Crossroads

I like this song - a lot: simply because of the crossroads reference.  It also sort of touches on what I posted about yesterday. I like this version, but there is an even better version that starts off with part of the "You are my sunshine" and it works well.  For today tho the blog gets this version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccYFWcqBNS4&NR=1&feature=fvwp

The Delerium track remix by Sarah McLauchlan is one of my favourite RPM tracks if not my absolute favourite - still.

I'm back at the Crossroads.  In many ways (if I close my eyes to the financial implications) its a liberating place to be.  Crossroads can be confusing intersections in life, but they can also represent unexpected opportunities and possibilities.

"Hold On"~!

Faith

Today’s word is:  Faith.  Hutt girl mentioned it quite frequently in class today.  Although her best line today was “I love the Hutt”.  Beautiful execution of it too – as only a true Hutt girl could say it!

Hutt girl was, I think, using the word faith in the context you have to believe and back yourself.  Faith is important to me, but sometimes I struggle with it in terms of what it means to believe in both God and myself.

This morning I had my “exit” interview re completion of my current contract with the “beautiful man”, Mr T.  Because he is beautiful man he said all these wonderful things to me, and described what he would say if he was giving a reference.  It was very affirming.    He described me, among other things as a “rock”: dependable, deliver, just get on do the job  etc etc.   All good stuff.  And then he added something to the effect “and its so good to work with someone who doesn’t have any issues”!  Ha!  A professional assessment from an ex teacher/social worker who has spent his life working with students (and probably colleagues) who have “issues”.   

I thanked Mr T, and said what he had said was good to hear, especially as it was his professional opinion and I considered he was qualified to comment on such matters.  Kind of a private joke to myself really.  I’ll take that as today’s assessment and a signal that I really am making progress, and moving forward, even though I have some moments where I momentarily lack faith and forget to back myself.

Today’s session with the Hutt girl was a good honest workout.  She played California Dreamin as track 4.  I was mistaken,  the LM version does include my favourite lines.

Today's word: Faith: you (and I) have gotta have faith as George Michael would say - however, we define that. 

Night train

I nearly didn't go to RPM today.  In fact I wasn't going to until I received an email about 11am from the Karate LayD asking me if I was going to the 12.30.  I oscillated and then wrote back saying I was.  Karate LayD wrote back and said she'd be there but she would be taking it easy (becasue she's been doing other training).  I wrote back and said so would I - be taking it easy.

Last night I went for a few drinks after work, and then when I got home I had a few more.  This is something I used to do often.  I hardly ever do it these days.  I fact I haven't done this since I've been going to RPM, and I haven't actually had a drink for about 4-5 months.  It was a crazy thing to do on a "school night" and so close to "end of term" re my contract.  I guess its a sign that I'm slightly more stressed than I would like to concede.  I know the way to manage this stress is to accelerate my exercise programme not sabotage it.   So then this morning I was running late, and with the late night before sabotaged the "diet" by having two crappy New World pan au chocolait - which in the scheme of the pan au chocolait world are like eating McDonalds.   So, I wasn't feeling that great this morning.

It was good Karate LayD emailed me, becasue it meant I actually went to class.  T was also in class.  So when T asked me if my shoulders and legs were sore from the weekend ride, I could honestly say they weren't.  Well, not in relation to my head today.

I did intend to take the session easy but the PT played a couple of songs I "quite like" as opposed to being favourites.  These being "Californian Dreamin"(although I think the LM edit cuts out some best lines) as a number 4, and Night Train as it can only be a number 7.  I quite like Night Train - because it simulates train noises pretty well.   I think I like the train noises because I know them well from having lived near railway line with heaps of freight trains as a child, and where I live now, I can hear the trains when they pass.  Plus I spend a lot of time on trains travelling, so know the sounds well.  Its a pretty repetitive track actually, but I guess that's why it works.

So anyway, a little bit of slippage on the road, nothing major.  Its a bit of a warning to myself that there is still a default mode I can so easily slip into.  The old habits are still more well rehearsed and known than the new, thats all.  I just need to get back on the bike and reverse this pattern.

Let me introduce

you to Bevan James Eyles:

http://www.bevanjameseyles.com/fitness-behavior/

I came across this guy's podcasts when I was discovering i-tunes.  I like his work, what he says, how he thinks, frames things.  Turns out he's a Les Mills instructor, and a RPM instructor.

I prefer to listen to him than watch him on You Tube.  That I find is a bit distracting.

Check his work out - both website and on You Tube.  Good stuff! - at least I think so!

Today's exercise: a walk on the wharf:  nice, sunny and relaxing.  Sometimes I just need to be near water. I did have my gym gear, but *well* I felt like a walk on the wharf!

Route 77 x 2

Today I took RPM instructor T outdoors on route 77.  It wasn't the best introduction to the route given the weather conditions.   In a word the weather was "crap".  It rained most of the way to Martinborough and was extremely cold, even for someone who doesn't feel the cold.  Lesson there for me is if I ride again on a day like today I will definitely be wearing my "long johns", especially as I know they are super warm.  I probably wouldn't have gone for a ride today given the weather if we hadn't scheduled the ride.  That's the gift of having someone to ride with. In RPM terms they help you give the dial a bit of a "nudge". I also like to think it is part of the conversion process to becoming a "real" cyclist.    I'd garden in the rain, because real gardeners don't just garden on sunny days, like real trampers tramp in the rain.  Now the same applies to cycling! It's all good training, and should it rain for the Taupo challenge, we will be "rain fit". 

It was great to have the company of a real person, T, rather than have to rely on the i-pod in my ears.  I had to cope with that whole holding a semi conversation while cycling thing, which one doesn't have to worry about when cycling solo.  So while I didn't talk that much, it was a lot more than I usually talk when riding solo! It's that general principle that you should be able to walk and talk.


I was reminded today that if you are fitter and leaner you will get up a hill faster.  Its a basic principle I do need to be reminded of re the focus and wider goals.  When I'm travelling solo, well I just go slowly so I get up and over the hill when I do.  I stalled on one of the hills today, which was unexpected.  I felt like a car that just wouldn't get into the right gear - and not a Toyota!  It wasn't helped that the bike foot holds were a little wet and slippery. I don't think I'm riding in the right gears for the hills, but I think the "wrong" gear helps me re carrying the extra weight.  I'll try and experiment a little more to get the gear thing right.  It was actually good to be reminded a big advantage of being fitter and leaner is you can go faster, among other things:-)


We had coffee at the Wine Centre.  T was worried about people commenting on her "tap" shoes.  I was too wet to worry about people noticing me in my lycra shorts, so didn't change at the Straw House as I have previously.


So, crap conditions to ride in, but compensated for by having good company to ride with.

