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..........

Sunday, 31 May 2009

Feeling much better!

Well this week I have managed to get up Chatham Hill in one - of which I thought I would never do, its a tough hill - but you only master if you try in the first place.

So today - Sunday 31st May 2009
Done my short route today just until I get used to my new bike, much better got to grips with the gear changes fine today, passed a man walking up the hill which is always good for the motivation. Its a hot day, but a nice breeze.

Just not feeling good as in health wise - need to start reading some books this week on eating for energy seem to be a little low of it this week for some reason - don't know why. Still just another thing to master.

Well its going to be a busy week - Matt and team go on their adventure from Chatham to Gibraltar - good luck my good friend! Will miss you all. These four guys are on the new weight loss program - only cycle 150miles a day!

I will be gym it on Monday/Tuesday - bike Wed-Fri, finishing on a bike/run/swim at the weekend.



p.s - going to try the bike out on my 23miles next weekend - lets see if I can master Pear Tree Lane?

So end of my diary for today! Paula x

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