December 1, 2015
Having done so much in the last three months it feels like ages away since I started training, but yet it has gone so fast. There’s now only 9 months until I go, I’m 1/4 of the way through my training.
Lets have a look how I got on with last months aims:-
Set out solid list of ideas for fundraising next year, what month they can be in and what I hope to achieve from each
Yep I’ve got this, however I think the list is perhaps too extensive. With so much going on and so much to do I’m not going to be able to do everything. I need to pick the ones that will maximise donations while considering time, training, resources and fun!
Set up a YouTube account and create a video with my new camera
Yep I’m set up with this now, you can view my YouTube channel here. It’s good fun making videos and by adding a new dimension to my training it has helped prevent me from getting bored. I’m planning to blog on the camera in more detail so I don’t want to give too much away.
Keep my stretching exercises going and partake in the yoga classes at work
I do a Pilates class every week at work and I also complete a core/stretch/Pilates session at home each night. It’s quite laborious and if I’m honest I have skipped a few as it does my head in having to do an additional routine on top of everything else, but with the discomfort I’m experiencing on the bike it’s essential I build my core up.
At the time of writing this I’m not feeling too good so feeling sorry for myself but…..It’s been a bit of a roller coaster this month, times have been hard and the training is really taking it out of me. I have seen some improvements but it’s leaving me pretty messed up after.
My lower back is the main thing that’s getting me down. I rode 60 miles Sunday (in very windy conditions) and I was pleased my legs were feeling good after. The same couldn’t be same for my back which was in quite some discomfort. I’ve tried the osteopath, bike set-up, Pilates, Yoga and general core stuff but nothing seems to have done the trick. However as my rides get longer my body is experiencing new endurance scenarios. I’m hoping that time is the solution here, as right now I’m really quite scared at the prospect of an 8 hour day on the bike.
Off the bike there’s some good news…
Sponsorship surpassed £1k this morning. I think that’s pretty impressive considering I’ve not really embarked upon and fundraising activities yet.
I booked the boxes that the bikes will go in on the flights and I also made some really good progress on a kit (more on that in a future post)!
I’ve been working hard on social media and I’ve now got almost 1500 followers on twitter. I’m continuing to engage with tons of people and I’m hoping this will pay dividends in the long run.
Winter is now here and the rides are getting colder. However I have all the right gear so the cold doesn’t really bother me too much. I secretly like any external factors that make my training harder (except for back pain) so the weather, fatigue and stuff like that are just obstacles that I need to overcome.
Christmas is fast approaching and I’m really looking forward to a break. I will still be training five times a week but it will be good to have a couple of weeks off work. With so much going on I’ve not had much time for my family, therefore I’m really looking forward to heading to my hometown and spending some time with them.
Aim’s for December (not many physical ones again as my trainer covers those)
- Xmas/Winter photo shoot back home in Scarborough
- I’ve a special idea for an Xmas post which will take a bit of effort so I want to see that through
- I need to utilise my spare time over Xmas to plan various fundraising events and I need to sit down with Rob (the RV man) and sort the route etc out.
- I absolutely need to hammer these core exercises every night without exception, also I’ve been doing press-ups. I aim to do 40 in one go by January.
I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and New Year. Thanks so much for your support.
Shane
