The Ramblings of A Cyclopath
Blogs about living with Parkinson’s
I've been here before (Don't Blame It On Me) and I should have known better....... My recently purchased MacBook Air was a treat to myself. As can rightly be expected of expensive Apple products, I assumed it would work faultlessly. Except, the keyboard seemed a little erratic and the trackpad had a will of its… Continue reading Deja Vu
Parkinson's - My Uninvited Companion Its a beautiful morning and I'm walking in the park enjoying the autumn sunshine and the stunning colours that this time of year brings. I stop and chat with people who over the past few years have become familiar and friendly faces. I have learned a little of their lives… Continue reading A Walk in the Park
When my mobile phone was new, a 100% battery charge would fairly reliably last two, sometimes three days. After a few years of regular use, I'm lucky if a full battery charge keeps my phone functioning reliably until lunchtime. Regularly running on red, I receive frequent messages offering the option of switching to 'Low Power… Continue reading Low Power Mode
When asked if I was interested in taking part in a short film about living with Parkinson's, to be shown on BBC Breakfast television, I didn't hesitate to say 'yes'. Perhaps unexpected for someone who is very self conscious of their Parkinson's symptoms. In case nerves set in and I needed reminded of my rationale… Continue reading BBC Breakfast
I've recently realised that my efforts to appear 'normal' are not reserved for symptoms of Parkinson's. Last week, BBC Breakfast were due to come and film a brief scene of our 'normal' suppertime at home to give some context to a short piece I had been asked to be involved in about the impact of… Continue reading A New ‘Normal’
Fine movements have been becoming more problematic of late. You would notice this if you observed me putting a jacket on or taking it off or trying to do up buttons or a zip. You would also notice this when I try to take my shoes on and off or attempt to tie my shoe… Continue reading Help!
Another weather forecast of 1-2% chance of rain every hour over the next 12 hours. Another solo cycle ride. Another soaking. Image Source: Drawception 1-2% Chance of Precipitation So, if I went out 100 times during similar forecasts, it should not rain on 98-99 of these occasions and it is likely to rain on one… Continue reading Unpredictable (III)
Having written about the unpredictable nature of Parkinson's only yesterday (Unpredictable I), it was reassuring today to be reminded that there are many other things in life that are unpredictable too. My Motivation I was determined to get up and go out cycling this morning, having spent some time the evening before planning a route.… Continue reading Unpredictable (II)
Last week, my boxing was as good as it ever has been since I started training four years ago. My personal trainer noticed immediately. I responded quickly to instructions and was full of energy, my movements were fluid and fast and it felt fantastic. Same time, same place, one week later, same personal trainer, same… Continue reading Unpredictable (I)
I recently read an interesting blog by Miriam Bram, a fellow Ambassador for the 6th World Parkinson Congress to be held in Barcelona in July 2023. The title, Shame & Stigma of Living with Parkinson's caught me off guard. Until recently, I hadn't consciously considered shame as something that might play a part in my… Continue reading A Link Between The ‘Shrinks’
Back in the Day 6am AlarmSnoozeAlarmJump out of bed and into showerShampoo and condition hairBrush teethBlow-dry hair Make upJewellery onFavourite dress on6.30am ready to face the day Time to Get Up Today 5.45am, no need for alarm, I'm awake! Snooze! I wish! Take meds Wait for meds to work Jump Crawl out of bed and… Continue reading Time to Get Up
During the current heatwave, many of us are feeling uncomfortably hot much of the time and that's certainly my experience over the last few days. Being of a certain age, like many other women, I also have the joys of hot flushes to contend with. I could blame the heatwave. I could blame the menopause.… Continue reading Sparkling!
I am driving down to Exeter today to pick one of my sons up from his student accommodation to bring him and his belongings home for the summer. It's forecast to be a scorching day, one of the hottest this year, of which I will spend at least five hours driving, an hour or so… Continue reading I Can’t Wait…
I've finally found my exercise mojo! Having lost it somewhere during the mid winter long lockdown, it's been elusive over the past few months but it's finally back. It has taken a few friends, a good helping of sunshine, some gentle encouragement, a cycle challenge and a dogged determination. It’s definitely harder to regain your… Continue reading It’s Back!
