Well I’m becoming fitter, just not thinner, but really at this point I’m going to take fitter any day!
Yes, a lot of us have gained a bit of weight over lockdown but let’s just give ourselves a break, these are as has been said a gazillion times - unprecedented times, a bit of weight gain was not the worst thing that could have happened, literally isn’t.
I know Boris has launched his fat fighters policy…at the same time the government launched its dine out for much cheaper policy - Consistent as usual. ;)
But let’s just calm down and be kind to ourselves. We are all still wonderful and worthy no matter what shape or size we are.
I happen to think I look fine, and actually, that’s the only opinion that matters. Plus I have no wish to ‘diet’, I’ve done it before and I’ve just ended up thinner but hungry and a bit of a dullard. ‘Oh no I can’t eat that’ is one of my least favourite sayings.
What I am doing though is increasing my exercise levels, which as peculiar as it is to me, I’m really enjoying.
Last week I accomplished some epic rides. I’m still in shock at what I managed to achieve.
One day I did 18 and a bit miles, which set me up perfectly for what I wanted to attempt the following day.
There’s a cafe not far from where I live called The Blue Egg, it’s a massive cyclist’s hot spot. Loads of my friends that are into cycling go there.
I’ve always been of the opinion that why on earth would anyone want to cycle there when they have a perfectly good car.
Well, I’ve built up enough confidence on the roads and stamina that I set myself the goal of cycling there. I didn’t tell anyone I was going to try because I would have been embarrassed to not make it. I had a sleepless night the night before I planned to go, as I was panicking about the hills, one in particular had me wincing at the thought of it.
I set off, completely unprepared, forgot to take a drink or any money to buy one at the cafe itself.
But I did it!! I rode the 7 and a half miles there!! I was so bloody chuffed, even knowing I had to ride the 7 and a half miles home again.
The hill that had me shaking in my boots wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I had built it up to be. I should have worried about some of the others as they were incredibly hard, but I did them all!
I’m slow, I’m wobbly, but I did it!
It was most unfortunate that my Strava turned itself off half way home, Chris likes to track my progress back at home, he nearly had a heart attack when he saw that I had stopped at one particular spot for half an hour, he assumed the worst and came out looking for me. I was, by the time I pinged back onto Strava, at home confused why he wasn’t here. Hahahahaha
Anyway, all’s well that ends well, I am perfectly fit and healthy thank goodness. I cycled 70.4 miles last week. I am incredibly happy with that.
I have gone from the couchiest of couch potatoes to super cyclist (ok, slight exaggeration of my talents but I’m so high on endorphins I don’t care! Hahahahaha).
So rather than starve ourselves, or withhold anything yummy, if needed, why not give moving more a go? Thoroughly recommend. I feel better, and actually more confident because I feel like I really have achieved what I thought to be impossible.
My weekend could not have been better. We had a bit of pottering around at home Saturday morning, then Chris suggested fish and chips at the seaside.
His back is still bad and he wanted to keep as active as possible.
Well you don’t have to ask this girl twice for fish and chips at the seaside!!
I know it’s very un British of me, but I don’t like take away fish and chips at home, I find it tastes bland and stodgy. I do happen to like it fresh cooked in a restaurant though, I also happen to love going to the beach. So Saturday was a real treat.
Off we went to Leigh on Sea, famous for their seafood and more so their shellfish. We were so full from fish and chips we forgot to buy some shellfish. Doh!
We ended up at a restaurant called The Boatyard, the food was great. The service was brilliant, all social distancing and hygiene was spot on. I am happy to come out of my bubble when it’s worth it.
We did manage to squeeze in a ‘little’ ice cream though. Living my best life right there! ;)
Sunday was a special day, all days are all special days but Sunday we decided to go and belatedly celebrate our marriage vowel renewal-aversary. That’s a mouthful.
Our vow renewal was 9 years ago on 23rd July. We’ve been married over 24 years, but Chris asked me to remarry him when I was in my hospital bed, looking a little worse for wear. He knew how to motivate me!
I got well, and I focused on the renewal planning and the party and getting a pretty dress!
It’s a very good way to promote well being.
So on Sunday we went up to London for lunch at…yep, you guessed it Chutney Mary.
What other way to celebrate is there than curry and shopping?
Dress from In the style, Bag from Chloe, Shoes from Fendi
I thought this dress is super cute, and more importantly super comfy, which is what I look for in clothes to dine out in. I was a bit worried about such a pale colour and curry not being a great mix but I’m very happy to report that I didn’t spill a drop, which is a miracle in itself.
I ordered size 12UK and size 14UK, the 12 fit well, but I decided to keep the 14 instead.
It is a bit big but it just felt that little bit more comfortable across the bust.
I did have concerns that the dress was a bit young for me, but then I thought you’re a long time dead so why the hell not. ;)
This bag is small but very perfectly formed, this was its first outing since I got it for Christmas.
I packed what I needed in it stoma bag wise (the absolute essentials) and then left the rest of my supplies in the car. Taking the car makes travelling and eating out with a colostomy an absolute dream. It means I don’t have to be completely bogged down with stuff. Which in itself makes me feel lighter. I find it a bit of a chore to firstly remember to take any spares with me and secondly HAVE to.
We has such a nice time. Lunch was amazing. Then we trotted off for shopping after, I thought these shoes would be ok to walk around in, turns out that was not a correct assumption to make. I now have big watery blisters on the soles of my feet! That’s a new one on me! :o
I went to Primark, I do love the big one on Oxford Street, they have some real goodies in there.
I needed some new PE kit as I’m sick to death of the same outfit washed and worn daily.
Outfit from Primark, Top £4.50 Leggings £2.50
Shoes from Nike.
New outfit, new me! I’ve never been someone that exercises ever before, but apparently it was in me all along. ;)
I’ve been out for my daily ride today, in my new cycling clothes. I prefer to do about 10 miles a day. It seems to suit me. Firstly it gets me out in the fresh air, I’m burning a couple of calories off, and I’m getting healthier (I assume).
I feel good at any rate, so that’s a win. I know I need my B12 jab, but I’m not crawling around unable to function, which is new.
Top from Sandro, Jeans from Topshop, Shoes from Hermes
What I didn’t love was cycling into an overhanging bramble branch. Now that I could have done without. It really hurt, who knew cycling was so dangerous? Well anyone that’s seen me ride I guess. Hahahahaha.
Have a happy healthy week all. xx