So, I'm going to tell it as it is - I haven't done a tap of training over the last three nights! And I don't care either!
My mother has just arrived home after being in the hospital since early Wednesday morning. Unfortunately, she broke her leg in 2 places and needed surgery on it yesterday! So, my evenings have been spent out visiting her with my father. I didn't eat the best over the last few nights and I haven't been on the bike, because I've just been exhausted when I get home from there. Life took over, and I didn't fight with it for the three days! But, since Mam is home now I can get back into my routine - starting tonight hopefully! I think a nice 10-miler will ease me back into my routine and get me pumped for April, I'm hoping to set myself another personal challenge but give myself the month to reach (and possibly smash) it!!
Back to training, back to (some bit of) normality, and hopefully will be a bit of a re-charge for me!
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Sunday, 23 March 2014
You Are What You Eat
Garbage In, Garbage Out
You wouldn't put petrol in a diesel car
You know what?! It's all so so true!
You want to know why?!
Simple: Lunch today consisted of 2.5 slices of jam swiss roll w/whipped cream, and a slice off a loaf of toffee cake (plus a couple of biscuits - it was one of those days) and I struggled, yes struggled to do 5 miles tonight - anything over 10 miles to me now, is classed as a short cycle!
I mean, its 8.03pm right now as I type, and I can't keep my eyes open! There's alot to be said about writing down and keeping note of everything you eat and drink while you're training for something! Or just even keeping watch of everything you eat anyway, because it's true - you truly are what you eat!
If you eat properly, you feel great and have plenty of energy! But those sweet things to satisfy a craving might taste good momentarily, but by God do you suffer later in the night!
I'm trying to hold out until maybe after 8.30pm for my treat/'snack' which is usually a regular or black coffee, but I honestly don't think I'm going to last! I mean, if I had matchsticks to hold up my eyelids, they would be buckling right now!
Think I might go and paint my nails - it'll keep my mind occupied for a period of time!
I'm feeling ruby red ;)
You wouldn't put petrol in a diesel car
You know what?! It's all so so true!
You want to know why?!
Simple: Lunch today consisted of 2.5 slices of jam swiss roll w/whipped cream, and a slice off a loaf of toffee cake (plus a couple of biscuits - it was one of those days) and I struggled, yes struggled to do 5 miles tonight - anything over 10 miles to me now, is classed as a short cycle!
I mean, its 8.03pm right now as I type, and I can't keep my eyes open! There's alot to be said about writing down and keeping note of everything you eat and drink while you're training for something! Or just even keeping watch of everything you eat anyway, because it's true - you truly are what you eat!
If you eat properly, you feel great and have plenty of energy! But those sweet things to satisfy a craving might taste good momentarily, but by God do you suffer later in the night!
I'm trying to hold out until maybe after 8.30pm for my treat/'snack' which is usually a regular or black coffee, but I honestly don't think I'm going to last! I mean, if I had matchsticks to hold up my eyelids, they would be buckling right now!
Think I might go and paint my nails - it'll keep my mind occupied for a period of time!
I'm feeling ruby red ;)
Saturday, 15 March 2014
Celebrate
Guess who achieved her mini-challenge?!
ME!!!
I cycled 20 miles. Actually, no I didn't! I cycled 22.34 miles!
YYYEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!! So, after cycling 22.34 miles and burning 930 calories yesterday, what do I do?!
I go out to celebrate with booze! Typical Irish thing to do! But look it, life is short! I'd have bought a chinese but I enjoyed the socialising more! Plus, the allures of the breakfast roll this morning was too much to handle!!
So, what do I do now?! Well, I'm planning to relax this weekend, maybe indulge a little tonight (Buffalo-flavour Hunky Dorys ftw!) and have a ridonculously clean diet tomorrow, enjoy the last of my holidays before I go back to work Monday and aim for another mini-challenge. I'm thinking maybe 25-30 miles in 95 Mins?! It's doable!!
A short but sweet post, because like I said before, there's only so much you can say about cycling!
ME!!!
I cycled 20 miles. Actually, no I didn't! I cycled 22.34 miles!
YYYEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!! So, after cycling 22.34 miles and burning 930 calories yesterday, what do I do?!
I go out to celebrate with booze! Typical Irish thing to do! But look it, life is short! I'd have bought a chinese but I enjoyed the socialising more! Plus, the allures of the breakfast roll this morning was too much to handle!!
So, what do I do now?! Well, I'm planning to relax this weekend, maybe indulge a little tonight (Buffalo-flavour Hunky Dorys ftw!) and have a ridonculously clean diet tomorrow, enjoy the last of my holidays before I go back to work Monday and aim for another mini-challenge. I'm thinking maybe 25-30 miles in 95 Mins?! It's doable!!
A short but sweet post, because like I said before, there's only so much you can say about cycling!
Thursday, 13 March 2014
Moral Support
Oh jeez, where to start..?
