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I was on a self-imposed bike ban today so went for a stroll instead. 6 miles later I was ready for my tea. Back on the bike tomorrow.
Think you need to do more than just cycling and walking MrP.You might get a bit bored of the routine.Last two days I,ve managed weight training,dancing and some walking.I,ve noticed since starting this challenge I'm eating more and sleeping better.I was wondering whether hearing a bit more about the OP's friends life, might help us with motivation.Just a thought.Anyway, we've all battled on through the awful weather,so I think a big well done to everyone on here.Neil.
I kind of failed Friday. Was exhausted yesterday, haven't been sleeping well recently and that was last night too. But I've been on my feet all day, swimming and walking with my daughter so I'm counting that activity. Plus I feel everything stretched from recent workouts so I'm doubly ok with an easy but active day.
Mmkay?
Half an hours yoga might be of some help Jimmy.Seemed to loosen me up and energise me!I really could do with finding a class somewhere.
It's good to mix it up, and I find myself planning the week around what I can fit in...
Fixie sprint yesterday... 8k run today.. Gym tomorrow.. Mtb tues amd wed.. Then gym Thurs..
Got the kids at the weekend, so might take them for a big or something!
DrP
Mac?
Think you need to do more than just cycling and walking MrP
Don't worry about me Monkey. Next week will be swimming, surfing and hopefully a bit of SUP if the hire place is still open on the beach in Portugal. Heck, if Friday night's date goes well I might even get some sex!
The Strava leaderboard seems to be on the Fritz.
Anyway still plugging away. Sunday's ride was fun steep stuff 10.5km with 650m of climbing (and descent). Could have gone for a few more laps but mate was goosed.
It's showing in the scale 0.9kg gone last week.
I’ve been suffering with a touch of man flu so have not been doing anything cardio but have spent the weekend helping a neighbor remove all of the pan-tiles from their roof. Woken upthis morning, feeling like I’ve gone 12 rounds!! Man flu not too bad so hopefully get a bike ride in later. The lad is still bouncing and hooping, says he has more energy, I’ve noticed him to have been much calmer and anything that gets him outside and away from a screen really is a positive.
All this talk of weight loss... I seem to be gaining weight 😀
But it kinda has been my goal to 'beef up' a bit over the past year.... All that gym work and 'roids* etc I guess..
DrP
*hemorrhoids... That's what it means, right....
Went OTB on my Friday night MTB ride so had the weekend off as v sore, hope to get back on the bike today and make up the two days in due course. Shame was doing alright too with a ride/exercise everyday.
Last night's exercise was grim - we'd come back from a weekend away, after a four and a half hour drive, arriving back at 8.30 and I was planning on having tea then going out while my wife had a shower. She decided she wanted to shower then have tea so I trudged off on the bike in the cold and the dark on a very empty stomach. And it was fine. Then today I've done 30 miles on the gravel bike to kick the week off and it was lovely and sunny and a little chilly and autumnal.
Monkeycmonkeydo - you time your request for more information about Chris well. The challenge got a bit more serious for me on Friday as we entered the Strathpuffer again, so this is now training. 24 hours round a wood in January north of Inverness. Previously when I've done this it's been to raise money for Mountain Rescue. Over the years we've raised £30,000 for Glencoe Mountain Rescue team - they were the team that recovered Chris after the avalanche.
Chris and I went to uni together. In my first year he got me into racing short course events, then we entered what became the Puffer Lite as a pair on a bit of a whim. We won it and over the next three years we raced together and won medals at 10 Under the Ben, 10 At Kirroughtree, Relentless and we also won the first Hit the North.
