2012

For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.


T.S. Eliot

Korean RPM

is quite different from LM RPM on the Terrace:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLX3qpfKv-Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnwrs4osJyc&feature=related

as is "European" RPM:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGfNM2bkBMw&feature=related

Happy New Year

Yeah, I know, it's not the new year yet!  But you will recall from my last entry, I am now a week or so ahead, re Christmas/New Year celebrations!!!

The year in review:  There's not really a lot to say, if anything!, that I haven't already commented on in terms of looking back on 2011. I achieved completion of Taupo and walking the Milford Track.  That was good as they were significant goals I set.  I established a habit where I exercise regularly.  This didn't correspond with a significant weight loss over the year.  This indicates that I need to change and refine further my exercise and eating.  As always, I know in my head what will get me over the line in terms of executing complete change, I just need to do it.  Nevertheless I made progess.  That is key.  I want to make more progress though.  I don't just want to to give myself an "achieved" when I refelct on the year that was.  I want an excellence (eek, MoE National Standards terms!). Therein lies what has been a barrier that I have previously allowed to hold me back. If I can't have excellence then I'll settle for less.

It's important to me that when I look back on 2011, I can be confident I sorted a few obstacles in my head that had become road blocks, and removed what had been a black cloud over my life. Now I need to completely let those obstacles go and move forward.  So I mastered that route.  Now I need to travel new routes.  That's what makes the journey the journey.  Not simply repeating the pathway of the past that is known, but discovering new pathways. The focus is now not on what was, (that's not great english, but best describes things!) and focus on what is, and what will be.

All I want for 2012 is to live well, experience joy, be happy, be passionate about all I do, love life and others.    

The above statement is in a nutshell what I hope for in 2012.  I've osciallated whether to be specific than the above statement on my Blog.   Cos, you know, "the list" its quite personal.  But then I figure if I post it "publically", well, publically in terms of a wider readership than just my eyes, the intent is it will make myself more accountable.  So, what I resovlve to do in 2012 is below.

The list is not completely fitness related.  I've included "everything" because, the non fitness stuff relates to my overall wellbeing.  Fitness is a key component to both my physical and mental wellbeing,  but the other stuff is important for filling in the grace notes and creating the complete harmony that I strive to achieve.  So, I've inlcuded a few explanatory notes, where applicable:


Health
Reach 65kg by my birthday, 18th June, 2012.  This is the big one that always alludes me every year.  Although not in 2012!  Body watch out!  This gives me 6 months.  With a proper structured fitness and eating programme, it should be possible.  Hard work, but possible.
Have my teeth checked - I don't really want to go to a new dentist.  I find it quite difficult. The reality is I certainly can't go to my 'old' dentist.  Seeing a dentist is one of my realities.
Keep my mind occupied with things and experiences that bring joy.
Keep a daily record/journal of what I eat and exercise I complete.
Keep a daily (personal) journey of thoughts and stuff - this for personal reasons will be seperate from my blog.
Keep my blog going.

Fitness
Complete the events on my event calendar
Add events to my event calendar post March
Complete 10,000 kms road kms before Taupo 2012
Take at least 3 hours off my 2011 time for Taupo
Be able to run 5km
Build in resistance and weight training to my fitness programme
Build in some Body Balance sessions
Swim more
Keep an actaul record of my cycle "milage"
Tramp the Southern Cross Traverse
Tramp the Rimutakas
House
Keep my house clean and tidy - important becasue it creates that feeling of good enegry, everything is in order, and there is space to do more.

Garden
Improve the health of my roses.
Keep the garden and driveway completely organic
Get the vegetable garden completely sustainable, so that I can reduce the fruit and vegetables I buy - this is partly a cost thing - but more a philosophy thing that the bulk of the food I eat is grown out of my own garden, completely organic and fresh.
Improve my lawn.
Plant more fruit trees.

Work
Secure a new job that I find rewarding and uses my "skills, knowledge, and experience".  A job where I can be 100% passionate about the work.  (My current job has been good, a good healthy workplace, good people to work with, but I can't say I'm 100%  passionate about it - and I know that probably showed towards the end of 2011)

Finance
Pay my outstanding tax from 2011 ;-(
Get an accountant to help me work out my outstanding tax from 2011 :-(
Keep to a weekly budget - spend less on takeaway coffee and lunches (make my own lunch at least 4 x a week)
Develop and keep to a savings plan - this is a hard one, especially when I do more! and want to buy things like a car, new bike, travel, and new clothes.  Even if I save and get those, it will be progress.

Travel
Update my passport
Go to the Cook Islands or Fiji for my birthday?
Go to Germany/Switzerland/UK ? - contigent on how well the savings plan goes!

Friends/Family
Spend more time with friends and family
Make new friends.

Transport
Buy a new (second hand) car
Upgrade my bike once I get to 65kg


Things I will do when I am 65kg
Purchase (and wear):

• a black "shift" "label" dress
• high heels
• FMN boots
• jeans
• a Tissot new watch.

Host a formal celebration dinner party - or maybe just a party - where everyone has to wear a black dress!


Random
Give blood regularly - not only is it an easy thing to do re "giving", it reminds me of my commitment to "public health", and also of Mum, and how people's lives can depend on that blood
Make an effort to speak to my friendly neighbours more, and get to know the neighbours I don't know
Read more for pleasure (some people think I am "well read".  The truth though is I don't read much for pleasure.  So to aim for 10 books in 2012 - would significantly increase my reading).

• Read at least 5 biographies
• Read at least 5 novels

That's about it.  That's the aspirational list.  I may have missed something.


Happy 2012 - The best is yet to come ;-)

Thoughts

It's pretty fair to say I've suspended my exercise programme for a few weeks.  The plus side of this, is I'm a week ahead on the Christmas excess thing.  I'll pull it back on line with effect next Tuesday.  I'll have to because as of this Thursday, that makes it 12 weeks until the Grape Ride.

So, here's a few (random) Christmas thoughts:

I hope whatever you do this Christmas:  your heart is full of joy,  your stomach full of good food and wine,  your cheeks sore from laughing so hard.  Wear your seatbelt, don't drink and drive, do thirty star jumps every day (who needs Core when there are old skool star jumps?), don't wear white pants (unless you really do have hot legs), cycle like the world is going to end in 45 minutes (oh, that's just RPM on a good day;-), do watch The Lion King, The Sound of Music, and Rocky, don't run with scissors, do give a stranger a high five – especially if they are from the Hutt, do undertake at least one random anonymous act of kindness, swim in random locations, don't forget to smile at the cashier people when you're doing your Christmas shopping, do put on high energy music and try and dance furiously, just dance whenever possible,  wear a heart monitor and see how high your heart beat can go in your hallway,  listen to music that calms the soul, don't forget to  put sunscreen on, breathe when your swimming or diving – or try not breathing, sing a little or a lot, cycle like you have all day to get round Lake Taupo, get to feel both soil and sand, practice safe sex, get lost in a forest, fly,  do at least one thing that frightens you, drink lots of water – it always makes the hangover less stressful, talk to your neighbours,  savour the sun, and  don’t kill any screaming kids (or their caregivers/parents at thesupermarket – ok, this last one, may just be applicable to me ;-) .

I'll aim to tick off a few of the above over the Christmas break - I hope you do too,

Also, I will be getting a few decent road rides in - once I rediscover where I left my bike? ;-)

I'm having a blog holiday for a few days. I’ll be back, once I’ve been away –  likely to be before next year. Probably next week.  So, I'll save my "formal end of year review" and thoughts on the year that was and the universe until then.

Just booked tickets for RK in Feb - nothing like a bit of middle of the road Irish music.  Not a Christmas tune, but I like this tune - reminds me when I had a passport;-) - which is a random connection:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuJrEBtmM1Q


To be continued....

6015

That's my bib number for this event:

http://www.graperide.co.nz/default.asp?PageID=101

Sh*t, it's locked in now!!!!

As an alternative to completing any exercise, I’ve booked my ticket to the Graperide – 24 March.

This is a huge act of faith in the universe – and myself! – as I haven’t (yet) secured:

a)      A support team – my Taupo team seem to be deterred by the “strait”.

b)      Fellow riders.

Anyway, I decided I’d kick myself (figurately speaking) if I let this event lapse from my event calendar.  Also,  I think this is doable within the timeframe (three months from Christmas Eve!).  Unlike the Ohakune and round Taranaki rides.  I think those events, without the luxury of a 6am start would push me beyond what I'm physically capable of -  even with a solid 3 months training.  That extra 4 weeks the Graperide better make a difference!  I’ll have to make it make a difference. 

I reckon if you already had a base fitness, then one could enter the Leppin Magnum = 202 km.  Like that would kind of be what one would expect a RPM instructor to be able to do - with ease? ;-)  

Speaking of kicking myself, I seem to have a quite a few bruises on my legs – more than normal.  I’m not sure why this is.  Although it probably didn’t help falling over the firewood – when I was laying it out to dry on the driveway.  Probbaly didn’t help. 

In contrast to yesterdays Christmas tune, here's my favourite Advent hymn: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWLltU9ayFc

yeah, I like to mix it up!

