Soon to depart...

Well Marvin has returned from the shop and looks like he is actually fixed. It seems he is probably in better shape than his owner at the moment as the packing is not exactly flying at the moment - however most of it is done.

Still searching for some pipe lagging to get the frame protected however; and not having the car at the moment does not help as its being MOT'd...in Temple Sowerby which is not great - although it was easy to leave there and walk to Gill's..

There will probably be no posts for the next two weeks; limited computer access at best.

Improving Conditions...

It has been a long time coming and it has regrettably co-incided with me starting work (although the new job is very enjoyable) but some stable weather has arrived. After poor Gill took a soaking on Tuesday walking the Newlands Horseshoe we have some nice stable weather with the promise of a good weekend to come.

Was hoping to get out climbing last night however was unable to make contact with Luke so took Arjuna the road bike out for a quick spin. The climb up Celleron was okay, however the steep drag up to Lowther was a bit of a pain. This was the first time I have been on a bike for a bit however so not too bad - the real test will come over the next few days. I am planning to run some intervals after work today; Gill and I are going to do High Street and Harter Fell on Saturday and then on Sunday I fancy a long bike ride - either Cross Fell/High Cup Nick or the High Street..

Back in the groove...

of training after a lovely walk with Gill yesterday. We made a rapid ascent of Plaice Fell before dropping down, up Great Dodd and back along the Ullswater Singletrack to the car..

Work is also going well and the forecast for the rest of the week is good (after tomorrow which is shit!!)...

A couple of resting days...

Taking a couple days off from training to get used to the new job and give the body a bit of a chance to chill....hope to get out tomorrow after work however; the Garburn Pass with the video camera would be nice if the weather is reasonable...

Happy to lend a hand...

a big shout to all those who took part in the 2nd Penrith Triathlon yesterday. I was able to help for a couple of hours only - as had to collect Gill from the airport - however it was a great privelege as well as an amazing insight into how complex even fairly small events are to run.

Gill is now safely back at home from the Turkey trek - much to the delight of the cats!! Having looked at her photo's it does look quite aweswome - so much of the world I need to see...

The benefits of more than one sport...

Coach Ilg always emphasises that specialisation is for insects. Today was a clear cut example of where I agree with him and why I undertake a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. I had not slept well or long enough and when Felix hopped up on the bed for a cuddle and snooze I was seriously tempted to join him.

I finally made it back to my flat having decided to ride to Keswick via the Coach Road and back via the Tour of Blencathra. Setting off into a strong headwind and in the rain and with my knee hurting I just couldn't summon up any enthusiasm for the task at hand. Coach also says that "character is what you are when no-one is around" however I think I am just bored of mountain biking - especially in the North Lakes where I have trained for the last three months. Reflecting on this now I suspect this mental disorder helped cause my crash on the Whinlatter on Thurs as I was trying to "spice up" the ride in order to find something new; it was also probably why I SO enjoyed the ride on the Garburn Pass on Tuesday.

I actually managed to digest this fact quite well; so went home had some lunch and then drove to Keswick with my trail running shoes. The circuit along the railway and then over Latrigg is about 5 miles and having danced round in 50mins I am not 100% convinced that trail shoes were the correct choice - with a very steep and muddy descent. Having said that, running along the old railway in fell shoes would not be ideal either - maybe I should take both pairs!!

Anyway; felt a lot better for the run and now have a quiet day tomorrow when I collect Gill and then will do it all again on Monday - I fancy a long fell run to be honest or some time on the road bike - although the weather forecast is not great, typical bank holiday weather.

Back on the Arnica...

having finished one lot of Arnica to help the rib heal I have gone to buy some more for the knee.

In all honesty it is not too bad; a little stiff at first but ok once it gets going, I'll be off riding tomorrow before I go and get Gill from the airport on Sunday. Monday is a bank holiday so I expect either a walk/bike ride depending on the weather before the new job starts on Tuesday - weird.

Have managed to acquire a bike bag via e-bay which is good; another piece in the holiday puzzle taken care of...