I remember reading Ronald Dahl’s story about The Twits, a hideous couple who catch the 'Dreaded Shrinks’ which causes their bodies to gradually shrink until there is nothing left of them except a pile of old clothes and a pair of shoes. I think I've got the 'Dreaded Shrinks'. Fortunately, I'm 5ft 11” tall, so… Continue reading The ‘Shrinks’
Five ferries, a few friends, fabulous weather, fantastic scenery, fun, fun, fun! Five Ferries Route What a stunning day to do the Five Ferries Challenge on the West Coast of Scotland. 118km cycled in beautiful sunshine from early morning until late into the evening. The most spectacular views. Fabulous company and another great challenge completed.… Continue reading Five Ferries Challenge
Six years ago today I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. It's not like a birthday or wedding anniversary to be celebrated with balloons and banners but it is an anniversary nevertheless. One that is imprinted on my being in indelible ink. I received a message yesterday from a friend, Paul, whose ninth anniversary was yesterday. He… Continue reading ‘Happy’ Anniversary?
At an out patient appointment recently, I was asked how I had been feeling on a scale of 1 - 10. 1 = As bad as it gets 10 = As good as it gets. I pondered. It had been 398 days since my last appointment. A lot of things have happened during this time.… Continue reading Time to Change…….
I feel strangely delighted today having read the results of my most recent cognitive assessment. The results identified some areas where my cognitive ability 'fell below the expected range'. Thank heavens! I'm not going mad, I haven't imagined it, there is actually a problem, a small one but none the less, a tangible, real problem.… Continue reading Strangely Delighted!
"Hi! How are you?” Almost without fail when meeting someone, our first exchange is “Hi! How are you?” By far the most common, and indeed the most socially acceptable response is “I’m fine, thanks. And you?” In fact, I would argue that this is the only socially acceptable response in this context. Herein lies my… Continue reading A Social Dilemma
The weather forecast looked awful for the entire day today. How easy it would have been to stay home, where it was guaranteed to be warm and dry. We could have been forgiven for curling up on the sofa with the Sunday papers for company and it was certainly tempting. However, then we would have… Continue reading What If……
As an ambassador for the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) in Barcelona in June 2022, I can get very enthusiastic about the fantastic experience that is the WPC. As a keen cyclist, I can get equally enthusiastic about all things cycling. And before I know it........ (WPC + Enthusiasm) + (Cycling + Enthusiasm) = Inevitable really,… Continue reading Time for a Challenge
Frequently and at some length, I bemoan the shortcomings of my slightly wonky brain and body. Enough! Credit where credit is due - some achievements they have each independently or jointly completed since lockdown first started a year ago. Understanding the challenge they face to simply chop vegetables, set up a chess board, use a… Continue reading Credit Where Credit Is Due
Cycle with Friends + Glorious Sunshine + Stunning Countryside + Cake & Coffee Break = Reignited Passion for Cycling. A beautiful, easy paced, slightly hilly (despite Caroline's assertions otherwise 😆 ) 40km route, a coffee and home made cake stop before the downhill route home. A perfect morning!
There are so many reasons why sleep can be a major problem for those of us living with Parkinson's. I can't remember a night in the past few years when I haven't been awake at 3am. Counting sheep doesn't help, so last night I tried counting the reasons why people with Parkinson's typically don't sleep… Continue reading 3am and Counting…….
Having successfully resisted all attempts to lure me onto the indoor turbo trainer over the winter months, as spring starts to bring a warmth that has been sorely missed, I don't need much persuading to get out on my bike in the great outdoors again. Tempted out on five of the past ten days, I… Continue reading Back in the Saddle
As you know, memory is a concern for me. Nothing wrong with my memory this morning I thought smugly as I remembered to apply the correct HRT patch at the correct time, on the correct day of the week. I am to apply one twice a week. For some reason, the process - one on,… Continue reading Bemused & Confused!
Had I doubted my slightly wonky brain and body's ability to execute an emergency stop when needed, I would have given up my driving licence without hesitation. By the very nature of an emergency stop, they were recently, unexpectedly put to the test. I found myself strangely proud of my slightly wonky brain's performance. I… Continue reading Testing, Testing…..
