Lisa - Fat Girl Fit

Essex 100 mile bike ride with the Specialized ladies

One of my best friends is a Specialized ambassador. Specialized are a bike brand and Laura leads rides for the Essex area from the Chelmsford concept store.

On Sunday there was an Action Medical Research event that she had signed up to with a group of her ladies from these rides and they were doing the champion route of 101 miles. I was asked to join and so went along – what is not to like? An event for a worthwhile cause, being on my bike with a group of awesome ladies and spending a day in the sun.

The ride started from Chelmsford and headed out to Suffolk and back. It was 100 miles of undulating road, but nothing too challenging, that was full of chatting and laughter and the occasional shout from Laura for me to power up a hill which is very often her just cycling up next to me shouting to attack it (it is these times I rethink my friend choices).

One of the best things about the events from Action Medical Research are the rest stops. not just some water and electrolytes but proper food including tea, coffee, juice, sandwiches, crisps, cakes, fruit, sweets and jaffa cakes! I mean jaffa cakes are essential you know. And the super friendly marshalls and volunteers at the stops too – much appreciated and they all help to make these events what they are.

There was also one rest stop with the best playground – not a necessity for a bike ride I grant you but a lot of fun that neither Laura or I could resist. We care not what we look like in full lycra, cleats, helmets and zipping along a swing or climbing up a huge tyre. Its a fun day outside in every sense.

It was a really gorgeous route along lots of country roads so relatively low on traffic and busy junctions were minimal. So many new places I want to go back and cycle to and one pub I will definitely be visiting, the Henny Swan.

We found funny named roads that made us giggle (yes we are that immature).

I have never seen so many thatched houses either – one lady in our group commented on one being a lovely thatch. Who knew that was a thing – sadly no further thatched houses compared.

A shout out to these ladies who were awesome. One lady is about to embark on Lands End to John O’Groats next weekend. Another only started cycling two months ago and this was her fifth ride with her furthest distance up until this point being 58 miles. Such a massive achievement even if post the ride she lost the use of her hands and was unable to cut up her Nandos chicken (I’m not being mean it was just very funny to watch).

We started together, we rode the whole way together and we finished together. And some of us even have matching cycling tans naturally.

If you are interested in joining one of these rides with Laura you can contact her on laura.specializedambassador@gmail.com or on her Instagram @lalalawson

#thesegirlsdid

Category: Fitness

Don’t let a DNS or DNF define you

This past weekend I was in France, Chantilly to be specific, and it was gorgeous.

My husband and I were there for the Castle Triathlon weekend being held at Chataeu du Chantilly. I was signed up for the 10km run and my husband was signed up for Le Gauntlet which is a middle distance triathlon. Let’s just say our weekend did not go to plan.

The day before we were due to go I had a hospital appointment following a fall a couple of weeks before on my bike. I have a haematoma on my left thigh that is giving me problems and until I have an ultrasound I was advised not to run – the conversation went something like this:

Me: so I have a 10km run on sunday, can I still do it?

Doctor: yes if you want to potentially make it worse but if you want it to get better then no.

Me: fair enough

That pretty much told me and I knew it would be stupid to run – it was very unlikely I would be able to run and that it would be more of a long walk to the finish, probably seeing me finish in the same time it would take some of those taking on the half marathon route. And so I had my first did not start (DNS) and I am fine with that as it was the sensible option.

When we arrived on Friday we made our way to the Chataeu and got Brett registered. The grounds were simply stunning and I could see why it would attract so many taking part in the Castle Triathlon series.

On the Saturday we headed to the Chataeu once again to support two friends from our cycling club who were taking part in the Super Sprint triathlon – well done to both Joel and Mo who were superb and loved the event.

We then got our bikes ready and took them for a short spin to check everything was ok for Brett’s race the following day. One of the great things about travelling to different countries is experiencing cycling in each of them.

I should note that four weeks ago my husband was in hospital with a recurring leg issue and on IV antibiotics for six days and for a while we had assumed that this weekend would not even take place but Brett felt that he could still participate and that his strategy would just be amended and instead of racing this would be a training event.

The Gauntlet event started on Sunday at 7am and the plan was for me to drive the short distance to the start and Brett to cycle though neither of us had been expecting it to be so dark. I mean it was early but it was pitch black so last minute change and both of us in the car we set off.