Patterns

This is the first year since I've been living in the Wairarapa I haven't had a real Christmas tree.  So, it breaks a pattern for me.  Having secured the best decorated tree title for several years in a row (against I would note some stiff competition) - it doesn't quite hold the same challenge any more.  As I'm going to be away at Christmas, I decided not to do the tree thing this year.  Although I do sort of miss having a real tree - the smell, lights, and "dressing" it up in all its majestic glory.  This will my first Christmas away from Wellington/Wairarapa for a very long time.  This got me thinking about "breaking the patterns".  It can be good to do - break certain patterns, and create new ones.  It's the last thing I need to do re dropping my weight, and acquiring the level of fitness I really want - break certain patterns - and create new ones.

The last couple of weeks have made me realise that even though I have created new and good habits, I can easily slip back into the old patterns.  The key thing for me is to remember is to ask myself which patterns I want to use my energy and focus on.  It's a basic thing, and a reality of my journey that I have to stop and ask myself this fundamental question.  Once I have done that, the answer always seems easy.  It is the positive patterns.

With various comitments it hasn't been a great week exercise wise.  I need though to find the time to do exercise - even if its not RPM or on the bike - plus its only weeks away to some of the "event"s I have made a commitment to complete in 2012.

I don't think I've posted any Irish or celtic music - which is kind of odd, as I like it a lot, and some of the beats run through my veins  - so here's a song I like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwHyuraau4Q&feature=related

53 x 52

Managed to get to the gym today.  My last RPM session of the year with the T lady. Very inspired selection of crossing the best of RPM 53 with RPM 52- at least in my opinion!  I think I recall the T lady singing - must have either been a) happy or b) post assessment?!  Anyway, I think this now means I've now had a year or so of RPM intro, and I'm ready to move from my brown belt to a higher grading, or something like that.

Today I think the the challenge was  laid down for 2012 to beat the T lady in a road time trial.  Unrealistic?   Not if I finally drop the extra weight....Maybe I should set a date for a ride off? It would of course need to be post Taupo 2012!!!
 
Good workout.  Energy levels have lifted, which is v.good. 

First load of firewood delivered.  Heading outside to now to shuffle my firewood.

and then heading off to Gizzy for a kanohi ki kanohi hui for a couple of days.  So, the blog will be unattended during this time while I attend to other stuff.

Last time I went to Gizzy, I set the Taupo challenge.  So this will be a good time to have a bit of a review/goal session planning time with the other Lead Advisor in the Koru Lounge :-)

Today's workout comprised clearing the driveway for the Firewood Man to deliver my firewood.  It's an odd(ish) thing the annual delivery of my firewood.  The Firewood Man lives across the road from me with his Mum.  He is about my age. 

When I want firewood, which I've learnt is best if you can have two seasons ahead, and also ideally purchase prior to Christmas - actually, I don't really need firewood for next year, I just love firewood - and I've also come to look forward the "ritual of the purchase".  Also one never knows when one may need to 'winter over' as I did this year  - thanks to KC and the Sunshine Band. 

So, this is how it goes: I look out for the Firewood Man in his front garden with his Mum.  This then necessitates a review of her garden - which is in pretty good shape for a lady in her 80s.  The Firewood Man's Mum has lived in my street for at least 50 years or so, initially two doors along from me, and then she moved in with her son a few years ago.  I find her pretty amazing because she also has this amazing array of homespun wool and knitting from the sheep the Firewood Man has in a paddock somewhere.

We then discuss whether its a good year for macrocarpa or not.  I really don't know what this means, other than preffered purchase catergory.  Last year I got on the macrocarpa list.  This year apparently mac is in short supply - which I interpret as not making the preferred locals list this year.  I don't really mind, as I probably will purchase either Mac or Manuka locally via Trade Me.

Anyway, the ritual of the purchase of the firewood was almost completed tonight when the Firewood Man was waiting for me at his gate to return home from the train. Actually, he waits at his gate quite a lot in Summer to say hello to various people... He then says he can deliver one load tomorrow, another on Thursday or Friday depending on the rain, and the remaining load in the new year.  He then hands me a small piece of paper written in his Mum's handwriting with the price on it - $300.00 for the two loads before Christmas.

It's this bit of the transaction I find most intriguing, because he does it every year.  Hands me this small piece of paper with the price on it.  We never discuss the price.  I just say something like "Ok, I'll drop the money off to you tomorrow".  I kind of think maybe he can't read, or do the numbers (so have empathy for him on that one).  It doesn't worry me if that's the case, I just though find it intriguing, and a little sad if that is the case.  Like, what will he do when he can't rely on his Mum?

The final part of the ritual always necssitates discussing the train ride home, and how the weather was in Wellington.

Oh, today's exercise also comprised an hour or so of "grubbing" - the garden is "rampant" in a way a wish my exercise and weight loss would be!

Excited to discover I have green tomatos, and ready for eating: zuchinnis, rubarb, red currants, strawberries, raspberries, broad beans, and yes, lettuces - although only a few left now.

I love firewood, which is why I've devoted so much text on this post to it!  It is though, as an astute reader you've probably worked out, also an easy distraction for me.

Energy levels are higher today - but I guess its true to say, I'm regrouping on a few things as Christmas draws closer.  I think overall this is a healthy thing to be doing.   I have my draft Event Calendar and all that, but I actaully need to be a little more specific about specific goals I don't want to escape my grasp in 2012.

Bikefancy

I love this blog:

http://bikefancy.blogspot.com

Sometimes I think I'd like to do the equivalent in Carterton - where people ride an assortment of bikes for functional purposes - like getting to work or going shopping.  Which of course is not to say that biking for exercising is not functional eh?  It would also be good to do a version of the Wellington bike scence.

I'm not sure where my energy levels have disappeared to?  Somewhere.   They are there, but they keep trying to hide from me :/

Four words

My four words:  lazy, genuine, happy, and patient. 

RPM 53 x 2

Ride two of release 53 with the team duo of the T lady and the Young American, who I noted was calling the T lady Miss T (omg, just watching Tabitha the hairdresser lady on TV - Tabitha looks like the T lady's big sister - although probably not to the T lady!).  Back to the page: good team instruction.  Adds in more variety.

My favourite tracks remain 1, 4, & 7.  There’s a line in track 6 I like re feeling the music.   I like that line.

I find track 3 “distracting” because it makes a reference to 1983.  So, it puts me back in 1983.  Maybe All Night Long was released in 1983 – definitely the 8os – I remember  86 being the year I liked LR – “Say You Say me” – in fact, I have the piano music for that track…

I think the Young American noted she was five when All Night Long was released.  So, while she's young, shes not that young!  At least she had been born!  At least the back row I rode in today comprised riders that I can be confident were not 5 years old when All Night Long was released.

Good workout today.  Consiouus though that I'm only really breaking even with my workouts at the moment, (maybe not even, even) in terms of the wider weight loss goal,  due to the food intake not being that great over the last week or so.   My body forgot to stop carbo loading post Taupo.  Now I need to get it to crave protein -.  Good protein.  And lettuce!   I have a heap of healthy lettuces in the garden ready to eat, much tastier and healthier than the prepackaged lettuce from the Supermarket. I just don't really feel like eating them!  So, I just need to transform the lettuces over the next few days into meals I do want to eat - with lettuce!  Althouh having said that I managed to make tonights lettuce look and taste sexy (if a lettuce can be sexy) with some beautiful shrimps.

53-147

Rode my first time of RPM release 53.  Wow, a year of RPM releases.

I think tracks 1, 4, & & are my favourite tracks.

That's:

• All Night Long - Lionel Ritchie remix
• Queens and Kings, or Kings and Queens
• Whereever you go I will follow - remix...yeah, "if I could..."

Actually, I think the track 7 of this release is my favourite.  Normally I don't like track 7s.

Image...Imagine

The thing I exercised most today was my patience at the Thorndon New World Christmas sale.  I had a list:  Milk, parmesen cheese, tomatos.  I did get those, but I also got: Moet, Daniel Brun No 1,  Deutz, Left Field.  Cheap prices.  Cheapest of seen for ages.  Cheap as cheap.  Crazy cheap. But crazy shopping conditions.  I didn't actually know it was sale day, so an added bonus I guess.  But man, the man behind me with his trolley, I nearly biffed him one.  That's one reason I really do need to go to the gym - to keep that passive aggressive thing in check!  Or, even the passive agressive thoughts in check....

Instead of going to the gym or the Thorndon pool for a swim, (which I had intended to do, but it rained, which is not to say, I don’t like swimming in the rain because I do), I exercised my fingers on the web, and looked up accommodation in Blenheim for the weekend of the graperide (24 March) – and discovered, it is already heavily  booked at some of the good motorlodges, unless you want to pay $800 a night to stay in a refurbished convent – I’d like to stay there, but not pay that much!   I have learnt from Taupo, not to  arrive the night before, and get less than 4 hours sleep.  So, I’ll probably stay a couple of nights.    Just need to work out what will work for the ‘support crew’.

I also discovered you can take your bike on the “ferry” for $15.00.  That’s probably the way to go, and then grab a rental at the other end.

It’s good having good stuff to plan for, work out.