Chris was very kind and welcoming, with a very deadpan sense of humour. He was the first of my friends I told about my wife and I getting engaged, and my wife has always said he should have been an usher or my best man at our wedding. He was exceptionally smart, going on from his MSc in maths to a PhD in ocean currents at the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban. As I got fat and slow after I graduated he got fitter and faster, competing in the Celtman triathlon (202k bike, 3.2k swim and 42k run over two munros) and getting a bit cheesed off with me when we finished 7th at 10 at Kirroughtree! Chris started this challenge and was so humble that I didn't even hear about it until after his death. He devoted a lot of his life to training - I remember turbo training sessions in his uni bedroom with two people blasting away on a turbo each with another two club members yelling encouragement, timing and pointing desk fans at them. He threw just as much effort into partying and having a good time though - I remember destroying a set of speakers at one of his house parties, for which he has a special coloured lightbulb. He was also amazing at gnadgery switchbacks and one handed wheelies.
Chris, who was from Lancashire, loved being in the Highlands. He died one week before the 2013 Strathpuffer in an avalanche in Glencoe. He was showing around a group of four friends on a popular and well known route and they got unlucky. He was 24. It left our group of cycling friends devastated, although his funeral turned into a big fun party. Along with Chris, three of the party also died.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-21115428
The response from STW at the time was incredible.
https://singletrackmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/chris-bell-racing-at-strathpuffer/
Which brings me round to this year's Puffer. I've done it three times in memory of Chris to raise money for Glencoe MRT but this year we're raising money for a different cause. The wife of one my team mates died recently and he's asked that we raise some money for St Michael's Hospice who cared for her. If anyone has a few quid spare then please feel free to chuck something in the kitty.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48820062092_a3a96df582_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48820062092_a3a96df582_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2ho4zAu ]622812_10100362921115340_2321260_o[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
Oh, and he set up the excellent website https://scenicpees.com/, which I now run.
nt80085- missing days for injury or illness is a sensible thing to do. Hope you're feeling better.
Sounds like Chris was a top bloke and the kind of mate we all like to have or, even better that we are or become.
I'm so pleased that you posted about this 100 day challenge. I needed a reason to ride again. I rode 192 days consecutively last year and nearly killed myself in the process as I put in some pretty epic efforts. I lost 2.5 st and felt great, until I didnt. Then my riding fell off a cliff along with my fitness and I've put 3.5 st on.
So we're 2 weeks into this and I'm really enjoying it. Ive even bought an old turbo out of retirement and I'm doing my sessions on that when the weathers as dog as it is tonight. Whats more my mental health is improving too. I actually feel my mood lift as I'm riding. Physical health, mental health, its a win win for me.
Excellent news naffa, glad you're feeling better!
The lederhosen (it was meant to say leaderboard but that is such a good autocorrect I'm leaving it!) seems to be only showing cycling and running again 🤷♂️
Hey ho.. I guess I'll keep my cardio and gym work to myself!
DrP
I've failed in the attempt. I've not done anything since last Thursday. My knee has been playing up and life got in the way over the weekend.
Although I won't be chasing the 100 days I am planning time in to my week to get outside and do some exercise regardless of the weather.
Mister P - it's showing a couple of workouts, hikes and rows by other people for me, I think people are just doing mostly riding and running!
Dr P - It shows workouts, hikes etc in the recent activity, but it doesn't include that time on the leader board (just swim / bike / run).
A good job really - because with 9 hours hiking alone last week I would have knocked you off the 3rd position 😉
But I'm not bitter... 😋😘
I had no choice but to run in the rain earlier, if I wasn’t doing this challenge I’d never have got off the sofa and gone out. I had a great run and even though it hammered down it didn’t matter.
Well that was a bit of commuting for me this morning... Then a nice 12ish km run tonight as me and a pal couldn't be arsed getting muddy out on the downs!
Sheesh... Running is hard isn't it!
DrP
Half an hour of yoga will have to do for me.You lot must be knackered or super fit.Hopefully get out on my bike tomorrow.I,m taking it really easy because Christmas is a long way of.Pace yourself guys.
I dont suppose a challenge like this is a good time to start running.Injury would ruin the challenge.
Well I'm in a nice routine and the 6-7km on the treadmill is getting easier. Wedding next weekend and Mrs 100th has decided I can run over to meet her at her hair appointment. That'll be 15km, after a curry and beer.
