And just as quickly as I found my mojo (see previous blog), I appear to have temporarily lost it again!
Finding My Mojo!
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, I feel like I’m going head to head with Parkinson’s and I can’t let Parkinson’s win. Parkinson’s doesn’t stop, it doesn’t lose it’s motivation, it gradually but persistently continues its path of destruction. I know that exercise is the only thing shown to slow the progression of the disease down. However, I had mistakenly thought that this fact alone would motivate me enough to ensure that exercise is always top of my daily ‘to do’ list. Not as simple as this, it seems.
One of the symptoms of Parkinson’s is apathy. This is well recognised and well documented. Apathy is more than a lack of motivation, it is a loss of interest, an indifference, a loss of enthusiasm, a loss of emotion. Apathy can infiltrate every aspect of life. Perhaps I’m experiencing more than a loss of motivation, perhaps I am developing a Parkinson’s related apathy? It’s easy to blame Parkinsons’ for everything, so for some balance, I looked for other things to blame as well!
The dark nights drawing in, combined with the cold, wet and windy autumnal weather have undoubtedly lessened my appetite for exercising outdoors. I am not sure apathy or a lack of motivation can be blamed for my not wanting to venture out on my bike on a cold, dark, rainy evening, it’s simply that the lure of a cosy night in front of a warm fireplace wins every time!
Exercising indoors is not as appealing as it used to be either. Having been closed for many months, since reopening, my local gym has been underused, there’s no camaraderie and it lacks any kind of energy or atmosphere. It has developed an apathy of its own and is uninviting, unappealing and indifferent to my presence or absence.
Each of these factors undoubtedly contribute to my lack of motivation but it was only when speaking to a friend about an endurance challenge he was training for, that it dawned on me……I no longer had an exercise challenge to work towards and without a destination in sight, I was losing my way. For me, having a goal to work towards is a vital component that gives me the motivation, drive and commitment to exercise. I’m fortunate to have a group of like minded friends and so training for a challenge has always been sociable and fun as we encourage and support each other. Without a doubt, this is the single biggest factor that motivates me to exercise.
Despite this year’s mammoth cycle challenge being cancelled twice, it served to motivate me to cycle over 6,000km of hilly training this year, something I am very unlikely to have achieved otherwise. With this goal in front of me and with the company of friends, I had enthusiastically cycled each of these 6,000km and thoroughly enjoyed them as well.
Due to the restrictions and uncertainty related to the Coronovirus, we had delayed our plans to cycle from Seattle to San Fransisco next year until 2022 and so, I had no significant challenge in my diary for 2021.
Thankfully, this is one of the more easily remedied ‘excuses’. I have since signed up to take part in a Mont Ventoux cycling challenge in May 2021 in support of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust…………….and I immediately ventured out for a thoroughly enjoyable hilly 50km cycle! I just need to encourage a few friends to join me now…….
Acceptance
‘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. I’ve chosen not to go to war with Parkinson’s and not to do battle with it, instead I’m learning to accept its presence, listen to its demands and to navigate my way through the challenges it presents, one step at a time.
Words of Wisdom
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 and living with Parkinson’s. If further evidence of his expertise were needed, this quote is widely attributed to him. Such words of wisdom only serve to reinforce my view.
‘Don’t spend a lot of time imagining the worst-case scenario. It rarely goes down as you imagine it will, and if by some fluke it does, you will have lived it twice.’
Michael J. Fox
This summer saw the 5th anniversary of my diagnosis with Parkinson’s. It is a day I would choose to forget but the date and time is inked in my memory. I’m never quite sure whether to ‘celebrate’, curl up in bed for the day feeling sorry for myself or just try to carry on as though it were any other day. This year, I tried to carry on as though it were any other day but found myself reflecting more than usual.
I thought back to a glorious sunny day a couple of weeks after diagnosis. I drove my eldest son to Bath to look around the University. He was excited, as he should be, about the future, and was full of enthusiasm and energy. It should have been a joyful day for both of us. However, my overriding memory was one of feeling distraught at the thought that when the time came for him to leave home, I might not be able to drive him to his university of choice or to help him move his belongings into his new accommodation as he started out on a new chapter of his life. I remember my thoughts spiralling out of control. ‘If I couldn’t do this for him, then I certainly couldn’t do any of this for my other sons, what else might I not be able to do……….’ My enjoyment of that day was marred by such thoughts.
In the weeks after diagnosis, I was riddled with anxiety about my future and how things might be. None of us (except perhaps Marty McFly) know what the future holds but worrying about it can certainly get in the way of enjoying the present. The anxiety associated with diagnosis was overwhelming. I seemed to lose any control of my emotional on/off switch. I started to catastrophise and found I was very good at it!
I instinctively knew that I needed to do something to look after my mental health. Time is a great healer and I am lucky to have the support of family and friends too. I knew however, that in addition to this, I needed to learn some strategies that would help me at the time and in the future. Since then, I have worked hard at developing a range of coping strategies, mainly mindfulness based. I attended a series of mindfulness courses and immersed myself in the associated home practice. It wasn’t easy and has required a dedication and determination. I have invested time and energy in learning these new skills and as with exercise, practising them daily reaps huge rewards. As a result, I have been able to regain some control and anxiety is no longer the problem it once was.
I have since made a number of trips to the University of Bath, helped my eldest son move into and out of various accommodations and thoroughly enjoyed doing so. I have done the same for my middle son, now in his third year at the University of Exeter and I have no doubt I will do the same for my youngest son when he leaves home in the next couple of years.
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health and we need to respect it and nurture it in the same way we do our physical health. Those of us living with Parkinson’s often look to those further into their journey for inspiration, advice and guidance. I found each of these in the words of Michael J. Fox which only confirms to me that it was indeed reasonable to assume that he is something of an expert, on the past, the future and living with Parkinson’s!
Strange
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 to each other in a way we might struggle to explain Parkinson’s to someone who isn’t living with the condition. The nature of Parkinson’s with its unpredictable, diverse and at times bizarre range of symptoms can make it hard to explain and hard to understand.
Recently, a friend sent me a link to The Waterboy’s Song ‘Strange Boat’. ‘Strange’, he said, was perhaps the best description of life with Parkinson’s. I could relate to this immediately on so many levels and started to think about some of the ways in which Parkinson’s is ‘strange’.
Strange
Strange that everyone with Parkinson’s has different symptoms and different rates of progression.
Strange that some days I can write a few lines and other days, I can’t hold a pen properly.
Strange having a face that doesn’t accurately express my emotions.
Strange that whatever time I go to bed and however tired I am, I wake at 3.00am and rarely get back to sleep.
Strange that many people think Parkinson’s is an old person’s disease and that I’m too young to have it.
Strange that my symptoms are so much worse when I’m cold, tired, stressed or under time pressure.
Strange that the loss of one neurotransmitter (dopamine) can be responsible for such a wide range of symptoms.
Strange that Parkinson’s is classed as a movement disorder, when movement is only one of a whole diverse range of symptoms.
Strange that one side of my brain and therefore one side of my body is affected more than the other.
Strange that my jaw moves involuntarily, even when I’m not talking!
‘Strange’ indeed!
Let’s Face It!
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 do respond, they do so in a slow, sluggish, half-hearted way. The end result can sometime resemble a grimace more than a smile. This lack of facial emotion or facial masking is a well documented symptom of Parkinson’s.
‘Parkinson’s Mask’ (Hypomimia)
‘A symptom of Parkinson’s that limits the accurate expression of emotion in the face due to a decrease in the speed and coordination with which the facial musculature is activated’
This inability of my face to accurately convey emotion has an impact on many of my social interactions. For example, if I am out walking and meet a friend I haven’t expected to see. Pre Parkinson’s, my response would have been to break into a broad smile and clearly and confidently, say what a pleasant surprise. There could be little doubt that my friend would know that I was genuinely pleased to see them and my intention was to stop and chat.
Now, after five years of living with Parkinson’s, if I am out walking and meet a friend I haven’t expected to see, my response is very different. By the time I realise I am approaching someone I know and my slightly wonky brain has sent a request to my face to smile, some time has already passed. My slow and stiff facial muscles take their time to respond in their limited capacity, and so, I often miss the opportunity to greet my friend with a warm smile, or indeed any smile at all. At this stage, my slightly wonky brain hasn’t even begun to think about the need to speak! My friend would have no idea whether I was pleased to see them or not and whether my intention was to stop and chat or walk on by.