I have received my ordered “official photos” from Taupo  - just ordered a few from the set, and also purchased the electronic set/and the video – which helpfully adds your time in at the end!  Usually, I wouldn’t bother, or never get around to it. They arrived amazingly quick - much quicker than the q tonight at Thorndon New World :-).  My postie left them on my front door.  So Cartertonish (and thoughtful) to do that – becasue the envelope had photos written on it.  I find the photos a little ‘disturbing’, because they tell the truth of how I am, how big I am – its much easier (for me)  to look at them on the screen!  This is about understanding image.  It might seem a fundamental and basic thing, and I’ve touched on it it before, but its kind of core to moving to the next level when you are a person who has carried a heap of extra weight for over half your life time. It’s something I can face though now, and the thing is I actually want a photographic record. The photos will go into a new photo album I am going to purchase  - covering the “events” I am going to complete over the next 6 months. Also, the more events I enter, the more regularly I can update the photo on my blog site!   It will be a special album.

I have to reach my ideal weight goal by the end of June 2012.  This is how I’m going to do it – by participation in the events – and training hard for them.  Then when I look at that album in 6 months time, then I know I will feel proud at having documented the progress.   Which is not to say I don’t feel proud now, but I want to feel prouder – if that’s a word – or more proud.  Yeah.  Prouder.  That’s what I’m aiming for.   Oh, and hot (fast as) legs! with a pumping Polar heart rate.  It’s not a lot to ask for eh?

Better make sure I get to the gym tomorrow – otherwise I’ll miss the hot new release week ? – and have lost a valuable week re Graperide.  Taupo is so yesterday.  Now the new word is Graperide!

Lambton Quay

It's been a random day, so here's a random entry.  I didn't get to the gym at lunchtime becauase I had lunch with the Buddha lady.  So named, becasue for awhile she tried to convert me and other colleagues to Buddism - unsucessfully.  Although her Buddism I would note seems to be quite "inner city liberal".  I guess in a similar way to my christian beliefs - a little bit of flexibility on certain issues.

We worked together a few years ago in a job and conditions I'd rather forget.  Although in some ways, its quite good to catch up with the BL to be reminded I'm in a totally different space now.  And its that space I choose to live from.  I always had time for the BL because for her, life seemed to be solved with green tea and buddist retreats.  I'm not sure its always that easy, but people, including me, find what works for them.

Anyway, as for the random factoid of the day.  One of my "goals" for next year, will be to walk down Lambton Quay in my gym/cycling gear.  Random eh?  It will be kind of my version of that Kwok guy's Look At Yourself Naked or whatever it is called.  It will probably be winter before it happens.  That could pose a slight problem.  Anyway, I'll navigate the logistics of it all closer to the time.

It will be my version of a mid winter swim - although I've never done that either - so might add one of those in there also.

The significance?  Well, if i have the confidence in my body that I am Ok walking down LQ in cycling shorts or shorts - then I'll know I'm totally Ok with my body and it represents what I want to look like.

Just adding it into the blog for now~!

Event calendar

I was thinking about doing an Advent blog calendar - with links everyday to the exercise of the day, or something like that, but that's not really very Adventish, so instead I've decided to post my Event Calendar for the next three months.

 

This time last year my main focus was to complete a 100 RPM.  This year, I'm focussing on events.  Hopefully, each one will provide its own motivation to achieve small goals and progress.  Also each event will hold its own adventure and sense of achievement.  And these incrementally will help me 'smash' Taupo in 2012 rather than just the satisfaction of completion.

Here's the Event List:

January 2012:
Taranaki Cycle Challenge http://www.cyclechallenge.co.nz/home

February 2012: 
19 February: Kapiti Womens Triathalon http://www.kwt.org.nz/
26 February: Round the Bays (walk)   http://www.wellingtonnz.com/event/2012_ami_round_bays?gclid=CMHmsvW556wCFUdNpgod30XKJg

March 2012:

11 March: Bush Cycle Tour, Tui Brewery: http://www.sportsground.co.nz/clubsite.asp?siteid=17317&pageid=62631&pagetypeid=1
18 March: Round The Vines, Martinborough; http://www.roundthevines.org.nz
24 March: Grape ride, Blenheim http://www.graperide.co.nz

 

There's a slight problem with the Kapit Women's Triathalon, in that I can't run!  Still if I can stay in the saddle for hours, I just need to tell my body it can run! If I can run 4km by 19 February, then that becomes the goal.  It seems the easy option to enter the duathalon that comprises the swimming and cycling components only.  I did this Triathalon about 20 years ago! - so that's why I need to do it again.  Because that's the last time I weighed a weight I was OK with.  I'll just have to start with running between the rugby posts in the field nearby or something like that, and build up to 1 km in distance at a time!!

 

I reckon the Grape ride will be the highlight.  That looks like an awesome ride.  Although starting and finishing a ride at the Tui Brewery will have its own novelty ride for a 'rapa rider.

Next I need to work on:

• enlisting fellow participants/and or support crew!
• finally buy a car, so I can get to some of them, if I can't enlist fellow participants/and or support crew.

Hopefully, I can do both! - buy a car, and enlist fellow participants and support crew.

Hills

Adding to my hills to climb:

Wainuiomata - I know that hill, every bend, to ride that hill on a bike from the Hutt side and then back, it would represent something - that I could climb a decent hill, but also its not the hill, its my physical and mental strength that gives me the ability to do that.

Makara - I don't know that hill at all, but cyclists from the 'city' talk about Makara, so on that basis it gets added to the list.

Whitemans - it defeated me this year, so the sooner I can master it, the better.

Rimutaka - crazy to add that to the list.  But actually, while its long and climbing, its graduated gradients.  So, I know when I can do that hill - then I'll call myself "fit"!

All these hills are pretty mean, so realistically not doable before Christmas! - I'm just adding them into the list today.

Yep, if I can knock those hills off before Taupo 2012 then I have 100% confidence I'll be super mean lean cycling machine with hot cycling legs!  That's the goal now.  It always was, but the for some reason now, I actually believe the transition to the next stage of the health and fitness programme is possible now.

Wockenende

As much as I love cycling, I'm soooooooooo looking forward to a weekend without a long ride - and a nice long sleep in tomoro!.  By the way, I define myself as an "endurance" rider - that to my readers, just means I can sit forever in the saddle!  Its a nice way to frame things in the positive for now...There will be a shortish (say maybe 1-2 hours ride, as I need to keep working on my slow burn tan for summer (so, un public health, and a bit of a long game plan, like a few other things in life at the moment :-)!), - oh, and my health and fitness goals!  Sometimes I have the endurance to play the long term game.  Sometimes....

Looking forward to catching up on house and garden stuff this weekend - mowing the lawn, tying up the tomatos etc etc.  Domestic bliss - that's what I'm aspiring to for this weekend.  I need to get the house ready for the installation of the Christmas tree - and I need to work out when I'll be able to go to the forest to go and cut one down.

Christmas is coming - soon!- This year I think it may be a little more fun than last Christmas :-)

Good workout today.  Enjoyed the music, and the workout ;-) Only did two workouts this week.  It was a bit of a recovery week.  Next week I need to change the intensity again.

Mission Taupo 2012 (MT 2012)

Today, on the first day of the twelfth month of 2011 I launch Mission Taupo 2012.

It may seem rather early to launch MT 2012, having only just completed Taupo 2011.  However, I think it has already been established I need an early start ;-)  - at least this year, for next year.

What does MT 2012 comprise?

Well I think the rough sketch of the objectives are something like this:

• aim for 100km rides every 2 weeks
• nail the Admiral Hill and Martinborough windmill hills
• do regular strength and core training at least 3 x weekly
• loose 30kg
• enter more "races" from the cycle calendar - preferably one a month over 2012

If I could tick every one of those dot points above off, then I reckon I could not only knock only a couple of hours off my time, but even aim to halve my time!  That may seem overly ambitious and a bold claim.  But that's what I'm aiming for!  I actually think if I can actually loose the 30kg then of course I'll get up those hills without walking and go twice as fast.

This year, it was about crossing the line.  That alone was my personal victory.  Also leaving behind on the road somewhere a bit of personal baggage I was carrying (the environment was not harmed when I left it;-))  That's "completed" now.

Now I move on, move forward, set new challenges and goals.

Yay~! MT 2012 officially launched in my living room - as Annie Lennox would sing about!

Back in the house

Went back to Wednesday RPM today.  My first RPM session post Taupo.  Hutt girl being HG often makes reference to Wednesday being Hump Day.    It may well be for HG and some others in the room – but for me it is Mittwoch, Wednesday.  Just the middle of the week!

It was a good workout. My body and mind felt like it needed to get back on the bike. I consider this to be good.  This is what I do to reward my body and mind - now.

I never told HG I completed  Taupo. I had intended to, but somehow, while it is important, I don’t feel I ‘need’ to tell her. I do though aspire to have better legs, which she bangs on quite a lot about.  There was a guy in the room who I know did Taupo, and he looked about half a stone lighter this week.  I am not – half a stone lighter post Taupo.  But I am half a stone ‘stronger’ mentally, so that’s all good.

This afternoon, my colleague (the guy with 50 pairs of jeans) got a text from the Telecom Santa – hilarious!  I’m on Telecom too, but never get these texts.  And hello Santa is not  ‘real’ eh? It made me think though, there are a couple of things, (and experiences), if did have the 0800 number to Santa that I do want, in much the same way a kid wants things for Christmas.  Some don’t cost anything, except an investment of time.  And what I want most probably has the inter-dependency of certain stars aligning at the right time.   Might not seem to have much to do with Taupo, but it does.  Even though as I posted yesterday life is pretty good.  I actually want more than than pretty good!  I want "exceeding expectations"!