Jeans

There was a discussion at work yesterday where Mr T (my current contract manager), clarified that he had over 40 pairs of jeans, possibly 50!  The topic had clearly been discussed at the coffee table before.  I describe Mr T as a "beautiful man".  He his physically attractive, he has a beautiful smile and eyes that sparkle, although I don't think his physical features are the essence of his pure beauty.  He's playful, cheeky, funny and overall very composed and confident.  Most importantly, he has this lovely manner which comes from having a "good heart" and caring about his work and people. I think most of the team would describe him like that - and include the important fact that Mr T is also very good at his job!

Mr T is staunch in that he wont wear a suit which is how the topic come up, as he is going to a function this weekend with his partner.  His partner will wear a suit.  But he wont. When asked that great bureaucratic dilemma: "But what would you do if you had to go to the Minister's office?" he says "well, I'd have to say sorry, Minister, I'm unavailable".  And he meant it!

Mr T has been getting some angst from his manager on the dress code.  The thing is Mr T is quite correct in that the quality of his jeans and shirts are probably considerably more expensive than some men's suits, and definitely more stylish than his Manager.    Mr T has his own dress code and it is him.    Not having spent 20 years or so on the Terrace in terms of coming from a teaching/social work background probably makes it easier for Mr T to say I'm not conforming to your silly dress codes and unofficial rules.  However, I don't think it is actually about the dress code for Mr T, its about some sort of philosophy that says "judge me for who I am as a person and the quality of my work".  Although in way it could be said he has created his own dress code he conforms to.  I totally respect Mr T and his ability to make the jeans statement thing work in the way he does.

I'll be quite happy when I own one pair of jeans and fit them well. 

Integrity

The "word" introduced by the RPM instructor today was integrity. In RPM terms that means (for me) staying true to the "load" and being honest with your workout.  Today was the best RPM class of the week.  I was able to push the dial almost a half turn more than I have all week.  This in part was due to the rest day yesterday, but also because track 4 was an old favourite of mine (In the dark), track 5 is one of my new favourites, and track 7 reminds me of nights at the "Opera" in Courtnay Place back in the 90s!  Hutt girl was in the room to my left (although because she was participating in the class rather than instructing, didn't talk non stop).  So all in all probably a 10/10 class, which is just as well, because it could have been "awkward" to have to self report that the class (and instructor) today wasn't on form~!

Integrity is a good word for today, because I get to introduce two people who I consider are important members of the HQ journey to Taupo.   Both are people who I consider have heaps of integrity.   Both are people who independently mentioned "the journey" before I started framing it in those terms   Both are people who have provided unconditional support, and demonstrated patience even when I have at times travelled slowly.

If I was using the alphabet analogy I would say these people aren't so much measured on where they align with me in terms of A-Z.  I would describe them as vowels in the wider vocabulary.  They help make words and the meaning of the journey be more complete in the same way David Tua would pick O for awesome.

Firstly, the "T" lady  is the Friday instructor.  I could call her a former colleague because we both once worked in the same building on the Terrace, although we never actually worked together, just shared a work email address.  Secondly, the "Frau Doktor" (lady doctor) - my GP.    So, a brief introduction for today.  There will be more in later entries.  For today, I consider myself blessed that both T and the Frau Doktor entered my life when they did, and remain important to the journey.

So, in summary: the three words of this week are:  commitment, acceptance, and integrity.  Good words I actually do value and try to live by.

Fuel

Today I had an interesting conversation with the "Fuel" coffee lady.  I generally share the coffee run with my young colleague.  He's converted me to using one of those reusable cups - and since the introduction of the reusable  cups, slowly the Baristas have kind of becoming more engaged.   I've been going to this Fuel coffee station for nearly 3 months, and until today the interactions had been pretty much restricted to the long black order, and how many cups either I or my colleague have had that particular today.

However, this afternoon, I commented on the music being played: It was a cover of Michael Jackson's "Ben" which always reminds me of singing it at primary school.  This then led to an exchange on music tastes, and an exchange of our names.  And then I asked the Fuel coffee lady what I've been wondering for nearly three months:  "What's tattooed on your arm?"  You can't miss the tattoo - its tattooed on her forearm in very stylised writing.  I'm sure she's been asked this several times, but I've always been too "shy" to actually ask, even though its intrigued me.

Her answer was " Because sometimes we both loose our minds to find a better road".  She then explained this was a line from a song by the Poison, but originally came from Alice in Wonderland, and she had it tattooed a couple of months ago when she was making the decision whether or not to come to Wellington.  That was the short version.  I'm sure there is a longer version.  I've only got a week to get it, but I think I will!

I said: "I know, that quote", I really like Alice in Wonderland too!    Then I told her how this was one of my favourite quotes:

“One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. Which road do I take? she asked. Where do you want to go? was his response. I don't know, Alice answered. Then, said the cat, it doesn't matter.”

True story: I once used the above quote in a presentation that got me a job a few years back.   In fact I've used it a few time in presentations, and made it work.   It has turned out to be more true than I thought/knew at that time in terms of my own personal journey.

It reminded me about another thing I like about cycling - it's about finding the road - in more ways than one.

When I got back to my desk, I told my young colleague the story about the tattoo: he looked at me blankly!

80/20

Today was my 80th RPM ride.   So, on the 80/20 scale, 20 rides to go and I will have met the 100RPM goal.  Then I might change it to 1000, although I'm not sure my record keeping will last that long!
It's bit like reaching the last AA signpost on the Masterton Road.  I think I'm almost home, and then it reminds me 26 km to go.  Good feeling though.  I wont crack the 100 by the end of 30 June.  That's OK given the planned and unplanned interruptions I've had this year.  I will though by mid July.

Good RPM session today.  Took the load a little lighter, which meant I could go faster.  Hutt girl, like me, likes tracks 4 and 6.  Although the difference is Hutt girl can actually go quite fast.    There was a good moment in class where she noted a few of the riders (including me) were looking good.  Sweet.  Then she said if we looking that good, then we weren't working hard enough!  So, I went lighter and faster, and given its my final day before a rest day, it seemed to work.  I kind of like her humour!  She talked about going up Hirokiwi Hill today.  That has no significance for me so didn't register.  There was though a track that has this line "we build castles in the air".  Hutt girl asks sort of rhetorically "What does that mean?"

I guess it means the castles in the air are our vision, what we dream about.  What we aspire to.  I need to regroup on all that, and not just in terms of exercise goals.

Shortest day of the year.  Will plant my garlic this weekend, and hey hey its now the other side of the hill until the countdown to Taupo:-) now - although quite a few kms training to go yet.  If I was technologically savvy I would have one of those  number slot things that turns over.  Will just have to do it the old fashioned way

Elizabeth Taylor and me

Conversation from work today:

Chinese analyst: "You know who you remind me of?"
Me: "No, who?"
Chinese analyst: "An actress from the 1960s"
Me: "Oh, you mean Marilyn Munroe?
Chinese analyst: "No, just the general look of actresses from the 1960s.  Maybe Elizabeth Taylor"
Me: "Elizabeth Taylor in the 60s.  Um.  I'll take that as a compliment"
Chinese analyst: "No, it's not a compliment.  You just look like the actresses from the 1960s".
Me:  "Well, noone has ever said that before"

We actually have between our team quite a few laughs, and the discourse on whether I looked like Elizabeth Taylor was expanded on some more.  We also discussed whether the EA really looked like Cate Blanchett.  I concluded in part the statement was a "cultural" thing.  I probably do look like an actress from the 60s to my colleague given the age and cultural differences, the way some people look to me like they are out of knitting patterns.