The third in a series of short blogs, sharing some insights into the trials and tribulations of driving with Parkinson's. I used to drive a 40-mile round trip to work. On the way, I'd drop my youngest son off at school first. We'd listen to the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, chatting and singing along to… Continue reading Cider with Rosie
For a long time, I have found it a challenge to get my keys out of a bag or pocket, fit the key into the lock and turn the key to lock or unlock a door. Imagine my dismay, earlier this week, to have eventually got the key in the front door lock only to… Continue reading Jumping to Conclusions
The rain has stopped. It is ten degrees warmer than it was a couple of weeks ago. The spring flowers are beginning to show their colours. The sun shines with a new warmth. The easing of lockdown restrictions is in sight. Cycling outdoors has regained its appeal. No more excuses, time to get fit again........… Continue reading A Spring in My Step
Visual-Spatial Awareness The ability to comprehend and conceptualise visual representations and spatial relationships in learning and performing a task. I mentioned visual-spatial skills in a recent blog and the fact that these skills can be impaired in people with Parkinson's. This started me thinking about how (and just how often) we use our visual-spatial skills and… Continue reading Now, Where Was I?
The second in a series of short blogs sharing some insights into the trials and tribulations of driving with Parkinson's. Back in the '70's I remember watching the Magic Roundabout, a children's television show featuring (L-R) Ermintrude, Florence, Brian, Dougal, Zebedee and Dylan. The opening scene showed various characters on the Magic Roundabout, going round… Continue reading The Magic Roundabout
The first in a series of short blogs sharing some insights into the trials and tribulations of driving with Parkinson's. Image Source: ClipArt Library Back in the Day I'm driving down a narrow, single track country lane with occasional passing places when I meet another car coming from the opposite direction. My friendly self smiles.… Continue reading Two Days
I have recently started to use Amazon's Alexa device to compile my supermarket shopping lists. It has proved to be successful in ensuring I return home with at least 90% of the things I need. It probably goes without saying, that just because an item is on my list, that is no guarantee that it… Continue reading Alexa, Where Is My Car?
For a Christmas gift, I had ordered each of my three boys a personalised calendar for 2021. The calendar featured Willow, our dog. As everyone's favourite family member, I was certain this would be a hit. I carefully chose twelve of the best photographs I had of Willow and uploaded these to Photobox. Photobox had… Continue reading A Little Lockdown Laughter…..
I’m learning that fatigue can be debilitating, in a way I never thought possible. Indeed, I confess that prior to experiencing Parkinson’s related fatigue, I was definitely in the ‘pull your socks up, stop moaning and just get on with it’ school of thought. I say this a little flippantly and I am more sympathetic… Continue reading Shutters Down
Image Source: Typecast As a child in the ‘70s, I remember being taught the Green Cross Code. It was a sequence of six simple but important steps to take to keep safe while crossing the road. I remember the Green Cross Code Man and I seem to recall being a member of the road safety… Continue reading The Green Cross Code
In my efforts to get back into an exercise routine, I arranged to cycle with a friend earlier this week. I have cycled many, many times with this friend, including the 1053 miles route we rode from Land's End to John O'Groats a couple of years ago. We have cycled in every conceivable weather condition… Continue reading ‘Phone a Friend’
After giving myself a severe talking to, having received many lovely messages of encouragement and support following my 'CBA' blog and with a ray of sunshine sneaking through the clouds, I finally donned my cycling gear for the first time this year and got on my bike. Now, I'd like to give glowing reports but… Continue reading New Day, New Start…….
I can’t motivate myself to do much exercise at the moment. Instead, I find myself taking a robust ‘I would rather stay at home in the warm’ stance. It’s not like me at all. I suspect there are many of us feeling the same with the cold weather, the dark, short days and the social… Continue reading CBA?