My weight loss is greatly helped by tracked and lowered calorie intake. It's helping push the exercise as that buys me more calories. Means I can have a scoff but have to use them up.
I've done nothing about this despite being inspired by it. It has led to me buying some running shoes and last night I did my first run in about 30 years. 30 mins and 5km of running with a bit of walking. I won't be running today but hopefully legs will have recovered enough to cope with a bike ride tomorrow night.
Bit chilly out this morning. Milton Keynes is actually quite pleasant before people get up.
[strava spy]How are you finding the 20ish mile commuting on a day to day basis?[/strava spy]
I did it for 3 days on the trot a few weeks ago and started to get tired/bored by day 3... Thankfully that was only a 3 day course, but if i had that commute daily, I think i’d Plan it 3 days a week, max, tbh...
DrP
I've got into a rhythm of 20 mile-ish commutes, one way, similar to Mr P. I do a different route each day of the week and that livens things up a lot.
Last year I did 17 miles back and forth, home on Monday, in and back on Tuesday, in on Wednesday, home on Thursday, in on Friday. That worked OK, but it was on a quiet cycle route and I'd only see a couple of other people so I could really drop the hammer and use it as training which made it more bearable.
I've reached the "endlessly hungry" stage already, and my weight has dropped a tiny bit but I've started to gain some tone so I'm content to stuff my face!
Gym, Wattbike,walk,gym so far this week, going to actually try to get on a pedal bike soon.
Raining after work tonight and I fancied a walk not the trainer. Worked out well as on my way back and just at the top of the street I found £20. Bullseye!
Anybody starting to tire.I dont know if it's the weather or old age but I,m struggling.I really must have a careful think about my food intake.
^ I was just about to post something similar.
For those of us new to this I think that the initial 'novelty' is wearing off... but I'm still determined and I know that I'll be glad in the long run.
It is making me think of ways to include exercise into my life, rather than seeing it as an extra thing to do. Cycling the 10 mile round trip to the supermarket with my BOB instead of using the car, nipping out for a lunch run at work and doing 'exploring' bike rides rather than pushing the speed / miles are all helping. I'm also including one yoga or pilates session a week to break things up.
On the plus side I've lost a couple of lbs and must be toning up as my jeans fit better. I also like feeling physically tired at night, but I am trying to listen to my body and keeping things short when I need to. As always the hardest bit is getting out of the door, once I'm started its generally better than I expected!
Like the OP I lost a friend a few years ago, she was also doing the thing she loved, so at the end of the day I'm grateful that I still can go for a cold, wet, tired run... even if I don't realize it at the time 👍
Doh... phone double post randomness
I've managed today but only just. Got a few days off work but I needed to put some money in the bank. Instead of driving right to the bank I parked down the high street, went to the bank and then continued walking. It was then I realised what a dump West Bromwich town centre is. I'll walk a different way next time or ride there and head into Sandwell Valley.
I'm still going... Got the kids this weekend which will make any 'focused' exercise a challenge... Might have to resort to pull ups and kettle bells at home in the evening again!
I'm still feeling strong... Legs ache at times, but hey ho...
I guess a challenge will be actually taking it easy before races etc... I've the New Forest xc next Sunday. Prob get in a small jog for an hour or so on the Saturday...
Keep it up peeps!
DrP..
(clearly NOT losing weight cos I'm clearly NOT doing stoptober... More an early GOvember!)
We’re both still at it, I’m starting to feel it, mostly heavy legs but as soon as I start riding I’m feeling much stronger. Regular stretching and using the foam roller is working to keeping me pedalling. Definitely need an easy day every 3-4 days. The lad continues to impress with his dogged determination to do at least 30 minutes every day, has said that he would like a gym membership with his school friends which could be a fitting reward for completing this challenge. Finding this a real motivation, there have been a few days that without this challenge I wouldn’t have gone out.
Yep, I'm starting to tire. I'd recommend that you do some easier exercise over the weekend- I'm off mtbing but I'm going to park myself at the back of the group and spin away, then on Sunday I'll probably limit myself to a walk.
