DAILY BLOG | Lejog2013

A brief daily BLOG of my challenge is below - enjoy!!

I will attempt to keep this BLOG as up to date as possible but there will be days when I won't have any internet access, or I might be to exhausted to do anything. If I'm feeling in a really technical mood I'll try to upload some pictures.

Jan 13

Well the new year has certainly helped to focus my attention to this challenge, pity about the weather. Forced to spend many boring hours on the gym bike as the freezing weather did its best to make me feel like my toes were falling off. At least the days are already showing signs of getting longer which is good for the daily commute to/from work. Must learn to slow down a bit or else I'll burn out on the first day.

Feb 13

Not much sign of improvement in the cold, dark weather. Officially signed up for the challenge and posted this site and set about creating my sponsorship campaign. Spending more time in the saddle but unfortunately the golf is taking a back seat at the moment. Averaging 150-160 miles per week (even with cold toes) but now need to step up the miles a little more. Easier said than done with a full time job - not complaining. Also started to think about my daily diet to ensure I get enough of the right stuff - only 2 months to go!!

The weather has been an absolute nightmare so far this month. Easterly winds, driving rain, fog, snow, more snow and it's sending me nuts. The gym bike has been getting some stick although I did have a good week of cycling in Scotland. But, as the donations roll in then my spirits are lifted and I realise why I accepted this challenge. £1311.00 in the fund so far and I'm confident that I will smash my target. 5 weeks to go- it's starting to get a little to close for comfort. Finished off the month with some decent miles including my first ride with Farnborough & Camberley Cycling Club (62miles door to door) including a cheeky stop at the famous Chocolate Factory Cafe in Henley-on-Thames (see pic) - very nice!!!!

Now starting to crank up the miles in response to your donations, over £2000 in the Charity Fund - Excellent. Entered the Woking 90 miles sportive on 7 Apr, really good experience with a total time of 6hr 2mins, cycling time of 5hr 35mins on a lumpy route. Joined FCCC again for a windy ride on 14 Apr, 63miles. Bike serviced and prepared for the off. Started my holidays so have got plenty of rides lined up before my rest period the week before 'H' Hr. Weather is picking up - Hooooray!! Starting to get to know the leafy lanes of Surrey and Hampshire very well as I'm venturing further from the nest. Sun 21st saw my final distance ride with FCCC and a trial run with a PC/mobile app called Strava which I will use during LEJOG. £2331 in the sponsorship kitty, rest week now as I start to focus in on the challenge - no turning back now. Final bike check-over, have I got everything????

The final week leading up to LEJOG consisted of resting the body, packing kit, unpacking kit and re-packing kit a hundred times. Cleaned the bike and had it serviced then cleaned it again. It was hard forcing myself to keep off the bike although I did manage two short 10 milers to save me from going mad. Although I feel prepared as far as endurance goes I still have some concerns about the hills because the local area is fairly flattish compared to Cornwall, Cumbria and Scotland. Still, I'm sure it'll be fine. Final kit check then train to Penzance where I will meet up with the others for the first time. Even though I've chatted on Facebook to them I still feel like I'm the only person that is actually doing this.

“tbc"

“ tbc"

“tbc"

Mar 13

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10 May 13

“tbc"

11 May 13

12 May 13

The Week Before