Full Circle

One Year ago on Australia Day I took my first steps into the "Fun Run" arena.  I didn't go in lightly either despite there being a 3.2km option I decided to 'go hard or go home' and went with the 8.2km option.

For anyone who has never visited Menai, here's the thing about it... it's hilly as all *&^#!! :D

Last year when I attempted the run, I was a good 20kg's heavier than I am today.  I was proud to say I finished last year, but I certainly didn't break any records, in fact I buckled into walking on the first hill, not even 2km's in! But finish I did and despite finishing so far to the back of the pack they'd run out of certificates by the time I came in.... finish I did, with family there to cheer me across the finish line.  

This year whilst there was no-one other than strangers to clap me across the line, I did finish in time to receive a certificate and a cool looking drink bottle too! :D In fact, I'm happy to report I cut 13 minutes off my time from last year, and managed to run well past that first hill that buckled me previously.

I followed up the run with a lovely bar-b-q with family and a Trivial Pursuit win! Top day all round! 

The riding to and from work is going well, the new bike is great.  Today I decided to go exploring on her, and managed to clock up almost 15km.  So am getting there building up some distance!

So that's two fun run's under my belt and January is almost over.  What are you planning for February?

Bike woes to Triathlon possibilities...

So recently I introduced Lexi... my new bike, Lexi didn't make it home from the bike shop in one piece!  (oops I suppose I should explain here I didn't get her from the bike shop, I just took her there to get her checked out). Her back tyre popped and I had to carry her for a kilometre.  Let me tell you I am grateful all those body weight exercises and all those times I was forced to carry a kettlebell above my head or I never would have made it. :D

Needless to say the bike shop were so insistent that she was not suitable for my needs that they said if I bought a bike from them they would minus the cost of the service on Lexi from the new bike.  On top of that a new bike comes with free servicing for the first year.

I spoke to some people at work and became most concerned when one of the girls mentioned how she'd started on the wrong bike and started getting alot of neck problems.  I realised I either made the investment so as to not damage myself (remember this is supposed to be something good I am doing for myself) or I went back to driving to work!

I have to admit the guys in the bike shop were super lovely and once I gave them my price point they stuck with the entry level road bike, whilst they didn't try to sell me a more expensive bike, they did explain why they didn't recommend a cheaper bike.  They showed me how to take the front wheel off quickly and easily to fit the bike in the car, and told to me to drop in if I had any worries.

Soooooo hahaha today I introduce Chloe....  I have to admit the first ride on her was suprisingly smooth, I popped her into the lowest gears up hill and she just kept gliding.  So no excuses I have to ride her to make her worthwhile! hahaha  On the weekend I will take her for a longer ride to really test her and me out! :D