Here's quite a cool video - even has bikes in:-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G4isv_Fylg&feature=player_embedded

As for tomorrow, 1 December kicks off Mission Taupo - 2012!  MT2012!!

Taupo ano

Another pic.  This is me  "racing" just past Turangi.  Still enjoying myself.  Still taking my time!

Good day today.  Got to hang out with both my "watch advisors" at the same meeting.  One of those days where you think "Man, do I get paid for being here?"!

Life is pretty good at the moment.  A few gear changes required to reach perfection (in terms, of 'the complete life is good package'), but pretty good nevertheless.

I'll be giving some thought to my next challenges (the conversations at the tea breaks and lunch today reminded me of the importance of that), and posting those soon.  But today I'm actually a little tired! - even slept on the train on the way home, which I don't usually do.

Taupo continued

Just got the 16 photos through from the official photographer.  Here's one - more will follow when I work out how to purchase them.  (v clever marketing how they locate you out of 9000 people! - one advantage of not being a pack rider is they get good solo shots of you - although that does include the leg shots - and my legs aren't quite hot enough (yet) to bask in the photographic glory of wanting these photos) This is me going up the first hill!  There are a couple of nicer shots where I look less like the Molenberg lady popping out of her lycra, but I like this shot, because I took that hill! - and  I look happy eh?

Actually, I look happy in all 16 shots.  Although 3 of those 16 shots don't look like me at all - becasue they are not!

I'll probably purchase a set of photos, even the ones of me walking - because its good to have a photo record of my record breaking 2011 challenge!

A nice thing happened at work today: my colleagues had decorated my pod saying I was a Taupo winner - with pictures of bikes and stuff.  Nice eh?  Its kind of a thing my colleagues do.  Celebrate each others achievements; birthdays, babys, winning bowling tournaments, weddings etc.  It felt nice they had done that, especially given my prospects of having a baby or wedding are extremely remote!  I was late too work this morning becasue the train got stuck in the tunnel.  My acting manager goes "so why didn't you bike to work then?" Ha!  One day man, one day :-) . 

Taupo

So, this weekend was "Taupo" weekend.  How did it go?   Well, I heeded the advice of TJ, CH, and Mario to "take my time and enjoy" myself.   Each of these people gave me that advice!  I guess beacause they "know" it's important.  I may have heeded the advice a little too much re the taking my time factor.  Oh, and the enjoyment factor, both on the ride, and post ride :-)

According to my  bike computer, I completed the ride in under 8 hours.  That does not (signficantly) correspond with my official transponder time.  The reason being: time walking the hills when the computer doesn't register, and at the rest stops does not count.

I took the first hill real "easy".  So much so that 'Marama of Lower Hutt' commented she was pretty impressed by me doing that when we rode a little of the way together.  I took it so well, I was able to shout out to the official  "hill" photographer, I hope he got my best side!.   The second hill was Ok too.  Howerever, Kuratau and Hatepe I had to walk most of.  I guess I always knew that would be a possibility.  I had my shoe covers so walked.  The gradient of those hills doesn't  correspond with my weight.  That's why I find it easier to walk. 

One thing I found encouraging about the ride was how heaps of the riders (mostly the elite riders), and mostly the guys! - in the early part of the ride, when they passed me (usually going up the hills) would call out my name and say phrases "keep going, dig it in, not long to go now, your doing really well".  The first time it took me by surprise, as I thought 'whose that?' - then I realised they jsut read your name off your back bib.   It's "nice" they take the time to do that, and I hope that one day when I am much leaner, fitter and faster I will remember to do that - because it counts. I got a shout out to from the Head Coach, TJ, - which was cool.  Although not cool in the context that I left 3 hours before her!- and the point of the ride, at which she passed me!

The wind on the day was "crazy".  It was good I had practiced the weekend before.  But I would say the ride comprised about 3/4 of riding into the wind.

There's a whole lot of areas I could identify that if I can implement would reduce my time - hopefully by hours!  These being:

• not carry so much fluids - which is related to another dotpoint below
• not carry so many bananas and food - I took too much
• not carry so much weight (on my body)
• do weight work and strengthen my core 
• don't walk up the big hills
• don't have so many toilet and rest stops
• don't leave reserve in the tank - I was fresh enough at the finish, and this morning to go for a big walk around the lake! - although my knees felt like they were on fire  in the car on the way back..from not having enough leg room
• get more sleep the night before - I only got about 3 hours sleep, which wasn't ideal for a 6am start
• do more organised rides before - like from Jan!
• do more 100km rides on a regular basis

That's a fairly long list of points, and I note them for the sake of "lessons learned" than beating myself up about my time becasue of course, while I  had aspired to achieve an 8 hour time, the thing for me this year had to always be about completion".

I couldn't sustain 22 km to get within the 8 hours with the wind.  I think my average time when riding was 17km.  My average time when resting was 0 ;-)

Ride time aside, does if feel good?  Yes, it does.  Very good.  Could I have done it this time last year?  No. Do I want to do significantly better next year?  Yes.  And I know I can if I can address the dot points above that it is possible to shred hours off.

As for a few stats:  There was a man who had one arm in plaster who finished ahead of me, however, the unicylists didn't.  160km on a unicycle is crazy.  Especially when they have to pedal downhill as well as uphill. 


So while the time I completed "Taupo" in is not flash.   What is important is that it has strenghthened the resolve to set new goals and challenges, because that is where the enjoyment comes - in that sense of achievement - that yeah I can nail something if I set my mind and heart to it - I do have an underlying determination to want things that are good and healthy and bring pleasure.

It's been good so far, and as FH would say "the best is yet to come".   But I think what Taupo taught me this year, while the best is still to come, I make the most of how it is today.  And that's how the ride yesterday felt.  That's what it means to give effect to the phrase "right here, right now". 

I end with a quote from Amy Taylor (author of the Taupo book guide) from her Taupo FB page:

I hope everyone had a great time at Taupo. I'm looking forward to hearing all of your adventures! With wind like that time was unfortunately irrelevant bringing home the fact that your final time is not the real outcome. Instead the journey and process along the way is the true outcome.

Yeah, I did have a great time! (not measured by the transponder) but measuring "time" in other ways, and it is part of the wider journey and outcome.

I'll post a few photos once I have them.

My Last Post

So did you pick up what I missed off yesterday's shopping list?  BANANAS - kiwifruit maybe the wonderfruit pre race - but on race day, BANANAS are the wonder fruit.  Anyway, I have my bananas.  Nice and firm, so they can survive the ride.  I think I will take 3 on the ride....

I also have a 6.00 am start - but be at the start line at 530am locked in.  Oh. my. goodness.  It may not be about whether I can physically do the ride now, but whether I can stay awake  - no, yeah, I can, I do that every day.  And hey, adrenalin, oliveral tablets, arnica,  kali phos, and mineral tablets....better do the job they are designed to do, as indeed I need to on the day!.

The early start, as advised by the Course Director means "my crew" will be be riding the old route - relay route - to miss the elite riders "platooning" us!  Fair enough!  Less hills - should be to my advantage - at least in the first leg.

This is my last post....pre Taupo ;-) There is still some way to go on the bigger jounney, so I'll be keeping this Blog going post Taupo.  There's the journey stuff to blog about, but also there will be more cycling stuff.  I'm going to keep cycling (indoors and outdoors) no matter what, and set new cycling goals and challenges.

But for today, the focus is Taupo.  Just a day or so away.  Mrs Strawhouse asked me on the train this yesterday what I'll think about for 8 hours on the road.  In no particular order, here's what I'll probably think about - other than F**** that was an early start, and "wow, I'm doing Taupo":

