2012 PFOA Lands End to John O Groats
Training Blog 9
Just when it was all going so well!
Its been a manic time since my last blog. With work and PFOA commitments increasing my training slipped for a couple of months. The weather has not helped as the days are short and by the time I get home its not great cycling weather - dark and cold!
I have also had a few health problems. I had been noticing that my breathing was becoming difficult on occasions, and then I developed a back and arm pain. I finally gave in and arranged to see my doctor. What followed then was not the nicest of experiences! A chest x ray was followed by a full MOT with blood tests and breathing/lung tests. I gave up smoking 9 years ago and was beginning to wonder if all those years puffing away were going to come back and bite me! The good news was that my chest x ray was normal, and the subsequent lung test showed that I had the lungs of a 36 year old (I am 47). My wife assured me that it was just my lungs that were from a 36 year old!! The blood test was not so good, which is the same that can be said for my eyesight when I called the doctors to get the blood test result and duly started speaking to a lady I thought was the doctor but turned out to be a dental assistant....that will teach me not to wear my glasses when dialling a number from my mobile! Anyway the blood test showed that my cholesterol was 7.6! I am now on a very low fat diet, although its more like a lifestyle change as its going to have to be for the rest of my life.
This has had a profound impact on me, and has got me back on the bike and rowing again. I am trying to do at least 1 hour per day either on the rower or turbo trainer. I am increasing the resistance on both especially the bike to get me used to some big hills coming up on the Kentish Killer in February.
With Christmas only 1 week away now I am determined to continue training and keep of the sweets and big puddings!
If there is anyone reading this that smokes, give up. I worried myself sick for a few days thinking that I was going to get some bad news....I am so glad I gave up 9 years ago, and that i can still run around playing badminton, cycling and rowing....and being able to enjoy my life!
I will report back at the end of January with news of my prep for the kentish killer and the LEJOG.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Mark W