Initially, I thought that I might compensate for the absence of a smile, by using the tone and volume of my voice to communicate some positive emotion and interest. However, one step ahead, Parkinson’s has changed my once clear, confident and intonated voice, to a much quieter, slower, monotone. I sound as uninterested as I look! I can therefore no longer rely on my voice to communicate my emotions accurately either.
I fear these factors combined can make me appear stand offish, aloof, miserable or downright rude. To add insult to injury, if my medication is wearing off, my ability to string a fluent, coherent sentence together can evade me and I stumble to find the right words or forget what I am saying mid-sentence.
I confess that on occasions, when I’m not at my best, I have pretended not to notice a friend and to try pass them by without acknowledging them. If unsuccessful at this, then, once I have acknowledged them, I have pretended that I am in a hurry and can’t stop to chat. This is so out of character for me but frustration and embarrassment have conspired to change my behaviour. At times like these it feels preferable to do this than to have to try to explain or excuse my monotonous, expressionless, rambling attempts at conversation!
Wearing a mask like, expressionless face can impact on any relationship, even with those who know me best. When one of my son’s could no longer tell if I was teasing him or not, we started to use a hand signal. This hand signal told him what my face no longer could. I’m having fun with you, I’m teasing you, I want you to join in and laugh with me.
Worse than an expressionless face is one that looks cross or angry when at rest. My family noticed this first and when I mentioned it to a friend, she enlightened me that this is commonly known as a ‘Resting Bitch Face’. It is not unique to Parkinson’s but is not the look I want to portray either!
‘Resting Bitch Face’
‘An unkind, annoyed or serious expression that someone has on their face when relaxed, without intending to’ Cambridge (Dictionary)
My ‘Resting Bitch Face’
(In my head, I too was laughing at the joke!)
There are many hidden challenges to living with Parkinson’s that I wouldn’t expect other people to have any knowledge of. I certainly didn’t before I was diagnosed. I love a challenge and as with most things, they are much more fun and much more likely to be successful when others are involved. So sharing my experience with others and raising a little awareness feels like a positive step in the right direction.
Who Knows?
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 say what you would want me to’.
We’ve been together nearly 30 years. No-one knows me better, so surely he has some idea about what I would want him to say?
So, I got to thinking, maybe just occasionally, he doesn’t listen to me, maybe he doesn’t ever listen to me! Maybe I don’t tell him or maybe I don’t explain myself very well. Maybe Parkinson’s is just difficult for anyone not living with it to truly understand. Maybe it’s inevitable that his version will be different than mine as he’s seeing it from a different perspective. Maybe as a doctor he finds it all too easy to slip into a medical role discussing my symptoms with friends as though he were at work discussing a patient with colleagues.
Any of these might explain the difference in our respective responses and I suspect there may be an element of truth in each of them. However, another, more likely explanation is the complex and variable nature of Parkinson’s, means that symptoms differ day to day. No two days are ever the same and even if they were, how I feel about them changes day to day. Some days I want to talk about it, some days I don’t. Some days I give into my symptoms and take it easy and some days, I carry on regardless. Some days I can laugh at myself, other days I get frustrated. Some days I have boundless energy, some days I have hardly any. Some days I can manage after three hours sleep, some days I can’t keep my eyes open. There is no way of predicting, no way of knowing. This is part of the challenge of living with Parkinson’s and undoubtedly part of the challenge of living with me.
So, to be fair, no matter how hard he might try, my husband really does find himself in an impossible situation. If Parkinson’s is so unpredictable that I never know how I will feel or what I would say, he certainly hasn’t got any hope of getting it right!
Easy Like Sunday Morning
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 there was a pill which could do all of these things, then I’d do whatever it takes to get hold of this ‘wonder drug’.
Even with this knowledge, there are times when I might prefer to curl up on the sofa rather than get up and go. I rarely let my desire for the latter win but despite the rewards, it not always easy to maintain the motivation, day after day, month after month.
As well as developing a love of cycling, I’m lucky to have a large group of friends to cycle with. Exercising with others makes it fun, sociable and so much easier to do. Inevitably, I go further and faster when I’m out with others.
The same is true of the gym where I share a personal training session with a friend who also has Parkinson’s. Again this makes it more fun and we inevitably spend some time afterwards checking in with each other. Making that commitment to exercise with someone else means I’m much more likely to maintain that commitment to avoid letting anyone else down.
Sunday mornings have become a favourite fixture in my diary. Amongst our friends, there is a small, well established group who cycle every Sunday morning. When training for our Raid Alpine change we were invited to join them and since then, Sunday mornings have, whatever the weather, become physically challenging, socially rewarding and our knowledge of the best cake and coffee stops in Gloucestershire and beyond has become second to none.
Thank you to these wonderful friends for making it ‘Easy like Sunday Morning’.
Walk a mile…….
‘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 our gate and asked me, rather abruptly, to cut back a branch from a tree in our garden that was overhanging the pavement. He looked unfriendly, stern even, he never smiled and our conversation was short. I cut back the offending branch later the same day. The gentleman continued to walk past our house each day, never smiling or speaking and rarely acknowledging me. As before, I would smile and wave and think of him as a ‘grumpy old man’.
Over the next few years the gentleman walked past our house less and less frequently and more and more slowly until eventually I didn’t see him walking past at all.
I saw him some time later and spoke to him and his wife. I had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s for a couple of years by this time. I remarked that I hadn’t seen him walk past for a long time. When he tried to reply, his speech was so poor that I couldn’t understand him. His wife explained that his Parkinson’s had progressed so much in recent years and after many falls, he rarely ventured out of his home.
In an instant I realised my assumptions about the ‘grumpy old man’ were entirely wrong. The ‘grumpy old man’ was fighting a battle every day to maintain his independence. His walk down our street was fraught with difficulties requiring all of his attention to navigate them safely. He was challenged by his poor balance, stiffness and uneven gait. The overhanging tree branch was just one more unnecessary obstacle to navigate.
His expressionless face was not that of a ‘grumpy old man’ but one where Parkinson’s had stolen his ability to smile. His lack of a wave was because he could not maintain his balance if he were to look up and raise his arm. He didn’t speak as he passed by because he was concentrating so hard on simply staying upright. His daily walks past our house were part of his exercise regime, aimed at keeping him mobile for as long as he could, until Parkinson’s made that impossible too.
The many challenges that people with Parkinson’s face every day when undertaking the simplest of tasks are often not visible to others. I hope by raising a little awareness of the nature of these challenges that I and others might avoid being labelled a ‘grumpy old man’!
‘Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes’
The Elephant in the Room
I’ve been pondering………
Parkinson’s can sometimes feel like the elephant in the room.
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 for people to ask about my health or if the significance Parkinson’s as a progressive, degenerative condition makes it too uncomfortable for some people to acknowledge.
During my pondering, I wondered if some of the other reasons people might not ask me are:
- In case I have forgotten that I have Parkinson’s and the question might be an unwelcome reminder.
2. In case I might actually tell it how it is and that could take some time!
3. In case I break down and cry and that would just be plain awkward.
4. That I look well, it is easy to assume that all is well.
5. Because they have forgotten I have Parkinson’s or underestimate the significance of it.
6. Because they have asked my husband instead.
7. Because they may feel too embarrassed or awkward to ask.
8. Because they would rather not know.
9. Because they feel it is not the right time or place.
10. Because there are many more fun things to talk about!
I rarely talk about Parkinson’s unless asked. There are indeed many other more fun things to talk about but Parkinson’s is life changing. It is with me every second of every day and so, whether I like it or not, it has a major impact on my life.
I have lots of friends who ask regularly and I’m touched by their concern. Whether people ask or not, many show their concern, friendship and compassion in other ways. I completely respect that people may choose not to ask but I would urge people not to refrain from asking out of concern for any of the reasons above.
If the shoe were on the other foot, I might be concerned about any or all of the reasons above and avoid the question too. Indeed, I have done at times in the past. But now the shoe is on my foot, I would urge you, if you are interested, to simply ask me. There is rarely a bad time, you won’t be reminding me of something I’ve forgotten, I won’t dissolve into tears, I will try to keep it succinct and we can then move onto more fun topics! I don’t need you to ask every time we see each other but it need not be the elephant in the room either!
Lessons Learned
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 carry a glass of wine in my right hand if I want to keep any for drinking but my left hand manages fine!
I’ve learned that I have to reapply for my driving licence every three years and I can never assume it will be renewed.
I’ve learned to be patient, that many things take longer to do but I get there in the end!
I’ve learned the hard way that chopping vegetables can be a dangerous pastime for someone with Parkinson’s!
I’ve learned that I can only do one thing at a time and that multi tasking is a thing of the past.