I suppose it goes back years really.. See, I fell in love with makeup and the art of makeup at a young age, and I vividly remember watching my cousin getting her makeup applied for her wedding day by an artist, and it hit me like a lightning bolt thrown by Zeus himself : that's what I want to do!! I wanted to be a makeup artist! So, in school I chose subjects that would help me out (but also loved) like Art and Biology for my senior exams. I remember saying to my Career Guidance counsellor in school 'What college offers makeup artistry?" and she told me that the local PLC College did the beauticians course for two years, 'it's the same thing'. No it's not. She couldn't handle that I, a young teenager, was correcting her, a Careers Guidance counsellor that what I wanted to do and what she was telling me were two totally different things. I remember her telling me about 4 weeks before the open day I would later attend, after I asked her again (for the umpteenth time) 'What college offers makeup artistry?!' that 'Why didn't you come to me sooner, IADT has a makeup course and you need a portfolio for it'. Once again she couldn't handle that I had badgered her about it for 2 years and suffered selective amnesia as far as I'm concerned. So, I scrambled together a portfolio and went to that college open day. I didn't get my spot on that course but I wasn't prepared enough myself, that I do know. Most people spend an entire academic year working on a portfolio to show at an art college of any description, I had barely 4 weeks (plus my results weren't the best, hey Im not academically inclined - shoot me). But it didn't stop me from trying to get into my dream. At 21, I finally did my makeup course, and I loved every single second of it, and I'd do it all over again if I could! I remember applying for a job at a local makeup concession in our main department store, and thats when the pressure started on me. 'Why are you packing in your job??" I'm not... "Why are you leaving a job with good money to go into a job with bad money?!' Because I hate my current job and any money I earn doesn't make it any better.. 'Do you think you'll get work out of this?!' Am, that's the point of doing the course I did and applying for this job. 'I think you're crazy to leave a full time job..' Yes, well that's my choice to make.
I didn't get the position, because I don't have retail experience unfortunately! And in order to get retail experience, you have to have retail experience. Catch 22, a double edged sword.
A couple of years ago, another makeup store was opening up, I got a tip off from a girl I studied with who also worked with the same brand in the capital, she encouraged me to apply. So off I did, and the same pressure started again. This time from more people..
"Why are you packing in your job?!' Im not, I'm not an idiot. Then on the morning of my interview for this store, 'You're mother got in contact with me to have a chat with you about you packing in you're job' I'm fcuking not packing in my job, I've got an interview for something I fcuking trained for, what part of that do you not understand?! "But, I'm only trying to show you that by packing in your job and this not following through that you're left without a leg to stand on" But, I just told you, I haven't packed in any job, I'm actually trying to get out of there.
I got told I was going for a second interview with the brand -even without retail experience. I was on cloud 9. I physically couldn't stop smiling for the entire weekend. But, 4 weeks down the line, the store opened and no sign of my 'second interview', I was starting to wonder, so I got in contact with the brand (not in the best way, I'll admit.) I was told that I wasn't going to get my aforementioned second interview, that all the positions were filled on a trial basis and they were offered the positions. Whoop-de-fcuking-do. Cheers for telling me that in the initial interviews!
I was heartbroken.
So, what has all that got to do with cycling?! Nothing really. But the support that I didn't get back then, I thought I would get with my training for this cycle.
A-ha. Nice Joke hun, tell me another one.
I've got no support from the 2 people I desperately want it from. My parents.
First few weeks I got over, because I was only starting out and did have much progress. But, I cleared 16 miles 2 nights ago (making great progress on my mini-challenge, thanks for asking readers!!), I'm putting in the time and effort to make my miles. But because today I asked if it would be possible for little/no butter to be used in the mash (well my lot of the mash for dinner), I was told that I'd 'want to cop on for myself' and when I answered with my prepared answer (I was expecting a remark of some sort) 'It's a cycle the length of the country I'm training for, not a cycle over to Dunnes!' I was laughed at. And, I heard my father remark to my mother from inside the other room, 'I know what to say now myself'
It truely upset me, so much that it suppressed my appetite and I ate a lot less that I normally would have. Moral support is what I need in this training, not smart remarks or laughing. It's the training that i'm doing each night for a cycle that I'm not 100% sure what to expect from it, that I need to be told by my parents 'You're doing good, keep it up' not 'cop onto yourself' or 'you need to eat' when they are trying to force a greasy pizza down my throat after I've already had something to eat.
It doesn't cost anything, a 'Good Job' or 'Job well done' would do. They have no problem in telling people that I'm doing this cycle to try and raise funds for the target I'm well on my way of making... But why is it so hard for them to support it?! Because, my honest opinion, it feels to me like they want me to say 'You were right, I'm in over my head, I'm dropping out', I know that they think I won't be able to do it.
But see here's the thing about me, I've proved them wrong once before.... And I'm on my way to proving them wrong a second time.
Just watch this space....