Brett racked his bike and left his cycling and run kit in transition and headed out to put his wetsuit on. Yes, there was an awkward moment avoiding eye contact as sudo cream was applied to avoid chaffing on the bike (yes you can guess where), though most people who take part in triathlons or cycling would not bat an eyelid at this. The briefing was held and after a good luck kiss he was in the water, which was a large T shaped pond in the grounds, and they were off. He took longer to finish than he usually would for this distance but the pond is more shallow with most being able to stand and there are a lot of reeds, which caused quite a problem for some. I saw him heading towards transition in his wetsuit and he stopped and spoke to me commenting that he felt it was a tough swim but I was confident that once on his bike he would be in his happy place.

I saw him leave transition on his bike and with a mouthful of food he didn’t say anything but was on his way and I went for a walk in the grounds. Lucky I did as I came across a swimmer who had cramp and got out of the water dazed and confused with the onset of hypothermia. I took off my dry robe and gave it to him and walked him to the medical tent where the staff there were taking care of those who were in similar states. Don’t get me wrong the water was not cold and wetsuits were optional so many were opting not to swim in one. I waited to locate this mans girlfriend and was on my way.

Some time later I decided to head to bike in to see Brett return for the run leg but as I walked up the stairs I noticed the striking Havering Tri kit walking towards me to see my husband. I could see from his face he was devastated and knew in that moment that his race was over. He said he didn’t know what had happened but something was not right and he had pulled out of the race. He was extremely cold, with purple hands and lips and I think had the onset of hypothermia but being the stubborn old goat that he is refused to go to the medical tent. I know you are probably thinking why didn’t I make him go – I get that, but you don’t know Brett and those reading this who do will completely understand.

We got his bike and kit after he had sat down and composed himself and left the grounds, heading back to our apartment. He could not remember talking to me after the swim, seeing me before the bike and another cyclist had pulled up to his side to ask if he was ok as his speed was decreasing and we think he was swerving on the road, which could have been dangerous to himself and others. On further investigation we can see from his ride stats that at the 10 mile point his heart rate plummets for the remaining 18 miles, as does his speed and power. In his swim out pics he looks a bit dazed (though this is not unusual for some coming out of the swim), and his helmet is not on properly, which is extremely odd for him as he is usually so anal about things like that for himself and others (at a recent race he was supporting and actually shouted to a friend that their helmet was not on right).

He was understandably upset and it took a huge amount to withdraw but I am 100% confident this was the correct decision and have the upmost respect for him for doing so. I know it would have been a hard thing for him to decide to do but health comes first and in this instance was necessary. And so he got his first did not finish (DNF).

So our weekend started with a DNS and finished with a DNF – not the best weekend for the Thake household but undeniably the correct decisions.

Thank you Castle Triathlon for the opportunity to take part in your events, as always the venue was stunning, the staff were amazingly helpful and we will be back.

We’ve both learned a lot from the weekend and neither of us will let it define us, we can look at what went wrong and learn from it. It’s true what they say ‘don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try.’

Category: Fitness

Why I love being outdoors

Since a child I always went on holiday with my grandparents and this became the norm for my sister and I. Always in the UK and always somewhere near walks and in stunning locations. My grandparents say don’t see the need to travel abroad when there are so many gorgeous places to see in the UK.

Picnics, country walks, visits to National Trust properties and being outside was something we grew up with.

My husband and I had our son young and I quickly adapted from party girl to mum and soon found myself with my own National Trust membership and in the garden helping my son make mud pies.

It’s funny though as my husband started with obstacle runs years ago and at the time I thought he was crazy and running around in the wet and mud absolutely did not appeal in any way shape or form and now we’ve totally swapped and that’s when I’m at my happiest. I’m not the biggest fan or urban OCRs and much prefer those that use the natural landscape available with many using lakes and streams and woodland.

We have had a dog for over 8 years and so country walks, or even to our local parks, are part of our everyday lives now.

I’m one of those people who are always busy and long to just sit in front of the TV and do nothing but on the rare occasion it happens I am completely twitchy and need to get up and do something. I’m fairly certain it’s the being indoors element as I could sit in a park for hours.

I’ve been swapping regular run routes for trail runs and just making the route up taking whatever turn I come across knowing that none of them go too far out of the local woods so what’s the worst that can happen? I’ve even run through streams and gone through tunnels during a walk and run – what’s the worst that’s going to happen? It’s only a bit of water and mud!