I'd also suggest having a lie in if you can, it'll really help you feel better.
Now is the time to start getting smart and mixing in some gentler stuff to make sure you last the whole challenge.
DrP - my usual routine is 6 of my 10 commutes by bike. I drive into work on Monday morning, drive home Weds night, drive back to work Thurs morning and drive home Friday night. I see my daughter on Weds night so no time for riding. However she was away so I rode more than usual and have to admit it was hard work. It felt like all I did was ride, eat and sleep. I forget that I'm not a young man anymore and recovery takes longer than it used to. I'm looking forward to not riding at all next week if I'm honest.
Started this a week late with the intention of going to the end of the year. Going ok so far, and it’s a good motivator to get out, when for a lot of this year I haven’t made it.
Had a couple of days of 30 mins yoga, and I’m counting my 35minute bike commute when I can squeeze it in.
Al,are you doing your own thing,using a DVD or going to classes?Neil.
I tend to search YouTube for “yoga for cyclists” or “yoga for runners” or “yoga for lower back” (my biggest weakness) and pick a video over 30 minutes. I’ve got a few go to ones now that I know are good, some are hard, some quite relaxing but it all counts!
Yeh,I should go for one of them lower back videos.
For yoga I've always used Abi Carver on YouTube but they're mostly 15mins. Used NTC last night which has 30+ min sessions.
This constantly dark wet gloomy weather isn't making the challenge any easier. Still,weight training yesterday and probably yoga today.Really must start swimming again.
When i saw this challenge, the first thing I considered was how difficult it will be to go out on the bike on a cold wet and windy night in November but then thought that’s what this challenge is all about. The old saying “no pain, no gain” is spot on. This morning at the amazement of our family over for the weekend I dug out the gortex boots and jacket and went out for 2 hours in the pouring rain. It was great, and was reassured to see some other cyclists and a few dog walkers enjoying the weather. Now home, eaten last nights leftover curry, beer in hand looking forward to an afternoon of footy. Happy days!
The challenge is definitely about getting you out when normally you wouldn't - and you'll find it's never as bad as you think.
How was everyone's weekend at it? On Saturday I had a really nice spin around Glentress with some friends for a birthday, but despite taking it easy was still pretty tired. Then on Sunday I spent the whole afternoon sanding the woodwork in our spare bedroom and was so exhausted I was tempted to count that, but my wife persuaded me to go out for a walk with her and I felt better for it.
Here's my mate Rosie showing that exercise can definitely be fun!
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48858097831_89578526a2_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48858097831_89578526a2_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2hrqwi6 ]LRM_EXPORT_1651333736376_20191005_181555879[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/183377889@N06/ ]Luke Bradley[/url], on Flickr
Well I failed at the challenge, the first 10 days were fine, but the Thursday of week 2 I was wrecked, not from this just stressed from work/kids/life and couldn't get myself into exercise at all. Got back on it on the Sunday though with a bodyweight session. On holiday last week and spent lots of time every day walking and playing with the kids - also did body weight exercise sessions and yoga on a couple of mornings, recovery was much easier with a hot tub to soak in!
Back home Friday to a disaster though, nothing done over the weekend, proper winter training starts tomorrow though with a FTP test, I accept that the challenge has gone, but I'm going to do my best to keep it going until Christmas now. The rewarding feeling of having done something active in the day definitely helps boost my mood before bed.
It was going so well. In my last update on Friday i commented on feeling under the weather, little did i know what was to follow. Without being too graphic ive become rather well acquainted with the upstairs and downstairs toilets since Friday night until today. 5lbs lighter and feeling a good bit better i might get out on the onza for a quick ride tonight. Hopefully ill be able to get back into the challenge without interruption this time.
momo,why dont you extend the challenge to the new year.A number of late starters are doing that.Perhaps naffa you could do the same.I think we all need to remember this is a marathon not a sprint.I,ve started slowly and intend to get slower.A couple of my days have consisted of brisk walks and dancing!AND I,M STILL TIRED.In my case,however,its more down to poor sleep patterns,diet,lack of initial fitness and mood disorder.I will battle on.
