Bletchley Park

That's right, the wartime code breaking facility. We had a family day out there today and it was absolutely fascinating, the Churchill memorabilia was particularly special and we did, of course, get to see one of the real Enigma machines. But it was the stories (or should that be truths) behind it that were particularly amazing, and the intelligence of the individuals who were cracking the codes and creating machines that could help is almost beyond belief.

Time to get training

I put my turbo bike back together this morning, just need to bolt the turbo together and put the bike on it and I can start training again - I sure as hell won't be riding on the road in this weather! I've also sorted out my winter running gear so will take the dog running every other day or so. Swimming? Forget it.

I've enjoyed these few days off, but lots of domestic stuff to do, although without an address to move to at the moment we are in limbo and can't really make any plans. I guess that's the life we choose.

It's Time To Get Serious.

I'm afraid I completely failed to make any progress towards the ambitious weight loss goal I set myself when home on R&R. On the plus side I didn't put any more weight on! So, 12 st 5lbs is the starting weight and 11 st 6lbs is the target. More good news arrived today in the shape of my turbo trainer and bike returning safely from Qatar, so they should be back up and running in a day or so, although the garage is a chuffin' cold place to be at the moment.

And here is where I will publicly announce my weekly weigh-ins and you can encourage, applaud or berate me as appropriate.

Other news, I've ordered my RAF Cycling skinsuit for this year's time trials, sportives and The Big One, Quelle Challenge Barcelona. And no, I've not ordered Extra Large!

2009 Events

First task was to look at my 2009 events (see list on the right). Not sure they are all achievable yet (the Vitruvian is certainly vulnerable) but we shall see. Cycling is the number one priority this year so swimming and running are definitely taking a back seat so not sure a middle distance race is a good idea. Am looking forward to getting involved with more TTs and also the training required to improve - I aim to love my bike this year.

I'm Back!!!

At last, after a delay of some 32 and a half hours, I arrived back in Dear Old Blighty in the early hours of this morning (Sunday). Feeling a little jaded at the moment but it's really good to be back.

Will I miss Qatar, probably not, but as Frank said in his response to my last post, the smoothies at the Green Bean Cafe were to die for, and their coffee was quite good as well. Unfortunately, the current exchange rate made everything really expensive. Great training opportunities, though, if your job allows you the time to take advantage of them.

2 weeks of leave now and then off to a new challenge in a new job in a new rank. Look forward to catching up with you all soon.

Delayed again...

I blame Debs!

I was delayed 19 hours coming here and the delay going home is now approaching 30 (yes, THIRTY!) hours. I suppose they will blame the weather but I don't see what the problem is; a lovely 28 degrees or so today and I spent my delay by the pool (reading, not swimming!) , spin class at the gym, and drinking coffees at the Green Bean cafe. Beats the Hell out of BZN!

Another Reason to Lose the Fat...

Over the last few months I have been doing regular stretch and flex sessions. It has now got to the stage where my aero tuck on the bike is not constrained by back or neck flexibility or discomfort, but the fact that my thighs are hitting my "larger than when I got here" stomach. If ever there was a good reason to get slimmer, surely that must be it!