, but I can't say with any certainty. Its thorns looked quite dangerous and could easily do a lot of damage if trodden on. Tilly decided that she didn't want the tree - it blocked out the light, was dangerous and simply ugly. I was given a saw, a set of step ladders, safety glasses, and a pair of gloves, and then set to work.

It was a strange feeling cutting down a tree. I didn't enjoy the thought of killing something so essential to life as a tree, as spiky and ugly as this one was. However, I did enjoy the physical labour and working outdoors in the sunshine. 

Once the tree was down, I went home to fetch my workbench and my portable speaker. I got deja vu while I cut the tree into logs and listened to some great music!

Back at home, I did a full hour of weight training. It wasn't my heaviest lift, but it was certainly my heaviest lift so far this year. I really struggled with the military press today, but, although my form suffered, I managed to get the last set of twelve done before moving on to squats.

After this, Lucy served up some fantastic weight training food: chicken, potatoes, salad and tomatoes from the greenhouse. Fantastic! I drank water with dinner and was in bed with a cup of tea by 10:30.

Weight Training

Tuesday

I downed 500ml of water before getting out of bed, got up for a healthy breakfast, leaped onto the road bike, headed off to work and then realised that I had my Karate rucksack on my back and not my work bag. I turned around and headed home... I eventually got to work just before 9am!

I met some lovely students, helped them to enrol on to courses, and then headed off to the college gym. Just like last week, I had it to myself - all the equipment was still set up the way I had left it! I blasted out some heavy tunes and then raced through my back, chest and shoulders routine. Forty minutes later, I was aching mightily and feeling very good about it! I cycled home just as it started to rain.

At home, I got changed and then walked up to Jake and Tilly's place. Tilly, Jane, Lucy, Mouse, Martha and Cassie all got stuck in to Jake's homemade curry. It was a lovely dinner with good company. I steered clear of the naans and the poppadoms, and managed to resist all the lovely deserts on offer. Cassie called me "scrawny".

Back at home, I drank tea and was in bed by 10:40.

College Workout

Wednesday

I cycled in to work. Pushed some paper about, enrolled some students, and then headed to the college gym. I was about a third into my workout when I was joined by a member of staff named Zed - a very positive friendly chap who gets on well with everyone. Without any warm-up, he started shoulder pressing and swinging barbells about. I got to my last exercise - the bench press. I always use the bench at college because I no longer have one at home. I warmed up at 30kg, moved up to 40, then 45 and then got down to business with the last two sets at 50kg. This involved much grunting and a bit of swearing. When I finally got it done, I invited Zed to have a go. While chatting and smiling, Zed loaded an extra 40kg on the bar to bring it up to 90kg. He then proceeded to do three reps. 

I cycled home feeling scrawnier than ever.

I made a healthy protein rich dinner for Lucy and myself, stuck to drinking water, played Minceraft with Mouse and went to bed at 10:30.

College Workout

Thursday

I used the car for work today because I had some parcels to drop off at the Post Office. My knee was aching a bit today. After driving home, I set up my weights for an hour long session.

 Tonight, I concentrated on curls, deadlifts, shrugs and some dumbbell work. Along with 300 bodyweight reps. It was the heaviest session I've managed so far this year. I was aching a bit afterwards! Lucy served up plenty of chicken and rice for dinner, which was perfect recovery fuel. I drank water.

Weight training

Friday

I cycled in to work on the road bike. Good news! Lucy has a new position at the college. It's a promotion, but happily she is still part of the department and I'll continue to work closely with her throughout the year.

After some frantic last-minute planning and paperwork, and some very last-minute enrolment, I was glad to get back on the bike, get home and then get in the dojo! I got there early enough to hit the heavy bag for five minutes before the lesson started. It felt great!

Sensei Gary was in charge tonight. After the warm up, he had Martha and me teaching the lower grades while he took the brown and black belts through some sparring. After a little while trying to get the white belts revved up, I was called over to do some sparring myself.  I honestly can't remember the last time I did any freestyle. The last time I sparred could possibly have been 2023...

In my one and only fight, I was up against arguably one of the best fighters in the club - a very fast and fit young man who works in construction. At first he was backing away from me: he wasn't nervous of me, just my belt. Then he recovered his confidence and took the first point. In the second round, he tried a front foot mawashi which was low and I blocked it with my arm. Unfortunately, Martha was refereeing and she scored it as a Jodan Mawashi Geri which won the young man the fight! He looked at me quizzically and I shrugged. You can't, and must not, argue with the referee. This isn't football.

Martha did really well. It must be at least a year since Martha has done any sparring. However, she looked confident and her opponent was backing away from her. She lost her fights, but she did get in a tremendous kizami zuki Jodan which impressed both Sensei Gary and myself.

After some one-step ippon and then a line up (always enjoyable - I must do this on Saturday!) we went home red-faced and happy. We washed the karategis and then I hung them out to dry.

Dinner was a fantastically hot beef chilli with plenty of water!

Karate

Saturday

A visit to the post office. On the way there, I saw Mark and Jane. I offered to sell Mark's old Specialized for him (now that he has a brand new Trek!) After the post office, I carried on to the shop to try to find some cycling glasses with clear lenses which would be suitable for winter/night commuting. I tried Halford's, the middle of Lidl, TK Max and Mountain Warehouse, but they didn't have any. I found some at Sports Direct but they wanted £49.99! I cycled home.

After some ironing while watching the cricket, Lucy and I drove up to Jonnie and Sally's place for a family get together. It was a very pleasant time and Jonnie was very busy with the barbecue. I had to leave before the food was served because I had my Saturday Karate class to teach!

We had a great session this afternoon: about a dozen students all getting ready for their next grading. It was a kumite lesson. I started with the white-belt syllabus and intended to work my way up to the brown belt drills. Sensei Gary arrived and asked to look at the kata! It was like an Ofsted inspection. My group did their best with kata but there were some students who still have some work to do to bring their kata up to standard. Alter Sensei Gary left, we continued with our kumite drills. 