I’m lucky with my cycle club that we have a good number of routes so I’m never short of places to head but sometimes I do just go where is familiar and make it up and they can be the best rides. And I often find myself noting different places that I will go back and visit another time.

I’ve even taken to doing some of my workouts in the garden rather than at the gym if I am able to. With the weather we’ve been having it seemed silly to go inside if I didn’t need to.

Being outdoors and in nature for me is a happy place. I’ve found over recent years that the fresh air is something I end up craving, the peacefulness that comes with it too. I always sleep better when I’ve been outdoors and feel like I have more energy and most importantly less stress! Being outdoors is simple and about just enjoying what is right in front of us and when it’s good for your health, both physically and mentally, why wouldn’t you take advantage of that?

I’ve found I’m planning events for next year but there are so many gorgeous places I want to see including hiking so any recommendations are gratefully received.

Are you like me and like to be outdoors?

Why not try it? Get outside and explore – you never know what beautiful places you might find, what adventures await and you’ll get an added dose of Vitamin D to top it all off!

Category: Events, Running

I Move London Relay

Have you heard of the event I Move London Relay? If not then I urge you to check it out.

What is it? Well it is more than an event, it is a movement and whilst you take part as a participant in either a 5km or 10km stage with a participant tshirt and receive a medal, it is so much more than just a running event! This is an event running for 30 consecutive days and nights aiming to cover 4,000 miles by 2,500 runners. The runners are starting and finishing every stage passing the baton (named Rod) to the next person. Once complete a Guinness World Record attempt will be successful.

Don’t drop the baton! I mean seriously don’t as that would mean the world record attempt is not valid. And yes running with the baton is somewhat terrifying. The pressure of knowing you cannot drop or put this thing down means you run the full stage gripping this with all your might.

I was lucky enough to be invited to be involved in this by the awesome Danny Bent who is the brains behind this – if you know him or have met him you will know this man has an infectious energy and if anyone could pull this off it would be him. I’ve taken part in the promo video and photo shoot and met some wonderfully amazing people who have all been as inspired as I am by this epic event.

The event is powered by ASICS for three amazing charities:

Money raised will be essential funds to help combat gang culture, homelessness and mental health.

The event started 29 June and is running until 29 July – which is great news as it means you still have 10 days to get involved and be part of this amazing movement.

I ran the opening 5k stage on 29 June with my husband and friend (in addition to a lot of simply brilliant people) and then a 10k stage on 7 July with a friend, which coincided with Pride and England winning a game in the World Cup.

The atmosphere running along the river and across Westminster and Tower Bridge is second to none with absolute strangers cheering you on.

What are you waiting for? Together we move London!

My race entry was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Category: Events, Running

Spitfire Scramble and packing for an endurance running event

At the weekend I took part for the third year in a row in the Spitfire Scramble 24 hour relay run.

I’ve written a post about this event before which you can read here. It is basically a running event that you can do as a solo or in a team of up to 8 members over a 24 hour period completing laps of just under 10km.

Having done it previously I knew in advance what I needed and what I’d packed before and never needed in the hope of getting it just right this year.

You can tell the people who do events like this regularly as the set up is like a military operation with clothes lines, grills, food tents and even their own personal sports therapists.

Now the event is a five minute drive from my house so it always feels slightly odd packing for camping when so close to home. This inevitably ends up including a lot more than you intend to take, when I could easily go back and forth to a comfortable bed, a proper toilet and shower (it’s seriously tempting)! But that would not be in the spirit of the event and so here is a little list of items I would class as essential going into an event like this (it’s a car full – couldn’t even fit the dog in!):

Camping – tent, blow up mattress (inexpensive and definitely worth it rather than sleeping on the floor), sleeping bag, pillows, fold up chairs.

Medical – rock tape, scissors, ibruprofen, pro plus, Imodium, piriteze (or any other form of antihistamines), salt tabs, blister plasters, ice/heat packs.

Clothing – I prefer a fresh change of clothes for each lap (this year I wore the same for 3 laps and I have terrible chaffing – sorry I realise this is tmi), visor, trainers (check the terrain), number belt, running belt, jacket (you may walk and night laps can get chilly), sports bras, spare socks, compression calf sleeves (if you use these), waterproof layers (check the weather).

Electricals – running watch, headtorch (mandatory for laps after 8pm), spare batteries, phone charger, battery pack, camping kettle.

