Wow, what a fortnight

Haven’t been well at all this past two weeks. The first week was the worst. I had some sort of stomach bug which made me very ill! Mind you, I lost a lot of weight as a result. I didn’t manage to do any exercise though – which is a shame. I still haven’t been out on the bike either. Would have last weekend if it wasn’t for the miserable weather. Hopefully I’ll make it out this weekend!

Cycling here we come.

So, I’ve decided to take up cycling again. At first I was worried that I might be too heavy to get back on a road bike. You know the sort, skinny tyres, lightweight frame and everything else. Well, a couple of weeks back (mybad, I should’ve blogged it) I went to GB Cycles in Croydon (absolutely fantastic shop with very enthusiastic staff) to have a look around. After wandering around looking obviously confused by all this lovely looking kit around me, Peter T took me under his wing. He suggested that my weight shouldn’t be a problem and that very few frame manufacturers state weight limits in their specs.

I took a shine to an entry level Bianchi. I went out for a little test ride and although it was hard (not because of the bike, but my fitness level) I thought the bike was fantastic. So I’ve purchased it, along with gloves, shoes and a helmet! I collect it next Saturday and, weather permitting, will be going out for my first ride on Sunday I can’t wait, I’m so excited about the prospect.

Cycling is something I was very passionate about in my mid to late teens. This has totally rekindled that passion and it can only help me achieve my weight loss goals. I only hope the bike can withstand my weight in the meanwhile

Ohh, and while I’m here, I should give Guy at GB Cycles a shout-out for helping me choose a rather fetching pair of white Sidi Genius 5 shoes I’ll look just like a Stormtrooper as I ride along now

Didn’t feel great, but the results were good.

Didn’t feel so good today, but soldiered on anyway. I did need a bit of a rest in the middle section which can clearly be seen in the HR graph. Interestingly, this makes it pretty clear that I’m getting fitter when compared to the previous graph. I travelled further with a lower average HR and at a slightly faster pace. Good stuff, despite the fact I didn’t feel very good on the treadmill (nothing wrong with me, just found it quite hard).

Click to see the Polar HR and distance/pace graph.

A great time at the gym.

Felt great today! Really worked hard, did walking/running intervals.

Click to see the Polar HR and distance/pace graph.

See the progress graph after my first weigh-in.

Another tough one.

Didn’t feel so good today! Still, I managed to better than the previous workout.

Click to see the Polar HR and distance/pace graph.

Pretty graphs :)

Well, I have finally worked out a less than optimal method of getting the graph data on here!! Screenshots – eugh. Anyhow, it seems to work but I really need to work out how I’m going to automate it!

Click to see the Polar HR and distance/pace graph.

No, I haven’t stopped already.

I took the weekend off but was back at it yesterday morning. I’m using a new stats recording method (Polar S725x) that includes my heartrate as well as the distance I run or cycle and am working out how to get the pretty graphs the Polar produces up here! Hopefully I will be able to update with 2 new workouts this evening

Tough, gym taking its toll.

Wow, today was pretty tough, but I still managed to workout a little longer than yesterday. I think this gym every day thing is probably a little too much to start with. So I am going to moderate and aim for 3 – 4 times a week.

Click to see the Nike + workout graph for today.

Good day today.

I found yesterday quite tough, but this morning was much, much better!

Click to see the Nike + workout graph for today.

Ouch, my groin!

After a bizarre delayed onset of groin pain from last night’s workout, by mid afternoon today the pain had vanished! So I went to the gym again

Click to see the Nike + workout graph for today.