At one point, I had to stop the class to discuss the necessary attitude required. They seemed rather hesitant or reluctant to actually make contact during the fighting drills. I explained that it was necessary to 'hit' their training partners during kumite, especially as they progressed up the belts. We carried on, but I failed to notice any improvement. It's an area we need to work on.

Back at the party, I had a few beers with family and friends before Lucy and I walked home to watch an episode of the excellent 'Sherwood' on BBC.

Karate, beers

Sunday

I woke up with a bit of a sore head! I had an aspirin, lubricated my bicycle, and then headed off to join the lads. Mark, Jonnie, James and I rode our 'flat 40' - The Honiley Route. Jonnie seemed the most spritely this morning and took the lead for the first few miles, After the Horrible A Road Bit, Mark and I rode on the front in full chatting mode. It was a lovely day for it, bone dry with a friendly wind. We were cruising along well above 15mph. Upon reaching the Armories, I got on the front as usual and declared "All aboard!"... but then nothing happened. I suddenly felt rather ropey and didn't feel up to putting the effort in. James must have noticed this as he immediately volunteered to take over. I tried to stick it out for a while, but then gratefully took him up on his offer, dropped down the line and got on the back.

We got to Wilmcote with a still decent average speed of 15.4mph. The weather was good and we sat outside eating the excellent homemade cake. I felt a bit better by now and even felt up to taking a selfie:

James didn't get the memo about wearing shades to eat cake.

On the way back, I felt okay, but definitely wasn't up to racing up hills. James came past me in the sprint like I wasn't there!

In the evening, I did some ironing, watched cricket (England crushing Sri Lanka) and drank a few ales. I spent an hour, degreasing Mark's old bike ready to put it up on eBay. Lucy served up an excellent homemade chicken pie.

Cycling: 39+ miles, junkfood, beers

Week 34 - Back to the Blog

Well, it's been a marvellous summer break. We had a family holiday in Aberdovey (11 of us!), I got loads of DIY done, and I've enjoyed many fabulous bike rides and Karate sessions. I've also enjoyed a lot of beer! 

Throughout the two months, I have tracked my fitness 'progress' but haven't felt inclined to write up this blog. However, with the return to work imminent, I thought now would be a good time to update the blog and to keep a public record of how I build on my fitness as I approach 50.

Monday 19th August

Today, Martha, Lucy and I went over to Wilmcote to get some work done for Jane and Yvonne. I spent about two hours trying to fit a new bolt to the shed doors (after they had been damaged by some extreme car driving earlier in the year.) Then I was up the ladders for some tree surgery. Lucy and Martha were busy at Yvonne's with similar garden duties.

I was glad to get home to scoff a Scotch egg (for protein, obviously) before hurling some weights about for an hour. I managed to get through all 6 exercises (including deadlifts and shrugs) as well as 300 reps of bodyweight exercises (dips, press-ups and leg raises). After that, I cooked dinner for the family and drank lots of water.

Weight training

Tuesday

Up early for bacon and eggs with tomatoes from the greenhouse. Today, Lucy and I went to B&Q to buy a new Lawnmower. After that, I went back to B&Q to collect my reading glasses from lost property.

I spent an hour making a mess of putting up a blind in the bathroom. Eventually, I had to take it down and fill the holes I drilled. I'll have another go later in the week...

Tonight's dojo session was a fantastic combination of basics, kata and some ippon kumite with Sensei Ronnie Christopher in charge. It was a mid-paced session with attention to detail so I didn't get too sweaty. It was a very useful session, particularly for developing Nijushiho. I was lucky enough to have Sensei Joey for a partner and he kept me under pressure throughout.

My left knee was aching by the end of the hour.

Back home for two huge bowls of spaghetti bolognese!

Karate

Wednesday

The knee was worryingly painful this morning. I strapped it up for the ride into work. When I got to work, I was limping. I left the strap on throughout the day but it didn't seem to get any better. 

It was nice to see the staff again and to talk about our holidays. My mate Michael has obviously been training hard with daily runs up to 10K. He looks fitter than I've ever seen him. Inspirational!

After a day in front of various screens, I took myself off to the college gym. I had the place to myself so I blasted some heavy tunes and did my back, chest and shoulders workout. The only time my knee hurt was when I warmed up for 8 minutes on the treadmill.

I cycled home slowly, with everything aching, but in a good way.

I made a huge chicken and mushroom stir fry for the family, drank lots of water, painted over the filled holes in the bathroom, and was in bed by 10:30.

College Workout

Thursday

I was on a late shift at college today so I didn't have to rush around this morning. After breakfast, I got the drill out and put up the new blind in the bathroom. After this, I jumped on the bike and went into work via the Post Office. I was disappointed to find that my left knee was still aching painfully by the time I got to college.  I was actually limping for the first hour or so. To make matters worse, I had some pain in my right shoulder when sitting at my desk. This is probably a result of the bench presses in the gym yesterday. Or I'm just old.

On the cycle home, I discovered that the transmission on the mountain bike is in its death throes. It was slipping in and out of gear. I spent some time at the side of the road fettling the gears back into place. I nursed the bike home carefully. When I got home, after 7:30pm, I decided a few beers with my dinner were in order.

Alcohol. No exercise.

Friday

I cycled in to work, pushed some papers about and then cycled home. I was using the road bike today - I didn't want to risk riding in on the mountain bike with its dodgy transmission. 

Tonight's Karate session was run by Sensei Jason. I did the warm-up and then he launched us into some fast basics with plenty of emphasis on kime (power and focus.) We ran through Bassai Sho for a while before I took over the beginners group and we hit some pads instead! Jason followed Martha and me home and then Jason and I went off to see MotorKill at the Billesley Rock Club!

Motorkill are a very entertaining band. It was such a shame that only a few people turned out to see them. Not many more than 30 fans were in the upstairs venue.

They deserved a larger audience

I enjoyed a few pints of Guinness while Jason downed gallons of 0% lager! He kindly dropped me home at about midnight.

