Two poets two wheels

Here is a link to an excellent article for New Zealand Poetry day:

http://laurawilliamson.co.nz/?page_id=358

I like the fact that Brian Turner discovered cycling in his mid 40s.  I can sort of relate to that, and also the enjoyment he gets from the landscape.

I managed to get to a RPM session today.  I missed the T lady, but she was replaced by the Hutt girl who as an alternative I probably prefer to the Godfather replacement when T is unable to make class.  She provided the usual banter she does.  After a week of talking to Ali (my gifted but now not so young black cat) it was a welcome relief to hear the banter.

There was this "interesting" moment at Track 7 which was "Heaven".  Hutt girl was taking the opportunity to "play" her 10,000 words line (how she has to use up her quota of 10,000 words in RPM class before she goes home to her husband) to the class, some members who she did not know - which sort of made her more "playful".  She says to the class "Try saying this tonight to your partner "I'm in heaven"".  There was a silence.  So, she asks "How many of you are married?  Put your hands up".  One person put their hand up - of about 12.  She then defaulted to what I think she thought was a safer line:  "Oh well, how many of you are in love?" Again there was a deadly silence.  I think for a moment it put Hutt Girl off guard.  Wow - a room full of what I would describe as eligible (some very eligible!) people not in love...Wow...

Checked in with the Frau Doktor today.  It seems not working corresponds with reducing my blood pressure - significantly.  Go figure. Although the reduced blood pressure probably also corresponds with the increased exercise, modified diet, and keeping off the booze. So blood pressure wise, I'm now not only in the "normal" range - but in the very normal range.  Given I still carry a lot of extra weight this is pretty impressive.

Weight wise - I reckon in the next 2 weeks I will finally crack what has been a 20 year barrier.  I need to have some blood tests re "hormone" issues.  This may also provide some light on why my weight loss is slower than what I would expect for the exercise I am currently doing and diet.

Anyway, progress is progress and its good to be making progress.

I also caught up on the cycling mags at the library.  There was a good article that said you should have three routes - fast, spin, and flat so that you work the various intensity and keep variation in your programme.  Ha!  That's exactly what I had worked out myself this week.  Sweet!