I suppose it goes back years really.. See, I fell in love with makeup and the art of makeup at a young age, and I vividly remember watching my cousin getting her makeup applied for her wedding day by an artist, and it hit me like a lightning bolt thrown by Zeus himself : that's what I want to do!! I wanted to be a makeup artist! So, in school I chose subjects that would help me out (but also loved) like Art and Biology for my senior exams. I remember saying to my Career Guidance counsellor in school 'What college offers makeup artistry?" and she told me that the local PLC College did the beauticians course for two years, 'it's the same thing'. No it's not. She couldn't handle that I, a young teenager, was correcting her, a Careers Guidance counsellor that what I wanted to do and what she was telling me were two totally different things. I remember her telling me about 4 weeks before the open day I would later attend, after I asked her again (for the umpteenth time) 'What college offers makeup artistry?!' that 'Why didn't you come to me sooner, IADT has a makeup course and you need a portfolio for it'. Once again she couldn't handle that I had badgered her about it for 2 years and suffered selective amnesia as far as I'm concerned. So, I scrambled together a portfolio and went to that college open day. I didn't get my spot on that course but I wasn't prepared enough myself, that I do know. Most people spend an entire academic year working on a portfolio to show at an art college of any description, I had barely 4 weeks (plus my results weren't the best, hey Im not academically inclined - shoot me). But it didn't stop me from trying to get into my dream. At 21, I finally did my makeup course, and I loved every single second of it, and I'd do it all over again if I could! I remember applying for a job at a local makeup concession in our main department store, and thats when the pressure started on me. 'Why are you packing in your job??" I'm not... "Why are you leaving a job with good money to go into a job with bad money?!' Because I hate my current job and any money I earn doesn't make it any better.. 'Do you think you'll get work out of this?!' Am, that's the point of doing the course I did and applying for this job. 'I think you're crazy to leave a full time job..' Yes, well that's my choice to make.
I didn't get the position, because I don't have retail experience unfortunately! And in order to get retail experience, you have to have retail experience. Catch 22, a double edged sword.
A couple of years ago, another makeup store was opening up, I got a tip off from a girl I studied with who also worked with the same brand in the capital, she encouraged me to apply. So off I did, and the same pressure started again. This time from more people..
"Why are you packing in your job?!' Im not, I'm not an idiot. Then on the morning of my interview for this store, 'You're mother got in contact with me to have a chat with you about you packing in you're job' I'm fcuking not packing in my job, I've got an interview for something I fcuking trained for, what part of that do you not understand?! "But, I'm only trying to show you that by packing in your job and this not following through that you're left without a leg to stand on" But, I just told you, I haven't packed in any job, I'm actually trying to get out of there.
I got told I was going for a second interview with the brand -even without retail experience. I was on cloud 9. I physically couldn't stop smiling for the entire weekend. But, 4 weeks down the line, the store opened and no sign of my 'second interview', I was starting to wonder, so I got in contact with the brand (not in the best way, I'll admit.) I was told that I wasn't going to get my aforementioned second interview, that all the positions were filled on a trial basis and they were offered the positions. Whoop-de-fcuking-do. Cheers for telling me that in the initial interviews!
I was heartbroken.
So, what has all that got to do with cycling?! Nothing really. But the support that I didn't get back then, I thought I would get with my training for this cycle.
A-ha. Nice Joke hun, tell me another one.
I've got no support from the 2 people I desperately want it from. My parents.
First few weeks I got over, because I was only starting out and did have much progress. But, I cleared 16 miles 2 nights ago (making great progress on my mini-challenge, thanks for asking readers!!), I'm putting in the time and effort to make my miles. But because today I asked if it would be possible for little/no butter to be used in the mash (well my lot of the mash for dinner), I was told that I'd 'want to cop on for myself' and when I answered with my prepared answer (I was expecting a remark of some sort) 'It's a cycle the length of the country I'm training for, not a cycle over to Dunnes!' I was laughed at. And, I heard my father remark to my mother from inside the other room, 'I know what to say now myself'
It truely upset me, so much that it suppressed my appetite and I ate a lot less that I normally would have. Moral support is what I need in this training, not smart remarks or laughing. It's the training that i'm doing each night for a cycle that I'm not 100% sure what to expect from it, that I need to be told by my parents 'You're doing good, keep it up' not 'cop onto yourself' or 'you need to eat' when they are trying to force a greasy pizza down my throat after I've already had something to eat.
It doesn't cost anything, a 'Good Job' or 'Job well done' would do. They have no problem in telling people that I'm doing this cycle to try and raise funds for the target I'm well on my way of making... But why is it so hard for them to support it?! Because, my honest opinion, it feels to me like they want me to say 'You were right, I'm in over my head, I'm dropping out', I know that they think I won't be able to do it.
But see here's the thing about me, I've proved them wrong once before.... And I'm on my way to proving them wrong a second time.
Just watch this space....
The Word According to Carbs
Carbs - Good or Bad, you can't really avoid them! The fcukers are EVERYWHERE!!
Especially in my house! And they are white, the worst kind. And I'm a carb fiend - case in point yesterday! I checked my diary and the amount of white bread I had was enough to give you wide eyes!
So, last night I decided to cut it out altogether until saturday afternoon! Easy feat you might think, but its not! Whats with dinner today?! Potatoes. What's looking at me right now?! Home-made white bread. Whats in the bread bin?! A loaf of toaster-white bread (you know, the yummy thick cut kind!)
IT'S EVERYWHERE! NO BEUNO!