Living with Coronavirus - A bit like Living with Parkinson's? We all understand that Parkinson's is not contagious and self isolation will not protect us from getting it. I'm not seriously suggesting they are in any way similar diseases but like Coronavirus, Parkinson's has been described many times as a global pandemic. With both conditions… Continue reading Something in Common
I was thinking recently about the many times over the past five years when I have told a friend or acquaintance that I have Parkinson's and the varied responses I have received. For the most part, I've had a huge amount of support, and compassionate responses when I tell anyone. I understand that it can… Continue reading RSVP
I never used to be late for anything. I was always on time, no matter what the occasion. I could always manage a last minute rush if I needed to but for the most part, I was organised, in control and easily on time. I confess to having had a sense of frustration with those… Continue reading The Time Thief
Image Source: ClipArt Library In the past five years, I don't recall ever having more than three hours unbroken sleep in any single night. It is one of the consequences of living with Parkinson's. One of the many aspects of living with the condition that at first might seem unmanageable but which gradually become the… Continue reading 03.30hrs
'When you blame others you are avoiding some truth about yourself' Deepak Chopra I was recently asked how long before diagnosis did I start to notice something was wrong. The short answer is three years. However, that doesn't make for a blog, so a more comprehensive explanation is that for those three years, I did… Continue reading (Don’t) Blame It On Me……
During my nursing career, I spent many years working as part of a cardiac rehabilitation team. My role involved exercising with people who were recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery. We would teach them to exercise safely and effectively. We exercised with them to help them gain the skills and confidence they needed… Continue reading Exercise Matters!
Like many of us, I have spent many years juggling work, family, home, socialising and the numerous other demands on my time. Time pressure made multi tasking the norm. Again, like many of us, lockdown has imposed a slower pace of life on me. However, in truth, my slow down started long before lockdown. Parkinson's… Continue reading Speed Awareness?
I recently wrote about the effort involved in trying to appear 'normal' and it got me thinking about what exactly is 'normal'? So, I checked the definition and I'm not sure that it is something I actually do aspire to be. 'Normal' Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected BUT, if I don't aspire… Continue reading A Little Pizzuberance!
A few months ago I was contacted by a young woman who had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's. She was keen to meet and I was keen to support her in the way that I had been supported in those early, very difficult days. We arranged to meet in a local cafe. I remember doing… Continue reading Making an Entrance
Image Source: http://www.epclibrary.com My turn around time to respond to a text message, WhatsApp, voicemail or email, averages about six hours and has been known to stretch to 48 hours at times. I've not suddenly become antisocial, uncaring or any less interested in your messages but these days, I need to put some dedicated time… Continue reading Snail Mail
I was beginning to lose the motivation to exercise every day. Exercise was beginning to feel like a chore, a daily hurdle to be overcome as quickly as possible. I was beginning to prioritise other things over exercise and to make excuses to escape the exercise sessions that least enticed me. Where exercise is concerned,… Continue reading Finding My Mojo!
'Acceptance doesn't mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there's got to be a way through it.'Michael J Fox I read about people 'battling' and 'fighting' Parkinson's and I understand and respect the sentiment. The terminology alone, however, exhausts me. I don't wish to spend my days battling and fighting.… Continue reading Acceptance
In his role as Marty McFly, in the 1985 hit movie 'Back to the Future', Michael J. Fox travelled between the past and the future. Diagnosed with Parkinson's, in 1991, at the age of 29. I feel it is reasonable to assume therefore that he is something of an expert, on the past, the future… Continue reading Words of Wisdom
I find when talking with other people about our respective experiences of living with Parkinson's, we don't need lots of words or explanations, we have a connection, a bond, brought about by our shared experiences, a shared understanding and a shared uncertainty about our futures. We rarely struggle to find words to describe our experiences… Continue reading Strange
Prior to diagnosis, I started to notice that smiling had begun to require a lot of effort. Over time, this has become more and more noticeable. Smiling is no longer a spontaneous occurrence. There is a time lapse from my wanting to smile until my facial muscles respond. To compound matters, when my facial muscles… Continue reading Let’s Face It!
In a recent blog 'The Elephant in the Room', I commented on the fact that when we are out together, people often ask my husband how I am, rather than ask me. A very astute observation by my husband was that 'I don’t mind being asked about you, but I am not always sure I… Continue reading Who Knows?