Karate, Beers

Saturday

My Karate session in the afternoon was also lacking people - only seven attended. However, those seven brought the correct budo attitude with them! The energy was high, everyone was trying their best, and they were fast and strong almost from the very start of the session. This meant that I could spend less time revving them up and more time on their technique. We looked at ushiro geri, Kata Heian Yondan and finished with some ippon kumite. A good session that left me feeling very positive about my Saturday students and put me in a good mood for the rest of the day.

In the evening, We were joined by Dodgy Debbie and neighbours from both sides. I got the fire pit started, poured a glass or two of beer and lit the barbeque. I cranked up the stereo and we argued over what we should listen to (the obvious answer was classic rock) while tucking into chicken, burgers, salmon and sausages. I was mindful of the two lessons I was teaching the next day so I switched to glasses of water after a little while. We all sat around the firepit in the dark until at least 11pm. What a great night!

Karate, Beers

Sunday

In the morning, I drove over to Kenilworth to take the 11am karate class. As usual, I turned up far too early...

The class was a bit chaotic - mainly because the class has several confident young people who are very chatty, ask lots of questions (not necessarily about Karate), and aren't afraid to tell me they are hungry, thirsty or need a sit down! We also found ourselves discussing dead pets and what to ask for when we write to Father Christmas. It was a bit bonkers! At the other end of the dojo, the red belt and the purple belt impressed me and it won't be long before they are ready for grading.

Back at home, I had lunch and a sit down on the couch. I was embarrassed to find myself nodding off in the afternoon like an old man. I'm still in my forties!

Lucy was using the car, so I cycled over to Tudor Grange for the evening session. We had a good number of students turn up including a brand new family (two daughters and their dad.) I stuck to the tried and tested three Ks - Kihon, Kata and Kumite - to make sure the newcomers got a general idea of what Karate at Ruach is all about. I wished I'd had some pads available so they could try some punches and kicks.

Finding the right balance for the lesson was tricky - I had brand new students, white belts, orange, red, green, yellow, brown and black belts! In school terms, it was like having a class of pupils, some of whom can't read or write, and some who were analysing Shakespeare plays. It was a tricky one, but we got through it and everyone seemed to go home happy.

At home, Lucy presented me with a wonderful dinner and I, of course, felt I deserved a couple of glasses of ale!

Karate,  Beers

Week 23 - Mark's First Fifty

Monday

I felt rough all day. I was glad to get home from work so I could put my feet up with a recovery ale! I didn't even consider doing any training.

No exercise, beers

Tuesday

After work, Martha and I headed off to the dojo for a kata masterclass with Sensei Ronnie! We helped out with the lower grades' kata until the last 15 minutes when Sensei Ronnie introduced us to Nijushiho. To me, it seems an awkward kata with lots of stances that aren't clearly defined. Maybe I'll get to like it the more I practise it? Sensei Ronnie informed us that he want us (the Black belts) to be able to cross off (or words to that effect) Nijushiho by next Tuesday. That only give us one week to learn it. I suggested to Martha that we spend 10 minutes a day on it for the next 7 days.

Karate

Wednesday

After lessons, I went along to the college gym and did my usual 40 minute workout focusing on bench presses. Amber, one of the other members of staff, was there doing her cardio work. She was playing the Wedding Present on her phone! It turns out she is also a fan of the band. I connected my phone to the speaker in the gym and we did our workout while we listened to Bizarro by the Wedding Present!

Back at home, I made barbeque and chips for the family. I barbequed chicken breasts, pork belly and a few lamb kebabs. It was my best barbecue yet and the first one without sausages - I'm starting to get the hang of it. Obviously, you can't have barbecue without beer...

College workout, beers

Thursday

Lucy and I stayed at college after lessons so we could help interview students for September. After a quick shop at ALDI, we didn't get home until about 7. I set up my weights and then did a heavy session for an hour while listening to the USA defeat Pakistan in a super over during the T20 World Cup!

We had a late dinner, so I restricted myself to one bowl of spicy pasta before a cup of tea and bed.

Weight training

Friday

Work, work, work.

It was another Sensei Ronnie lesson in the Dojo. We went over Nijushiho. Unfortunately, Martha couldn't train tonight. I had a few beers with my dinner.

Karate, beers

Saturday

A very busy day! In the morning, I did a run. It was a good pace (for me) and I was pleased with the effort. I'm gradually building the distance back up. Today I ran 2.6 miles without slowing to a walk at any point.

Then it was a load of jobs - hanging washing out, doing the washing up, staining some planks of wood for an outside table, stuff like that. In the afternoon, I cycled to my dojo session. It was another quietish lesson where I struggled to get the higher grades motivated. The lower grades are still giving it 100% which is just what we need!

In the evening, I was very sensible and restricted myself to water in readiness for the big bike ride tomorrow morning!

Running, Karate

Sunday

When I woke up at 7, it was a bright morning with bright blue skies and hardly any wind. By the time Mark called for me at 9, it was a chilly, grey windy day! Today, the target was to get Mark's first half century ride (50 miles). Mark, stoically wearing his one layer of Lycra, set off at a startling pace and I did all I could to stay on his wheel. As a result, by the time we got through Wootton Wawen we were cruising at a 15.5mph average!

We had a mix up at the Binton Bends. Mark missed the turn off (he hadn't ridden there before!) and we ended up doing some A road work to bring us back to where we should have been. As soon as we were back on track, we put our heads down, shot along Luddington, and then gritted our teeth up the Ridgeway to arrive in Wilmcote with an average speed of 15.1mph.

The cake was fantastic and the chat was even better. We eventually had to drag ourselves back on to the bikes after a lovely pitstop of 50 minutes! We still had 25 miles to go...

We arrived at the Widowmaker with an average of 15.0mph. After we hit the top, we had an average of 14.9mph. Happily, as soon as we got on the A road out of Langley, we got our 15mph back! We manged to keep it until we got to the Two Towers in Preston Bagot. With 39 miles done, we watched our average speed start to drop down and down as the miles and the gradient took their toll on our legs.