Toiletries – towel, toothbrush and paste, brush, dry shampoo, deodorant, baby wipes, spare toilet roll (nothing worse than the porta loos after a weekend of campers and runners and potentially no tissue!), dry shower, antibacterial gel, jungle spray (there are so many bugs).

Food and drink – electrolytes, water (though there should be a supply), snacks, porridge pots, bananas, soreen, breakfast biscuits, there are usually vans selling food – we had jacket potatoes/pasta/pizza/burgers/noodles on offer here though I prefer to stick to what I would usually eat though food and drink will be totally personal preference, tea bags, coffee, milk.

Other – foam roller, money, lighter or matches, citronella candles, cool box, water bottle, black bags, bowls/plates/cutlery.

You’re probably reading the above thinking wow that’s a lot – it is a lot but better to be prepared and set up camp and have everything you need so there is no added stress!

Category: Running

Can’t Run, Want to Run

For anyone that knows me they will not be surprised to hear that I am not the best runner. I have blogged about this before and about being in a running funk and it is happening again. I want to run, I am just not that good at it.Some people glide along all smiles as they run and others, like me, huff and puff whilst being completely red in the face and wiping sweat from my top lip, forehead, out of my eyes – I mean pretty much sweat everywhere.I do know, however, that this should not be a surprise to me as I have put my cycling and strength training to the forefront this year and so I have absolutely no consistency when it comes to my running and so should not be surprised that when I run 2 or 3 miles I am struggling.Plus the heat! Oh my god the heat – I don’t want to be that typical person who moans about terrible weather and then moans about the heat but wow it makes it much harder (for me anyway).At the end of last year/beginning of this year I followed a run/walk plan to strengthen a knee injury and worked my way up to two half marathons that I completed – albeit not speedy but I got them done. I am wondering whether I should go back to this run/walk method until I feel better with the running?I was looking online for hints and tips about how to get out of a running funk and found a lot to comment on the following:

consistency is key – I need to work running into my plan and stick to it
different routes – I found a lot of websites saying that changing up routes can help so will try this as I have a go to selection of routes so change is as good as a rest
run time based – rather than go out thinking I have to do a certain mileage just go out to run for a certain amount of time
slow it down – run at a comfortable pace and don’t worry if you need some walking breaks and don’t be afraid of going slow instead be afraid of not trying at all – I’ve been told several times before that I run at the same speed regardless of distance or type of run and that running slow is fine
short runs are ok – not every run has to be a minimum mileage
change the scenery – I have hit the trails recently and enjoyed that much more than running on pavement
never ever judge a run by the its first mile – I often start out and think wow I can’t do this then settle into a rhythm of sorts
lose the tech – don’t spend your run checking your watch for time/distance/pace – I did this earlier in the year and it definitely worked for me
rest days – I am terrible at having enough rest and I am told a million times by everyone but I think that I really need to listen now and change that
mental game – another area I lack in is the mental aspect – I give in too easily when running
breathing – I recently read a piece by the awesome Bethan over at A Pretty Place to Play that was linking yoga and breathing to running and I am so interested in exploring this more as I often find its not my legs but the breathing that beats me
trust the process – calm down, don’t worry, don’t hurry and just run – some inspo for this has been coming from the amazing Corey over at Learning Patience as she has been recovering from an injury and getting back into running always with her trademark smile!

To be fair this couldn’t come at a worse time as I have some longer obstacle runs in a couple of months and this weekend I am part of a group of awesome ladies doing the Spitfire Scramble 24 hour relay run. Thankfully we are happy to live up to our team name, Scrambled Legs, and between us are carrying some injuries so happy to do this for fun.I am grateful to those that run with me particularly my friend Emma who is miles quicker than me but very patient and lets me be grumpy and rant and moan – she must be a sucker for punishment ha!Fingers crossed for me! Time to reset on my running – any tips you have feel free to share x

Category: Events, Running

Colour Run

At the weekend I headed to Wembley for The Colour Run. I was taking part in this with my friend Emma and looking forward to being covered in dye and having fun for the second weekend in a row.We turned up and there were huge crowds of people all in the same white Colour Run tshirt that you are given as part of your race pack ready to get stuck in to some colourful fun. The atmosphere was great and there was music and a huge stand by F45 Training getting people warmed up and in the mood showing what they are about – I have never been to once of these gyms but seen great reviews and results from others.