I could cut back to one or two servings, but when your parents know you're in training for something, and buy white bread and biscuits and taytos - it kinda defeats the purpose! It's almost like they are willing me to fail in this! I know they think I won't be capable to do this, and with all that white bread carby-goodness around, it makes it a bit trickier but I will do this! So, maybe one slice of loaf or homemade white instead of 2 or 3 butter-laden slices...
God, why did Ireland have to be home of the carb-fest foods!?!
Especially in my house! And they are white, the worst kind. And I'm a carb fiend - case in point yesterday! I checked my diary and the amount of white bread I had was enough to give you wide eyes!
So, last night I decided to cut it out altogether until saturday afternoon! Easy feat you might think, but its not! Whats with dinner today?! Potatoes. What's looking at me right now?! Home-made white bread. Whats in the bread bin?! A loaf of toaster-white bread (you know, the yummy thick cut kind!)
IT'S EVERYWHERE! NO BEUNO!
I could cut back to one or two servings, but when your parents know you're in training for something, and buy white bread and biscuits and taytos - it kinda defeats the purpose! It's almost like they are willing me to fail in this! I know they think I won't be capable to do this, and with all that white bread carby-goodness around, it makes it a bit trickier but I will do this! So, maybe one slice of loaf or homemade white instead of 2 or 3 butter-laden slices...
God, why did Ireland have to be home of the carb-fest foods!?!
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
7 Days
HI EVERYBODY!!
HI DR NICK!!
Sorry, I couldn't resist! :P
Ok, so I'm on holidays from work since Sunday evening, for a week.
7 days of bliss, and kinda great timing considering the weather here in Limerick since yesterday! My week started off on a downer, unfortunately a family friend who fought a 14-month hard battle with cancer died early Friday morning and was buried Monday (yesterday). A lady is all she was, left behind 7 kids (8 if you include 'unofficial' Son No 5!), sisters, nephews, nieces and friends. A beautiful day for a beautiful lady, she will be truly missed.
Her strength, and the strength of her family, will give me strength this week, because I have set myself a challenge for my week off. 7 days of good mileage, good mileage being anything over 10 miles of course! Between having a bad 10-12 days run of a cold and night duty and everything else, my mileage has not been good enough for me considering I reached 15.36 miles before I got sick. So, the challenge: Reach 20 miles in one session (including 'downhill' breaks) by Sunday! So, I started the week off nicely, 11.17 miles! Moderate pace of course, but I did sweat! It was not a walk in the damn People's Park! Lets see what I can do today! I need to be able to cycle between 20-30 miles or for 2-Hours to be able to do one phase of a stage, from what I can gather of course! When I found last years itinary, I saw you cycled for two hours, had a half hour break, then cycled for another 2 hours, then your Lunch break and then your final KMs/Miles to your finishing destination!!
So, like I said, if I can do between 20-30 miles or 2 hours of cycling, I should be ok!! But, time - and the cycle in September - will tell that! Now if you shall excuse me, my porridge is nearly ready #cleanbreakfastforadirtymind and all that! :P
HI DR NICK!!
Sorry, I couldn't resist! :P
Ok, so I'm on holidays from work since Sunday evening, for a week.
7 days of bliss, and kinda great timing considering the weather here in Limerick since yesterday! My week started off on a downer, unfortunately a family friend who fought a 14-month hard battle with cancer died early Friday morning and was buried Monday (yesterday). A lady is all she was, left behind 7 kids (8 if you include 'unofficial' Son No 5!), sisters, nephews, nieces and friends. A beautiful day for a beautiful lady, she will be truly missed.
Her strength, and the strength of her family, will give me strength this week, because I have set myself a challenge for my week off. 7 days of good mileage, good mileage being anything over 10 miles of course! Between having a bad 10-12 days run of a cold and night duty and everything else, my mileage has not been good enough for me considering I reached 15.36 miles before I got sick. So, the challenge: Reach 20 miles in one session (including 'downhill' breaks) by Sunday! So, I started the week off nicely, 11.17 miles! Moderate pace of course, but I did sweat! It was not a walk in the damn People's Park! Lets see what I can do today! I need to be able to cycle between 20-30 miles or for 2-Hours to be able to do one phase of a stage, from what I can gather of course! When I found last years itinary, I saw you cycled for two hours, had a half hour break, then cycled for another 2 hours, then your Lunch break and then your final KMs/Miles to your finishing destination!!
So, like I said, if I can do between 20-30 miles or 2 hours of cycling, I should be ok!! But, time - and the cycle in September - will tell that! Now if you shall excuse me, my porridge is nearly ready #cleanbreakfastforadirtymind and all that! :P
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Death by Pancakes
Not 8!
Now, before you jump to assumptions, no my soul has not been possessed by Dwayne Johnson, nor am I eating for 3. Those 8 pancakes were split into two sittings, lunch and dessert. Ok I tried to be as healthy as possible with them, you know: Agave nectar, diabetic conserves, fruit, a little lemon juice... Kinda hard when you're over enthusiastic parents just lump 4 pancakes at you and tell you to dig in! It's kinda rude not to, especially in Irish households!