Exercise is never an option for someone living with Parkinson's. It has been shown time and time again to ease a wide range of symptoms, improve mood and it is thought to slow progression of the disease down. It is the single biggest thing we can do to help ourselves. If a neurologist told me… Continue reading Easy Like Sunday Morning
'Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes' For many years, a gentleman would walk past our house each day. He occasionally looked up but rarely smiled, waved or spoke. After a while I concluded, despite his relative young age, that he was a 'grumpy old man'. One day he stopped by… Continue reading Walk a Mile…….
I've been pondering......... Parkinson's can sometimes feel like the elephant in the room. Image Source: rawpixel.com Sometimes after meeting a friend, I realise that we have discussed life, the kids, the universe, my friend's health, the health of our respective ageing parents but not my health. I sometimes wonder if I don't make it easy… Continue reading The Elephant in the Room
I've learned that, understandably, many people can't imagine what living with Parkinson's is like, so this is my attempt at welcoming you to my world..... I've had to learn to create lists for everything (sometimes multiple lists for the same thing) and yet discover it is still possible to forget things! I've learned not to… Continue reading Lessons Learned
In the five years since my diagnosis of Parkinson's I have learned a number of new skills to help me manage an ever changing range of symptoms associated with the condition. These new skills include: Yoga To combat the stiffness, rigidity and reduced range of movements. Boxing To improve my balance, co-ordination, response time and… Continue reading What’s New?
I was asked recently if I could share my top ten tips for living well with Parkinson's. I remember reading a Top Ten list compiled by the late Tom Isaacs when I was first diagnosed and finding it really helpful. The experience of living with Parkinson's differs from person to person. This is my list......
Recently, for the second time in as many weeks, I forgot I had arranged (less than 72 hours earlier) to play bridge with friends. Learning bridge was my way of protecting my slightly wonky brain, in particular, my memory, from the ravishes of Parkinson's. The irony that it should be bridge games that I forget,… Continue reading All in the Mind (Or not..)
World Parkinson Congress (WPC) Ambassador - Barcelona 2022 I am thrilled to be chosen as one of the fifteen Ambassadors for the World Parkinson Congress in Barcelona in 2022. WPC Ambassador Announcement It is a privilege to be working alongside these inspiring people from around the world, some of whom I had met at the… Continue reading World Parkinson Congress 2022 Ambassador
I met Jonny in Kyoto last year at the World Parkinson's Congress. He too has Young Onset Parkinson's and he cycles, so naturally, we've followed each other on Facebook and Twitter ever since! He recently tweeted this story and it brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. I felt compelled to share… Continue reading A Heart Warming Story
Having recovered from the Raid Local challenge, spent some time with my family, caught up with some of the things I had neglected whilst training and taken some time to reflect, it's time to put pen to paper and, of course, it's time to get back in the saddle again. But first, once again, a… Continue reading ABC
Doing the Raid Local challenge would never have been possible without the support of so many people, so I'd like to say 'thank you' to everyone who trained with me, encouraged me, supported me for months while I prepared for the challenge, supported me on the day, donated to The Cure Parkinson's Trust and to… Continue reading A Team Effort
The challenge, in reality, was not nearly as easy as I had dreamt it might be! (See Previous Blog) In reality, it took me a lot longer, it was a lot harder, my average power output was a lot lower and I didn't see Rowan Atkinson at all! My stats came in four parts: Until… Continue reading Not So Easy!
Having lived cycling, talked cycling, blogged cycling, thought about nothing but cycling for the past few months, I have now started dreaming cycling. If I believed my dreams, I would be cycling ahead of the rest of the team, they would be shouting 'Slow down! We can't keep up! When did you get so good… Continue reading Easy!