It got me thinking about the image thing.  All very well saying I want "hot legs" and definition in the arms etc.  It's still though a little hard for me to translate that into what it actually means.  It means changing physically quite significantly.  What will I look like when I am no longer a XXL and a size 14?  Will I still look like Elizabeth Taylor to the Chinese analyst? The image thing is easy to laugh about, but actually creating change is also about changing the physical image.  My own theory if I am honest is carrying extra weight has been a sort of way of creating a barrier.  I've done that for over half my life.  It's a significant thing to say hey, I'm ready to remove the barriers and the road blocks.  Part of the process is being able to say I'm accepting the change that is ahead.

Todays word:  acceptance.

Good work out today with the PT. He was a bit grumpy in a PT way, but it makes for a good workout.  I could definitely feel my legs today.  But that's a good sign.

Commitment

Today being Monday, I get to introduce the Monday Man (I'm not quite sure yet how I will introduce the Friday instructor?! - still, I have until Friday to work that out).   I didn't set out to describe key influences in the RPM room, but I guess I've decided it's important to do so - even though some don't know they are.  

I tend to call the Monday Man the MSD man because I know that he works for MSD with a former colleague of mine.  I could call him a "gentle" man because that's how he comes across.  At least I think so.  That though would imply that the other RPM instructors don't have a gentle side, when actually, I think they all do, even though most pride themselves on "smashing it"!  Using the same analogy that I used for the Hutt girl, I like to think that if the MSD man and I were members of the alphabet in terms of personality, we would be quite near each other in terms of A-Z.  I really have no grounds for saying that other than the MSD man is quite quite and gentle, but also I think strong.  Today the MSD man mentioned "commitment".  That's a good word.  And touches on what I picked up on from the young American last week.

Commitment is a good word.  Commitment means you care enough about something or someone to invest in it or another person and make it work. Commitment takes time time and energy and lots of other stuff - but from commitment you get rewards.  The rewards are good, but actually I think the important thing about commitment is also the connection aspect. So "right here right now" I'm making a commitment to commitment!

This morning I had coffee with a reader of this blog who questioned whether it was my intention to blog weekly or every few days.  So "right here, right now" let me clarify that. Well, as of today I will be posting daily until Taupo is completed.  I'm doing this as a sign of commitment to the journey, plus there is actually still quite a lot of "real" as in a few personal viewpoints I want to comment on.  So, with daily posts, heaps of time to get to those.  I don't want to rush those posts off.  I'm still finding my blogging pattern, but Sundays will be definitely about the rides, and other posts will depend to a degree on what's happening with the bigger life journey.

I felt good about today's workout.  In terms of a RPM session, I didn't actually "smash" it.  But relative to having been on the bike for a few hours yesterday on the Sunday ride, it was good to be able to do a RPM session today and still feel like the body is making progress.

Shades of grey

Awesome ride today.  Did the route 77 to M'borough.  Wasn't quite sure if I would go, but then I heard  two infectious disease physicians I used to work with being interviewed on national radio.  They were talking about the effectiveness of immunisation.  The topic had no connection whatsoever with deciding to ride.  However, hearing the familiar voices, reminded me that riding is about my health.

So, given the weather conditions, I geared up in my tramping socks (expensive, but light and on days like today worth it), and two marino layers, plus my jacket.  That's all it took, and I was extremely warm and kept dry for the trip.   I still can't pump my tyres as I would like to.  I'll seek advice from one of the owners of the straw house when they get home.  They were pumped sufficiently for a decent ride though.

Because I head south to Martinborough, it means when I return home I ride into the Northwesterlies.  The winds were quite strong today, so the return ride home was quite tough.  The ride to Martinborough took about 1 hour 3/4 because of the wind behind me.  I reckon I could have been 10 minutes faster if I hadn't got stuck behind some cows being moved just before the last hill into M'borough.   I'm not that confident at riding through cows, so I decided to stick with the ute until they were moved.  Then just as the last of the cows were turning into their run the farmer says "Hurry up girl - move along" .  I stared at him, and then he goes "oh, sorry, I didn't mean you, I meant the cow!"  Ha! It was quite funny.

I decided to ride the long way home via Longbush and the Masterton Rd (because that's what makes the route, route 77!).  I really do like that road.  I think because it is visually more interesting to ride and overall there is more variation in the road.  There were moments of rain, but overall it was OK.

The best bit was when I was riding out of Martinborough.  Just as I was coming out of the turnoff past Te Kairanga vineyards I saw these cyclists about say 700m ahead of me.  Psychologically it was quite good because I hadn't seen any cyclists all day.  One was wearing a yellow jacket like I wear, the other was wearing a purple jacket.  Not only did I catch up to them, I passed them and never saw them again.  Sweet!  It was a couple.  The look on the mans face when I passed him was v. sweet (for me).  I'm sure he thought omg - wtf - how can that cyclist/lady have passed me.  But I did.  Ok, I don't think they were members of the Masterton riding group.  They were like me (at the moment) Sunday riders.  But you know, a riding pass is a riding pass, and for today I will take it.  It felt good.

I'm beginning to know the road both ways.  That helps.  I think too I am beginning to find the hill climbs a little easier.  So, that's a sign my legs are actually getting stronger.  I can actually stay on the bike seat and just see the hill climb out (albeit slowly), so means my legs aren't banging the bike so much because I lean into the bike.

Riding home to Carterton was awesome once I got to the church turnoff.  It meant that I could see the Tararuas, and there were several shades of grey because of the shifting sky, and periods of blue light.  There is something about the light and way it reflects on the landscape on days like today that make riding into the wind worth it.

It took me over 2 hours to ride home.  But I figure that's ok, becasue of the wind factor.

Another Sunday ride: "completed".

A few of my favourite things

To celebrate the "release" of NAC 46 this weekend, to quote one of the original RPM tracks from the Sound of Music (released the year I was born) here are a few of my favourite things/quotes/influences.  Just a few.  Once I get the insert pictures and weblink things worked out, there will be more.

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)”


From J.W.Goethe:

Was immer Du tun kannst oder erträumst tun zu können, beginne es. Kühnheit besitzt Genie, Macht und magische Kraft. Beginne es jetzt.		Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.
From Rocky IV (best viewed on YouTube:-): "But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you're no good. And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame, like a big shadow. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain't gonna have a life." <iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VnmnTTL462k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

A break in the weather

Today is a rest day.  I could have gone and worked out with the "Godfather" of RPM - the man who is the leanest RPMer I've seen on the Terrace.  I call him that because he is like this background RPM figure.  I like his classes, but it just works out that my currently elective RPM timetable exludes his sessions.