The food baby showed itself last evening, for sure! The struggle was real though, could not cycle at all, but I did go for a 45 min dog-enabled speedy walk with Papa Bear, Domino and Peanut, the hulk of a slob-Staffordshire! It wasn't unproductive as such but when you are trying to get back into your PB's and better 15.36 miles in one sitting, every little helps... but those pancakes didn't!
And I'm still feeling the effects today - Ash Wednesday, first day of Lent and when the entire population of Ireland walk around unashamedly sporting a big blob of dirt on their foreheads from morning mass until bedtime as if it was Haute Couture from the Chanel catwalks at PFW, drawing weird looks from every single tourist that pass us! But not this girl! After breakfast of a big bowl of porridge+seeds+fruit (shush, its better than pancakes!) I attempted 10 miles, managed 6.01 and am quite content with that atm. Because its only 12.34pm right now, and there is always tonight when I'm watching the soaps, i can always try and aim for that 10 miles and watch Debbie Dingle tearing apart two brothers who are fighting over her, sobbing at the top of my lungs 'Why isn't that me!!!!!???'
A girl can dream!
Monday, 3 March 2014
Austin Powers
I've been having an Austin Powers-moment (or -couple of weeks) of late
'I think I've lost my Mojo!!"
No bitch, I know I've lost my mojo! Between having the lungs similar to that of a smoker and just a cold-virus zapping every bit of energy out of me, I have absolutely struggled with my training since Feb 23! (Good thing I have a training diary to refer back to!)
So, I said to myself earlier 'Self, enough is enough! Back on the bike, girl!!' And I did! 10.53 miles, Bitches!! Diet has been so-so, I can improve on that!
Also, I felt inspired after my coffee-saunter around the local shopping centre with my BGF Jo-face (Howya, ya stalker!! :P) and having a wee perve over the neon training clothes and (more) runners in a few sports stores.. so, I'm going to treat myself to a few more clothing items so at least I won't be turning my Vote For Pedro tee see-through a la Homer Simpson when he's trying to gain weight!
But, seeing as its now March, and February is such a short month anyway, I just gave myself a kick and got back down to business, especially seeing as before I know it, it'll be May and I'll hopefully have my fundraising night well planned and shall be in the final stages of getting everything organised. But, where my fundraising page is concerned, I am now after entering the €700's!!! Excited isnt even the word!!! So, I'm getting there!!! :D Hashtag Amazeballs!
So, ya.. that's my little bloggie for tonight, I'm not the kind of person who can churn out 5 posts a day, I do work full time and I kinda like my posts to kind of have some bit of substance to them. Besides, there's only so much you can write about how to pedal a bike before I start losing myself to the viewcount!!
'I think I've lost my Mojo!!"
No bitch, I know I've lost my mojo! Between having the lungs similar to that of a smoker and just a cold-virus zapping every bit of energy out of me, I have absolutely struggled with my training since Feb 23! (Good thing I have a training diary to refer back to!)
So, I said to myself earlier 'Self, enough is enough! Back on the bike, girl!!' And I did! 10.53 miles, Bitches!! Diet has been so-so, I can improve on that!
Also, I felt inspired after my coffee-saunter around the local shopping centre with my BGF Jo-face (Howya, ya stalker!! :P) and having a wee perve over the neon training clothes and (more) runners in a few sports stores.. so, I'm going to treat myself to a few more clothing items so at least I won't be turning my Vote For Pedro tee see-through a la Homer Simpson when he's trying to gain weight!
But, seeing as its now March, and February is such a short month anyway, I just gave myself a kick and got back down to business, especially seeing as before I know it, it'll be May and I'll hopefully have my fundraising night well planned and shall be in the final stages of getting everything organised. But, where my fundraising page is concerned, I am now after entering the €700's!!! Excited isnt even the word!!! So, I'm getting there!!! :D Hashtag Amazeballs!
So, ya.. that's my little bloggie for tonight, I'm not the kind of person who can churn out 5 posts a day, I do work full time and I kinda like my posts to kind of have some bit of substance to them. Besides, there's only so much you can write about how to pedal a bike before I start losing myself to the viewcount!!
Friday, 21 February 2014
Where's a Dr when you need one?!
Ugh, this cold just will not budge! Its after hindering me big time tonight, especially since I'm seeing great progress in my mileage!!
5.45 miles, and they were an absolute struggle to do, I had to give up and admit defeat!
Also, the many carb-y foods that I consumed today did not help me tonight, I'm here feeling like a complete grandmother at 9.13pm, barely able to keep my eyes open to watch the Wales-France rugby match in the 6 Nations (My other love, after cycling!)
Shall dig deep tomorrow, and try and have as much fruit/veg in my diet and see if it helps my energy levels! As obsessive as it sounds, it's a good thing I'm writing everything down in a training diary of what I'm eating and drinking on a daily basis along with my nightly miles and rest day notations - I can look back every day or two, see how I'm getting on and how the food choices I'm making are affecting me (Note: cut back on the scones and bread for a bit Karen, it's not helping your energy levels atm when its more white than brown you're consuming... TA LUV!)