When I learned that exercise is the only thing that has been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson's, I started cycling, overcoming the numerous obstacles that Parkinson's puts in my way. Amongst many other symptoms, Parkinson's affects my balance and coordination, causes dizziness, muscle cramps, dystonia, rigidity, stiffness, pain, slow movement, tremor, fatigue, poor… Continue reading The Peculiarities of Pedalling with Parkinson’s
My fourth 'first' for this week was to cycle Sudeley Hill today without stopping. As part of a hilly ride today, after Harp and Ham hills, I finally did it! At 2.5km long, with an average gradient of 8.4%, a maximum gradient of 18% and a total climb of 215m, it was a tough one.… Continue reading Fourth ‘First’
Humour me.... Available for 24 hours only! https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000k6yz/points-west-evening-news-18062020 From 22 minutes 50 seconds.........
Some of The Cure Parkinson's Trust (CPT) team, Will Cook (CEO) and Mike Tindall (Patron) are used to being in front of the camera but for me, as one of CPT's ambassadors, my first 'first' of the day was being filmed by the BBC. The three of us were talking about the exciting Raid Local,… Continue reading Three ‘Firsts’
100 Mile Monday We've often said "If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen' but despite only recording half my ride, my aching limbs are testament to the fact that I did indeed complete a 100 mile ride yesterday. With a ride time of 7.5 hours and an average speed of 21.5km, it was a… Continue reading Mission Accomplished
A 100 mile cycle with friends. What a way to start the week. What a way to 'celebrate' five years since my diagnosis of Parkinson's. What a way to support the relaxing of lockdown requirements. What a way to train for the Raid Local. What a way to enjoy the great outdoors. What a way… Continue reading 100 Mile Monday
What a joy to cycle with our Sunday morning group again this morning after three months of lockdown.....
My mission this week was to cycle a total elevation of 3,700km from the vast range of Cotswold hills that surround us. On the 28th June for The Raid Local, I shall have to do this in one day. I cycled six days out of seven. My training was to test a few things that… Continue reading Testing, testing……
Today's ride was always going to be a little different. I had arranged to meet with Will Cook, the CEO of The Cure Parkinson's Trust, and Mike Tindall, a Patron of The Cure Parkinson's Trust to do some hilly cycle training in preparation of the Raid Local which we are all taking part in. It's… Continue reading A Day with a Difference
On Monday, it will be exactly five years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. I'd prefer to let the day pass by without reference to this fact but the day is imprinted on my memory and there is no hope of Monday, coming and going without my acknowledging this. So, how could I mark my… Continue reading An Occasion
Hills, hills and more hills...... I sincerely hoped I'd eventually learn to love them by now but......I'm still waiting for this to happen! Gloucestershire hills can be unforgiving: steep, sharp turns, uneven surfaces, gravel, pot holes, flood water, debris, branches, narrow lanes, to name a few of the hazards. So despite trying, I'm finding it… Continue reading Again & Again
The tallest building in the UK, The Shard stands at 310 metres tall. Last night, I cycled up hills totalling twice the height of The Shard, covering 620m of elevation and found it exhausting. On 28th June, for The Raid Local, I need to cycle up twelve times the height of The Shard........ That's a… Continue reading The Shard
The Raid Local challenge is to cycle 137km and climb 3700m of hills on 28th June 2020, to raise awareness and funding for The Cure Parkinson's Trust. This is a colossal challenge for the fittest of cyclists. 137km is hard enough but add in hills totalling nearly half the height of Everest in a single… Continue reading Raid Local Challenge
After so many weeks of lockdown, it was truly wonderful to meet up again with some girlfriends for a socially distanced, sociable cycle. These girls can cycle far and fast but today there was an equal emphasis on cycling and socialising and I was reminded of how much I love: The girls!Their friendshipTheir laughter The… Continue reading A Sociable Cycle
I've grown to love a challenge and I'm so disappointed not to be setting off on our Raid Alpine challenge this year to raise funds for The Cure Parkinson's Trust. So, I am delighted to be invited to do a local challenge on 28th June, the day we would have started The Raid Alpine challenge.… Continue reading Challenging Times
After weeks of cycling solo, the government guidelines have changed and with the change, I've found a new motivation to clock up those miles. My goal? To cycle 300km this week with friends whilst keeping within the slightly more relaxed Covid exercise guidelines. My first cycle of the week, was a 50km round trip in… Continue reading Guidelines and Goals