Instead I needed to "network" so I can find a job that will allow me to keep going to RPM.  That's pretty much back on my mind now.  I guess I had got back into cruise control on that front. It's a little bit of a concern with my current contract coming to an end at the end of the month as to where next on the job journey.  Still, if I can't get to the gym, then I can do road work.  And the bigger thing is believing in the best and making the best eventuate.

So, on Monday I made my RPM bookings for the week with "the young American" (I can call her that because she defines herself as "from America", and I'm old enough to be her mother~!) who is often on reception, and takes a few RPM classes herself, although generally too early for me to make them.  So, I make bookings for Monday, Tueday, Wednesday, and Friday.  And then she says "What about Thursday - you haven't made a booking for Thursday?".  So, I say "I think I'll take Thursday off" and laugh.  Then I realise I don't think she thinks its funny - like a sign I'm not totally committed!

The thing is aside from the networking necessity, I know my body still needs a one day break in the week.  I build it on Thursdays at the moment so a) I can do lunch, but also b) so I can do some solid exercise at the weekend.


Not sure if its becasue I didn't exercise or not enough protein, or vegetables, but today I had the "munchies".  I hardly think 2 gingernuts and a friand is going to spin the body out and is a serious diversion off "programme" - it just kind of surprised my body.

The Hutt and the Hills

Correction  re yesterday's post.  LM did not launch RPM 51 - LM "released" RPM 51.  That's one of the things I quite enjoy about RPM - the new language, other than good RPM exercise, it has introduced me to.  I'll give the language and "key messages" a separate posting.

Today being Wednesday - although because my settings still need fiddling with, this may come up as Tuesday when posted was the session with "Hutt girl".  I call her that in a Hutt way.   Even though if we were the alphabet I'd be an A and she'd be a Z in personality, I enjoy her classes.  The Hutt girl talks non stop (non stop), and often makes references to the Hutt "eh"?  Like you can take the Hutt girl out of the Hutt but you can't take the Hutt out of the girl.  I guess I kind of enjoy that as it reminds me - surprisingly enough of: - the Hutt!

Today in one of the hill tracks (and I think it was track 5) she suddenly said "imagine you are going up the Wainuiomata Hill".  That's the first time she has said that since I've been going to her classes.  Usually she makes references to Makara.   When she makes the visual reference, I usually in my mind find a couple of the hill climbs that I find hard on my Martinborough route.  But today, I felt a bit like one of Pavlov's dogs.  I heard the word Wainuiomata and suddenly I was there in my mind on the Wainuiomata Hill.  I suspect (I maybe wrong) that I was the only one in the room who considers they know every bend and turn on the Wainuiomata Hill road.  It was weird because I haven't been over that Hill for about at least 4 years, but I have been over it hundreds if not thousands of times.  I've even walked over and back a couple of times.  In some ways it was good to have that brief few minutes on the Wainui Hill in the RPM room for no particular reason - just because I could go to that space if I wanted to.  Although, I'm clear in my heart that it's the 'rapa ones I want to explore more and get to know as well if not better than I know the Wainui Hill.  I did think after class though, one day near Taupo, I'd quite like to ride on my bike the Wainui Hill just to prove I can.  I acttually think I could ride it at my current level of fitness based on some of the hill climbs I've done.  That though may just be a delusion!

At the end of the class the Hutt girl asked me my name.  We missed the introduction thing when I first started going to going to her classes.  Maybe she thought I wouldn't become a regular.

Aside from her being from the Hutt, I respond quite well to her "motivational lines':

Do you want to get meaner? - YES
Do you want to get leaner? -YES
Do you want to get faster? - YES
Do you want hot legs for Summer - YES
Why are you here?
What is your goal?
It's about determination

Of course, because I'm like the silent Speaker of the House - referred to in a previous posting, I never actually call out YES - (noone does!) but I do think YES, and it's good to be reminded.

The Hutt girl gets a "shout out"for all of the above, but also because a few sessions ago, she made a random comment about keeping a journal or mapping your rides and heartbeats.  I'm not in to checking my calories I've burned or what my heart beat is - although once I get my new watch I may be.  The comment though did prompt me to finally get around to getting this blog going.

RPM 51

This week LM launched RPM 51.  So, concentrated marketing abounds at the gym, including a whole suite of new posters with key messages.

Having made it to RPM 51 is a measure that I've now been doing RPM long enough for the official choreographed music sets to change - just over 6 months.  I can't say I know any of the music tracks on RPM 51, although I guess with the repetition factor I will get to know them.  I can though recognise the voice of Katy Perry now whereas 6 months ago I couldn't. I'm not necessarily sure that's a significant musical marker.  I think the new track 5 may become a favourite, when usually I like the 4s and 6s which are really supposed to be for people who  like speed.  I'm not sure what appeals about those tracks.  I guess for me the 4s and 6s normally evoke this "freedom feeling" that you can cut loose.  If I want resistance (which are generally tracks 5 and 7) then I'd rather get that by pushing some heavy weights or going up a real hill against some real wind.  This may change,but I don't think it will.

I think one of the key things that appeals about RPM is the key is following a pattern and repetition, even though the music can vary.  That's what I like about boxing also.  It's understanding how the pattern works to your advantage by understanding the rhythm.  It's an exercise equivalent of understanding how scales on a musical instrument work.  It's good to have more music back in my life.

Over the last few months I've been going crazy downloading heaps of music onto my nano pad - it now includes a mix of "official" RPM playlists, my "own" RPM playlists, and a lot of random stuff.   A major advance at the weekend was dowloading CDS.  The music playlists certainly make the long journeys to Martinbrough go much quicker.  It's a balance though when having the headphones of remembering it needs to be soft enough to be able to pick up the external sounds of passing traffic for obvious safety reasons on the road.

 About week 2 in my road rides to Martinborough I nearly lost the nanopad when the earphones fell off and into the wheel of the spokes, but with some corrective action I now affix the headpones and nano pad more carefully so this doesn't happen.

Today being Tuesday, meant I went to the session with the PT.  Because he is the PT, he completely ignored the launch of RPM 51 and played his own mix.  I'm not sure why the Tuesday sessions get a review.  Maybe because they represent how the week will go - if a Tuesday goes well, then usually that sets the week up.  Today I would've given the workout an honest 9/10.  Good session.    The PT introduced a "boys version" of U2's Beautiful  Day - a bit more gruntier than the normal version played.  In doing that, what is normally a track 6 became a track 3.  Clever.  I still prefer the track 6 version, but clever nevertheless to do that.