We eventually got home after 50 miles with a very respectable average speed of 14.4mph. Mark did fantastically well in his first half century ride. I'll be happy if I can keep up with him for the rest of the summer!

In the afternoon, I vacuumed, polished the floors, did some ironing, and put the gazebo back in the loft. Then it was time to watch India beat Pakistan in the World Cup. Jane came over for dinner and to watch some tennis.

Cycling, 3 beers, junkfood

Week 22 - Half Term!

Monday

Half term! I clambered on to the bicycle and did 15.6 miles at 14.1mph. After that, I decided I had earned a few ales in the evening.

Cycling, beers

Tuesday

Tonight, as soon as the warm-up was done, the Karate lesson was full-on! The black belts started with ippon kumite work with a partner and things kept getting harder from there! Sensei Russell eventually slowed things down with a bit of kata when it was clear that everyone was very sweaty and blowing hard! One chap overdid things a bit and started to feel ill. The karate family rallied round to make sure he was taken care of.

I took over from Sensei Gary and had a fun 10 minutes with the white belts before the end of the lesson!

Karate

Wednesday

After I went for a morning run and had some breakfast, Lucy and I were away on holiday! We travelled to Ironbridge in Shropshire. It is a beautiful place to be, completely focussed on tourism, but still managing to be relaxed and calm with none of the over the top tackiness of some popular destinations. The bridge itself is very pretty, but not as splendid as the river or surrounding countryside. 

When we got there, we did a tour of the shops and bought a dozen books from a charity shop and local bookstore. I even found a copy of Martial Arts of the Orient featuring Master Enoeda! We had lunch at a very relaxed and pleasant cafe. After depositing our luggage (and all those books!) in the room, Lucy and I set off on a walk on the other side of the river through the Benthall Edge woods. We found one track rather challenging because of the steep muddy climbs involved. We turned back and settled on a flat path through the woods along the river bank. We had the place to ourselves!

The view from the other side

Benthall Edge woods

After half a beer and a sit down, we went back to the room to get changed for dinner. We had a lovely time at The Malthouse, with decent portions of tasty food and good service. I enjoyed two pints of Hobgoblin Stout!

Run, beers, junkfood

Thursday

This morning, after loading the luggage into the car, we went back to the same cafe for breakfast. Suitably refreshed, we set off on the Iron Trail. It is one of the best planned walks I've done, with plenty of history for Lucy and lots of winding paths to explore for me! It was quite steep in places, both up and down, and it got the heart pumping!

Following the Sabbath Walk

Steeper than it looks!

Back in Ironbridge, there was time for ice cream (there's always time for ice cream) before heading home to do an hour of weight training and then to watch England defeat Pakistan in a T20 match at the Oval. A few beers were needed to celebrate the victory!

Weight training, beers, junkfood

Friday

At 8:30, I dropped the car off at Halfords for its MOT and major service. Then I walked the mile and a half home.

Today, I had to visit the Post Office and then had some shopping to do. I used the road bike because I had some distance to travel. At the Post Office, I noticed that there was a bald patch on my rear tyre! It was so bad I could quite clearly see the threads! I wondered how long my tyre had been like this! I dashed back to Halfords to buy a tyre. I decided I'd try a 28mm seeing as the wider tyres are now all the rage with the pro riders. I chose a Schwalbe Lugano 2.

Fitting it was a bit of a struggle - it seemed to be really tight going on the wheel - I don't know why this would be. Anyway, I got it on, and continued with my shopping trip. By the time I got home I had clocked up 21 miles of cycling.

In the evening, I helped myself to a few craft ales!

Cycling, beer

Saturday

My Karate session went well, better than it has done recently. It's still the case that my lower grades have more spirit and energy than the brown belts so I'm still wondering what to do about that! This afternoon, we concentrated on helping one of our orange belts who has a late grading tomorrow. We did his basics, partner work and kata. I think he'll do well.

Karate

Sunday

Jonnie, James, Mark and I cycled off into the sunshine and headed west on our Coughton Route. The cakemaker is away and we had a time limit, so I considered it a strange choice of ride seeing as it is one of our most challenging. However, it worked out well, with everyone getting up the climbs and looking out for each other as usual. The only issue was a malfunction on Jonnie's bicycle. The rear wheel was rubbing on the frame. Even though we all had an attempt to fix it, we couldn't find an answer. Jonnie rode the whole route with the sound of the tyre rubbing against his frame!

It was a gloriously warm and sunny day. I had set off in one layer of Lycra on top of a layer of Factor 50!

At a makeshift cake stop (with no cake)

Heading home

We turned north at Aston Cantlow and headed back home, essentially cutting off a small corner of the ride. This was the right decision considering that we had a birthday celebration to get back for!

We got back to base after 42.5 miles at 13.5mph.

Later on, I joined family and friends at Jonnie's place for plenty of barbeque and beer!

Jonnie in charge

Cycling, booze, junkfood

Week 21 - Fred Zeppelin and the Birthday Bash

Monday

I cycled in to work and back. In the evening, I went for a run in the sunshine. I went a little bit farther than last week (1.96 miles) and the knee was okay.

I made a chicken and mushroom stir fry for the family.

Run

Tuesday

I cycled in to work. Martha is currently too ill with a cold to train at the dojo, so I stayed at college and used the gym. I did my 40 minute workout focused on chest and shoulders. Then I cycled home. Lucy made chicken and rice for dinner. Perfect training fuel!

College workout

Wednesday

We woke up to heavy, persistent rain. I chose to leave the bike at home and I jumped in the car with Lucy. After lessons, I went along to the college gym to do my 40 minutes. I really had to work hard to complete my bench press sets. I'm not increasing the weight, just the volume.

Back at home, I made a healthy vegetarian dinner for the family.

College workout

Thursday

After work, I did a heavy lift for an hour in my man cave. I did side and front raises, curls, overhead presses and squats. I also did a total of 300 bodyweight reps between sets.