There were people giving away Protein Balls – these are a firm favourite with me – if you have not tried them then do check them out!So with our tshirts on, metallic gold lightning bolt tattoo applied, glitter applied and sweatband positioned we were ready for the off. I was slightly confused here as you left under a start sign but it wasn’t actually the start, it was a walk out of the event village and then round to another part outside of Wembley stadium where the crowd were being given a warm up, completing a Mexican wave and as they controlled the numbers starting, you were let off in batches under the real start – in our wave we sang happy birthday to a young girl.This year was the hero tour and so there were a lot of people running in superhero capes and especially the kids seemed super excited about this!There is a huge mix of ages and abilities taking part and it is sold as the happiest 5k on the planet. On the website it says:

WHAT IS THE COLOR RUN?

The Color Run, also known as the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”, is a unique colour fun run that celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality. It was also extremely hot! Being so hot, for me at least, makes running seem very tough but this is not a run designed for PBs or a race.In addition to the dye stations there was also a foam station and this was amazing as it completely cooled me down – not for long but was so welcome!I did find it hard to navigate around people as it was very crowded and although the vibe from everyone is fab the run does take place on an industrial estate so it is not the most inspiring of landscapes.I wouldn’t normally think you would need a water station on a 5k, however, with the weather being as hot as it was I think it would have been a good idea especially as this could be someones first 5k, there are a young children, I saw quite a few people taking part with walking sticks and in the heat hydration is key!On the finish line was coconut water (I think I am the only person who doesn’t like this stuff) and a unicorn medal! Yes that’s right a unicorn medal – how awesome is that?It was also half a mile short and so my friend and I ran back to our car to make the mileage up to the 5k.The run finishes back the event village with a total party atmopshere – you are given another packet of dye as you finish and so the music starts, everyone is dancing and the whole crowd get involved with doing a mass dye throw – always makes for the best photos!After showering I have a rather fancy tie dye effect sports bra and my gold tattoo is still on my arm – secretly I don’t want it to come off!

My race entry was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Category: Events, Running

Run or Dye

I shared a post on my Instagram account at the weekend with the quote ‘Life is art, live yours in colour’ with this picture:

I spent Sunday morning at Penhurst Place for the Run or Dye event with my family and had an absolute blast!

The Run or Dye event is a fun run inspired by the ancient Hindu festival of Holi, known as the Festival of Colours. All participants are given a bag with a white tshirt, face tattoo and packet of brightly coloured dye. The dye used is 100% safe and made out of coloured cornstarch so completely natural and causes no harm to the skin or environment and is designed to wash out of clothes and hair – my sons girlfriend wore a white pair of trainers that actually look rather funky now and so does the baseball hat my son wore – almost don’t want to wash them!

The idea of wearing a white tshirt is to really show up all the colours of the dye. There are three distances on offer from 1km, 3.5km and 5km so really something for everyone in terms of ability and no pressure for times with fun being the key element. The event also supports the Kiss It Better appeal, which was started by Carmel Allen, whose daughter, Josephine, was treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital for neuroblastoma. The money raised by Kiss it Better goes towards paediatric cancer research at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

I was signed up with my husband, son and his girlfriend and it was really nice to get out to an event that would be suitable for all of us together. There is such a family feel to it and I am not sure in some cases who was more excited – the children or the adults!

There was a lot going on at the start with a rock choir, competitions, dance off’s, music and dancing, warm ups and lots of dye being thrown around. There are food and drink stalls not only for those taking part but also those who were there to cheer people on. Once in the start funnel there was more music, Mexican waves and more dye being thrown around so everyone was in a totally party mood and smiles all round right from the outset.

Penhurst Place is stunning and having attending the venues that Castle Triathlon use for their triathlons and Commando Series obstacle run I must say that I am always certain wherever an event is from these guys you are guaranteed a gorgeous venue so I knew this would be the same and it didn’t disappoint!

I also knew that it was fairly certain to be hilly and it was and in the heat it was tough! Seeing the foam station was so welcome and completely refreshing too – I am sure a lot of us spent a few more minutes in there than entirely necessary but it was so good.

There are dye stations at 5 intervals throughout the run and so you get covered in the dye more and more as you run and it just adds to the fun.

It is such a family orientated event and so good to see so many kids, parents and whole families taking part. It is rare that I do an event with my husband but even more so with my son and his girlfriend and so finishing together was great! We were all covered in different coloured dye and the party atmosphere continued at the finish with games involving the crowd and you guessed it – more dye!