Yellow jacket

I received an email from the owners of the Straw House today saying, among other things, they have had difficulty sourcing a cycling top in Italy, but hope to get me one when they are in France.  Ha! - they may have to end up buying it off Trade Me or from a local bike shop!  I hope though they do find a bike shop.  It adds authenticity to be purchased in France.  This top (subject to it being purchased - may or may not be my riding top for Taupo).  It will depend on the fit. 

Clothing is an issue.    I am reluctant to buy too much cycling gear because the intention is the size I am now I don't intend to be in November.  Of course I can sell gear on Trade Me or give it to the Salvation Army. 

Despite the fact that I have a new yellow jacket and it is O for awesome, I decided that today was still a bit wet to ride. Instead I went for a walk to the "dump" and back. The "dump" walk is essentially a circuit walk return from my house. It's a decent walk and one I used to do when I was preparing for the Milford Track. Today it took me about 2 hours. I think it used to take me about 2 1/2 hours. So, that feels like a good measure of progress re my fitness. It's a nice walk, includes sheep and ducks but still quite close to the main town so not too remote.


I decided I really did need to yellow jacket for safety reasons.  Also, the other week this guy called out to me in the street as I was heading off on my ride and asked me if I was cold - I said "oh, I'll warm up"  But even after 2 hours on the bike I was quite cold.  So, I felt it was necessity to get a jacket.

The yellow jacket is a Louis Garneau Electra jacket.  I can take the arms off it and just wear the vest.  Its not only functional in terms of safety, but light and definitely takes some of the wind.    It's XXL like a lot of my gear.  It will be sweet to move sizes.  I think I probably look like a giant highlight marker on a bike - at least highlight marker that moves.  Th jacket is fitting round my waist, but importantly there is room in the arms.

Right now I'm wearing some "trackies" that I haven't been able to wear for some years - so that feels good.  I last wore them when I used to box with TC.  So, it serves as a marker I'm back to the weight I was then.

Next few weeks are critical - in terms of reaching a significant milestone.  Psychologically, once I crack that, then while kilo wise there is still some way to go, then I know it will actually be like cracking a concrete wall.

Holding the Offender to Account

I had a brief time (about as brief as working for the outdoor adventure project so brief, but substantial enough to get a lot out of it both work and and non work related) working in the Justice Sector.  The work I am genuinely interested and committed to relates to social justice and outcomes.  I don't think you need to actually work in "Justice" to work towards the desired social justice outcomes.  It was though an interesting time, and I'm glad that I had the experience of working with people whose normal job is to "hold the offender to account".  I like that phrase.  It seems an odd phrase or metaphor to use for yourself.  I guess though I consider certain habits (or to use the correct "medical" term - addictions) as some sort of offence.  Why would you offend against yourself?  I still can't answer this question, even though I can from an academic or public health perspective.  All I can say it is part of my history, and I attribute it to the fact that I wasn't living in harmony with myself.  What I do know is I have addictive tendencies.  I can allow these to addictions to destruct my quality of life, or I can choose positive addictions that have a positive influence.   I prefer to phrase positive addictions as "passions"!  I could elaborate on what I have just written but I wont because I want this blog to be about moving forward and positive things.  I guess I've put it in black and white text the addiction thing, because I am confident now I will no longer let it hold me back.  It's been a black box thing.  A dark shadow I've carried within.  I couldn't completely move on with my goals, until I was completely honest with myself about this shadow, and until I could honestly say I am free of them.  I believe that I can now.  It's taken a little longer than I thought it would to be able to honestly say these things no longer govern my life, but I can now.  I've embedded this important fact in my blog in this post, but I wont be referring to it again.  So, MRA (moving right along) another phrase I learnt in the Justice job....

What I do know is that exercise is like this magic formula or prescription for me.  It makes me happy, it energises me, it gets me "high" naturally, and it keeps me focused.  I've always known that. For whatever reason I haven't explored it fully in terms of keeping well and in harmony.  I'm doing that now.  Day by day. RPM session by RPM session, and building back in other exercise like weights and road work now.


There was a turning point last year in terms of my "conversion" to RPM.  An email was circulated at work from an unknown colleague from another floor, and another 'department' from the one I was working in.  It was like a RFP for RPM classes - seeking expressions of interest.  It was a long email, and had a good sales pitch I guess.  I can't remember all the lines, but one of the lines was something like: if you could sit on a bike then you could do RPM.  I guess it triggered this thing for me, that in the past I have actually enjoyed sitting on a bike and some good bike rides.  To put it crudely: quite skilled at sitting on my arse.  Some of my colleagues expressed interest.  I'm not sure why I wasn't deterred by the prospect of wearing lycra in front of my colleagues.  I wasn't.  I just thought "whatever", I'll sign up for this.  It helped that one of my team members also signed up - although we ended going to different classes, and I ended up going to classes with my project leader at the time.

Despite the fact that I've been a Les Mills member for years, there had until that email, been no way I was going to go in the RPM room if it necessitated wearing lyrca.  I also guess in my head I thought I couldn't do RPM because I wasn't fit enough (or "cool" enough) to be seen in the RPM room (in my world view, I'm still not fit enough or cool enough, but these are no longer factors that concerns me.  The important thing for me is it is about my where I am in my own "journey" - to quote Lance Armstrong "it's not about the bike").

Expressions of interest closed when I was going to be away for some site visits.  I remember taking this phone call from the unknown colleague at that time about how I could enrol for the the classes given I was going to be away.  I remember putting the phone down and saying something to my team colleague like "omg, just having that conversation has made me feel tired - still, no going back now"!

That was the start of the RPM journey - an introduction to RPM from someone used to holding offenders to account, and finally beginning to get back on track holding myself to account for what matters.

Five things to watch

The weather conditions aren't great for riding this weekend so in the next few entries I'll record some of the key decisions/milestones that have led to my decision to "do Taupo".  These entries aren't in chronological order!  I want to get them into the blog though because they represent good influences.

A year ago I finished a really good work project.  It was a seven month project that involved working with a lot of "fit" people.   That was their job - outdoor adventure.   I worked with an external advisory group.  The representatives had various expertise - ex Outward Bound instructor, deer hunter, serious grade white water instructor, pilots, and a guy that jumped off bridges for fun.  It just happened that all the representatives were male.  I used to go the "Friday working group meetings" and one of the random things I noticed that aside from the usual common place thing of people playing with their i-phones, a few of their guys would take off their watches during the meeting and put them on the table.  It intrigued me, because they could easily keep track of the time by flicking their wrist or checking their i-phones.  It was like the watch was a badge of honour.  These watches were serious "sport watches".  The kind of watch you would want people to see.


Then one day my colleague asked me to go and meet a representative who had done a lot of work in the education outdoor sector.  (As an aside, she is currently my lead advisor colleague on my current contract and her influence in deciding to do the Taupo challenge deserves a separate entry).  She was passionate about her experience, had a really good energy, and had good input into the work we were doing at that time.  She talked passionately about her experience.  One of the things I noticed in our meeting was she had an "outdoors" of "fit" watch.  I left the meeting with her thinking, among other things, "interesting watch".