Weight training

Friday

After work, I dropped Lucy and Debbie at the train station and then went for a run. I ran for 21m 12s without slowing to a walk. The knee was okay. After that, Jonnie and I went to meet Jason and Gary to watch Fred Zeppelin in concert! It was a great night although Jonnie and I maybe overdid it with the Stella!

Run, beers

Saturday

My karate lesson was better this week. We blasted some basic kicks, then did a combination. We practised the combination with pads and a partner before having a little kata competition. 

In the evening, I collected my wife from the train station (back from the Chelsea Flower Show!) before enjoying a few beers with my homemade beef chili con carne.

Karate, beers

Sunday

It was a bit wet when Jonnie, Mark, James and I pedalled off on the Purity Temple route. Happily, it only rained for about 10 minutes, and then the morning got brighter and warmer all the way to Wilmcote. We headed up and over the Average Destroyer and James was in cracking form on the climbs. After leading us up that, he then took over again and blasted us along from the Blue Boar. By that time, we had the wind behind us and we were going nicely!

I'm pleased to report that this week's cake was a fantastic carrot cake! Thanks Jane!

While we were at Wilmcote, the sun really came out. Myself and Mark decided to shed some stuff and leave it with Jane: I got rid of my winter gloves, leg warmers, scarf and overshoes. Mark left his jacket (it's a thick one!)

Of course, we'd gone less than a mile when it started raining again!

The ride was full of the usual good-natured banter, the highlight being a fictional music album created by James and Jonnie that actually made me cry with laughter! 

The sprint at the end was a big effort for me and I was under pressure from both James and Mark. I managed to get to lamppost 13 first, but it won't be long before Mark comes past me at the end of a ride! I had made a rather large effort and had to ride slowly along a side road to wait for my heart rate to slow down.

Back at home, Lucy "suggested" that a marquee might be a good idea for the party this evening. I got it down out of the loft and started piecing it together in the back garden. I was rather fatigued and even went a bit dizzy if I stood up too fast. It took me an hour and a quarter. After this, I went to pick up James and Lily and brought them along for the party to celebrate James's birthday and his becoming a grandad. It was a great time and the marquee was certainly a good idea! Lucy did a brilliant job with food and making sure everyone was comfortable and happy. I just got slowly drunk with family and friends!

Cycling: 39 miles, junkfood, booze

Week 20 - Grandad James!

Monday

I went for a run after work. I made sure the left knee was strapped and I managed to go about 10% longer than last week. Always looking to progress...

Then, obviously, I deserved some beers.

Run, booze

Tuesday

After work, Martha and I went along to Sensei Gary's Tuesday night Karate session. It was fantastic! The session was 90% kumite, with plenty of sweaty partner work and even some light freestyle. I had the honour of going up against Sensei Russell, and, although he clearly bested me, I was surprised that I actually managed to land a few techniques on him! I threw my damp gi in the washing machine as soon as I got home! More sessions like that please Sensei!

Karate

Wednesday

I cycled to work. After lessons, I got stuck into the gym at college and managed to improve my bench press sets just a fraction. Then I cycled home.

I lit the barbecue, burnt some sausages, drank a few beers, and then had dinner with the family outside in the sunshine.

College workout, beer

Thursday

Fantastic news! James in now a grandad! Welcome to the world, Canaan.

He is so cute! And so is the baby.

Today was a weight training day. I trained heavy for an hour at home after work and managed to improve my barbell curl just a little bit.

Weight lifting

Friday

I went for another run today. I covered 1.8 miles at a pace of 9m 43s per mile. That will do. I can build on that.

After the run, I got showered, shaved and changed, and then Lucy and I attended the funeral of a much-loved family member. 

The wake was at Jonnie and Sally's place. They did an awesome job of looking after their guests. The socialising and remembering went on until midnight.

Run, beers

Saturday

I woke up and felt awful.

I considered riding the bike to make me feel better. I later discovered that it was punctured anyway. Instead, I kept myself busy by cutting a sheet of perspex to size (to replace a sheet of glass in the greenhouse), and then sawing up firewood. 

It was a lovely sunny day so I dragged the dog out for a walk for about 40 minutes. After that, I dropped Lucy and Dodgy at the train station and then went home to get ready for Karate.

This afternoon's lesson was a lot like last week - the students all seem lethargic and reluctant to give it 100%. Which, unfortunately for them,  is the only way to get a black belt! I did my best to get them revved up. I tried pad work, I tried explaining to them that they need to go fast and hard at their techniques, I even got them partnered up to do a bit of controlled competition sparring. Nothing worked very well and the lesson never really got going. Maybe I'm expecting too much from them? At least they still turn up every week!

Back at home, I got some ironing done and watched the cricket. Martha and I had dinner. After I collected Lucy and Dodgy from the train station, I joined them for a drink in the garden, while repairing the punctured tyre, before eventually crawling into bed with a cup of tea and Terry Pratchett. 

Karate, beers

Sunday

A slow start this morning. I didn't seem to want to get going. However, it was a lovely warm day and, after breakfast, I was ready for a ride in the lanes with the chaps. It was our first ride with James as a grandad and as a man in his sixties! As always, he was still fit, fast and full of banter! We went along our High Cross route today, trying to find somewhere to wear out Mark. It didn't work - he was on the front most of the time. The descent into Snitterfield was a bit sketchy because of the crappy road resurfacing - there are still patches of loose gravel on the downhill sections. I went down the hill very cautiously and using the brakes, Jonnie, sitting bolt upright, wooshed past me at about 35mph! He later explained that he can't see much in his shades anyway, so didn't see the loose gravel! 

Riding in the warm sunshine is a joy. The banter flows, the chaps are smiling and telling stories. It really is worth riding hard throughout the winter so that we are fit enough to enjoy days like today.

