I just wanted to say that I now finally get it! Having been Iain's backup crew on the good friday and actually drove the route he did to liaise with him for a break - I realised just how far he had cycled - on pedal power, in tough conditions. I was really enjoying the drive in the sunshine, looking at all the little villages I had never visited, whilst in the comfort of my little mini, with heated seats and a choice of music on my ipod - avoiding the harsh wind and cold weather outside. After an hour or so driving my legs were getting a little tired and I could do with a bit of a stretch. Also I had watched the petrol guage gradually go down and thinking I would need to stop for petrol soon when it hit me - I can't believe he has done this far just on a bike. In fact, he had been doing distances like this for some weeks.
At home, when he sets off for a bike ride in the early hours I think to myself he is only going 65 or 80 miles today. Not far. Those two small numbers don't really mean much. I set about doing the one hundred and ten things I always have to do when he is away and don't really think about it.
Well I've well and truly woken up to the reality of these rides - they are far, really far and all I really wanted to say to all the lycra lads on Race for CHASE - is total respect. You are now doing a marathon every weekend virtually, especially in this tough weather. Keep going - you are all incredible.
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Thanks Jules! As we approach half way through our training program, I think we need all the encouragement we can get!
Since doing the 100 mile ride with the team last week I've found it quite hard to get motivated with the thought of doing 100ish miles weekend after weekend.
Added to this, my legs appear to be creaking! Hamstrings appear to be getting tired, the backs of my knees ache and my achillies doesn't feel quite right!
I've taken it easy this weekend, partly because it's Easter (thanks for the lovely card!) and I want to spend some time with my family, partly due to assemblng new stuff in the study, partly due to Tim decorating (I can't tell you how secretly pleased I was when he said he wasn't going out on a long ride yesterday/today).
I did manage 34 miles on Friday and I'll go out again later today, but I need a weekend off longer rides!
Thanks for all the support, and thanks for all the other stuff you are doing on the logistics/fundraising side - it would be nice to get a weekly e-mail from you on what's been happening behind the scene!!
Hope you eventually had a good at e's Mums! Safe journey hime! Tell e - the wind will be behind him if he rides back!!
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