I’ve learned to avoid buying shoes with laces or it can take me all day to tie them!
I’ve learned to survive on three hours sleep (and cat naps during the day)!
I’ve learned that every day (sometime every hour) is different. I never (thankfully) have all of the 40+ symptoms all of the time but I always have some of the symptoms all of the time. There appears to be no way of predicting which will occur, when. It’s a guessing game. The unpredictability adds another level of complexity to living with Parkinson’s.
.
What’s New?
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 speed of movement.
Cycling
To improve my balance, cardiovascular fitness and my brain! There is evidence that cycling can help improve symptoms and may delay disease progression.
Mindfulness
Anxiety and depression are very common symptoms of Parkinson’s so I’ve learned and practice some of the basics of mindfulness to try to keep one step ahead.
‘You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf’ Jon Kabat Zinn
Playing Bridge
Learning a new skill is thought to be helpful in combatting cognitive problems associated with Parkinson’s such as problems with memory, concentration, inability to multi task, problems with decision making, thinking and planning. Learning to play Bridge was my new skill last year. I’m still learning this year and probably next year too!
Challenge? What Challenge?
Determined not to allow our hilly cycling to be thwarted by the cancellation of both our Alps challenge in June and our modified Alps challenge in August, we set off to conquer some UK based roads and hills instead.
This week was…
- Not quite the Alpine challenge in terms of people. From the original group of 46 – we are now five!
- Not quite the Alpine challenge in terms of the original 800km – we covered 400km.
- Not quite the Alpine challenge in terms of hills, originally 19,000m of climb, we covered 5,000m of climb and trust me, that was enough!
- Not quite the terrain our new aero road bikes were designed for!
The British late summertime brought heavy rain, flooded roads, a rare glimpse of sun and some strong winds. Add some interesting route planning, the rough off road terrain in some sections and getting lost and it’s safe to say, we still had a few challenging times!
Day 1 and Day 2 C2C
Travelling as a group of four for the first two days and taking it in turns to drive the camper van, we cycled our own route based loosely on the iconic Coast 2 Coast route. Amongst a number of hills, this saw us climb Whinlatter Pass and Hartside. Having cycled these two climbs twelve years ago, I was encouraged that they felt easier, faster and more fun than I remember them being. These climbs haven’t changed so despite getting older, I can only assume we have got fitter and faster.
Day 3
Meeting up with Ewan today, our first day cycling together was thwarted by torrential rain. Ewan and John managed an impressive 50km, I did a quick 12km and that was enough and the others, opted for the dry, warmth of our lovely, quirky accommodation at Bertie’s of Otterburn.
Day 4 Coast to Castles
Keen to cycle some of the beautifully scenic North East coast of England, we tackled some of the Coast to Castles route. An apparently stunning route, unfortunately, we had an overly ambitious distance to cover, we got lost, separated and found ourselves either alongside the A1, with no coast and no castles, or on a cliff edge track not compatible with anything other than the most robust mountain bike! Recurrent punctures on John W’s road bike were testament to the fact that these tracks were not road bike friendly!
We passed briefly by Alnwick, Bamburgh and Warkworth castles and enjoyed a brief stop on Holy Island having crossed the causeway. It was a great effort by everyone but ‘Hardly Any Coast to Hardly Any Castles’ is perhaps a better title!
A few learning points from today:
- Plan a realistic route that allows time to stop and enjoy the experience
- Plan a route that follows roads and paths, not mountain bike trails!
- Follow the route!
- Stay together!
Day 5 To the Pub!
A less ambitious plan today. A stunning route from our base to a local pub, making today’s cycle a real success. 25 miles of remote, unspoilt, virtually traffic free, rolling hills, a warm, wonderful pub lunch with local beers just as the rain started, and a quick 9 mile, predominantly downhill ride home. Perfect!
Day 6 The Borders
With Ewan heading north to home, we were four again. Some interesting, scenic, remote cycling today as we travelled from Otterburn to Eaglesfield, near Lockerbie, driving one leg of the journey each and cycling the rest. Crossing the border into Scotland for a brief period. Arriving at our last accommodation in time for a celebratory glass in the sunshine.
Day 7 A Relay Home
To facilitate some cycling on our route home, we split into pairs today, driving 25km and then cycling 25km. For my part, I cycled the most stunning route across remote undulating roads, encountering a waterfall, long downhill stretches and some very challenging uphill sections, more undulating countryside and flooded roads followed by a canal path and a well timed pub stop before the final drive home.
Local Legends
Cyclists love a bit of Strava and now there’s a little bit more to love with the introduction of ‘Local Legends’.
‘Local Legends’ are individuals who have cycled a stretch of road (segment) more times than any other Strava user in the previous 90 days. ‘Local Legends’ are awarded a golden crown for each segment they lead.
It’s not about speed, it’s about repetition. After the Raid Local, I figured I must be in with a chance of being a ‘Local Legend’ on Cleeve Hill at least.
Not so. Apparently there are others who have cycled it more times than I have in the last 90 days, although I doubt anyone has done it more times in a single day! However, my disappointment was short lived, and my excitement rekindled when I discovered that I was the ‘Local Legend’ for Harp and Ham Hills combined and for 25 other segments.
Just as I was beginning to enjoy my ‘Local Legend’ status, I received a message from Strava that my title had been taken from me and I was no longer the ‘Local Legend’ for one of my awarded segments.
I feel I like an olympic champion who has just been stripped of a gold medal, although, clearly I need to get some perspective. I’m not sure the short-lived elation is enough to withstand the disappointment whenever one is taken away from me!
Top Ten Tips
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……
All in the Mind (Or not..)
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, is not lost on me.
I had the usual excuses ready: ‘I put the wrong date in my diary’ / ‘Old age’ / ‘The menopause’ / ‘Too many things to do, too little time’ / ‘I got distracted’. These excuses are usually accompanied by a shake of my head, raised eyebrows and some reference to the fact that I never used to forget anything.
I could blame lockdown. Life became simple. I didn’t go anywhere, I didn’t meet anyone, I didn’t have any appointments to keep and so I got out of the habit of checking my diary. I foolishly thought I could ease back into some degree of socialising without needed to diarise everything. Apparently I was wrong!
‘Bear with me, I fear I’m losing my marbles’, would have summed it up more honestly. The day before, I had spent three hours being assessed by the neuropsychology team at North Bristol NHS Trust after highlighting my cognitive defecits to my neurologist during a routine review. ‘Do you use strategies to help you remember things?’ he asked. ‘Oh, yes, absolutely’ I said ‘I have it down to a fine art. No-one else would really notice. I have lists everywhere for everything. I set reminders, sometimes multiple times for the same event. I’m great at it!’
Not so, it seems!
As the owner of a slightly wonky brain, it’s easy to worry that my cognitive decline is Parkinson’s related. So, imagine my delight to find it’s not just me who has these problems. If I express concern to friends, without fail their response is ‘me too!’ and so we share stories, laughing until our sides hurt, about our experiences of ageing, the menopause and times when our memories have failed us. I’m always reassured by these conversations, that slightly wonky brains appear to be the ‘new norm’.
That day however, by suppertime however, I found myself seeking further reassurance by trying to gauge how well I had performed in my assessment the previous day. I asked my family if they would answer the same questions. After much hilarity at my suggestion that I might be able to remember any of the questions, the family placated me and embraced a suppertime assessment. Reassuringly, they couldn’t answer many of the questions either.
So, I came to the conclusion that if my slightly wonky brain is causing me to lose my marbles, I will never be alone. I’ll be in the company of not only many of my friends but the majority of my family too!
World Parkinson Congress 2022 Ambassador
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.
It is a privilege to be working alongside these inspiring people from around the world, some of whom I had met at the last WPC in Kyoto last year.
Reflections from the WPC Kyoto 2019
Along with 2,600 people from 65 countries, I attended the 5th WPC in Kyoto last year. The WPC unites the global Parkinson community for a high-level, scientific, and educational program. Organised into four days of pre-congress courses, plenary sessions, workshops, and discussions, the WPC 2019 explored the most recent and cutting edge science and clinical research as well as advances in treatments designed to improve care and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.
The WPC’s mission is to ‘provide an international forum to learn about the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices, caregiver initiatives and advocacy work related to Parkinson’s disease. By bringing physicians, scientists, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, caregivers and people with Parkinson’s disease together, each Congress allows for a worldwide dialogue to help expedite the discovery of a cure and best treatment practices for this devastating disease.’