At Wilmcote, I was very pleased to find that Yvonne was there because she is always polite enough to pretend I'm funny. Today, the carrot cake was very disappointing, mainly because it was lemon drizzle cake (it was rather nice actually.) We sat outside in the sunshine to have our coffee and cake. It was lovely. The only downside was Jane's trickling water feature¹ which made all us old blokes desperate for a wee.

We went home via Jonnie's Shortcut up to Purity Brewery. I was still searching for a chink in Mark's armour but couldn't find one. He could match us up any incline. When we reached the sprint for lamppost 13 at the end of the ride, Mark went for the win far too early. I manged to hold on to his wheel and then pass him in the final few metres. Before I feel too smug, I have to remember that he is 10 years older than me, and I have been a road cyclist 13 years longer than he has!

Back at Jonnie's, our host very generously provided the beers and we sat in the sunshine sipping ales and discussing the ride. Harry came to join us too. It was one of those moments that I wish I could hold on to: that awesome feeling after exercising hard, with the endorphins in my bloodstream, mixed with the buzz from the first beer of the day, plus four great blokes to chat with, and then the warm sunshine in Jonnie's fantastic garden. One of those moments to cherish.

Then Sally came along and made us take down the marquee from Friday!

Back at home, I decided I could put some replacement perspex in the greenhouse (I cracked a pane when cleaning it last week.) I was getting the ladders out to do just that when the wife suggested I do a bit of surgery on the the tree in the front garden. So I got stuck into that. I don't mind working in the sunshine, and I like to be useful. After that, I found myself up the ladders again, but this time up one of the trees in the back garden! With that done, I could then put the replacement pane in the greenhouse.

Then, of course, it was beer o'clock again! Jane came round for dinner and we all enjoyed Lucy's homemade curry.

Cycling: 36.5 miles, beers, junkfood

1. (Not a medical condition)

Week 19 - Tree Surgery

Monday

I woke up with a bit of a sore head, but nothing serious. Today, Lucy and I decided that one of the trees in the back garden needed a trim. It was making everything too dark and the branches were hanging over the greenhouse, the potting shed, and Luke and Kirsty's garden. It was a warm day, and by 9:30 I was in t-shirt and shorts and climbing up my ladder and into the tree. Without an electric saw, I was using a handsaw and cutting down branches manually. It was hard work, but good fun in the sunshine. 

It was a long job, and there were masses of branches in two big piles in the back garden by lunchtime. After lunch, I set about the long task of cutting it all up into firewood! Again, all I had was a manual saw, so my right arm got a good workout! 

Just before 4pm, the job was done. I put on my running gear and headed out the door. I did a short run, only 1.6 miles, but that was enough at the moment as I gradually coax the left knee back to fitness. When I got home, I jumped in the shower and quickly realised I had a rather sunburnt head! All that tree surgery and running had given me a bit of a red scalp!

In the evening, Lucy and I headed up town to enjoy an Evening with Aggers and Tuffers. It was hilarious! The only downside to the night was the Town Hall running out of Purity Ubu before I'd even got there! 

Run, beers

Tuesday

After work, Martha and I set off to the dojo. Tonight, I helped Sensei Gary with the lower grades. We did some combinations and some pad work. Good fun. Back up at the deep end, Sensei Gary drilled us in some fast-paced basics. We got very sweaty and out of breath. 

Afterwards, a higher grade let me know that he thought I was leading the way in tonight's session. It was very nice to hear such a positive comment!

Back at home, I ruined all my hard work by having some more beer...

Karate, beers

Wednesday

After lessons, I went along to the college gym and did 40 minutes of good training. When I got home, I lit the barbeque, cracked a beer, and set about burning some chicken! 

College workout, beers

Thursday

When I got home from work, I did a heavy weight training session for an hour. I was aching afterwards! 

Weight lifting

Friday

It was a hot day. It was hot in the dojo. This didn't stop Sensei Gary from working us hard with combinations and some one-for-one freestyle. Sensei shut the doors so that the local youths couldn't peer in and make remarks as we trained. This only increased the heat! It was during kata that I started to feel rather unsteady... However, I kept on training, I concentrated on my breathing, and I was soon feeling fine. A good session that tested all of us from white to black belt!

Karate

Saturday

Up feeling good. This morning was warm and sunny. I put my work gear on, borrowed some step ladders from Luke, and then set about cleaning the greenhouse. It is a big job if it's done properly. I cleaned all the inside first (the spiders were not happy) before getting up on the ladders to clean the outside. After about three hours it was looking a lot better and was positively gleaming in the sunlight.

The greenhouse and my head: gleaming

After a shower, I headed off to my Saturday Karate lesson. Today, my students were slow and quiet. The exact opposite of what they need to be! I mentally ditched my lesson plan and set about getting them revved up. We got the pads out and practised attacking with spirit and with a loud kiai! It took me about 20 minutes to get them in the correct mood, and even then they started to flag if I didn't keep pushing them. A tough session, I just hope I'm not being too hard on them...

Later, I joined a couple of black belts in a bar for a couple of drinks. My mate Luke came to join me for one too. When I got home, I was pleased to find Sally and Lucy enjoying the weather in the back garden. We enjoyed a few more drinks as the sun went down, I built a fire in the fire pit and we played music on Spotify. We probably stayed up a bit too late.

Karate, beers

Sunday

We definitely stayed up too late.

I had a bit of a sore head when I woke up. After breakfast and some aspirin I was just about ready when Mark came to call and we headed out into the lanes. Mark has gone from novice to very keen cyclist in a very short space of time! I struggled to keep pace with him today and was impressed by how well he climbs. He's the full package now - descender, rouleur and climber. It was a warm day. Mark was sensibly stripped down to one layer, but I was wearing a base layer under my jersey.

By the time we rolled into Wilmcote I was feeling a bit better, and I enjoyed my coffee in the sunshine. I left my base layer with Jane, and then Mark and I headed north back to base. We finished with a respectable pace of 14.6mph over 38 miles.

Back at home, I enjoyed a few ales with dinner.

Cycling, beers

Week 18 - Instructing the Instructors?

Monday

After college, I went for a brief run (1.5 miles) before making dinner for the family and pouring a few beers.