1. My favourite Rocky quote; re its not how many times you can get hit, but taking the hits, and keep moving forward
2. The video clip where its about inch by inch
3. Tracks and lines from various music on my i-pod
4. How good it feels to be "doing Taupo"
5. How "fresh" I feel after 3 days "rest"
6. How easy it is because I have trained and prepared
7. How easy the hills are and awesome I find I don't need to use the covers Mario gave me
8. How awesome it is I'm riding so fast
9. Various RPM instructors and their favourite lines, like "do not let this beat you..we've got this...or AK's line: faster faster...)
10. How the Head Coach (TJ) said a year or so ago, she'd support me in the journey - and she has been true to her word, and how that has helped 'make a difference' ;-) in believing in myself - and others 
11. How CH has supported me with good pratical advice, positive encouragementy, and reminded me of the importance of pursuing adventure
12. How FH has taught me, yeah it's OK to have a GP;-) and other stuff - and yeah, faith counts in healing
13. How cool it is I am not alone on the road or the journey
14. How blessed I feel to have good friends in my life who will be waiting for me at the finish line
15. How blessed I feel to have people in my life who wont be at the finish line but have supported me by believing in me
16. How blessed I feel to have a family I love and they love me, even though we don't really say it as often as we should, and even though life is not always sunshine and roses for us 
17. How I love my bike, I love cycling and the joy it brings
18. About how awesome it is going to be to have a shared dinner (MEAT - and hopefully CREAM!), a few drinks, fireworks, and heaps of laughs (unless I go to sleep - nah, that's not going to happen!)
19. How my roof and house needs painting
20. How I have a couple of house boards that need repair
21. How I have peas, and more potatoes to plant
22. How I hope my strawberry plants will be prolific
23. Will I ever get the perfect lawn that I want for the small lawn patch I now have
24. Could I build a fence across my driveway
25. Do I want a fence across my driveway because its time to get a dog - dog, lover, or maybe both?
26. Will I get a new (secondhand) car before Christmas
27. Should I start APs to start paying my tax bill off now, or get a new (secondhand car) - the car will win
28. How awesome it is going to be to have a car again - AWESOME
29. About getting a new PASSPORT issued, so I can travel in 2012
30. I'll remember my Mum and Dad, and the gifts I inherited from each of them: music from my Mum and how hooking into the rythym is important in all aspects of life; a love of the land and colour from my Dad
31. How people we love can die of cancer, and it can hurt, and that's why when we live, we have to live life as best we can - we really do have to LIVESTRONG
32. How the quality of my life can be determined by the choices I make
33. I'll think about my beautiful black cat Ali and how gifted and loving he is
34. I'll think about the importance of love  - in life, and for life, and for sharing love, and I how I feel strong enough to love, again...
35. What New Zealand would look like if every voter decided to vote Green while I was cycling around Taupo :-)
36. How beautiful the landscape of Taupo is, even the hills
37. How awesome it is to be meeting new people
38. Whether I'll hold off for the next toilet stop or just go on the side of the road - knowing I'm unlikely to see the people passing me again
39. How this may be my slowest Taupo time, but in some ways it maybe my sweetest Taupo time becasue it is my first time, so I want to savour every minute, every interaction, every "switchback", every climb, every downhill, and best of all when I see my name on the screen at the finishline - that will be AWESOME (I'e seen they do it on Youtube!)
40. How blessed I feel to have a job where the people are positive and supportive, there is good energy and a good vibe
41. How I'm moving forward inch by inch
42. Should I get a dishwasher?
43. Christmas in Auckland - it will be a first, and different
44. The fireworks
45. How awesome there is no wind, at least not like the last weekend when the wind was crazy
46. How awesome it is ride a new route with thousands of other people, and its an amazing way to spend a November Saturday

That's 46 things: something for every year of my life!

I probably wont think about world peace:-)

OK.....for 8 hours, it is actually possible I may think of none of the above - but just about keeping my feet going, the road ahead, what speed I'm going and reaching the finish line before dark!

Be back post Taupo ;-) 

To be continued....

Shopping list

Purchased for the Taupo Food and Beverage kit:

• 4 bottles of Deutz (being on special this week at New World) to add to the 2 bottles of Moet - I think that completes my contribution to the beverage "pool", although I'm trusting it will be supplemented with some "good" Martinborough chardonnay.

Also purchased:

• 4 bottles of blue Powerade (also on special at New World) - for the pre/and ride - will tank up my Camelback with it, and have water on the bike
• Packet of disprins - maybe, for Sunday
• Chapstick - for the ride
• Oliviral tablets - pre Saturday
• Vitamin tablets - pre Saturday
• Sunscreen - although I am working on a Summer tan, on the basis it may get brown before I get to 65kg!

To buy from Moore Wilson's tomorrow:

• Kumara chips
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Coffee
• Salami/MEAT

Yeah, I wont get to 65kg consuming the above ;-)  One "exemption" weekend though before the next challenges are identified!

On a more serious note (which is not to say that I am not serious about the above itemised shopping becasue I am very serious about this particular shopping!) - but you know: I listened to the latest podcast from Bevan James Eyles earlier this week. 
http://www.bevanjameseyles.com/

It resonated quite a lot.  He uses this quite good case study that I could relate to a lot.  So, while the case study doesn't relate directly to my own personal history, I felt there were parallels in that I know in some ways, I've found it a stumbling block to progess, that in theory and from "work experience" I know a lot of the answers, but it doesn't always make it easier.  In some ways, I've let it be a hurdle to progress.

Also, the easy trap of making various comparisons, and how that can defeat progress.  So, it was good to hear his thoughts on the subject.  Very good.  Because in many ways, I had reached that place where Taupo this year is about completion and where i am right here and now in terms of the journey, rather than where I have been, and where I am going.

Still waiting to hear from the Director re the 6.am start.  I so want that 6am start!! Who would have thought?

Tomorrow is VOTEing day and final pre-Planning with KM - to make sure all the relevant shopping has been completed.  As far as I'm concerned, it has, although it is possible I may have ommitted something important.

6am (hopefully!)

This morning when I checked my gmail, I saw there was correspondence (well, an email!) from the Convenor of the Taupo Challenge. The organisers of Taupo have “invented” a new category – the 6am start for people that have entered the 8 + hours catergory.  So, I’m trying to get into that!!!
Not that I think I will take me over 8 hours - but it could take me over 8 hours.  I figure if I can start at 6am – it will help me cope with the ‘crowds’ – and be with people on the road – which is quite a big thing.  Also, the “slowbies” will be starting as the pack then so it may help that we have each for  “support”/commradship for our long distance/day ahead.  Also, I am used to getting up at that time, so the early start is not a deterrent.  Also, its how I coped with the longest day on Milford Track.  I just set off an hour or so earlier than the main group.  I didn't write it all that down in the email :-) - Just my bib number and registration number as requested, and a "false positive" on an estimated time - just hoping I get in the group of 80. The Convenor is restricting the numbers that can enter this catergory to 80 people.  So, I've written back and said I think it will take me up to 10 hours.  Hopefully, a little white lie, all in the fulfillment of the bigger goal.

Check the guy out in the paper today doing it for basically 3 days non stop –wow~!  That will be me next year!!!

Back to this year - *Fingers crossed* I get into that pack  -  Reminds me of when I first “enrolled” for rpm classes at Corrections, and it was oversubscribed! - and for some unexplainable reason I was determined I wanted to do the classes...

Today’s workout: Tuesday session with the PT.  He sneaked in a few new tracks for his own practice.   I caught up with the Body Balance Lady, who reminded me her seat is 19 – and on Tuesdays my seat is 20!  The PT asked at the end of the session who was doing Taupo.  I was the only one on the room to say yes.   The PT is man who it is fair to say most of the time is "hard to read".  Not today though when I said yes, to his question.  He almost fell off his bike seat he looked that surprised - as did the BBL next to me.  I wanted to say: and "yeah man,: I’m doing all 156km of it and not just the relay". The BBL recovered a little more quickly from the news and offered to give me extra stretching tips!  Nice! 

That could be my new aim in life – to shock people – in a nice surprising way.


In terms of the actual workout today, it felt "easy". I hope that augers well for Taupo.  I think it felt easier  because of the long rides from the weekend.  I tried to go harder on the hill numbers.  So, even though it felt easy, it was a good workout.

I think I'll make today's session the last rpm session for the week.  I like the Wednesday sessions, but I'd rather return to Hutt girls class with the news I've completed Taupo, and then she too can fall off her bike seat;-).  Because when she asks in class, whose doing Taupo I never say yes.  Not really sure why that is. But there you go.

Also, I think one day on, one day off is the way to go for this week.  I'll aim for a very light real road ride on Friday morning, I think.

Consumption

On Saturday I learned (or remembered) drinking coffee pre riding does not work for me.

Today I learnt drinking "Weleda  Sports Massage Oil" is not a good idea either. Not. a. good. idea.  Let me note that the bottle that the Weleda Sports Massage comes in is quite similar to the bottle the Weleda  Arnica  30 c comes in.  Especially at 5.30am the morning.  I've decided to take Arnica drops pre Taupo sort of as pre-emptive strike to stop getting stressed.  Not that I am stressed,well, not when I take the Arnica drops...I just figure taking it probably helps the body recover, just gives that pre-week boost in as much as 15 drops of Arnica 3x daily can...it can, actually.

I had inadevertently placed the two bottles together on the kitchen bench. Don't ask me why I didn't realise it was oil drops going into the water, rather than arnica drops.   I did it quickly, as I did I quickly consume half a glass of water.  Yep, I'm pretty good at drinking water.  Very good in fact.  So, down the the water went  - with the massage oil, at 5.30 am in the morning.  Yep, that is one way to wake up fairly quickly!

According to the label on the massage oil it says:  "There is no concern if inadvertently tasted, but if accidently swallowed, contact your doctor or the Poison Centre immediately". Of course, I didn't becasue I don't tend to follow instructions.  Except in rpm :-)

As for what I consumed at 5.30am:  The massage oil contains: almond oil, turpentine oil, clove bud, cajuput oil, eculuptyus oil, lavender oil, menthol, shea butter, arnica montana, dry flowers, camphor, Peppermint oil, cassia oil, and beeswax.

It's good massage oil - but yeah, I wouldn't reccommend drinking it - and I can still taste the remnants of it now - it's like sticking 30% alcohol down your throat - I think :-)  Yep, that's one way to "strip" your throat out.

Tin Hut and sleep

Another windy day.  I might seem a bit precoccupied with the wind for a "Wellingtonian" - but the current level of wind in the 'rapa is not really that typical.

After hanging out my washing (now, if you got the cheetah catergory in the "Sheep Dash") you'll be thinking: didn't she hang out the washing yesterday ? - Korrect! - so, after hanging out the "Sunday washing"...)  I headed up to Turanikau (sp - I should be able to spell that but can't right now!)