I just need myself a Dorie really, 'Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming...'
..Or cycling!
5.45 miles, and they were an absolute struggle to do, I had to give up and admit defeat!
Also, the many carb-y foods that I consumed today did not help me tonight, I'm here feeling like a complete grandmother at 9.13pm, barely able to keep my eyes open to watch the Wales-France rugby match in the 6 Nations (My other love, after cycling!)
Shall dig deep tomorrow, and try and have as much fruit/veg in my diet and see if it helps my energy levels! As obsessive as it sounds, it's a good thing I'm writing everything down in a training diary of what I'm eating and drinking on a daily basis along with my nightly miles and rest day notations - I can look back every day or two, see how I'm getting on and how the food choices I'm making are affecting me (Note: cut back on the scones and bread for a bit Karen, it's not helping your energy levels atm when its more white than brown you're consuming... TA LUV!)
I just need myself a Dorie really, 'Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming...'
..Or cycling!
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Down With The Sickness
Ugh... So, this is what a smoker feels like: shortness of breath, constantly feeling the need to cough, not being able to climb stairs (or, cycle even) without stopping for a break!!
Zero Times!!
Unfortunately, I've caught a little cold that has travelled down into my chest along with a dry cough, which isn't the best thing to have while training for a country-long cycle!
I struggled to cycle those 8.16 miles tonight, every time I got into the Zone I had to stop to catch my breath, to cool down, to do other un-lady like things like choke my lungs up! So not cool and very very unproductive!
But, I managed to soldier on, not successfully mind, but I managed to do something significant! I have to get back up to 12 miles or else I'm not going to progress at a speed at what I (personally) would be happy with!
On the plus side, the last of the Christmas Roses are nearly gone!!! HALLELUJAH!!! Still having the sneaky few, but its broken up over 8-10 hours and not 8-10 mins!
Now, if you fine ladies and manly men would excuse me, I've got a half portion of Thai Green Curry w/rice and green beans waiting for me, along with a coffee and an evening of YT-subscriptions to catch up on!!!
Zero Times!!
Unfortunately, I've caught a little cold that has travelled down into my chest along with a dry cough, which isn't the best thing to have while training for a country-long cycle!
I struggled to cycle those 8.16 miles tonight, every time I got into the Zone I had to stop to catch my breath, to cool down, to do other un-lady like things like choke my lungs up! So not cool and very very unproductive!
But, I managed to soldier on, not successfully mind, but I managed to do something significant! I have to get back up to 12 miles or else I'm not going to progress at a speed at what I (personally) would be happy with!
On the plus side, the last of the Christmas Roses are nearly gone!!! HALLELUJAH!!! Still having the sneaky few, but its broken up over 8-10 hours and not 8-10 mins!
Now, if you fine ladies and manly men would excuse me, I've got a half portion of Thai Green Curry w/rice and green beans waiting for me, along with a coffee and an evening of YT-subscriptions to catch up on!!!
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
Zero Times
MISSING: Karen's Mojo... if found, tell her I need to have a quick word with her!
I mean, seriously! Im actually so disappointed in myself tonight! Great intentions of cycling 8 miles at least, cycle through the tiredness and what happens??
I don't even last 10 minutes... Less than 2 miles :(
A hormonal teenage boy would have lasted longer than me... yes, I know it sounds so so wrong, but I'm right though! And to make matters worse, I found solace in a bowl of HB Brunch ice-cream!
What I started to do last week was physically write down everything I eat and log every mile I've done, which is great and motivating and inspires me to make better choices...But, over the last 5 days I see red writing of naughty food choices on each day-page :( I don't want that for the duration of my training.
I know that people can go this way, but I don't want to slack off this early because I know myself, I won't stop and I will only pull out of that cycle, and I couldn't take the guilt on my conscience knowing that I had no one to blame but myself.
Onwards and upwards from tomorrow, I can pull through this! Seeing people suffer from cancer, plus Kelly Osbourne's recent insta-uploads of sweaty gym clothes are making me want to get back to the form I was in this time last week! Cut back on the carbs and butter, the yummy sweets (including the still-leftover Christmas tins - sad face), up my water and green tea intake, and really go for it on the bike over the next 3-4 days, and I'll start feeling the euphoria taking over and make me want to better myself!
There are people continuously researching cancer day in and day out, there are people fighting the battles of their lives against cancer on a daily basis... the least I can do is sit on an exercise bike and try and better myself every day. Cycling the length of Ireland will be a walk in the park in comparison to those fighting at the minute..
It's the least that I can do.....
I mean, seriously! Im actually so disappointed in myself tonight! Great intentions of cycling 8 miles at least, cycle through the tiredness and what happens??
I don't even last 10 minutes... Less than 2 miles :(
A hormonal teenage boy would have lasted longer than me... yes, I know it sounds so so wrong, but I'm right though! And to make matters worse, I found solace in a bowl of HB Brunch ice-cream!
What I started to do last week was physically write down everything I eat and log every mile I've done, which is great and motivating and inspires me to make better choices...But, over the last 5 days I see red writing of naughty food choices on each day-page :( I don't want that for the duration of my training.