I found it hard initially to be surrounded by so many people with Parkinson’s, many at more advanced stages than myself. I very quickly realised though that I was part of an amazing community of people from all over the world who are truly inspirational. I met many people I had read about or corresponded with before and also many new people, some of whom I have enduring friendships with. The educational content of the meeting was phenomenal and I was pleased that I had spent many hours before the congress compiling my timetable of ‘must take part in’ sessions, presentations and workshops. There was so much to choose from and something for everyone.
The energy and enthusiasm created from this diverse group of people brought together by one common goal was incredible as we learned together, laughed together, shared insights, experiences and ideas. Witnessing first hand the commitment, expertise and energy that goes into finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for Parkinson’s was in itself uplifting. I knew well before the end of the congress, that I was part of something very special and I knew I wanted to become more involved in the next one.
Coffee breaks and lunchtimes were another opportunity to meet people, to chat, to share our experiences, ideas and hopes. They were also an opportunity to try a range of experiences on offer including reiki and massage therapy. The renewal room provided individual areas where we could rest, relax and on occasion sleep as we needed throughout the day. The travel, the learning, the networking, the heat and of course Parkinson’s meant this was a much needed and valued facility for many of us. The organisers truly had thought of everything, except perhaps they might have underestimated the challenge for many of us of eating lunch with chopsticks!
I had looked forward to the congress but I had no idea that by the time I left, I would not only feel better educated, I would feel I had been involved in something very special and inspirational.
I had planned a couple of days before and after the congress so I had chance to see some of the sights, to sample the local cuisine, to travel to Osaka and Nara and, although I hadn’t imagined I would, I managed to spend a wonderful day cycling around Kyoto too!
For anyone with an interest in Parkinson’s if you can only attend one meeting, it is the World Parkinson Congress that will leave you better educated, better connected and better resourced whether you are living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone with Parkinson’s or whether your clinical practice or research is linked to Parkinson’s.
Plans are already well underway for the next WPC in Barcelona from 7th-10th June 2022 and I’m delighted to be playing a small part in it. For more information, please follow the links below get in touch should you wish to discuss anything.
A Heart Warming Story
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 it.
Jonny’s Tweet:
“Two years ago someone left a brand new road bike outside my house within a hand written message that said ‘Exercise is good for Parkinson’s.’ Many miles later I look back and will never forget that ultimate random act of the deepest kindness.”
You can find Jonny on twitter at: Jonny Acheson (@pdinfocus)
Thank you Jonny for sharing such a heartwarming story.
The Final Nail in the Coffin
‘The Final Nail in the Coffin’
“An event that causes the failure of something that had already started to fail”
It was perhaps inevitable but after a full 12 months and 7,500km of training, 90,000m of hill climbing and being as ready as we’ve ever been, we’ve had to cancel our challenge in the Alps again.
In the grand scheme of things, with the impact of Coronoavirus on individuals and communities, I’m not really complaining. I’m just taking a moment to feel sorry for myself (and the others) before finally putting this challenge to bed and coming up with a ‘Plan B’.
‘Plan B’
“An action or set of actions for doing or achieving something that can be used if the preferred method fails”
If we can’t cycle the Alps, there are plenty of other roads available to us. We are currently exploring options…………
‘C’est la Vie’
“Situations of the type that happen in life and you cannot do anything about them”
We can’t control the quarantine regulations and therefore we have no control over having to cancel our Alps challenge. We do have control over how we react to it. As with most things in life, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and make the most of the situation. Watch this space!
A Few Hills Too Many
A hilly ride yesterday with the Sunday morning group. Lovely company, glorious sunshine and a beautiful route but hilly and I found it really hard. No personal bests today and the rest of Sunday was a write off for me as it’s taken me 24 hours to recover! Doesn’t bode well for The Alps….! I have to remember last week felt great and was just as hilly and another 20km further. Completely unpredictable!
The Bike Wins…..
This week saw me reach a milestone. This year, I’ve cycled over 5000km on this beauty.
During the same time, I’ve only driven 500km in this beauty!
Strava Stats!
Hard to justify keeping the car…….
A Little More Training….
It doesn’t feel right to consider my last few rides as training. They have been in beautiful sunshine, with great company, fabulous cake stops and some of the most stunning countryside. I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. Getting faster and fitter is the added bonus!
1. To The Blue Zucchini in Tetbury (88km with 1011m Climb)
For the biggest slice of carrot cake ever!
2. To Chedworth Farm Shop (73km with 1033m Climb)
Possible the best ever Sunday morning ride. Most of the group, beautiful day, fast and fun!
3. To The Jolly Nice and The Lakes (87km with 904m Climb)
A fast ride out to The Jolly Nice to meet these lovely ladies for an early evening ride out to the Lakes and then a mindful cycle home in the evening sunshine along miles of quiet country lanes.
And Counting……
24 Days
A few days rest after The Raid Local and already we need a new challenge. A ‘Covid Compliant’ Alpine Adventure …….in 24 day’s time.
777km
Cycling 777km from Lake Geneva to Nice.
13,000
13,000 metres of climbing
Six Cols
- Col du Telegraphie
- Col du Galibier
- Col de L’Iseran
- Col d’Izoard
- Col du Cormet de Roselend
- Col de la Bonette
Five Cyclopaths
A Sunday Cycle
Great to be out with the Sunday Cycling group again.
A lovely route out to The Old Prison at Northleach. The company was great, the rain held off until the last ten minutes and the bacon sandwiches at The Old Prison were fabulous.
After two weeks away from my bike, the hills felt hard, so it was a pleasant surprise to find my Strava stats showed twenty-three personal bests and a new ‘Local Legend’ crown. Oh the joys…….and the pressure to keep this one!
ABC
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 very huge, very heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who supported me in doing the Raid Alpine challenge. So many of my family and friends (and sometimes, complete strangers) have supported me in so many ways. There are so many of you I could name but I fear I might miss someone out if I attempt to do this, so I will keep it simple.
Thank you, each and every one of you. I have been touched by your kindness, your friendship, your generousity, your encouragement and of course your tolerance of all things cycling!
ABC – Ambassador / Blogger / Cyclist
Image Source: Zenefits
I started cycling not long after a diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson’s in 2015 and since then cycling has become a way of life, of being active, keeping fit, pushing myself physically, having fun and having something positive to focus on. Blogging about my cycle challenges has added to the fun and has become a memoir of some extraordinary adventures with some extraordinary people. Memories that I will treasure forever and of course, there are plans for future challenges.
When I’m not cycling, I’m spending some time in my role as an Ambassador for the next World Parkinson’s Congress being held in Barcelona in 2022. It’s an incredible privilege to be given the opportunity to work alongside 14 other Ambassadors from across the world over the next two years. When I look at the names of others who have held this role in the past, I recognise people who’s stories I read when I was first diagnosed. By sharing their experiences of living with Parkinson’s, they helped me understand what my future may look like. They gave me hope and they inspired me.
I have since met many of these people, indeed, some are friends and they continue to inspire me and thousands of others in the Parkinson’s community. This role is important to me, I want to do it well. It is an opportunity to be an advocate for this wonderful community and to make a difference. It is a challenge, an adventure, a way of meeting new people, an opportunity to do something extraordinary….
A bit like cycling then! And just like cycling, I intend to use this blog to record some of this journey too.
A Team Effort
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 family and friends who listen to me talk endlessly about cycling! More about you wonderful people later…..I could never have done this without you.
Not So Easy!
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 my Mio Battery Ran Out
- Until my Phone Battery Ran Out
- Until my Battery Ran Out
- The Final Push
Part 1
Nine times up and down Cleeve Hill from alternate sides, once up Castle Street (a killer!), three times up Stanway Hill and back to Cleeve Hill for a few more ascents. My Mio battery ran out after another three ascents of Cleeve Hill………
Part 2
Another twice up Cleeve Hill and my phone battery ran out……..
Part 3
Another 4.82km, light (and legs) fading, with winds of 34.5km/h, my battery finally ran out!
Part 4
The following morning, 553m short of the required ascent, with my legs screaming ‘No!’ and wind speeds of 36km/hr, with John’s support, I climbed Cleeve, Harp and Ham Hills to reach a total of 3,715m of climb. Mission accomplished!
In Total
168km cycled, 3,715m climbed, over 11 hours of cycling plus over 4 hours of stops for refreshments, refuelling, photos, chat, rest, recovery, shelter from rain, junctions, etc………
More detail to follow when I can muster the energy…………..
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 on hills?’ But I wouldn’t be able to hear them, I would be so far ahead. The team would consist of the Cyclopaths, friends, Sir Chris Hoy, Mike Tindall and Rowan Atkinson! None of whom were able to keep up with me, except Rowan, who overtook me heading clockwise on the M25. However, for his efforts he was disqualified as clearly cyclists are not allowed to use the fast lane!
