Training Day 1

23rd August 2016

Today was HOT.  Temperatures soared into the high 20's. What a gorgeous day, for chilling in the park, throwing a frisbee around....OR......my first attempt at going for a jog/run!?

The latter of course was the order of the day:)

So, not only was it a *boiling* day today, I was also running with 3 year old Joshua in the new (pre-loved), sports buggy!  This must make running harder, right?

When I first started out, after 5 mins, I thought I couldn't do any more - my legs were killing me after just that short time, and I began wondering why on earth am I putting myself through this?

I persevered, but it was start/stop practically the whole way which made my average pace really terrible at 19 mins!!! This must have been because on quite a few occasions, I walked for a short while before starting to jog again? Anyway, I know it's rubbish - but this is my very first attempt at running/jogging practically - ever! For this reason I am not feeling shameful, but ever so slightly proud that I got my lycra on and actually did it! 

Oliver was on his bike, and he was absolutely such an encouragement to me.  What really helped was that Oliver was giving me targets, for example - get to that bus stop without stopping mummy! lol.

When we were near the duck ponds in Bradley Stoke we passed a group of young boys squealing with their mobile phones in there hands - we thought - must be Pokemon!  So I asked what have they caught, to my delight there was a Bulbasaur, right there, so I must admit I ceased the opportunity to catch the the little beauty! (We have 83 in the Pokedex now, but that's another story!).

On the first half of the outing, I actually bumped into a lady that Oliver knew from school, and we started chatting, about what I was training for.  It turns out she has done lots of organised running and obstacle events!  We exchanged some pictures, and I told her about myself spectating Jayce & Andy doing Tough Mudder on the weekend - when I showed her the picture of the lads, it turns out that she works with them and knows Jayce quite well!  Small world!

As we continued on our journey, while I cannot lie and say it was easy - it some ways it felt a teeny bit easier than it had done to begin with.  Running is hard!  I wouldn't say I was really unfit - but cycling is so much easier!!!  

The total distance was 3.6 miles, with a moving time of 1hr 9 minutes. it seemed quite a nice little route actually - so I will probably do it again next time :)  It will be interesting to see how I get on without pushing the buggy the next time I get to go on a Solo-run without any kiddie's in tow! :)

I've signed up to Tough Mudder!
22nd August 2016

On the weekend (20th August), I was a spectator at Tough Mudder in Cirencester Park.  Next year, I will be a participant!

Last night I actually registered to take part in the event, and I am really really excited about it.  It's really motivated me to try and become fitter - something to work towards.  It's a whole 12 months away so I do have a long time to train for it - and I will have to!

I am not a particularly strong runner - a tredmill is something that I tend to avoid when I do happen to be at a gym!  I usually go for the Cardio Waves and Cross trainer.  I'm going to have to work hard - and I will.

My loose plan is:

• Run with Joshua in the off road buggy while Ollie is on his bike.
• When the boys are away - run....
• Go out on my bike with boys or on my own.

I am not super fit - but I don't think I am in the worst shape.

I expect people will realise that I am not particularly one for getting all dirty and I hate being unclean - so it's also a personal challenge in a way for me as well. However, Funnily enough though, I am actually looking forward to being covered in mud for some daft reason!  

I'm glad I have been to the event to spectate and therefore I know more or less what to expect!

Once some one told me I couldn't possibly do a 38 mile bike ride from Bristol to Clevedon - and I did it, of course - so I know I can do whatever I set my mind to - and I know it won't be a walk in the park - but I can do it - I know I can! :)

Oliver's first Cub Scout Camp

Scout Camp July 2016

All ready to go!

I've just picked Oliver up from his very first scout camp.  The sun was shining, and it was so hot!  Every one was busy helping to dismantle the tents and haul the equipment to the top of the field.  I was extremely surprised to see how resilient Oliver was lugging camping equipment across the field, he wasn't that cooperative when we camped last year!!

He's exhausted, and dirty. (and smelly).  He hasn't changed his socks or underwear all weekend, he tells me with delight....!  

Oliver upon his return from Camp!

Ollie is 8 years old, he's only just moved up to Cubs, from Beavers.  I am so grateful that he has had the opportunity to have this experience!  I was a little apprehensive at the thought of leaving my son in a field for two nights, but now I just feel beaming with pride.

Bed is made!

When dropping him off on Friday night the atmosphere was wonderful.  I had an excitement building up inside me, as I tried (with ease) to imagine how he was feeling.  The drop off took rather longer than anticipated, but after having set up Oliver's bed, including placing teddy in pride of place, I was somewhat pleased to finally be home at 8pm with a tired Joshua, who went promptly to bed!

I am very used to Oliver being away from home - he has been spending weekends away from me since he was 1 years old.  However he has never been away without his mum or dad.  This made it all a little different... I found myself waking up during the early hours listening to the rain, and feeling anxious knowing that Ollie wasn't tucked up in his bed at home.... I didn't sleep well at all that night, but I needn't have worried, he was well looked after!

The beginning of the Camp!

The following day, I distracted myself with house hold chores, amongst a few other less laborious activities later in the afternoon.  I did have a call from the Akela, which gave me a fright, but it was just to check if Oliver could have another does of his hay fever medicine.

My little boy has had a wonderful time! He drank hot chocolate and ate biscuits on Friday night, but he tells me he had little sleep on the first night.   They were woken up bright  and early for breakfast for 8am.  Ollie enjoyed sausages, baked beans and eggs for breakfast, sounds tasty!  He tells me there was an option of Jam/chocolate spread/ham sandwiches for lunch - take a guess on what Ollie went for? ;)  (Chocolate spread of course!).

Activities including Abseiling and Archery, and they did lots of playing.  I found it very interesting to watch the closing ceremony at the end of the camp where they sang Kum ba yah, and say prayers and watch them bring the flag down.

I don't think I have ever seen Oliver *so* tired.  He has clearly had little sleep.  He's had an amazing experience though, and I am so happy that he is a Cub Scout!