I didn't powerade up my liquids, beause I was going to the Tin Hut for lunch, so don't want to overdose on carbs and calories unnecessarily.   My thighs were a bit sore from yesterday and riding into the wind for a lot of the time. The riding into the wind actaully meant I was riding at the same speed on occassions I go up hills.  Also when I felt my body wieght shifting and find it hard to stay upright on the bike because of the wind, I know its a big wind.

I didn't wear the heart monitor today.  Just focussed on getting there, and getting across the motorway/and intersections at the relevant points. 

Route: Went up via the Westside route, so came out at the Greytown bridge, over the Greytown bridge, and then took a left to avoid all the Sunday people (and traffic in Greytown) then the last 8km or so via the motorway. (26Km)
Return: Came back via Bidwills Crossing, at the turnoff to Martinborough, and then West side of Greytown, and then Westside route home. (41km)

There is a little hill just as you get to Bidwills crossing - I can remember riding it when I lived in Martinborough.  I used to find it hard then.  I was quite rapt that today I was able to do it with relative ease.  Well, relative to my own progress!

On the way there managed to get an average speed of 23.1 - against the wind, so quite happy with that
as it was an increase on yesterday.

On the way home the speed was 21.7 - again riding against the wind for a lot of that time - how does that work?!!

Will need to read the instruction book re the rpm function as it seems to be coming on intermitently.  Still, my main focus for Taupo is the speed and distance for each leg - which I still need to work out.

Um, I was the only one in cycling gear at the Tin Hutt - I had given a top and skirt to Mrs Strawhouse on Friday so I could get changed *oh well* ....It worries me less than it used to, and it is a country pub!


This weekend completes my last "big" training rides.  Looking forward to a rest day tomorrow - for sure.  Then will need to work out a few light - very light rides over the next week.  Something I've noticed during a RPM week is that I actually feel good about the second or third session (which maybe one reason I seem to enjoy the Tuesday rpm sessions more than the Friday ones:-)).  So, in terms of
"recovery" I'm really not sure what will be best for my body. 

As for the washing: Sunday washing usually comprises my bed linen - as opposed to Saturday washing which now comprises a week of socks/gym gear, and work clothes.  This gives me an opportunity to mention my sleeping patterns!  I've never had trouble sleeping.  I can sleep forever, sleep like a rock, and I can also sleep anywhere.  Give me a backpack, I'll throw it down on the grass in a park and go to sleep!  anywhere - all over the world! I can still do that!  Without getting too Fruedian about it all, I can sleep like a log, but I generally only remember "dreams" about once of twice a year.   I've noticed in the last week or so though, that I'm remembering dreams nearly daily. They are not particualry exciting dreams (yet!) but I am remembering them.  I note this becasue it indicates my sleeping patterns are changing.  Might just be pre Taupo or something, but I actually do think it is related to my the changed habits I am embedding.

One of my "favourites" - and hey, the video has a bike in it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4_wXPZ1Bnk&feature=related

Quite like the version they play with Stevie Nicks - that's the best version - but this version is still good.

Against the wind

I was on track to head off on my Saturday ride circa 8.15amish, had breakfast (Special K) and a little mixed fruit, 2 cups of strong black coffee, hung out the washing.  "It was a beautiful day".   Then I looked south.  Clouds.  Big grey clouds.  Where did they come from?  I was debating (with myself) whether I might need to actually wear my jacket.  I haven't worn it for several rides now. Then RAIN.  Lots of it - from the CLOUDS.  What to do when it rains?   Wait.  Until the rain STOPS.


Yes, you can ride in the rain.  I don't really mind riding in the rain.  But I'm also  really consious I don't want to get a "cold" pre Taupo.  On the whole I have a pretty robust immune system, but heaps of people at work at the moment have "colds", so I am a little angst about getting a cold.  Yeah, people contact of course increases the risk of "catching a cold" - which is one reason, I'm generally quite immune - ha~!

So, headed off about 9.30am once it looked the rain had done its thing - rain really only does one thing- RAIN. There is currently more wind about than "normal".  So, the wind determined my initial direction.  I find it easier if I start off riding into the wind, as it serves as pcyhological incentive that "later" at some point, the wind will be on my back.

Statistics
Distance: 122.3km
Average RPM:  66
Calories burned: 1886
Heart rate: At one point it got up to 145 - but for most of the trip was arounrd 120
Average speed 21.2km
Time: 5.46min
Drank: 3 litres of Powerade - 2 from my Camelback and one on the bike
Ate: 1 banana, 2 muesli bars - one which I will buy again for Taupo, the other I wont.  I think tho the one sqaure meals give that total sugar fix!

A little (just a little further) than last weeks ride.  But no real hills.  But no big hour coffee stop in between.  The only rest breaks were those of necessity - which was more than I would have liked. 

The rpm measure seemed to disappear for some of the ride, which was annoying, but came up on the average at the end.  In the first half of the ride, I did manager for parts to increase it for periods of 80-90, but it dropped again in the second half, and then I couldn't see what it was.

It was a mostly flat ride.  I started and ended with the Westside route re Matarawa/back of Greytown, headed up to Masterton, the back route up to Matawhiri vineyard, and the back via Masterton airport/Gladstone.  I got a bit lost in Masterton until I found the airport.  I also spent about 5 mins under the eaves of the Moore Wilson there while it rained.

There was an incredibly strong wind today, which I would have spent half the trip riding into.  I figure that was as good as riding into the hills.  It doesn't make for particularly enjoyable riding ;-)

I needed to go the toilet a lot today.  I thought I had solved that problem.  I'm not sure if it was the volume of drink, adding Powerade in, or the wind.  I think the wind and drinking coffee before the ride are factors.  I'm a big coffee drinker, but I don't think it works pre rides for me.  CH said she finds it works, but she only has 2 or say cups a week - whereas I have up to 4-5 a day!  So, I think in my case, I'll wont drink coffee.  I think its better to say have an extra banana. (for me).

There better be 40km left in the "engine" for tomorrow - to get to the Tin Hut and back.  It's a flat route though.  I may relent though and ride part of the distance on the motorway, which I don't really enjoy to keep the distance to a minimum.

I got a bit angry just in the last 1km or so becasue these runners were running side by side on the road, and didn't go single file when they saw me. Dangerous!  I didn't say anything to them, but it was arrogant and stupid because to pass them I had to go right in the middle of the road.

The other thing today it was so fricken windy, I stopped wearing my music - and also had to take my sunglasses off.
.....and just to end:

I love sheep. Not sure why, I just do.  I also love seeing all the calves at this time year cuddling up to each other, and sleeping together.

Here's a sheep game - instead of a music link.  Try it!:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sleep/sheep

According to this game, I am an "ambling amadillo".  I tried it a couple of times (ok three times!), to see if I could improve my "rating" to a "turbo charged cheetah".  But nope, that's what I am - an Ambling amadillo.  At least according to the "Sheep Dash".  An Ambling Amadillo that is going to ride 156km next Saturday, within 8 hours!

The "Sheep Dash" says I need to "improve"!

As for tomorrow, I just have to get to the Tin Hut and back! - depending on the wind, I may try for a little further.  I'll see how I feel tomorrow.

One week, seven days

One week seven days to go...until Taupo!

Next Friday I'll be in Taupo. Woop Woop!  Can you feel the excitement building.  The suppressed excitement is now bubbling to the surface....

As for this Friday, today, a few random things:

1.  I observed a guy on a bike (a very nice bike) at an inner city section, balance on his cleats, while the lights were red, until they turned green.  I'd like to be able to do that!- one day.  Have that amount of balance and control over both the body and the bike - fricken awesome.

2.  Purchased 2 bottles of Moet from Thorndon New World as part of the "food/beverage kit" for post Taupo.  Note: New World currently has Moet on special.

3.  Purchased a new set of headphones at Dick Smith.  I was feeling stink that this is my fourth pair in months, when I met a lady who catches the same train I do, buying headphones.  She confessed she too eats headphones up.  What's with that?  My first pair got consumed in the spokes of my bike, the second pair only has volume in one ear, the third pair are a bit big in the ear.  Lets hope this last pair is "just right".  I see in the Taupo info brochure, your not supposed to ride with headphones.  I think at hour 6 or 7, or maybe before I'll need some music.   I can understand the rule when you are riding in a pack but man, when you are out in the middle of nowwhere, I think a little music is going to be a big help.  I intend to carry with music with me on the day, and will assess on the day.

4.  Discovered you can buy Powerade in a big tub - so did when I was Thorndon New World.  I'll try putting this in my Camelback and see how it goes.  Not the whole tub - in my Camelback tomorrow, but the recommended "dose" per litre :-)

5. Purchased a new bracelet from Chris Cole the jeweller.  It will stay on my left wrist until I get my new watch. - which is when I will be 65kg.  So, you'll be seeing it on my left wrist for some time, until it transfers to the right wrist.  The catch is made of the combined wedding rings of my Mum and Dad.  It's quite nice to know that part rests on my pulse.  And the bracelet is a rope design.  So, it's to remind me its about pulling the threads together...it was orignially going to be a different design.  But that's the design I've got :-)

6.  Went to RPM.  It was OK, until the T lady shouted at me in track seven to go faster :-( (no, just joking - really!)  I actually couldn't work out how hard to go in class - whether to aim for "hill work" or "speed work", mindful I want to do a long ride tomorrow, and also a short ride on Sunday.