I haven’t slept well for five years. Initially after diagnosis, from the shock and fear, and it was only once I’d got to grips with that, that I realised Parkinson’s itself causes sleep problems. Another symptom that is hidden from the view of others. My nights are spent tossing and turning, writing, emailing, thinking and when all else fails, occasionally I get some sleep. Never more than three solid hours.
So imagine my delight when last night, during those three hours, I cycled 137km, climbed 3,700m of hills faster than the speed of light and the only person to overtake me was Rowan Atkinson!
To cap it all, I was awarded an Olympic Gold Medal made of chocolate for my efforts. With energy to spare, I cycled an ascent of Mont Ventoux to celebrate. This ‘lap of honour’ was easy, my thighs had grown to resemble Sir Chris Hoy’s and my power output was averaging 24,000 watts. I was delighted by my performance but slightly worried I would never fit into my jeans again. The long downhill from the top of Mont Ventoux was easy, like the car in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, my bike grew wings and like a bird I flew gracefully down from the top. Anyone who has ever cycled with me knows for certain that I am never at the front and there is nothing graceful about my downhill cycling, so this was a thrilling finale for me!
I felt a fleeting euphoria on waking, that the challenge was over, I had completed it without any problem, I was faster than Sir Chris Hoy and really, I didn’t know what all the fuss was about.
Imagine my dismay when it dawned on me that Sir Chris Hoy is not cycling the Gloucestershire hills for Raid Local (although Mike Tindall is and I believe Sir Chris is leading a section of the Raid Local challenge on Zwift), I haven’t yet completed the challenge, it will take me significantly longer than three hours and if I can’t fit in my jeans it’s due to the chocolate not the training!
Roll on Sunday 28th – Raid Local.
The Peculiarities of Pedalling with Parkinson’s
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 posture and slowed reaction times. It affects my right side more than my left. The presence or absence of each of these symptoms, their severity and their duration are completely unpredictable.
Parkinson’s also affects my concentration, my memory and my ability to multi task. Those who cycle with me know never to rely on me for directions! On our LEJOG adventure, I once cycled eight miles around Tiverton, looking for a way out!
Exactly five years since my diagnosis, I am tackling an enormous physical challenge. To cycle 137km whilst climbing 3,700m of hills in one day. I have trained for this for nine months, in all weather.
This year alone, to prepare, I have cycled an average of 175km each week, spending 222 hours in the saddle and cycling up hills equivalent to five times the height of Everest.
I know from using a Wattbike, that 65% of my power output is generated by my left leg and 35% by my right leg. My posture is asymmetrical and this causes back, shoulder and neck pain. For long days in the saddle, I am making constant adjustments to try to correct these. I am bloody proud of my left leg for getting me up some impressively steep hills!
Parkinson’s causes problems with fine motor skills, so I have difficulty doing things like attaching my lights and Garmin to my bike. By the time I’ve pumped up the tyres (which can take several attempts), zipped up my jacket, fastened my shoes and helmet and put on my gloves, I’ve already overcome a number of challenges. However, as long as I am organised and leave myself enough time, I can be ready to set off with everyone else.
Recently, my balance has worsened. Pushing off on my bike requires my concentration or I’ll be on the ground before I even get started. I need to concentrate on my balance and I sometimes find it harder when someone is cycling close beside me. If I drop behind my fellow cyclists, or ask them to give me some more space, it’s because I’m concentrating on staying upright, not because I don’t want to talk!
There is an etiquette to cycling in a group and each position in the group carries with it, specific responsibilities. This is important for safety of each group member but it is something that I cannot always be relied upon to comply with.
For example, a ‘turning right’ hand signal poses no problem for me. Try a ‘turning left’ hand signal and as soon I take my left hand off my handlebars, I can no longer control my bike! The cyclist behind me has to remember that a wobble usually indicates an imminent left turn!
Signalling to those behind me to warn them of potholes, obstacles or other dangers in the road is an important element of safe group cycling. However, my reaction time is slower than most. Those who cycle with me regularly know that by the time I’ve seen a pothole, taken action to avoid it, taken my hand off the handlebars, signalled and shouted to cyclists behind me, then it’s too late….I’m in the pothole! They know not to rely on me for such signals.
The timing and doses of my medication have become really important. I take more medication when I’m planning a long, hilly cycle. However, what I eat, when I eat, how I’ve slept and a number of other factors all influence how well my medication works. It is an art and not a science and it doesn’t always work as I have planned!
If my medication wears off, my speed, dexterity and even my thinking, reaction time, posture and balance can all be affected. Everything becomes harder, it’s like I’m cycling against the wind or wading through treacle. The tiniest incline feels like a mountain as my legs lose power and my mind becomes slow. I can’t remember which gear lever moves my gears up or down. I have to focus extremely hard to stay upright and brake effectively as my hands shake and dystonia causes my right hand to twist and move involuntarily. A rest, medication and jelly babies usually work after a short time but obviously I aim not to ever get in this state.
So, with my new bike, electronic gear shifters, meticulous timing of my medication regime and lots of practice, I cycle well. In fact I’m fitter and faster than I’ve ever been.
I am joined by a team of fabulous people, all of whom have trained hard and who will find this challenge one of the toughest they have undertaken. We will all push ourselves to the limit of our physical capabilities and the challenge will no doubt test our psychology too as we dig deep to continue to climb those hills long after each and every fibre in our our bodies has yelled ‘stop’.
Is it worth the effort, I have been asked? Absolutely! Cycling is good for my body and my mind. It helps me stay strong mentally and physically. I love being outdoors, the weather has been fantastic and our countryside beautiful. I love a challenge and I’m blessed with lots of friends who will cycle with me despite my poor group skills! I’m also blessed by the support of family and friends who don’t cycle but put up with my endless tales. Apologies to them, I have no intention of stopping cycling any time soon!
Fourth ‘First’
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.
Despite trying a lighter, more aerodynamic bike, an additional ‘granny gear’, electronic Di2 gear shifters, a lighter me, all the cycling gear, months of practice, until today, I just couldn’t quite do it. What was different today? The promise of bacon baps at The Old Post Office in Guiting Power was perhaps was gave me that final push I needed to get up that hill!
A very welcome rest and refuelling stop!
Three times more and I’ll have completed The Raid Local……
BBC Points West
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………
Three ‘Firsts’
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, a socially distanced cycle challenge taking place on 28th June, for a news item to be aired on BBC Points West on Thursday 18th June at 6.30pm.
Not as easy as it looked, filming also included a few laps up and down Horsely Hill. Oh, alright then, a section of it, not the whole hill. I wondered briefly if this might count as my ‘hill rep’ training for the day but that thought was soon quashed!
Lured by the blue skies before the forecast thunderstorms, my enthusiastic fellow cyclists, and the prospect of a fun, sociable (socially distanced) ride, what else could I do? My second and third ‘firsts’ were conquering the ‘W’ and Bear Hill, two of the most fearsome hills the Stroud Valleys has to offer. They hadn’t been in my plans for today and perhaps that was the key: no time to dread them……
Not sure if my legs, lungs or gears would be up to it, I was delighted to find that all three coped admirably. Thanks to months of hill training, they weren’t nearly as hard as I had imagined they might be. Helped by good company, a good helping of Mrs R’s flapjack before we set off and a positive outlook, I really enjoyed them. I need to learn never to underestimate the power of my slightly wonky brain. It’s not just my legs, lungs and gears that need to be up for a hill challenge, my brain needs to be up for it as well. Believing I can do it is a huge part of the battle.
In addition to my 100 mile cycle on Monday, it’s proving to be a busy week. My hope as I write this, exactly five years on from my diagnosis of Parkinson’s, is that someone in those difficult newly diagnosed days takes some comfort, hope and inspiration from seeing what can still be possible. If I knew then what I know now, those first few months would have been so much easier to deal with. As I write this, I should perhaps feel tired but I don’t, I feel exhilarated by achieving these ‘firsts’.
Mission Accomplished
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 good effort but I wasn’t alone in my efforts. Our original 100 Mile Monday team grew into four distinct teams:
Team 1 – The First Timer Team
This was always going to be a tough one for Alison, Paula, Julia, Christine and Kate. With only two 100 mile days between us, this was a first for most of the team. Particularly so for Kate, who doesn’t cycle and so had to borrow a bike! Despite our lack of 100 mile credentials, we never doubted that we would do it. Not only that, we did it our way: as flat as possible (I know, Julia, except for the hilly bits!!) in great spirits, with great humour, a great many stops and some might say (some may not), with great style! What a fantastic achievement.