Run, beers

Tuesday

After lessons, I went along to the college gym on my own, blasted out some heavy metal and rap, and got stuck into my workout (mainly bench press, because I don't have a bench at home.)

Home to drink water instead of beer!

College workout

Wednesday

After lessons, I enjoyed a college gym workout with my mate Michael.

The I cycled home to make dinner and, almost inevitably, enjoy a few ales!

College workout, beers

Thursday

I cycled in to work and back. When I got home, I strapped my knee and then went out for a short run. It was only 1.6 miles but it was a decent pace (for me).

After that, I took charge of a family and friends barbeque. I was very pleased that Mark dropped by so we could have a chinwag. I had a few beers with my dinner and it was great to eat outside for the first time this year. Summer is coming!

Run, beer

Friday

I cycled in to work. The college was having a wellness day. I managed to avoid it by joining an online chess group! Apparently that counts as wellness. After my 'wellness' I cycled the 4.6 miles home and then set about a heavy weight lifting session for an hour.

Then, of course, beers. Hey, it's a bank holiday (no capitals).

Weight training, booze

Saturday

It's all about the bike. Today I set about getting the Specialized road bike back on the road. Last week I had managed to strip off the old components and put the new cassette on. Today, I had to put on the new front rings and then the chain. The front rings went on in minutes, but then I had a real game with the chain! For some reason, my chain tool simply would not cut the chain. It was if the device had suddenly become to big and chunky for a 9 speed chain. I was glad when Jake turned up so he could have a go, but even he didn't have the strength to make it work. Tilly was kind enough to take me down to Halfords to get a new chain tool.

Back at base, Jake and I found that the new tool worked effortlessly, straight away. The chain was now at the required length. We then had a bit of trouble putting the new pin in the chain to hold it together. Jake ended up making a Frankenstein tool out of the new device and the old one. It eventually worked. 

Finally got everything fitted.

For this afternoon's Karate session, I had the group work with a partner and kick some pads. Always good fun. I was disappointed that Village Hotel has now removed the heavy bag from the dojo. I don't know why they would do this. Trying out techniques on the heavy bag was always our favourite way of ending the lesson. Sensei Gary popped in, end he very kindly presented me with some special gifts from his training in Japan!

Back home to eat healthy home-cooked food and drink water.

Karate

Sunday

Up early for the monthly instructors' training session with Sensei Ronnie. The lesson started badly for me when I was asked to take the class for 10 minutes! Many of the class were very experienced higher-grades and I had a very strong sense of imposter syndrome! Put on the spot, my frantic mind latched on to part of yesterday's lesson when we practised side thrust kick in drills and then with a partner. I hope that was the kind of thing Sensei wanted! After that, the class was under the instruction of Sensei Ronnie for the rest of the hour. We focused on some kumite drills and ended the session with light freestyle. It was a warm morning and I was rather sweaty when we finished. I felt great and left the dojo ready for the day! 

Today, Lucy, Martha and I went to visit Debbie and Paul for lunch. He's a great cook and we enjoyed homemade lasagne. I went there without the intention of drinking, but he explained that he had bought several ales for me to enjoy so I felt obliged to have a beer. I didn't take much persuading!

Back at home, I had another beer before enjoying a huge bowl of homemade chilli con carne.

Karate, beers

Week 17 - Putting the Bike Back Together

Monday

Bit of a sniff and a sore throat today.

However, I did manage to go for a little run after work. I did a mile and a half and that was enough.

Run

Tuesday

Still have a bit of a sore throat and sniffles. After work, I went along to the dojo to help out with the session. Sensei Jason took the higher grades while I had a lot of fun with some young beginners and some adult lower-grades. It was a difficult mix but we managed to get some good karate done and have a bit of a giggle too!

One beginner was a young lady who was feeling a bit upset at the start of the lesson. She was wearing a hood and had earphones in. I was glad that she came to my session first. It's possible that a different instructor may have forced her to remove the hood and earphones. But I could tell that these things were keeping her calm - there's a good chance that she may be on the autistic spectrum, suffer from social anxiety, or both. It was an act of bravery for her to step into the dojo and I didn't want her to be frightened off by me being stern about her hood and earphones. I made sure she was following instructions and that she was safe while still wearing her hood and having her earphones on. I'm sure these things will be put to one side once she gets more confident in the dojo.

When I got home, I decided that I felt well enough for a few drinks with my dinner!

Karate, booze

Wednesday

Cycled to work. After lessons, I went along to the college gym to do my 40 minutes. Then I cycled home to make chicken and mushroom pasta and drink some more beer!

College workout, beers

Thursday

After work, I did a full hour of weight training in my man cave. I am very pleased to report that I managed to equal my personal record for barbell squats - the first time I've done this since my left knee injury back in July last year (2023). I felt strong but my hamstrings were rather sore. I decided to drink water with my dinner.

Weight Training

Friday

I cycled to work and back.

Tonight's Karate session was run by Sensei Ronnie and he had me instructing the beginners, orange belts and red belts. We did ippon kumite for half an hour and I am genuinely impressed by how well they are doing. They are ready to move on to more challenging things! The Friday night 8th Kyus are going to be a force to be reckoned with as they progress through the belts! 

This evening, we went out to an ex-servicemen's club to celebrate Lily's 18th birthday. She had a lot of fun with family and friends, and the music was good too! I drove the car so I couldn't have any beers, although I was almost tempted to try an Ansell's Mild - I haven't tasted one for about three decades!

By 11pm I was tucked up in bed with a cup of tea.

Karate

Saturday

This morning I set about putting some new components on the bicycle. I'm hoping to be able to ride with the chaps next weekend. I recently came across a fantastic bargain on eBay, and I made sure I got the best deals on Amazon too. The result was all the components I need to get the bike back on the road, plus a reserve bottom bracket and cranks! 

I did as much as I could while dodging the showers (I don't mind working in the rain, but it doesn't do the bike any good.)