I also met a researcher who climbs mountains for fun and in a random fact of history completed Outward Bound about the same time I did - 1984.  I noticed she had an amazing "outdoors" or "fit" watch too.  I decided one day over coffee with her I would mention the watch thing to her.  I thought she will probably think I am crazy that I've given this watch thing so much thought.  She laughed and without me saying anything said her watch was a "badge of honour".  I noted that I had set myself a goal that once I had achieved five things that challenged me and got to a weight I was comfortable with I was going to get a new watch.  She concurred this would be appropriate and was a good goal.  I really have no idea why I engaged in the watch conversation with the researcher as we didn't know each other that well, except I guess I saw her as living the life I wanted to lead, and that she was comfortable with it.  The fact that she's a recognised "expert in her field" I guess added credibility to my random watch theory.

The watch I currently wear is a "male" Tissot watch.  I purchased it in Germany.  At the time it represented a challenge to be able to purchase a watch in German.  The new watch I want to buy is a "male" Tissot sports titanium watch.  I've priced them in Stewart Dawsons and the jewellers in Lambton Quay.  Circa $2,000!  Needless to say the shop assistants get very excited when you note those are the watches you want to look at.  The first time, (yes, I've priced them a few times) the shop assistant asked if it was for my husband.  I said "yes".  It seemed easier than saying than saying no, actually it was for me.

I haven't until now, finalised the five things to complete until I get the watch (which is going to be dependent on my financial/"working" situation.  Still, I have to believe that will work out. 

My five things are:

1. Raft the Kawerau river (Completed last year with the project leader)
2. Walk the Milford Track (Completed Feb 2011 with the owners of the straw house)
3. Ride 100 rpm sessions (In progress - currently at 73/100)
4. Ride the Taupo Challenge
5. Ride in the Carterton Hot Air Balloon that leaves from the Paua factory (given I've previously been scared of heights this will be interesting! - I have though a fascination with the Hot Air Balloon - and hope when I do it the air is such it drifts over my house - that would be perfect!)

I'd also like to add a Kayaking challenge to the above.  But that will be a bonus.

The template I use for this blog is a cylist - and if you scroll to the bottom of the page you will see the arm, watch, handlebar thing.  I haven't quite got the template positioned as I would like.  However, the watch and the bike are why I selected the template.  They visually represent the goal I've outlined above.

The Speaker of the House

One of the constants of my history of going to Les Mills on the Terrace is spending a few sessions with the Speaker of the House, Hon Lockwood Smith.  That's a liberal interpretation rather than a conservative one.  Although it is true to say we spend time together, we don't actually converse in anyway.

While I have had periods (months, bordering on years) away from the gym, every time I go back, there is the Speaker.  I know exactly where to find him: in the Benchpress area.  It's not like I go looking for him, it's just that I quite like the Benchpress.  So, there he is in what I call his "tennis whites" - white shorts and singlet.  Full credit to the guy, from behind he could be mistaken for a 30 something or 40 something guy when I've read he's in his sixties.  I've read he runs, so I've worked out he goes to the gym to supplement his running with weights.  From my observations, primarily light leg weights, the Benchpress and the upper arm lap pull down.  When I read the criticisms in the paper of how vain the man is, I kind of think, well, in some ways, he actually deserves credit that to keep his body in the shape it is actually requires a lot of discipline and hard work. 
 
The Speaker of the House, usually benchpresses about 30-40kg. I can currently benchpress 30kg. I used to be able to benchpress 60kg and I'd like to be able to do that by the time I ride Taupo.  Not because I want big biceps, but because I want to know I can do that weight again.

I think Lockwood and me have a few things in common.  I've never seen him speak to anyone in the weights area (actually, I do speak to a few people now), but I'm sure he observes a lot, like I do.  He likes cows, I like cows.  We also like the same weights.

He often smiles at me, although it would be easy to misintepret that because he has a pernament smile and smiles at everyone.  However, yesterday it would appear I had bet him to the lap pull down machine he likes to use.  He could have used the machine next door to me.  We could've shared sets.  Instead he sat in the leg pull machine behind me - and for three long sets I felt him glaring at me.  It was "awkward".  I kept composing in my head opening lines like "so, you think that's an appropriate dress code"?

Instead, I maintained the silence and just smiled back in bewteen sets, and just becasue I could: added a few extra bars than I know he lifts re the arm press pull down!

Pink

One of my favourite RPM tracks (I have a lot of favourites - mostly "4"s and "6"s as it happens) is Sober by Pink.  It is on my nano pod.  I've never placed it as a request though.  It's too close to the bone, or at least it was.


I was nervous today.  I had a "contractors" function to attend at  "Atlantic".   A drinks/networking thing.  Part of me didn't want to go.  However, as a contractor its kind of an essential act required.   Fortunately, I had a "wing man" -  the "young guy" who I sits next door to me at work, and is on a 3 month contract like I am with the same agency.  He is 25 years old, and likes rainbows and butterflies.  The young Chinese analyst in our team has taught him to say this, and apparently he can say it very fluently in Mandarin.  One of the reasons for this is his major is German.   So, he is good at languages.  We both started on the same day, both have previously worked for the Ministry of Health, and it turns out we both speak German (although he is more fluent than I am), both like classical music and dance/remix music.  He's been a good influence on me in a strange way, as he's quite into eating healthily, although I'm not sure introducing me to $12 raw chocolate from the Organic shop was such a great idea - at least financially.   Anyway, because he is into the health thing he doesn't really drink alcohol.  Conversationally, he's socially competent, so, he's pretty much the perfect wing man - at least in terms of a young wing man!

I'm not really sure I needed a wing man tonight, but it helped knowing I had one.  All afternoon, I had these thoughts, "will I drink or not - maybe one drink".  The thing is I can just have one drink, or two drinks and stay in control.  I know that.  But I still have to think about it.   On arrival the young guy and I were asked what we wanted to drink.  We both said orange juice.  When my "pimp" (that's the guy who takes a commission on my hourly rate, but does find me work:-)) asked me if I wanted a refill I went for the soda water.  The thing that was driving my decision was why would I want to work out at the gym today, and then undo that by adding calories, and not being able to work out maximally tomorrow.  It felt good to be in control.

The best bit of the evening was this though:  I was talking to my pimp when he nodded toward the entrance way.  He said "now there's a lady you could learn a lot from".  I looked at the lady, and then said "I know".  Brilliant.  The "Buddha lady" had walked in the room.  We had previously worked together for about a year or so in workplace that didn't have a lot to recommend it.  I had a lot of time for the Buddha lady.  She coped with our odd workplace by chanting Buddha stuff.  She'd prepare for meetings with the manager we had at the time, by going out to chant first.  The Buddha lady used to drink green tea, and order magic mushrooms or something off the Internet and other random stuff that always amused me.   We had some interesting conversations during the time we worked together.  I made it clear she would never convert me to Buddhism because that's not my faith, but that didn't stop her.  She tried again sort of tonight - recommending I chant for my next contract!  So, you know, we knew each other well in workplace terms.