Despite the inevitable postponement of The Raid Alpine Challenge, cycling has still kept us Cyclopaths busy this year. This year, between us, we have: Cycled 15,306k Climbed 151,629 metres (17 times the height of Everest) Spent 717 hours in the saddle (Don't underestimate the pain & discomfort!) Cycled on 325 occasions Cycled in rain, hail,… Continue reading Still Pedalling
It's been a long time since I last posted. This blog black hole has been mainly because it was recently confirmed that The Raid Alpine challenge has sadly been postponed and won't happen this year. Given that the majority (in fact, possibly all) of my blogs have been about training for this challenge, there seemed… Continue reading Long Overdue
Walking in the park this morning with the dog, I started speaking to a lady I'd never met before. We exchanged pleasantries about the beautiful sunshine and how nice it was to be out. From our two metre social distance, it took me a while to realise this lady was close to tears. She was… Continue reading Walking and Talking
Anyone who cycles with us knows that when we cycle in a group, John and I rarely see each other. My average speed is half John's average speed. He is fiercely competitive and thrives on the challenge of being the fastest, going the furthest and climbing more hills than anyone else. Usually all three together!… Continue reading Cycling ‘Together’
For the first time in a very long time, I am finding it hard to motivate myself to keep exercising. The fact that exercise has been proven to slow the progression of Parkinson's is usually a pretty big motivator in itself and exercise is a great coping strategy. Obviously social distancing regulations have played a… Continue reading Motivation
During 2020, I've done three months of hard, hilly cycle training: 37 cycle rides, most of which I've arrived home exhausted from, nearly 102 hours (moving time) covering a distance of 1782km and climbing 22,200m of hills and yet..... I've climbed just over twice the height and twice the distance that we need to do… Continue reading Training Stats
Another sunny day, another day of social distancing and another day of 'stay at home' except to exercise. There is much concern about the impact on people's mental health and wellbeing of social distancing and isolation, amidst health, employment and financial concerns and so much uncertainty. My antidote to all things stressful is to get… Continue reading Snail’s Pace
With the go ahead from Boris to leave the house once a day to exercise, I yet again opted to cycle. None of my three boys are particularly keen cyclists. There are frequent mumblings that parental obsessions with all things cycling may have put off any budding Bradley Wiggins in our family! So it was… Continue reading Family Time
Amidst a stark 'Stay at Home' message from the Prime Minister, a little gift....we're allowed to leave the house to do one form of exercise a day. After debating for a nanosecond what kind of exercise that might be, John and I chose cycling! During these unprecedented times, it is lovely to be able to… Continue reading A Little Normality
Even in these difficult times, I have found a lot to be grateful for this week. I am grateful beyond words that my Dad is recovering well following his heart surgery. I'm grateful for the skill, expertise and dedication of the doctors, nurses and all the other NHS staff who made this possible during such… Continue reading Gratitude
Guest Blog by Ewan Mac<ean Preparing for the Raid Alpine 2020 0-10%: An honest assessment of how prepared I felt arriving at our Lanzarote training camp to cycle previously unattempted distances and heights over consecutive days in a totally new environment. 25%: Approximately the number of the Cure Parkinson's Trust Raid Alpine group that met… Continue reading A Small Matter of Percentages
With everyone feeling at least a little better, we set off with some optimism for our last day's cycling. Optimism proved an essential component for our longest day in the saddle...... The Challenges of the Day With different bikes, I struggled to clip into my cleats and should have guessed I would struggle to clip… Continue reading Longest Day
The Plan 9am start prompt - 'No pfaffing'!160km route (100 miles)2300m climbTo complete within 8 hoursA few brief stops onlyCycle all day with the wider group The Reality 9.30am start Lots of pfaffing (mainly me)80km route1454m climbCompleted within 10 hoursLong lunch stop and frequent other stopsCycled for 20 minutes with the rest of the group… Continue reading Plan, What Plan?
(Just Realised I Hadn't Posted Sunday's Adventures!) Our plan today was to have no plan today. To keep things flexible, have a range of options and see how we felt as the day progressed. Ewan has the same stomach upset that John had, so couldn't cycle this morning. Miraculously, he joined us mid afternoon, feeling… Continue reading No Plan!
Challenging Times 