I know that people can go this way, but I don't want to slack off this early because I know myself, I won't stop and I will only pull out of that cycle, and I couldn't take the guilt on my conscience knowing that I had no one to blame but myself.
Onwards and upwards from tomorrow, I can pull through this! Seeing people suffer from cancer, plus Kelly Osbourne's recent insta-uploads of sweaty gym clothes are making me want to get back to the form I was in this time last week! Cut back on the carbs and butter, the yummy sweets (including the still-leftover Christmas tins - sad face), up my water and green tea intake, and really go for it on the bike over the next 3-4 days, and I'll start feeling the euphoria taking over and make me want to better myself!
There are people continuously researching cancer day in and day out, there are people fighting the battles of their lives against cancer on a daily basis... the least I can do is sit on an exercise bike and try and better myself every day. Cycling the length of Ireland will be a walk in the park in comparison to those fighting at the minute..
It's the least that I can do.....
Saturday, 8 February 2014
7 days....
Ugh!! What A Week!!
Between getting good mileage at the very beginning to then finding out that I had to cover 2 night shifts (last night and the night before), it's been one rollercoaster! I'm truly exhausted, I barely have the energy to keep my eyes open, never mind cycle, blog.. hell even shower!
But, here I am! Albeit, a short and sweet blog because I'm having a little pamper sesh tonight: facial exfoliation, hot hot shower, body exfoliation + total re-hydration from head to toe! Hell, I might even try and squeeze in a mini-mani! A girl has to look her best in times of tiredness! Plus, the rollercoaster has played havoc on my diet and skin!!!!
Now, if you would please excuse me, the match sticks are starting to buckle under the weight of my eyelids!
Bonne Nuit!
Between getting good mileage at the very beginning to then finding out that I had to cover 2 night shifts (last night and the night before), it's been one rollercoaster! I'm truly exhausted, I barely have the energy to keep my eyes open, never mind cycle, blog.. hell even shower!
But, here I am! Albeit, a short and sweet blog because I'm having a little pamper sesh tonight: facial exfoliation, hot hot shower, body exfoliation + total re-hydration from head to toe! Hell, I might even try and squeeze in a mini-mani! A girl has to look her best in times of tiredness! Plus, the rollercoaster has played havoc on my diet and skin!!!!
Now, if you would please excuse me, the match sticks are starting to buckle under the weight of my eyelids!
Bonne Nuit!
Friday, 31 January 2014
Pedal to the Metal
There's vomit on his sweater already, Mom's spaghetti...'
I GOT A BICYCLE!
Well, it's an exercise bike, and my mother bought it - but I used it first! Not bad for €40!! OK, it needs a wipe down, but it works!! If you are a lyrical buff like myself, then you will hopefully know the reference that I am trying to make in my intro!
Question: What was the name of the movie that those theme lyrics are from!?
Answer: Is the amount of miles I cycled last night.
I. Cycled. Yes, me!
And if you guess 8 miles, then gold star for you!!! :) And if you didn't,
So, I started off extremely optimistic and enthusiastic, thinking to myself that for every mile I cycled I would up the intensity by 1..
How wrong I was!!!
I managed to make it to mile 3 on level 3 intensity and I couldn't go any higher - so, like the good little lady I
Little Tip: Don't have your facebook open while you are trying to navigate the wilds of the decking on your exercise bike, it provides too much of a distraction! Between social networking and numerous trips to replenish my hydrating liquid (water, fyi!!), it took me 55 mins! BUT - for a cycling newbie who has 8 months (re: 8m 1wk) to get prepared for my cycle, I'm quite proud of that time!
Of course, I aim to better myself every time I cycle on this bike, aim to do 8 miles in one sitting, and then add on a mile every so often and then build in intensity, to mimic actual hill climbing!
Of course, I shall be joining Le Gymnasium this coming fortnight, but the joys of working in a hospital setting means that I have the absolute pleasure in working/covering night duty from time to time. And guess who's covering night shift this coming 6th/7th feb!? On the plus side, I have a three day weekend- woo!!
Now, to go and decide whether a bread roll or a wrap with dinner is not going to give me side stitch when I cycle tonight. Oh, the excitement!
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Let Them Eat Cake!
Here's a little back story to me: I work in a hospital in my home town that caters to elderly care, and we do have long term patients... there were 2 birthdays in the space of two days, one cake covered in cream and today's version was scarily similar to the one pictured! Needless to say, I couldn't say no both yesterday and today, hence the 'Ugh!!!'
I know I'm in training, and I know that I'm more active now, but that still does not mean that it's 'ok' to over-indulge!! Those cakes combined with the still-available Christmas confectionary leftovers both at home and at work can make one act like a Golden Ticket winner in Wonka's Factory!
Call me Augustus Gloop for the rest of the day!
I'm only waiting for the sugar rush to kick in, my training tonight shall be faster than the speed of light! I'm not looking forward to the inevitable showing of a few friends on my skin over the next few days... Ah well, such is life and #firstworldproblems and all that! Le sigh.....
If you would please excuse me, I'm off to do a Violet Beauregarde and go to the pressing room!!
