New bike - first ride

I went out with Ed today on my bike to Richmond Park. This was my first ride on the new bike (apart from back from the shop) and I was a little nervous about it all. Had I bought the right bike, what would it feel like, had I been sold the right thing and how would my knee feel.

As it turned out, I had a great time. I cycled too Richmond Park and got used to the bike. Once there I met up with Ed at Roehampton Gate and started on our first lap clockwise. I went at a gentle pace but I was pleased to see our cruising pace was up near 20 mph. We hit the short sharp hill and I realised my legs were a little tired from yesterday's exertions. We completed the first lap in around 26 minutes (with one stop for Ed to check his bike) and I was loving the bike. I got up to 38 mph down one of the hills.

The second lap went in much the same way and faster in around 23 minutes. The third was going better still but we were stopped by a crossing of deer. I really want to give it a good go and see if I can get close to the 1 hour target time. I'm sure I could get close.

Elmore 7

The Elmore 7 today. Matt got me into this as it is where Mel's parents live. Cath needed the car so I had to cycle there. It was all the way down the A24 and A23 through Steatham, and Croydon going passed Ikea. Talk about an unpleasant ride. Drivers can be morons. It was 15 miles each way so more miles to go into the spreadsheet.

As for the race, I wasn't expecting much. The furthest I've run since the marathon which is a scary thought. I set off and it felt like I was going nowhere fast but I hit the first mile marker at under 8 minute miles so was delighted. I ran the second mile in the same time but then the hills started. Not long ones but lots of short up and downs. I had a real low point at mile three but I pulled myself together by mile 4 and got faster. I followed a girl over the last 3 miles and managed to hold a perfect 8 minute mile pace.

Time: 57:10
Splits: 7:46, 7:48, 8:25, 8:52, 8:00, 8:03, 8:01

New Bike

So, here it is. The new bike. £1500 of carbon lovelyness. Now I have no option but to train.

I was very nervous spending £1500 on a bike. I haven't spent this much on anything for a long long time. I hope I'm getting the right bike. I decided to go for a Kuota Kharma from my local bike shop Luciano Cycles. The bloke (Mr Luciano I guess) was very knowledgable and friendly. Fingers crossed.

Weight

I'm 83 KGs today which is 13 stone 1 lb. That's a BMI of 28.6. Porky.

My aim is a BMI of under 25 which is around 70 KGs so that's 13 BMI points to lose. There are 24 weeks left in the year so one pound a week isn't a bad goal. That way I will be at a good weight by the start of the tough training.

Spin Class

I went to the gym and did a 1 hour spin class. It was really tough. 30 to 40 minutes on the bike, then weights and then stretches. I sweated so much that I rubbed a patch on my nose with my towel. After I did 30 minutes slow run and some more stretches.