7.  Mrs Strawhouse has invited me to the Tin Hutt on Sunday for her birthday with a few others, but advised me I have to ride there and back (about 20km each way - or maybe a little less).  So, this means revising my training rides for the weekend.  I'm still aiming to do a big ride tomorrow tho.  At least over 100km.  However, I definitely wont be heading out to the windmills!

Thursday RPM

I don't usually go to RPM or the gym on a Thursday, but today I did.   The plan is to exercise today (done) Friday, and Saturday, and then I'll reassess from there for the next week.  Maybe the Tuesday RPM session (and Weds- I'm not sure yet) and then Taupo. Eeek.  Only one week away.   I'm not sure whether its like having prepared for an exam, an interview or the childhood anticipation of Christmas coming. Maybe none of those and all of those!  Taupo I suspect will have its own catergory like Milford had its own catergory.  There is though a sense of anticipation building, and the feeling that hey, this is really happening, and I'm come this far, now I just see it through, and it will be "all good".  And I'm anticipating better than good!
 
I won't be completing my long ride on Sunday, becasue it's Toast Martinborough.  The thought of 20,000 people circulating around the township, and shuttle buses, and merry walkers, is not really a match for cycling around the area ;-)   Like some of the "locals" I generally avoid Toast Martinborough anyway! - which of course is not to say I don't toast it at other times throughout the year...

As for today's workout.  It was a good RPM workout with the Young American.  I'm beginning to feel parts of my body a little more intensely.  That's a good thing.   I think that's the benefit of say one day doing a road ride and the next a RPM ride.   It's also the desire to push myself that little bit extra.

Finally: thinking about carbo loading, eating bananas and fuel for the ride on the day.  I'll probably have a test run tomorrow night re pasta load tomorrow for tea, and refining what I will eat and drink for 8 hours re a big ride on Saturday - maybe not 8 hours but aiming for at least 6!

Midweek review - 9 days to go

I did not wake up to this:

I woke up to this:

and, very strong winds.  Great for the garden (at least the rain), less so for riding conditions

The Metservice is now one of my favourite websites: - it reminds me of how Dr D (being one of the most 'natural' (eg. never going near a gym) fit and conditioned guys from doing all sorts of exercise - cycling to work and home, tennis, running, surfing, diving etc, I worked with, used to always look up the Metservice website to see what the weather - mainly for surfing or diving conditions were.  I never understood back then.  Now I do!...Now I do, D.

I also woke up to slightly sore thighs from yesterday's RPM session. I'm trying to use the remaining (pre Taupo) RPM sessions to just go that little bit further with the "hill work" in class.   I try to keep the visualisation positive when doing this " just keep on the hill path until I get to the top, and then either see the Gladstone valley or Te Muna valley below" - which is always an awesome reward after a hard hill.  But sometimes the reverse visualisation creeps in "Like, its ok, you can't fall off on your cleats on a RPM bike....)  Sometimes its easier to imagine falling off my bike with my cleats on than it is reaching the top of the hill and looking into the valley.  I totally need to eliminate the negative imaging.

Until "Taupo" I've resolved blog entries now become all about the ride and the preparation - oh yeah, that's right, that's what the blog is about!  Diversions are ok, but not in the next week! It's easy for me to get distracted by the rpm music, the class of the day, current status of my employment or not, state of my overgrown garden,  etc etc (I don't underestimate the importance of the etc etc, and the etc is important to the contextual layers of the wider journey for completeness) but I totally need now to focus on the exercise training, the quality of the exercise and my nutrition, and keeping positive and focussed on the end goal - completion of Taupo within 8 hours.  So, "heads up" to you (and reminding myself!) that's what I'll be documenting now until Taupo.  Detail around that.  Bearing in mind detail is not really my thing (although on some occassions it can be ;-)), and neither is maths - but I need to focus on the "maths" and some "maths modelling" (well, my version of maths modelling) to work out what times I aim for, for each "leg" of the race, allowing for say between 3 or 4 -  5-10 minute restwater breaks, and possibly some walking on the hills.

Today's workout:
After the rain and wind cleared, I did head out for a shortish ride.  It was super windy - I was having difficulty at one point staying upright becasue of the wind.
I did a version of the Westside route - so flat roads up near the hills, until I reached a gravel road and needed to return.  I found a road which I didn't know existed near Dalefield School which was kind of cool.

My computer has all sorts of functions which I haven't completely mastered.  However, today I wore the chest monitor so that allowed me to see my heart beat (well at least the measurement of it!), and know how much calories I burned.  It beeps a lot unless I stay at a consistent pace so that serves as an incentive to do so.  I could probably turn the sound off, if I read the manaul more closely!

I managed to do a few minutues of "sprints" where I got my RPM over 100 for a minute or so.  Also managed to keep it at 75-80rpm for certain points.  My average RPM today though was 66RPM and my speed 20.8.  I think my speed needs to be 22km.  At certain points: mainly because of the wind I did get over 35km.
Time: 130 minutes
Distance: 28km

My heart rate started at 70 or so in the hallway, ended on about 110 and somwhere on the road ranged from 130.  I think it needs to be 140 from what I recall on the machines at the gym.  I have no idea!
Despite the wind, felt like a good ride.

I don't like the low RPMs and calories burned, but I think I do quite like the computer and at least being able to measure progress while I am on the road.





.

Wet socks

I had to complete my RPM session today with wet socks.  They were dry when I left home, but I inadvertently left some water in my water bottle.  So when I arrived at the gym I had wet socks and a slightly wet (but dark!) t shirt.  The last time I inadvertently left my water bottle partly filled and open in in the bag I drowned and killed my last cellphone.  So working out with wet socks in comparison is an improvement.

Good RPM session (despite the wet socks) with the T(uesday) instructor playing my favourite number tracks 4 and 6, added with an opening track of Seal.   I love tracks 4 and 6, even though I can't go as fast as I would like, quite yet, and I really love the tracks "In the dark" and Annie Lennox's "Why".  Unlike, the Hutt girl, the T lady doesn't get "pumped" or full of hyperpole (and I mean in that in the nicest possible way!), but today she was looking sharp and focussed in black, and pre Taupo hair cut -anything to go faster eh?  So, overall verdict: worth the trainfare into town - just to use a non musical measurement!

I had a few other things to do in town today, which I completed.  Not on the list was buying my "racing shirt" or that should be "riding shirt", which I did.  Actually, this is shirt no 3!  - but its a perfect fit and the right fit for Taupo.  The first 2 I ordered off the internet, and hello I am not a large Italian size.  I still need to downsize to that category, so those shirts will need to be worn another time. The shirt I will wear on 26 Novemebr is a Livestrong yellow shirt.  Its a Nike dri fit, the same as my other yellow shirt, just with the Livestrong logo on it.  I pruchased it from the Lockerroom shop on Lambton Quay.  When I walked in (about 9am or so) one of the guys asked me if I was off the cruise ship that was in town today.  My response was "I wish".  Then I corrected it and said  "no, not really, cruise ships aren't really my thing".

I tried various sizes on in the fitting room.  In the other fitting room there were two white boys in their  20s being quite particular about what shirts and colours looked cool and didn't.  It made me laugh (just quietly, of course).

I'm happy with the shirt I've got now.  I'm also happy, that like going into the bike shop, I no longer feel intimated making "sports purchases".  I buy what fits for today.   And actually the salespeople want a sale, so it all works out.

I have one more day (tomorrow) and then start my new contract on Thursday.

I can't decide what kind of road ride I will do tomorrow.  Part of me wants to do a really long flat ride.  The other part wants to aim for 100km or over again.  I was going to "ask the audience"...?, but I have quite a quiet audience!  Today's though your chance to determine tomorrow's journey!

Here's a cool quote I came across today (and try and remember it in 10 days time :-))
"We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey." Kenji Miyazawa

Wheelie Bins

Have I mentioned I love wheelie bins?  I hire one, and own three.  I purchased two off a guy at work years ago (as you do!), and inadvertently stole one, although I actually ended up making a payment for it, so I don't think that can be classed as theft then eh?!  Or maybe responsible theft!

I have mentioned I love gardening?  Hence it follows I love wheelie bins.  I also love the "tip", although while I haven't had a car, I've had to rely on the wheelie bins. Tomorrow is the official wheelie bin day.  Today has been spent filling up  2 wheelie bins (one the regular one, the other a pay as you go one).  I use the other two for compost.  So, a "gardening day".  But not of the Correctional variety.  I'm waiting for the contract paperwork to come through (and on this occassion trusting in the slowness of the 'HR department' ) to allow me to have a couple of days to catch up on my gardening and a few other stuff I need to attend to! "Being on the road" at the weekends eats into my gardening time - although when I get "meaner, leaner, and faster", it may do so less.  Or, hopefully, I'll be able to balance gardening and cycling a little better.  At the moment gardening is coming second to cycling which means my garden post spring is rampant.  Rampant.   I like that word which is why I repeated it.    That's how I'd like my life to be, rampant.  Full of growth and no holding back...

Massive sleep in again today.  Slept in until noonish - after getting up and then going back to bed.  What's with that?  My body is not tired from the ride yesterday - or maybe that's because I slept it off?