Saturday, 25 January 2014
Well, well, well... would you look what the cat's dragged in!
Its'a me, Mario!!! Numerous years have passed by, and not a blog post to be seen!
Until now...
I've decided to re-start/re-visit this blog to chronicle the next 9 months of my life! No I'm not pregnant... If you haven't seen by now the spam during the month on my Insta, then you wouldn't know this - I've signed up to take part in a cross-country cycle this coming September, all in aid of cancer research here in Ireland.
Yes, I know I've lost my mind! And yes, I do know what I'm doing!
Hear me out. On New Years Day 2014, a documentary about an inspiring and strong 16 year old man named Donal Walsh was shown on our national tv station. Donal came to prominence in spring of 2013 for his open letter to the youth of Ireland about their suicidal views and to basically let them know that it didn't have to be like that, that they all have a choice to live and they were making the wrong choices. Donal admitted in that letter that he was angry at the Irish youth who were choosing that path as he himself didn't have that choice - after fighting it twice before and now on his third battle, Donal was dying of terminal cancer.
It was in this documentary that I found out that Donal, along with his father, took part in a stage of a cycle that was going through Kerry. He had a prosthetic knee and 2/3 lung capacity, but he managed to complete the stage he chose to cycle. Here is a lad who is insanely sick cycling over a mountain for charity, yet i whinge about having to walk the short distance to the local post office and chose to drive it. Something clicked with me inside. I don't know what possessed me, but the next morning, Jan 2, 2014, I registered to take part in the cycle that Donal took part in.
C.R.O.S.S Rugby Legends hold a cycle to help raise money for cancer research here. Although the Donal Walsh docu was thekick up the behind nudge I needed, I had toyed previously with fundraising ideas to help raise money for a local cancer hospice. Unfortunately, like most people, my family has been touched by cancer on more than one occasion, most recently my Liverpool-supporting Army-camo obsessed uncle on my father's side (recently started chemo for mouth cancer). I had decided that 2014 was going to be a year to get in shape, (yes I know, the most original of NYR's) but by registering for this cycle, I will/am going to do this. My training started a fortnight ago, just walking and planking atm, but it's something. I'm the greatest in the world for stating 'I'll do it tomorrow!' 'I'll start monday!' 'I'll join up next week!!', enough was enough! I'm proud of myself for doing what I've said I'll do! I'm more active, my diet is alot better (but shall improve more as time goes by) and I've got my fundraising page set up and I'm raising money, slowly but surely!
I hope that over the coming months, I get support from you the readers, my family and friends, and from my work colleagues, because lord know's I'm going to need it!!! Now, if someone could please request Ryan Gosling to be in Donegal Sept 12...
Its'a me, Mario!!! Numerous years have passed by, and not a blog post to be seen!
Until now...
I've decided to re-start/re-visit this blog to chronicle the next 9 months of my life! No I'm not pregnant... If you haven't seen by now the spam during the month on my Insta, then you wouldn't know this - I've signed up to take part in a cross-country cycle this coming September, all in aid of cancer research here in Ireland.
Yes, I know I've lost my mind! And yes, I do know what I'm doing!
Hear me out. On New Years Day 2014, a documentary about an inspiring and strong 16 year old man named Donal Walsh was shown on our national tv station. Donal came to prominence in spring of 2013 for his open letter to the youth of Ireland about their suicidal views and to basically let them know that it didn't have to be like that, that they all have a choice to live and they were making the wrong choices. Donal admitted in that letter that he was angry at the Irish youth who were choosing that path as he himself didn't have that choice - after fighting it twice before and now on his third battle, Donal was dying of terminal cancer.
“I feel angry that these people choose to take their life to ruin their family and to leave behind a mess that no one can clean up while here I am with no choice in my sentence, trying as best I can to prepare my family and friends for what’s about to come and to leave as little mess as possible.”He was interviewed on the Saturday Night show not long after word spread of his letter, and his segment brought me to tears, on more than one occasion. Donal lost his battle with cancer in May 2013, and the entire town of Tralee, Co Kerry turned out to bid him goodbye on his final journey. I myself would have travelled the 90 mins to the funeral but I was scheduled to work and alas couldn't swap my days. I tuned into that documentary, and once again I was brought to tears by the words that Donal's close family and friends spoke about him.
It was in this documentary that I found out that Donal, along with his father, took part in a stage of a cycle that was going through Kerry. He had a prosthetic knee and 2/3 lung capacity, but he managed to complete the stage he chose to cycle. Here is a lad who is insanely sick cycling over a mountain for charity, yet i whinge about having to walk the short distance to the local post office and chose to drive it. Something clicked with me inside. I don't know what possessed me, but the next morning, Jan 2, 2014, I registered to take part in the cycle that Donal took part in.
C.R.O.S.S Rugby Legends hold a cycle to help raise money for cancer research here. Although the Donal Walsh docu was the
I hope that over the coming months, I get support from you the readers, my family and friends, and from my work colleagues, because lord know's I'm going to need it!!! Now, if someone could please request Ryan Gosling to be in Donegal Sept 12...
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