When she met me tonight, she uttered those magic words that reminded me I am making progress "I didn't recognise you"  And then she added, "you look like you've had a load lifted from you".

One the way home on the train, I reflected that well yeah, the last time I met the Buddha lady I was almost 30kg heavier than I am now, my hair was long and scruffy, and I used to wear my glasses most of the time.  Those are the cosmetic differences.  But the difference really is I have lessened the load of what was really weighing me down.

As for RPM - its all about taking "the load" but in a healthy way.

I'm glad I went to Alantic or Atlanta whatever it is called tonight.  It actually made me feel good to be reminded I am making progress.  I still wont be converting to Buddhism though!

Every Second Counts

Last Saturday I got the book "Every Second Counts" (about Lance Armstrong victory with cancer and how he overcome challenges) out of the local Carterton library. It's part of this desire to read more about positive people, not just cyclists. As an aside, I'm getting into podcasts too - but I'll post about that seperately.

The librarian says to me "you do know you've had this book out before".

I stare at her. They she says "well, we just have a policy to tell customers so they know".

So, I say "well, I'd like to get it again because actually I think its a good book".

The librarian issues me the book, but does look at me strangely ;-)

Seat no 8 @ RPM

I try and avoid seat number 8. Seat number 8 is located in the "front row" right in front of the instructor. Today I lucked out. It was the last seat left, so by default it became my seat. To my left there was "the man who grunts". He is pleasant enough when he is not grunting, I just find the grunting very distracting. He did vary it up with a little singing today. To my right, was my sister's "best man". The guy who was the best man at my sister's wedding, 29 years ago. He's recently returned with his wife from living in the UK. That fact aside, until I met him at the gym, I hadn't seen him for about 10 years. I recall him as being quite runty, but now he's got that gym look about him. He's a nice enough guy, I just run out of conversation with him! So, I didn't feel that comfortable seated in no 8 today.

The class itself was OK, a few tracks I like, a few tracks I think are OK. I usually rate it as a 9 or 10/10 class - but today the ride felt like a 7/10. Did the job but that's about all.

The guy that takes the Tuesday 12.30 class has massive "rugby" arms - another part of my evidence that he didn't get those solely by riding RPM classes! He's a PT (personal trainer). He doesn't dispense with the motivational lines about how you want your legs to look (right now, I'd be quite happy if my left leg had less bruises on it - for some unknown reason I seem to knock it against my real bike and the rpm bike when I lean into it and pause). He does though use a line about putting your chest out proud - which I've found actually does help with the breathing - although seated in no 8 I think he probably appreciates the fact I don't put my chest out quite as proud as I could! He has quite a focus on the technical aspect of RPM and is also good re the stretching at the end - which I find helps.

The PT has been at the gym for about as long as I have had my membership - so more or less 9-10 years. I guess he's seen me come and go, and go up and down in weight. I didn't go to his classes for months because of that fact. So, while that is the fact, it doesn't really matter anymore. In fact, it sort of serves to motivate me now re actually crossing the right line this time.

Sonny Bill Williams

I share something in common with Sonny Bill Williams: We are about the same fighting weight. Although clearly I do not have "ripped" abs or torso! I used to be the same fighting weight as David Tua, so I have actually made progress. These random facts would be of relevance if I was an aspiring professional fighter. I am not. I do though share a love of boxing. I think the key thing to boxing is much like RPM and cycling. Its about understanding rhythm and patterns - I think a good boxer knows how to control their rhythm and energy to maximum effect.

Boxing is not what this post is about though. This post is about establishing a benchmark of my current weight. In stating that I am the same weight as Sonny Bill Williams, it means that technically, or in fact actually, I am a heavyweight. Heavyweight and cycling don't seem to be common combinations!

I'm not going to use this blog to record my actual statistics - I have a journal for that. I do though want to establish a baseline that I can look back on in November. I'm not sure that in November I'll be able to say I weigh the same as Lance Armstrong. That would be amazing. It would be good though to be able to find an athlete who I can compare my weight with who is not a heavyweight.

Sonny Bill Williams is an awesome athlete - although I do agree with Bob Jones, that the fight he has just won wasn't worth watching. Is he destined for some real ring fights? I'm not sure. What admire though he is giving it a go, and at least his passions. And those "ripped" abs are pretty awesome too!

If I can follow my passions and get ripped abs by November, I'd be "stoked" to have that in common with Sonny Bill Williams!

Route 77

This entry is from Saturday:

Route 77 is Carterton to Martinborough and return. If I travel one way by Gladstone and Longbush, which is the back road from Masterton then the total distance is 77km.

I was reluctant to go for a ride today as I had a bit of headache due to a mild cold I have. I considered cancelling the trip, but decided I'd go in any case. I thought about the team in Wellington doing RPM. Then I heard Rowan Keating's "Flying without wings" on the radio. Its cheesy, but I like that song. Also, I guess the mental motivation is now there that that Sundays are designated for the endurance rides. Part of building up the stamina. I set off about 9.15am which is about an hour later than the last few rides I have ridden.

I was also motivated that I've made a commitment to the owners of the straw house that I would water their pot plants while they are in Italy and the South of France. Given they have only been away five days so far I don't think the plants actually needed watering today, but it served as a motivation to make me go to Martinborough. I was a bit nervous also, that as the owners of the straw house are essentially my "AA" service should I break down, this makes riding a bit more risky. I took my cell phone in any case. I guess I'd call my neighbours should the worst happen and I actually break down.

Because it had rained last night the road was a little bit wet in parts. I encountered my first safety hazard when I saw my first orange cone. I pretend the orange cones are race course markers. However, the orange cones mark the crossing areas for the cows that have been milked early in the morning. About 5km into my ride down Park Rd there was about a 20 metre stretch of wet cow shit. That cow shit got up my legs and also on my bike, and it actually felt a bit unsafe riding through it. The tyres (not fully inflated as the thing at the service station made no difference) although pumped sufficiently for riding, took a while to settle after going through the cow shit.

I took the "short" route via the Mushroom factory and Ponatahi Rd to Martinborough. It took me most of the trip to get into the ride. I was riding against the wind for part of the trip. It took me 2 1/2 hours to get there. At least though I feel more familiar with both my bike and the road. I have these geographical markers that make it easier to ride: the mushroom factory, the bridge, the Ponatahi turnoff, and then once I reach the Dr's house, I know its about 5km or so to go so I'm almost there.

Once I get to the Magrain villas, and around to Schubert vineyard I feel as I turn into Cambridge Rd like I'm almost "home". At least in a Martinborough sense.