Team 2 – The Hilly Hundred Team
With a steely determination to conquer a few significant hills within their 100 miles, Caroline and Paul were spotted briefly at the foot of Cleeve Hill at 8am when those of us who were daunted enough by 100 miles without hills opted for the flatter route and went around the hill rather than over it. This was a tactic we planned to adopt throughout the day. Regular updates from Caroline and Paul by WhatsApp kept us informed of their progress, punctures and punishing hill climbs.
Team 3 – The Pro Team
John, John, John, Dave and Malcolm, the fastest of the 100 Mile teams set off later in the morning, only to overtake the First Timer Team by our first stop of the day and arrive back some significant time ahead of us.
Team 4 – The Socially Distanced Team
Taking social distancing to the extreme, Ewan did his first 100 miles ‘with us’ from 450 miles away! Definitely with us in spirit, and with regular updates, very much one of our team.
It was an extremely hot day for all of us except Ewan (East Coast Scotland!), and as is my experience with these wonderful people, we all completed our respective 100 miles with much humour, a few saddle sores and great team spirit.
Well done team!
100 Mile Monday
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 to keep fit and feel good.
What a way to go!
Sunday Morning Riders Return
What a joy to cycle with our Sunday morning group again this morning after three months of lockdown…..
Testing, testing……
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 will influence how successful I am on the day. Like all good test runs, there was some learning from this one….
Learning
- We have hundreds of hills in the Cotswolds
- Hills are hard
- The more hills I climb, the harder they get
- The harder they get, the slower I am
- The slower I am, the longer it takes
- The longer it takes, the more tired I get
- The more tired I get, the more breaks I need
And herein lies the problem!
This week, I climbed 3,758km of elevation and it took me 16 hours (moving time). There is no allowance for stops at junctions, traffic lights, stops at the top of the hill, water stops, food stops, loo stops, rest stops or photo stops. Granted, I cycled 291km and we need ‘only’ do 137km for The Raid Local. So, if I remove 154km @ 25km/hr, that’s approximately 6 hours. If I add in 35% stop time to cover all of the above, that’s approximately 6 hours. Without allowing any time for the fact that as the day goes on, I’m likely to get slower, then I need approximately 16 hours to do the challenge.
Thankfully, a week after the longest day, the sunrises at 4.46am on 28th June and sets at 9.11pm. That gives me 16 hours and 25 minutes of daylight hours. Just enough…..if it all goes to plan!
An early start for me then……..
A Day with a Difference
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 not every day, that I have the pleasure or pressure of cycling with the boss (best behaviour required), a sporting hero (best cycling required), having so many photos taken (best cycling gear required) and all during our socially distanced times (2m apart at all times required).
The rain and cold at the beginning of our ride ensured we were cold and wet before we even got on the road but the rain eased off soon after we set off to tackle those Cotswold hills. The pace was comfortable, the company was great. One advantage of being out with the boss and a patron of the charity was the invite from Charlie Ralph, the Chair of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust to visit his garden for homemade elderflower cordial and warm flapjacks. Given that there was a considerable hill to climb to get there, (you can’t get anywhere in the area without climbing a huge hill) this was a wonderful and very welcome first stop.
Great cycling some different hills. I had believed I had cycled every hill in Gloucestershire but apparently not! Great to help raise some publicity for the charity, great to clock up another 800m of climbing towards this week’s goal of 3,700m oh, and great to bump into Jamie Dornan in the car park as we finished our ride. Could he possibly be persuaded to join us for the Raid Local? If he doesn’t, it won’t be for the lack of us trying!
More training with these guys next week…….
An Occasion
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 five year anniversary? I could wrap myself up in a day of (justifiable) self pity or I could tackle a 100 mile cycle with friends. Let me think for a nanosecond. Of course, I’m going with the latter.
There will come a day when I won’t be able to cycle but today is not that day!
What better way to ‘celebrate’ than with a 100 mile cycle, with friends, sunshine forecast, lockdown easing, summertime, beautiful countryside, laughter, exercise, the great outdoors. No time for even a fleeting sense of self pity. My kind of day!
Again & Again
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 difficult to find the love.
I do love my bike and love cycling and give me a quiet country road, slightly undulating, good road surface, where I can pick up a bit of speed, when the sun is shining and that’s where I find the love!
But with 18 days to go until the Raid Local, there’s still a lot of hills to conquer! A new one for me today – Bear Hill, with a maximum gradient of 30%……..Oh and in case that doesn’t finished me off, a few other hills totalling !,000m of climb. And still nowhere near the 3,700m climb I need to do on the 28th June……..
Wish me luck!
I once read that ‘You can’t be sad while riding a bike’. I couldn’t agree more but I can’t find any evidence that ‘You can’t be absolutely knackered while riding a bike’!
The Shard
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 lot of climbing!
Raid Local Challenge
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 day and you might begin to appreciate the scale of the challenge!
Have we gone mad? Quite possibly!
Why 137km?
This was the distance we were due to cycle on our postponed Raid Alpine challenge starting from Geneva on 28th June 2020.
Why 3,700m Elevation?
This was the total elevation we were due to cycle in the Alps on that first day.
Why? Why? Why? Why?
Because throughout the winter, in the rain, cold, sleet, hailstones, wind and occasional pleasant days, we were out cycling up the hardest hills that Gloucestershire had to offer us to get fit enough for the challenge. We can’t let all that hard work go to waste!
Because The Cure Parkinson’s Trust supports vital research that provides hope for those of us living with Parkinson’s Disease, that there might one day be a treatment to slow, stop or reverse the progression of the disease. Parkinson’s disease hasn’t stopped its relentless progression during the lockdown!
Because it’s exactly five years since my diagnosis of Parkinson’s and I want to prove to myself that I can do it!
Until an effective treatment is found, exercise is the only thing that has been shown to slow down the progression of the disease. If ever I needed a reason to get up and get moving, this is it!
What Next?
Watch this space………..more details to follow soon………..
A Sociable Cycle
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 friendship
- Their laughter
- The joy of cycling without always feeling the need to compete!
- Exercising my mind, body and soul
- Reminiscing over some of our shared experiences and adventures
- Our beautiful countryside
- Miles of virtually traffic free roads
- The relaxation
- The sunshine
- That whilst we all enjoyed a sociable cycle we’re already planning our next challenge……
I loved that today, cycling and chatting were of equal importance and a four hour ‘cycle’ consisted of just over two hours cycling and just under two hours chatting!! We did however cover 45 undulating kilometres at a reasonable pace which all credit to Julia she managed in a single gear! Great to be back with the girls!
Challenging Times
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. It’s still in it’s planning stage, so details to follow but it’s certainly enough to keep me training hard for another few weeks……
Guidelines and Goals
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 lovely sunshine with a friend. Mindful, relaxing and so lovely. Sitting uncomfortably in a field, two metres apart, for our ‘coffee’ stop, it was evident, it doesn’t really matter where you are, it is the people you are with who make it special.
Tuesday, I clocked up another 100km with a friend who we often refer to as Tigger because of his endless energy. Thrilled that I could keep up with him for much of the 100km and thrilled to have great company along the route.
A day to recover, then a cycle to and from The Jolly Nice to meet another friend. A wonderful route through Cotswold villages while we chatted. Only a slight easing of the restrictions on meeting people outside our own household but such a huge impact it has had on me to be able to meet up with friends again.
And finally for this week, to take me over my 300km goal, a 60km cycle with John in the late afternoon sunshine.
Clearly, there is much more to cycling than simply riding a bike! Thank you to all you wonderful people who helped me reach my goal and made this week so much fun.
Still Pedalling
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, Fog, wind, Floods, sunshine and under rainbows!
Cycled at Home and Abroad
Cycled with friends
And more recently, Cycled alone
Challenge or no challenge, we are fitter than we have ever been!
Long Overdue
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 little to write about.
On reflection, there is LOTS AND LOTS to write about, I just struggled to find the motivation amidst my disappointment.
Because of the Coronavirus lockdown, much of my recent cycling had been alone. This is nowhere near as much fun as cycling with friends and surely cannot be anywhere near as much fun to read about.
So many people have asked about my training and my plans now the challenge is postponed and have asked me to keep them updated.
So many people are facing terrible hardships as a result of the Coronavirus and subsequent lockdown that it seems insensitive for me to moan about not being able to do a cycle challenge.
I’m generally not a ‘moaner’ and a little ‘normality’ during such surreal times, would be welcomed by me and hopefully by others too.
