So where did all this come from?

My friend Matthew Loughrey and his family lost their beautiful daughter Emily Rose Loughrey to cancer in 2007. Matthew Loughrey and his youngest daughter Jessica Loughrey cycled from Lands End to John OGroats on 02 June-12 June 08.

In 2007-08 the Loughrey family and his many supporters raised over £56,000 for the charity.

This year he has stepped up his own challenge by cycling from Chatham to Gibraltar from 02-12 June 2009. See his blogs for more information. http://chatham-gibraltar.blogspot.com/

It's so inspiring that I took on the challenge of trekking in Iceland in August 2008 and now set myself my new Challenge to take part in the London Triathlon.

So about me: I am Just-Paula, I am 38, a subject leader in ICT, I have two wonderful daughters my Sarah (Sezzbag) and Leanne (Leannie-babe). I believe that life is about living, give to others and just be yourself. So about the challenge: Well its starts with a nice swim, a slow bike ride and a gentle jog ! Not! So this blog is going to be about my training leading up to the event. I can swim, I can jog, and just about ride a bike! So here's goes nothing..........

Monday, 25 May 2009

Well good and bad!

So on taking my new trek out for another ride, I find myself trapped between no pedal and an on-coming car, making my way in front of the car with only one pedal attached to the bike and the other attached to my shoe I coast to the to a stop.

No tools on me - I find myself getting a little frustrated with my bike, throwing my toys out my pram for 10mins, I calm myself down three miles from home, no shoes on a country lane - hmmmm - seeing the funny side as I walk along with the most amazing bike by myside, shoes in hand walking in white socks home, where were all the nice people to stop and help?

Any not to let that stop me.......

Its Monday - ready to take it out again, this time with shoes and tools I go for the most amazing ride - tired, not wanting to give in to those lower gears on the hills - thighs burning I tackle every hill as if it was the first. In my head I see that triathlon coming closer and closer, need to get out and do more running. So in my head, cycle every morning this week, run every evening - hmmmmmm will have to have some motivation!

Still all good intentions - well very hot, a little sweating off for a little afternoon nap before going to see my new born grand daughter - Summer Jayne! Born 23/05/09 my little angel!

Until tomorrow - night night! Paulax

Saturday, 9 May 2009

Feeling the burn!

Still finding how my new bike works - which can be really frustrating at times. Will have to get it sorted - not good when you can't get it the right gear going up a hill, so it burnt a little on the legs but hey it will help me get fitter quicker. So the ride was good, always enjoy the freedom it gives, and the speed this bike can do is awesome.

Drop my bike home, slip a t-shirt on and off for my run - your legs feel like jelly, transfering the different muscle groups from cycling to running, chest hurting, back aches but still.... Not the best run again but seemed better than last week and I have done alot running everyday this week.

However word of warning for those ladies - dyed hair the day before - don't wear a white t-shirt (he he) unless you want it with a tint of pink.

Still I have to say I brought a Tri-suit for my Triathon - recommended - holds all the lumps and bumps in place and very very comfortable.

So until tomorrow when I do this all over again.

Paula x

Monday, 4 May 2009

WOW - that hurt!

Well been to the gym during the week - got myself a new bike but this has to be the first run following a bike ride since the last time I posted a blog. Its like going back to the beginning all over again - well enough is enough I will do this no matter how much it hurts. I can understand the pain in the legs etc - but when you have asthma it feels like someone has put something heavy on your chest, you go into a panic where you can't take the air in. I try and listen to the music on my ipod, just following the words and not the air I am breathing. I try and imagine a running partner running next to me or set myself a goal to get to.