Once I get to the straw house I get changed into my skirt. I'm conscious of the size of my legs and definitely wouldn't go down "town" in my cycling shorts. I leave my bike and gear at the house, and walk down to the Wine Centre cafe for a cappuccino and muffin - its about a 5 minute walk. It has changed a bit there since I was there last. It used to be market on Sundays, but now it is a thriving cafe with what seems good food. I was the only customer with a bright yellow jacket on! Oh yeah, I have a new yellow jacket. (It deserves and will get a separate posting!)

I used to joke that if anyone couldn't see me on a bike then they must be seriously visibly impaired. Now they would need to be legally blind. There is not that much traffic on the roads I'm currently riding, but last week when I passed someone coming the other direction and I could see them about 1km away because they had a yellow fluorescent jacket on. I was aware that the shirts I have for riding (Marino Icebreaker and tramping thermals) are dark, and on grey days like today probably could blur and not be that visible. So, its a safety thing in the jacket, but it also made riding on a coldish and windy day much better.

I was going to return the "easy" way back via Pontahi Rd, but at the last minute changed my mind because I wanted to ride past the Palliser Pencarrow vineyards. I don't why, I just did. I guess it reminds me of when I lived in Martinborough and used to walk around the vineyards on a regular basis for cardio exercise.

Once I got to the turnoff that leads to Martinborough Vineyards, I made the call in my head to continue onto the Hinakura Rd via Longbush and then the Masterton Rd. This is the first time I have ridden this road this year re returning home. Its definitely easier to ride as there are more downhills to go from Martinborough to Carterton. Its a beautiful ride re the landscape too. Not just sheep! - but more variation in the landscape and landmarks along the way. I passed a woolshed party - they looked like they were having fun. Then the landmarks of Gladstone school, Gladstone church (from which it is 16km home). Gladstone pub, the Marae - the statue of the monplane opposite. Once I get to Gladstone vineyard I feel like I'm on the home stretch although its still about another 12 km. Once I get to the turnoff then I know its 5km and really is the home stretch. Now that I've listed the landmarks out, I can see why the route has more variation.

It took me about the same time to get home (2 1/2 hours) which was due to the downhills and a bit of wind behind me. That was comparatively quite good timing becasue the Longbush route is definetly about another 15km or so than going the short route of Ponatahi Rd.

There were some beautiful rainbows and changes between blue and grey skys. There would have been an hour or so, when it was just me, the bike and occasionally some cows! - although there definitely was an increase in traffic at the pub and from the vineyards

I'm still a bit nervous about some of the down hills. I can go quite fast for my weight on the bike, but don't feel completely in control of the bike so need to double break sometimes.

I want to master route 77 because its essentially the route for the Martinborough fun bike ride which is about a week or two weeks before the Taupo challenge so that will be perfect timing. I've done it before when I lived in Martinborough. I remember being passed by children and old age pensioners. I don't intend for that to be the case this year!

When I returned home, I felt better than when I left! 5 hours on a bike and I felt better!

RPM Cadence Commences

RPM Cadence commences.

It feels right to be launching this blog at Matariki - the rise of the group of stars known as the Pleiades star cluster or the Seven Sisters. Matariki is about celebrating our place in the world in relation to the land, our spirit, and people we live with. It is about saying this is where we are now in terms of the rhythm that makes us who we are, and it is about looking to the future.

There is also a nice sense of rhythm that as I commence a new blog, it is Queens Birthday weekend. Although not of course the real Queen's birthday. The connection is my blog "nick" is Hebequeen, so it comes up as that on this site. I'm keeping that. I initially used that nick because I had propagated a number of Hebes, successfully translated them to Martinborough for a couple of years and then to Carterton. There was a lot of work and skill in growing and then transplanting the hebes. I have recently had to take a number of those hebes out of the ground because I cut them back to hard and they died. Today I've been cutting up the dead hebe wood and storing it for kindling for next year. I guess they had reached their life cycle. I loved those hebes because of the fact that I had first grown them in Wainuiomata and then transplanted them. Ten years on though, they are in many ways symbolic that sometimes you have to let stuff go. They gave me a focus in a different time. It is not like I don't still have hebes in my garden, and that the self imposed title can be taken from me!

Taking the hebes out from where they were allows me to use that space in a different way. To creates something new. That can be fun and a good thing.

So, why a blog and why RPM Cadence as a title? Well, yeah, I could have kept my thoughts in a journal. But I want to make the commitment of having an audience. I guess I need a little bit of feedback.

The main reason for this blog is I want to document the next five months and journey I travel to get to the cyclechallenge that is known as "Taupo". I've registered to ride the 160km on 26 November. Why? Because I need to challenge myself. I need to create a space that was previously filled by some unhealthy "habits".

This blog will be a mix of anecdote, record of rides, random stuff and reflections all in some way connected to RPM and cycling. I could have called it "a beginners guide to bicycle maintenance" or "the turtle travels to Taupo". Instead I picked "RPM Cadence" because for me Taupo is really just the destination in part of a bigger journey thing. For me it is about finding my rhythm.

One of the definitions of Cadence is "rhythm, the measure or beat of sound or movement".

Wikipedia defines Cadence (cycling) "In cycling, cadence is the number of revolutions of the crank per minute; roughly speaking, this is the rate at which a cyclist is pedalling/turning the pedals. Cadence is similar in some ways to wheel speed but is a distinct measurement. Cyclists typically have a preferred cadence at which they feel most comfortable and on bicycles with many gears it is possible to stick to a favourite cadence at wide range of speeds".

Les Mills defines RPM as "The calorie killer - for the ultimate ride. Les Mills RPM combines cycling, choreography and motivational coaching techniques into one low-impact, aerobic and adrenaline filled ride suitable for all fitness levels".

As for how I define RPM and Cadence. That's what this blog is about.

First few entries will be random until I settle into writing again. I'll also try and improve the format and get some pics and proper links in, although that will take some time.

"Tilt from the hip" and thanks for sharing the journey with me.

Pump

I'm not that flash at pumping up my tyres. I still can't change a bike tyre either. With the roads I am riding, and the distances I am travelling, this could potentially be a problem~! It is something I need to master. Full on pumped up tyres make riding the bike easier. I'm been for about 4 long rides since I got my bike back from the bike shop from being respoked. The tyres were aweseome after I had my bike serviced, and they didn't seem to be going down, so I thought I'd wait until they did. Today, I thought I'd try and pump them to get maximum riding. It took me several goes. What happens is the valve completely deflates and then I just cant get it to be fully pumped.

When I've owned other bikes I've never had this problem. I might try the air thing at the service station tomorrow and see if that makes a difference.

I am not sure why I find it so difficult. Just another thing I will need to get better at.

I've never been to a pump class at the gym. I do though need to do more weight/resistance training to work with the cardio of RPM/Cycling. I 've started to try and do more weights. I do actually love the weights. It helps with the "fat burn". There is a basic law of physics (not that I'm a scientist) but the lighter you are the easier it is to get up the hill and the faster you will go.