My race entry was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Category: Cycling

Life of a Commuter/Don’t be a helmet

I have been commuting by bike to work now for a while and I am still really loving it, despite the fact that I started in the cold and wet winter months.

I am really enjoying the bike right now so this probably comes as no surprise that I am loving the opportunity to get some extra miles in by swapping the train for the bike. However, it is very different and I don’t think I was ready for just how different it would be from my usual cycling. I am used to cycling with my cycling club, Romford CC, and tri club, Havering Tri.

I cycle with a friend from my cycling club who has been commuting by bike for over 20 years so I am in good company! Plus hes a lovely man and if there is wind he is the perfect wind breaker (such a gentleman). The bulk of the journey is on the CS3 cycle path into London though this does run along a main road so not exactly a scenic route but does make it easy to follow and off the road too.

However, I have some gripes! There are cycle paths to make things easier for both cyclists and pedestrians so it is annoying when people choose to walk in the cycle path especially as there is an ample pathway right next to it. I have put a bell on my bike so I can alert people and have had people screaming at me to get off the path and that cycling on the path is illegal – its a cycle path and most definitely not illegal. I was taken off my bike the other week by someone telling what looked to be an animated story who then decided to jump on the cycle path and promptly send me flying. It was a complete accident on his part and I am fine (and my bike) but his initial reaction was to say I shouldn’t be there and he didn’t know it was a cycle path – it’s a shame its not painted bright blue with white bikes painted at intervals and signs to indicate what it is, oh no wait it is. Anyway these things happen.

The cycle path often has the most amount of litter, sand, gravel, glass – all sorts on it and I often find myself arriving covered in mud even when it’s been dry!

There are a million crossings so it is a very stop start journey, which is frustrating but par for the course – I am still using my cleats and sometimes I can understand why people opt for trainers instead.

There is a section that goes behind some trees at one point and you have to cycle between some bollards – this is my least favourite part of the route. I am always worried I will clip my handle bars on the bollards and it is a lonely little path there where no one can see you!

I’ve learned that my slow bike handling skills are terrible, in fact beyond terrible and I am not entirely convinced there is hope for me yet in this area but time will tell. Some of the crossings are almost at right angles and as the cycle path has a cement type curb acting as a lip I struggle getting round some without having to manual move my bike round – much to the amusement of my cycling buddy.

Cycling in London is not my favourite. There is too much going on – too many pedestrians, too many cars, too many cyclists and I would think you either have to be super confident or have more experience than me to be properly comfortable with navigating some of the roads.

Now whilst most of the cyclists are fine there are of course some that are not. Hence the title of this post don’t be a helmet. What do I mean by this? Well not just for commuting to be fair just in general – cyclists get a bad rep and there are some terrible cyclists for sure though there are also some terrible drivers but lets not tar everyone with the same brush.

Why would you not wear a helmet? Being a member of a cycling club we have a strict rule – no helmet, no ride. Speaking as someone who had an accident and my helmet saved my head I just don’t understand why anyone would not wear a helmet and actually think they should be a legal requirement. Yes its not the best look and there are better accessories but its not a fashion show rather a necessity. I am always so surprised to see people on my commute (and at other times) without a helmet on. And those little cycling caps? They won’t save your head either.

Light yourself up – be safe and be seen.

Headphones! Have a brain – don’t wear headphones whilst cycling it’s just plain dangerous. I won’t expand on this as I feel its self explanatory. If you have headphones in and cannot hear how is that safe?!

Red lights – red means stop! If you are riding on the road you have the same Highway Code rules as any other vehicle. When I first started commuting I would point this out to people who went through red lights but this was often met with some verbal abuse. There was a terrible accident outside my work last week where a cyclist went through the red light and was then hit by a van to be taken off in an ambulance. Think about the van driver too who has to deal with hitting someone through no fault of their own. It’s careless and dangerous.

Not all cyclists are bad I promise you!

I’m lucky I have great facilities at my office so I have secure locking for my bike and a locker room with really nice showers so this makes the commute really easy and actually no longer than the train journey I used to do. Plus if there are train delays or strikes – doesn’t effect me if I am going on my bike anyway.

Some people see commuting as junk miles though I have seen an improvement in my cycling fitness this year and I am sure the commuting miles contribute to that in some way.

Plus I am saving a bit of money by cycling instead of paying train fare everyday and its good for the planet too with zero pollution.

So here’s to many more commuting miles!