It beat me several times in that short 3km run - but I will do this no matter what - I just need to close my mind - I only have 88 days before the event. I am fitter than last year when I did the trek in Iceland but this is a completely different challenge. Well I need a bath and sleep - so catch you later... Paula x

Thursday, 2 April 2009

Spring evening are here at last:

Finish work, bright yet a little windy, get on the bike and ride the wind.
Favourite moments, down the hill could let go of the handlebars and be free as the wind blows, take off like a bird!
A little push up the hill as my legs start to warm up, feeling the burn as they say, along the narrow roads, nearly came off as the tractor comes around the corner - Megan Ryan - City of angels experience! Oh well - at least I am doing something I love - forgetting the moment, dreaming of other things, other memories.
Down onto the main road, hands locked under the handlebars, legs nicely warmed, ready to power up the little hill before the straight road, speed cycling now - totally amazing feeling. Ipod on full volumn, a little Meat Loaf! Queen!. (showing my age now)
Up into standing position to really burn those legs, up the big hill, back into Wainscott, towards lower Chattenden and up my favourite hill of all, before the gentle ride home.

What a feeling after a day indoors at work - Try it! Paula x

Sunday, 29 March 2009

Needing some energy today!

So Sunday early afternoon bike ride. A little cold on the toes, some hills that will not beat me.... mastering them all, need to start moving towards the three-four hour bike rides soon. Need to get some more tunes on my Ipod.

Easy riding today, even with being a little tired, will be doing some mid week rides this week. Nothing much to really say apart from those stupit land rovers today, what do you think you own the road or were you attempting to give me a hair cut with your mirrors, have some consideration, try getting out of your cars and do some exercise!

No wind, a little cold but a good sound bike ride, as I am nearly 39! need a bath and a little afternoon snooze before heading for a little gym session (Swimming of course)

See you all soon. Paula x

Saturday, 21 March 2009

Stress release!

So what a week - one I would truely like not to remember - however learn by your mistakes as they say - just wish it didn't make you feel so low!

Bike ride always a good pick me up - was I wrong.

So the sun was out coming down past Chattenden Barracks, sit up, let go of the bike and feel the wind - totally free from life, I wish I could have gone down that hill forever!

No wind today that was good, anyway usual route, pushed hard today, wanted to get rid of all the anger, frustration, unhappiness to find inner peace with myself. Pear Tree Lane - here I come, determined to stay in the middle cogg (no idea how you spell it) lol. Thats why I am not an English teacher nor do I ever want to be. Any coming around the corner to the hardest part of the hill and a lorry and car get stuck, slowing myself so I balance but not stop and they decided to have a good chat -NO!!!!!!........ can't get through so have no choice but to stop, no way of starting again on that hill - thanks I said as I went past but the truck man just smiled! - Idiot!
Attempted to start but no way, come of my bike and walk the last 50mtrs.

Anyway best part to come, get to Cobham have to stop feel really sick, light headed sat and rested for 10mins - not feeling my best, drank loads of water. Well half away around which ever way I it has hard elements, anyway down to the best hill of ever amazing love that hill. Back around into Cuxton and up my favourite hill - I like this one as I know I can do it, looks worse than it is.

Down into Strood - go through a red light as there is no way I am stopping going up Frindsbury hill not for a red light or anything, just tuck myself into the side of the kerb.

On the home straight -up the last hill and home to a hot bath, tea and a sleep.

Going out tomorrow. Paula x

Saturday, 14 March 2009

So in light of the coming review!

Nothing better than having a work issue to get you heated up for that session at the gym!
One word of warning - wear padded cycling shorts when you want to take it out on the cycling machine.

Anyway enough of that!

Set off for a nice 2000mts rowing down the Medway! - I did say nice - didn't I?
Followed by a fast cycle up the alps for 10kms - well in front of the Rugby screen anyway.
Then a nice jog of 5km! Remember the music and water - I will get myself organised one day!
A little stretch, which I love as I am quite flexible, I love making people go 'God I wish I could do that'! Not bad for 38 - A little bit big headed but if you can, why not!

Anyway I followed it off with a little dip - my first words a silent 'Ahhhhhhrrrrrooooo' think cycling shorts - your know what I mean. Anyway once over the shock I did 25 lengths of the pool before a little relaxing in the hot tub.

Thats it - despite the coming high stress levels on Monday, I will get on my bike tomorrow for a hopeful 23miles ride-with padded bib!, Depending on the wind factor - until then - Paula x