In the afternoon, I went along to my Saturday afternoon Karate session. We did a good session, continuing to work on variations for ippon kumite defence and counters.

In the evening, Me, Lucy and the girls went with Dodgy Debbie for curry at the Bangla Lounge. Needless to say, I ended up staying up a bit late and having a few beers! I also indulged in poppadoms, ice cream and chocolate! 

Karate, junkfood, beers

Sunday

The lunchtime Karate session was great. It was my first time in Studio One at Cocks Moors Woods. There is a great atmosphere with this group of students. They are mainly lower grades but they certainly have the right attitude. I hope I get to work with them again. I was pleased to see Sensei Gary, back from his training in Japan. He very kindly let me run the session while he took care of the behind-the-scenes paperwork and stuff. I am also glad to report that the student from Tuesday was no longer wearing her hood or earphones! 

Back home to do an hour of ironing while watching the cricket. Then I was off to Tudor Grange to take the last session of the day. Sensei Joey, a higher grade, was present but he was kind enough to let me run the session. I did an intense, fast lesson covering kihon, kata and kumite. I tested the higher grades to see if they remembered any of the 'new' defences against jodan and chudan attacks - some of them are getting there.

Then back home to put the feet up with a lovely lamb dinner and, of course, a few beers to see the weekend out!

Karate, beers

Week 16 - Covering for Sensei Gary

Monday

It was raining heavily this morning so I used the car for work. I didn't feel well for most of the day. I felt rough to the point where I skipped lunch, and just drank some coffee. After lessons, I made myself go to the college gym. After about 15 minutes I was feeling better and by the end of it I was back to my old self!

I went home to make a nice beef stir-fry and drink some beer!

College Workout, beers

Tuesday

I cycled in to work. It was rather windy so was a struggle to get up to speed.

I cycled home in the sunshine and showers. I had a wash and changed into my karategi. Martha and I headed off to the dojo. It was a good self-defence and kumite lesson, with plenty of punching and kicking. Happily, I only worked with black and brown belt adults so didn't really have to worry about injuring anyone (we always use control, however.)

Back at home, I scoffed loads of chicken and pasta and drank water.

Karate

Wednesday

I cycled in to work. It was surprisingly cold on the ride in.

After lessons, I went off to the college gym to continue to increase the volume of my bench presses, and to listen to 90s rave tunes. Then I cycled home. The ride home was considerably warmer and I was sweating a bit by the time I got back!

I cooked up some fish and homemade chips for dinner. In bed with a cup of tea by 10pm.

College workout

Thursday

We used the car for work today.

Back at home, I set about a heavy lifting session (well, heavy for me anyway). It was the first time using my new dumbbells with the steel grips. I found them for an absolute bargain online. My old dumbbells with the plastic grips were gradually disintegrating, with bits of plastic falling off in every session I used them. Today, I did some lat raises, front raises, deadlifts, shrugs and plenty of curls, along with 300 body weight reps. I got it done in just under an hour, and then sat down to scoff a bowl and a half of homemade chilli con carne.

Weight training

Friday

On the bicycle for work. I lost the Silly Commuter Race to a guy who cycled on the pavement and rode a bike with an incredibly rusty chain. It turned out he works at the college too! We had a chat afterwards and I complimented his obvious fitness. He didn't know what speed transmission he was using, but whatever it was it was a deep rusty orange colour. His bike looked like it was kept at the bottom of a pond.

After lessons, I cycled home and then got ready for Karate.

I had been asked to run tonight's session while Sensei Gary is training in Japan. I was glad to see Sensei Jason there too. We drilled everyone on ippon kumite as per Sensei Ronnie's instructions last Sunday. Then I took lower grades for kata and Sensei Jason took the higher grades through Jion.

Home for sausage, egg and chips and a few beers! Naughty but very nice.

Karate, beers

Saturday

I had to make some purchases up at Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. My wife declined to come with me and she needed the car, so I decided to cycle in. The road bike needs a lot of work done to it, so I used the mountain bike instead. I gave myself plenty of time. 

It's 11 miles to the Jewellery Quarter. I had to cycle past the college. I stopped off to try to pick up my steel D-lock so I could secure the bike when I got to the shops. However, the security guard at college didn't recognise me and he wouldn't let me in even when I presented my staff ID card! Oh well. I had a cable lock with me that I could use.

After the college, I had to cycle through Spark Hill. What a dirty, miserable depressing place that is. The Highway Code no longer applies here apparently, Cars simply pull out and it's up to everyone else to brake. Some drivers just brake when they arrive at their chosen shop, put the hazard lights on and get out of the car. Even though the car has blocked the entire lane! Dazed people, who look like they gave up years ago, shuffle out into the road and it's up to the traffic to avoid them. I was very glad when I was out of the area and into Birmingham City Centre.

I navigated through the shoppers, across Great Charles Street and then continued north into the Jewellery Quarter. After splashing the cash, I headed back to the Bullring to use the public toilets (a lot like Spark Hill with mad shuffling people and a sense of desperation) and then sped off south to head for home. It was an eye-opening adventure!

After 22 miles, I was back home to stuff my face with some lunch before heading to the dojo.

For my Saturday session, I continued working on ippon kumite with my fantastic young people. Then, as always, we ended by hitting the heavy bag.

In the evening, I thought I deserved a few beers!

Karate, beers

Sunday

At lunch time, I went over to Cocks Moors Woods to cover for Sensei Gary while he is training in Japan. As it turned out, Sensei Lloyd was there to take the lesson! I was a bit miffed because I could have gone cycling with the lads instead. However, Sensei Gary was kind enough to call me from Japan to explain the situation.

In the evening, I went to Tudor Grange to take that session. We had a great hour working on ippon kumite and everyone seemed to go home happy. 

Later on, Lucy, Jane and I watched the St George's Day parade go up and down the Stratford Road.

Just one of the many vehicles in the parade.

For dinner, Lucy made a wonderful homemade chicken curry. I shocked my liver by drinking water instead of beer.

Karate