Next Saturday or Sunday I will aim for 130 or 140km and then "taper off" - although I don't think I've peaked yet! I still have a long way to go until I will peak.  It's not going to happen before Taupo, at least in terms of the wider "journey".   I'm viewing Taupo though as a significant milestone in terms of good foundations being met.

I am concerned about maintaining the speed I need on Taupo day,  accounting for a few rest and water breaks, to come in under the 8 hour mark.  I'll just need to work out the segments of the ride down into what times I need to achive for each.  I think overall my riding was better yesterday, than at Whitemans, so I'll just have to hope that the few improvements I can make will keep me within the 8 hour mark.

Eating: Home grown grapefruit - from my young grapefruit plant, which is why this excites me, and is worthy of note.

Listening to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtMhtMc1GW8&NR=1
And here, I post for you a thing of beauty - although not as beautiful as my first flush roses:

Windmills on my mind

Yesterday, was a recovery day.  Eeek, that's a "recovery" day as opposed to a rest day.  These aren't included on the Taupo Guide training programme.  I had "one too many" on Friday night.....   I guess this brings home, even though I have seriously modified my drinking and eating habits, there are some habits that "die hard".  I'm OK, with this "now and again".  Although, part of me actaully wanted to celebrate the news from Friday with a really (really) long (long) ride on Saturday.  So, I'm not completely OK, then.  Hmmm. A contradiction in my statements then eh??  I'm a Gemini! - which of course only part explains the contradiction.  Anyway, no more "recovery days" allowed now until post Taupo.  So, in summary,  I don't think it would have been wise to go biking yesterday, so I didn't.

I was booked in for the Wairarapa Fun Ride today.  But a) I didn't want to ride up to Masterton (no logic in that as its only about 12 km) and b) I wanted to do my own thing.  Go figure! so I had made a decision not to go.  I decided this weekend,  I needed to aim for distance, without the pressure of "race conditions".  Not that being in the "tail end" places me under riding pressure with other cyclists, other than the threat of coming last - which is of course better than the threat of non completion.  I just felt the need for a long ride, without all the other assoicated Fun Ride stuff.  Which although I warmed to that stuff more at the Whitemans ride, still reflects why I like the nature of cycling, the solo nature of the activity.

I had a huge (well, huge, by my daily standards) sleep in until 10am or so today.  This affected my ride for today, as I didn't get to "leave the building", until about 12.30  by the time I had attended to domestic chores (not cleaning), - hanging out the washing etc.

I had either two trips in mind for today. Either  up to the windmills out of Martinborough.  I knew there were some meaty hills to get there, or to Lake Ferry and back. Due to the late (very late start)  I ended up with the windmill route.

Hau Nui, as described below, is 20km or so out of Martinborough.  I've been there a couple of times by "mountain bike" when I lived in Martinborough - there is a cool route through the vinyards at the back - but you do need mountain bike tyres to do that.  So, today I had to keep to the tar sealed roads.

I took my little shoe "caps" just in case, turned on my "computer" for the first time, and did the ride.  I didn't make it quite to the top of the windmill as um I looked at the hill, and thought "nah!".  However, some of the hills I did today were meatier than the normal Gladstone route, and I did need to walk one
It took me ages to put the caps on.  But that's what I have to do.

The advice I got from Mrs Strawhouse, when I stopped for coffee, was "ride until it is dark".  I didn't quite do that.  I came home via Ponatahi Rd and then Millars Rd.

The computer made a difference, at least in terms of knowing my speed and RPM.  I'm bordering on 20km per hour at times.  I need to make the most when I get that faster.  Also, my actual RPM is all over the place - not consistent at all.  If I could just get it to touch on 80RPM for awhile in various places that would improve my speed.

Total distance today was 116km.
Time: Forever!
Feeling: Quite good  - so there is another 50Km left in the tank.  I'll just have to work on the speed factor as much as I can.

Riding until dark wasn't really a safety on the road option, so I came home when cars had their lights on!

So, Hau Nui by bike still remains a goal - but not pre Taupo.

	Hau Nui wind farm
	Hau Nui wind farm is situated about 20 kilometres from the Martinborough township. Built in 1996, it is New Zealand's first commercial wind farm and generates enough electricity to power 1500 homes. The seven turbines operate in a wind speed range of 10 - 120 km/h above which they shut down. The structures are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 240km/h. Hau Nui (meaning 'strong wind' in Maori) wind farm has a well designed viewing area with seating from which to marvel at the impressive machines. There are comprehensive information panels making a visit informative and interesting or you can simply take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This is definitely a worthwhile excursion.

Holding the line - "I've got this"

Oh my gosh, this is one of my longer posts ;-) ....

Today was a good day.  Pretty much most days are now :-)  In fact, I've noticed that when people ask me how I am, even the "supermarket people" I don't say OK or good anymore, I say "very good" or "very well":-) I'm working up to saying I'm beautiful and gorgous in response to the question.  That could be quite fun.  I wonder how random strangers would respond to that?!!!!

My contract expired today.  As I indicated on the blog, I was hopeful that I may get the offer of a new contract.   I knew a reccommendation had gone through for approval to the Dep Sec, and my managers and Group Manager were supportive.  But until you see the paperwork, you know, nothing is certain, gauranteed or locked in.  It meant I had to "hold the line" - a term Mr M and I used to use when we worked on the Adventure Tourism Review together.  No big deal holding the line, acting composed. Not these days.  Once though, this would have totally stressed me.  So, ok, I did eat too many giant jaffas and a couple of additional afghans.  But in the wider context of things, I can live with that.  I jokingly said, in the last couple of days, "its ok, I've got until 5 o'clock on Friday."  The signed paperwork came back about 4.45pm!

My status will change from Contractor to fixed term for 7 months, and I'll be appointed as a Lead Advisor.  I feel totally blessed and thankful for this.  It means I'll continue to work with CH (who is my  unoffical bike mentor) and LT (the man with over 50 pairs of jeans).  These two people are so awesome.  I have immense respect for them professionally and personally.  If I was creating my perfect team and people to work with - they would be "on the list" ;-) The other members in the team are cool and great to work with too, but these two people, they exemplify how I want to operate professionally and personally.  

Anyway I had to stay in my current workplace, because CH is the "watch lady".   Remember: I have a goal to get to goal weight, those five things, and get a new watch.   I've now got 7 months to do that!  AND I WILL.  I can beat myself up that I didn't get there in the last year, not there for Taupo, or I can adopt Marios advice, the more time in the saddle, I'll get there.  I am though as of today setting 18 June next year (my birthday) as the target date for being 65kg.  That's a  very long way to go still.  But I don't beat myself up anymore, I think: great, I've layed good and solid foundations over 2011, and in 2012 I bring the results home.  That's why I love working with LH and CH.  That's exactly how they would frame things.  Positivity breeds positivity.  Also, they have totally nailed work/life balance :-)


No workout today.  Also, no jaffas – although I did have a chocolate digestive biscuit off the table, and an afghan in the afternoon.  Big stuff (journeys) planned for the weekend, so instead I sat in the sun in parliament grounds, looked at the flowering cabbage trees, tuis enjoying the flaxes, and felt the warmth of the sun, and it felt good to be alive - it's my urban Wellington burecratic thing of "going bush" when I need to stay "composed".

Something I need to comment on: Today I met C at Astoria.  I was there with my usual coffee companion, waiting for my usual long black at the counter.  Then there was a nudge on my elbow.  “Remember me ?”, she asked.  I looked into her eyes.  How could I ever forget?  Her eyes were sparkling and alive with life.  Her voice familar, even though I hadn't heard it for years.  Sounds like an opening line from a Mills and Boon novel eh?!  It’s not intended to be.  And C is so not Mills and Boon material! – more B&D  from what she wrote back in the 90s!

C and I were in the same “writing class” back in 1997 – so 14 years ago. That was a pretty special class with some special people.  I guess  through our writing we got to know each other quite well, at that time.  Our paths have  crossed a little,  professionally through health related work – arguably working with people who some people would say are on the "edge" of certain sectors.   I know there are threads in our personal life, where we share common ground too. Other than that, we are probably from completely different worlds (or, maybe not!).  We’ve maybe seen each other at say a film festival or arts festival gig.


I don’t actually know C that well.  But 14 years later, I can remember the stuff she used to write about and some of the stuff we talked about.  C’s still  makinga living from her writing and film making.  She always had this ability to give me that “nudge” – more than just in the physical sense.    I told her I wasn’t writing when she asked.  It’s not that the blog doesn’t count because it does.  But it’s not writing“writing”.  She asked me who I was living with, and I said “a black cat”! so, that's what I mean when I say “nudge” - also, the "why did you give up writing?" question.

C is incredibly strong in that way some women need to be and are.  I’m not talking physical strength here, although today she did look strong.  I’m talking that  ability to live life,  and love, even though various crap is encountered along the way – which has a nice layer to it given today she told me one of her jobs is now working with terminally ill patients at the Hospice.  C reminds me of this song (which is an absolute favourite because or work and non work reasons, other than just being a favourite) because she has totally "lived" this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRIm5ufzMd4&ob=av2e

I think in my heart, there is the desire to return to work with "people on the edge of the universe". But I know I still have to work on my own strength and wellbeing to be able to do that justice.

So, that was today.  A very beautiful and gorgous day.  Another day moving forward :-)