Progress has been made and in the last few days I have been able to get on the turbo trainer and cycle using both legs!! This is great as I can now get my heart rate up on land as well as in water! I never thought I would be so pleased to sit on a static bike in a sweltering hot box room! The swimming has continued in the pool as well as my new found sport ‘aqua jogging’- basically running in deep water with a flotation belt on- it is a really good work out and hopefully … Continue reading 12 Weeks Post Op

The last few weeks have been spent doing lots of walking, still using my crutches, to get a bit of an upper body work out and to just get back into the routine of getting up and out.  Its amazing how many people who stop and have a chat and share their knee injury stories, I’ve met some lovely people on my crutching travels!   I have continued with a  bit of one legged cycling and weights and core work. It is amazing how much muscle has atrophied, I have had to adjust the brace as my leg has got … Continue reading 8 Weeks Post Op -Rehab Begins!

It is with great sadness that I write of  our wonderful mum’s passing.  On March 24th with all of her children at her side she slipped away peacefully and is now at rest.  She was unbelievably brave throughout her illness and even though she lost a lot of her personality and physical abilities as the Alzheimer’s took hold she remained gentle and calm .  Between the three of us children someone was with her holding her hand until the very end. We can now build back the memories of mum before the Alzheimer’s, which until now have laid buried in … Continue reading The Most Wonderful Mum

Saturday I had quite a down day, fed up of pain, not washing properly, the boys have been quite busy so I haven’t seen much of them. I did manage to watch the rugby at a friends house for a couple of hours but I felt really out of sorts and couldn’t get into the spirit, I came home and had a cry and felt a little better after that. Sunday I had my first ‘walk’ out in the sunshine it was sooo nice to be out! I was exhausted when I got home and needed a little nap. My … Continue reading 8 Days Post Op

Well we did it! Finished in one piece, no injuries, no bike issues and with huge grins on our faces!! My finish time was 15 hrs 10 and Dave’s was a magnificent 13 hrs 52!!! We couldn’t wait to show mum our medals! So far we have raised a whopping £2000!! I am still coming to terms with what we have actually achieved! It was hard, really hard but at no point did I want to give up, in spite of the dark place I was in 6 hours into the bike, faced with a head wind, tired legs, a … Continue reading Ironsiblings slayed the dragon!!

One week to go and I’m feeling good, nerves are starting to creep in but so far keeping a handle on it.  I’ve been quite reflective this last week in order to instill positivity and confidence! I’ve been looking back on my training- which has gone really well due to good weather, a realistic plan, an amazingly supportive family and a range of training buddies!  The fortnightly update of the chalk board has become quite a ritual! Also looking back on the events I have taken part in to prepare myself reminds me how lucky I am to be in … Continue reading 7 Days to go!!!!

I’ve just returned from our family holiday to the Dordogne in France, which was really lovely with lots of well needed family time, relaxation and of course more training! It was great though as once I had done my early morning training I knew I could flop on a sun lounger and eat french bread and cheese to my heart’s delight! The area was great for bike riding, plenty of lovely places to visit along the river ; Beynac, Roque Gageac, Vitrac, Cenac and some great climbing up to Domme! It was very hot though, some days it got up … Continue reading Holiday training