So I’m back at the blog…..Watch this space……….
Walking and Talking
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 finding it difficult to find anything to smile about. She talked of a friend with terminal cancer who she couldn’t support in the way she wanted to. We talked compassionately about those people around the world who are experiencing terrible consequences of the Coronavirus and the resultant lockdown.
As we chatted for a while longer, we shared snippets of our lives and we talked about the things we were grateful for. It’s the kind of conversation I have had with strangers many times. However, this time when I returned home, I received the following lovely message.
‘Dear Alison, How very lovely to see you and chat in the park! It has hugely lifted my spirits to share with you-thank you so much! Wishing you a happy day. x’
It made me think about the power we all have to make a difference to someone’s day and how important it is in the current climate of isolation and social distancing that we take the time to reach out (metaphorically) to others.
Cycling ‘Together’
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! A 40km cycle inevitably turns into 65km and a 65km route easily becomes 100km as he pushes himself further. I simply cannot keep up and it’s no fun trying and continually failing!
Currently, we can either exercise outdoors alone or with people we live with, so our choices are limited. We can either cycle alone or ‘together’. Worried that cycling ‘together’ would actually mean cycling ‘alone’, I ventured out with John yesterday.
He valiantly stayed in front, keeping the worst of the wind off me while I practised drafted behind. He waited at junctions while I caught up and for most of the journey we were within a few metres of each other. Usually with me trying hard to keep up and John trying hard to resist the temptation to disappear off into the distance. Until that was, the last few miles of our planned route when the lure of home tempted me one direction and few more hills tempted John the other direction!
A beautiful day for a cycle, a lovely route and good company for the parts of the ride we did ‘together’!
Motivation
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 significant part but I’ve been reflecting on what other factors might be involved.
Routine
Without fail, twice a week for the past four years, I have trained with my personal trainer at the gym. When my training session is in my diary, I never think ‘Will I or won’t I?’ or ‘Maybe later’. Without question, I get up and just do it!
No routine = No Reason
Just Do It!
I can’t take credit for the phrase ‘Just Do It’ but the sentiment works for me. If I get up and go to the gym first thing, I never fail to exercise. If I take the ‘I’ll do it later’ approach, ‘later’ sometimes simply does not happen.
Leave it Until Later = Leave it until Tomorrow!
Commitment
I have a commitment to train with a friend once a week and we share a personal trainer for this session. If I didn’t turn up, I would be letting my friend and my trainer down, so yet again, I never question it, I ‘just do it’.
No Commitment = No Commitment
Friends & FUN
I enjoy exercising with others. Most of my cycling is with friends. The occasional solo cycle is great but for a long, hard, training cycle, the company of friends makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable no matter how hard it might be physically. I go further and faster, have more fun and enjoy it so much more when training with friends.
No Friends = No Fun!
The Great Outdoors
Cycling outdoors is my exercise of choice. With our outdoor time restricted, I’m trying to find an ‘at home’ exercise that will give me the same buzz as cycling outdoors does. But there isn’t one! I simply cannot find anything to like about our indoor turbo trainer! No wind in my hair, no company, no fresh air, no sights, sounds or the sunshine that comes with the changing seasons. I really must try harder!
No outdoors = No Motivation!
Goal Setting
Each year, I set myself a physical challenge to ensure that I exercise harder and more regularly than I might otherwise do. Whilst our Raid Alpine challenge hasn’t been cancelled, as with everything else, it is under a cloud of doubt and so I’m finding it harder to maintain my commitment to such intense training, with the concern that it might have to be postponed.
No Goal = No Training!
The Feel Good Factor
I feel better after exercise, physically and psychologically. My Parkinson’s symptoms are less noticeable after an exercise session and I know I am doing something that gives me the best chance of an active future. Starting the day with exercise makes me feel positive and energised for the rest of the day. I am the fittest I have ever been and that feels great.
As with most of the rest of the world, almost overnight my routine has been interrupted, my freedom to exercise with others has ceased and my ability to go outdoors limited. At the same time, my kids, home from university are desperate to walk the dog, so I haven’t got the same demands from her! My exercise goal – The Raid Alpine sits under a cloud of uncertainty and my ‘just do it’ mentality has been rocked.
It’s been useful to reflect on what helps and what hinders my motivation to exercise. When the time comes to return to some normality, I will ensure I reinstate all the elements that make my exercise regime work for me. I look forward to that day and in the meantime, like everyone else, I have to make the most of the situation we all find ourselves in and do what I can to keep my self as fit as possible because one day our lives will return to a more normal state.
Training Stats
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 in the six days of The Raid Alpine.
A little context
Had I not returned home after each cycle, I could have reached Slovenia, Budapest, Stockholm, Madrid or Krakow on my bicycle by now.
AND
I have cycled the height of all the following mountains combined:
Ben Nevis – 1,345m
Snowdon – 1,085m
Kilimanjaro – 5895m
Machu Picchu – 2430m
Mont Blanc – 4810m
Matterhorn – 4478m
Mount Olympus – 2918m
Yes! All of these combined….
I’m very aware with the current pandemic, we are likely to at least have to postpone this challenge, although we haven’t had this confirmed yet. So, while cycling in the great outdoors is still permitted, albeit solo, rather than in a group, I’d best keep training…….
Snail’s Pace
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 out on my bike but whether it’s on your bike, walking or running, being outdoors has taken on a whole new level of freedom that many of us had previously taken for granted.
We are so lucky to live a few minutes from glorious countryside where social distancing is easy to achieve, so John and I cycled some local hills, enjoying a slow, mindful pace or so I thought! On reflection, I enjoyed a slow, mindful pace, enjoying the fresh air, the tranquility, the wind on my face, the sights and sounds of the countryside and the quiet roads, deserted except for a few fellow cyclists or walkers. John enjoyed the cycle but despite his patience, was a little frustrated by the slow pace and is keen to go out alone tomorrow for a ‘proper’ cycle!
Family Time
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 wonderful when Rory enthusiastically agreed to join me. Three days of social distancing clearly does strange things to teenagers!
We thoroughly enjoyed a sunny, easy paced cycle over 26km in lovely countryside. There were lots of cyclists out and lots of families out walking and taking. I can’t help but wonder if we might as a nation become a little fitter and a little more in tune with each other as a consequence of this period of social distancing. It would be good to think that some positives might unfold over time.
A Little Normality
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 enjoy the sunshine, our gorgeous countryside and to maintain a little degree of normality.
Gratitude
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 challenging times.
I’m grateful that my Dad had is surgery before the demand on ITU beds and ventilators overwhelms the NHS.
I’m grateful that he should be well enough to be home before the surge in demand for NHS services. Home has to be the safest place for him as soon as he is able. His bed, ventilator and the highly trained staff who have cared for him when he needed it most will then be available for others when they need it most.
I’m grateful for the support of family and friends in so many ways, always.
In such stressful times, it is even more important that we take a breath, calm the mind and be grateful for what we have.
Some Normality
For all sorts of reasons, we haven’t cycled together since Lanzarote:
- Work commitments
- Family commitments
- The weather
- The Coronavirus
- Ewan living 450 miles apart from the rest of us!
So, it was lovely to cycle today with John A, John A, Roland and Caroline. A socially distant cycle – note the lack of team photos, no sharing of snacks, no welcome or congratulatory hugs and 2 metres between us (often considerably more as I tried to keep pace)! But it was great to do something in a near normal manner in such abnormal times.
60km cycled amidst our beautiful countryside where social distancing is a natural phenomenon, remote country roads, passing only the occasional car, walker or horse rider, 1100m climbed, 2 metres apart. While many other exercise options are no longer available to us, thank goodness for cycling. The mental and physical health benefits from being outdoors and from exercising can only help build our resilience in these unprecedented times.
Ewan enjoyed a socially isolated cycle in sunny Scotland and of course we all shared and congratulated each other on our respective Strava stats and PBs!
We’ve proved it possible to retain our sense of team despite the geographic distances involved and we have proved it possible to retain for a short time at least, some sense of normality amidst so much uncertainty.
Lighthearted Learning from Lanzarote
1. Uphill is hard, downhill terrifying!
2. The heavier we are, the harder it is
3. Regular rest stops are Essential
4. The Cycle Tracking App Relates to Your Menstrual Cycle not your Bicycle!
5. Rehydration is Vital
6. Team Kit = Team Work
7. Style is a Personal Thing
8. You Can Never Carry Too Many Jelly Babies
9. Months More Hill Training Ahead………
10. It’s All for a Good Cause
Quote of the Week
I thought ‘Bloody Hell – I’m going to have to wait for Alison again…….and there she was, right behind me!’
Anonymous
Either, I’m getting quicker or everyone else is getting slower…….sometimes I’m even at the front!
Great to have the support of these fabulous guys.
A Small Matter of Percentages
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 for the training camp. If this bunch is reflective of the group as a whole then despite our different backgrounds, different abilities and different health issues, we will have a fabulous team spirit and a combined will to crack the task ahead! Speaking of will, Will Cook deserves a shout. Will is our leader and oozes calm authority and general niceness. He will undoubtedly be a strong hub to our collective group wheel.
50%: Kit, kit and more kit!! Having experienced the Lanzarote heat and, an issue for me that I’ll really have to address, the daily length of time exposed to the sun, the realisation, although I had a fair idea, that I don’t have half the kit required for the Raid! Many thanks to Alison for lending me sleeves, who knew they would be so useful?, and to Roland, my roomie, for the ‘bum’ butter, to protect my other two bits that are actually slightly in front of my bum! 🙈 🥜
On that theme a new saddle is a ‘must’, new shorts with extra padding are a ‘must’, and I’ll be googling ‘extra strong testicle butter’ as soon as I get home!! 🥴 If it’s not been marketed yet then I’ll shortly be making a pitch on Dragons Den!!!
75%: As a group we cycled many miles and took on some serious climbs. Climbs similar to those that we will have to complete over and over in the Alps. Many thanks to Francis for planning them out. Francis clearly thought through the distances and gradients to make the Lanzarote cycles as reflective as possible of parts of the days in the Alps.
The 75%? Well, I’ll keep training hard over the coming months but a big lesson for me is that the Raid, like life, is a long game: 1. to be enjoyed and 2. best played at a sustainable pace. Holding it at 75% effort up the mountains will hopefully see me complete each day without gassing out and retain the ability to move to the next day in a sustainable condition! Slow and steady will be a discipline but an essential one.
100%: Admiration. Total admiration for those within our group who have Parkinson’s. I would put myself down as a pretty fit 55 year old and I’m taking on what to me is a huge, huge physical, mental and no doubt emotional journey. To have now spent some time with Alison, Janet and Leona and see how they have to strategise what are more usually fairly normal every day tasks, then chose to get on a bike and cycle up mountains over long distances, you could be forgiven for thinking they’re slightly mad! However having spent some time with them and better understanding their condition, they are far from that, they are amongst the bravest and most committed people I’ve ever met. I’m 100% in awe of them. For them to devote themselves to this task and to raise as much money for CPT as possible has got me 100% hooked into doing the same.
0%: Finally, back to 0%, my own personal zero! Despite the recent few days of total bike envy and me consistently talking a good game to whoever would listen regarding acquiring a new top end carbon bike when I get home – 0% is the chance of me being allowed to!!
Longest Day
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 out! Yes, before leaving the resort carpark, I had fallen off. A bit battered and bruised but no major injuries, back to bike hire to fit my own pedals.
- Despite wishing the strong winds would subside, when they did, we realised just how hot it really was!
- We climbed 1513m, which felt a lot but is not even half of the climb of any day of The Raid Alpine Challenge!
- Finding ourselves cycling on a motorway when clearly we should have been on the parallel, much quieter and safer road!
- On our final 15 miles when we were (very) saddle sore and weary, we travelled for a few miles along the most uneven track where every bump added insult to our already very bruised and sore bottoms, arms, necks, hands…….
- The last 5 miles, the winds reappeared making us have to pedal to get down the last hill home
- After 115km, I couldn’t have done any more today
The Highlights
- We learned by going at our own pace, we could all do long distances uphill, where the hairpin bends and elevations resembled those of The Alps – a great confidence booster
- Great stops along the way
- Great company and many laughs
- It has been great to cycle with Ewan and he has well and truly proved himself to be a fabulous team member
- We loved the ride and would do it again tomorrow if we could
- We feel better prepared for the challenge
- I am very well supported by The Cyclopath team
- We are in the top fours spots of The Raid Alpine Strava Leaderboard (I know – it is only Monday and everyone else was at work!)
A brilliant but hard week’s training completed.
Plan, What Plan?
The Plan
- 9am start prompt – ‘No pfaffing’!
- 160km route (100 miles)
- 2300m climb
- To complete within 8 hours
- A few brief stops only
- Cycle all day with the wider group
The Reality
- 9.30am start
- Lots of pfaffing (mainly me)
- 80km route
- 1454m climb
- Completed within 10 hours
- Long lunch stop and frequent other stops
- Cycled for 20 minutes with the rest of the group
The Reason
At the first stop of the day, after an impressive climb, we met up with the wider team.
John looked ashen. We set off after our first stop and John’s ‘not feeling well’ rapidly developed into a full stomach upset. A few miles later, being sick, unable to tolerate any fluids, in the heat of the day, with no energy, we decided to stop at the next village so he could rest…..
Punctures to both tyres the same time for John, delayed our arrival at the next village. When we eventually arrived, he flaked out on a bench while the rest of us enjoyed a fabulous lunch.
With 35km home, none of us really imagined he could cycle it but in his usual determination that’s exactly what he did – and still faster than me! Kudos to John.
No 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 a little better but I suspect feeling mostly like he didn’t want to miss a whole day of cycling.
Some great roads, a reasonable pace, some time with the rest of the team before they set off for home, lunch by the sea (for some of us), 80km covered, 1200m climb and back before our bike hire expired.
Perfect Day! who needs a plan?
Too Windy
20km into the windiest cycle imaginable, I completely lost my bottle! Having been swept across the road more than once I couldn’t do today’s route. John, putting aside his competitive streak, had the patience of a saint and stayed with me. Finding a roadside cafe, we stopped for a drink, some respite from the wind and I suspect John thought a quick pep talk, before setting off again.
I had other ideas! Within 5 minutes of stopping, with no knowledge of the Spanish language I had managed to book a taxi that would take me and my bike back to our resort!
Hardier than me, the rest of the team cycled the planned route, arriving back some hours later, a few of them somewhat fraught from the traumas of staying upright in the >40mph gusts of wind.
I’m reassured that the wind speed should be half as strong tomorrow……………
Team Training
For the first time today, twelve of the Raid Alpine team are getting together for some training in Lanzarote, many of us meeting for the first time.
After an easy journey, we arrive at the resort reception and only half an hour later, with our hire bikes fitted, we were ready to cycle together.
With a route already prepared, we set off together and stayed together for 50km. It was great to see the team beginning to work together and interesting to battle the very strong winds on our homeward bound leg of the journey. It was however so reassuring after my last training ride to feel on top of my game again today and to keep up with the group in fact, leading the group for a brief spell. John’s competitive gene is clearly rubbing off on me!
A big meal and a few more beers than planned, we thoroughly enjoyed our first time cycling with some of the larger group.
Tomorrow promises more winds, more training and more team building. Oh, and of course it’s very lovely to cycle in the warm sunshine.
Guest Blog
TRAINING & TEAM-BUILDING by Ewan MacLean
The Cyclopaths have all been training in our own way: individually, in pairs and in a variety of groups. We are only one small part of a much bigger ‘Raid Alpine’ group who have all been doing the same across many different UK geographic locations. Between us, we have been cycling indoors and out, through some of the worst conditions a British winter can throw at us, as well as undertaking a huge variety of other types of exercise to support our training. Each week, we cover very different distances, do different types of exercise with different frequencies and speeds, tailored to our individual fitness needs.
Most of us know some of the group members, and indeed a number of the group did a similar challenge last year, The Raid Pyrenees, but many of us have never met each other. However, this week, some of us are getting together, many of us meeting for the first time, in a very different location with a very different climate and some very significant hills to climb. It will be the first big step towards us all becoming a ‘team’ this summer with one common goal: to raise funds for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust.
We will of course let you know how it goes………
Wading Through Treacle
Keen to have one more training ride before heading off to the sun for our 5 day training camp, I set off for a hilly few miles.
Cycling with Roland who thankfully was happy to take an easy pace, we set off up Harp, Ham and Castle Hills.
It could never be considered an easy route but today it felt exceptionally hard.
I can only describe it as being like wading through treacle, mentally and physically. My balance was poor, as was my posture. Braking and changing gears were a slow process as if my brain and my body were no longer communicating to each other. My power output was low and my right leg had a mind of it’s own and bumped against my bike frame with every pedal stroke. It moved of its own free will, regularly and involuntarily clipping out of the pedal.
My thinking was slow and I had to work out what to do each time I wanted to