Today was the toughest. Managed the 30minutes on rollers. Shit night's sleep, rubbish day at work and then a meeting. Felt heavy but better for doing it.
^ perhaps a days stretching and rollering would help and give you a rest.
Yeah I have much easier days. But I was just fatigued today. 7km run tomorrow followed by a frickin' cold shower (still no hot water in the male changing room). That'll wake me right up.
I've been keeping up with it more or less.
The garage gym has been getting increasing use as the weather gets wetter. I can work up a ridiculous sweat in half an hour on the running machine and 'er indoors is getting into the whole idea.
She had a eureka moment the other night when she suddenly went "hang on, I spent 250 quid for a year's gym membership last year, and all the kit in the garage has cost less than half that! And I don't have to drive anywhere!"
So I quietly suggested that a (used) rowing machine and maybe a smart turbo could also be worthwhile investments. The ideas were not shot down.
We do need to find some rubber flooring, I have a square bit under the punchbag but the noise from the running machine definitely carries through into the house making it less viable for use later at night...
Yeh,need to consider noise and neighbours myself.The Joy's of living in a newish build.Anyway,yesterday was cycling along the river tees,today perhaps some weight training and stretching.I have been wishing we started this challenge in June.Autumn has not been pleasant so far round here.
Monkeycmonkeydo- I think that is why Chris started doing it now, to keep the work on whilst getting through the time of year when you want to start hibernating.
I had to get up at 5.45 yesterday to fit in my half hour before catching the train to a meeting in England. Then I was overnight down here at my parent's so I was struggling for ideas of what to do today.
I ended up going for a walk with my dad, who has turned out to be a reasonable inspiration for the challenge. He had a triple heart bypass in mid September and has been told to walk on the level every day to get his fitness going. He's walked every day for 3 miles and the improvement has been massive. He's pretty slow up his hill but he has had his sternum broken and a new blood pipe put in his heart from his leg!
My input, 3.5 weeks in. Thought I'd join in, and the motivation of this challenge has really helped me - I feel driven and productive, and am fitting in more than I thought I could. I have missed one day due to lack of time but have managed to fit something in every day apart from that one. Busy schedule makes it difficult and I'm often quite tired but feeling strong and seeing the benefits already!
"Tapering" today/tomorrow with some indoor stretching and bodyweight work before 2 days of rainy DH action at BPW this weekend...
Also failing here 😔 boady is feeling the strain, all sorts of aches and pains. Going to try to keep active though even if it is just a walk.
I missed a day, Tuesday, was just too tired and the day squeezed that it was nearly 10pm before I could do anything. By which point I fell into bed.
Played football last night for the first time in maybe 2 years, though. Oof!
Struggled yesterday... 😕
Having diarrhoea for 11 days straight now has really drained me...
Got a race this weekend, and wanted to reserve what energy I had for that...
Commuted about 20 miles today.. But took it easy...
Meh...
DrP
If I tried football Jimmy my challenge would be over!Dr P would also have a new patient.Why dont you all try my idea of starting slow and getting slower.Works for me.
I've been feeling good this week, I know there will still be bad patches, but I think I'm beginning to see the fitness benefits. Managed my first good, proper, long run which I actually did for enjoyment rather than the 30 minute minimum I have been doing.
I've also been travelling for work, so had to resort to my fall back pilates DVD one evening, up for an early morning swim today. Next week might be a bit of a challenge as I have 3 days away with a supplier. Usually long days with lots of hospitality... but I'm actually looking forward to having to make a bit of time for a run in the evening. 😀
1/4 of the way there 👍
Still on track. Wednesday was a very gentle hour as I set up the smart turbo, (anyone wanna buy some rollers?).
Tomorrow and Sunday are the challenge. At a mates wedding. Sunday especially as I need to leave early to get to Edinburgh to watch the rugby. Peebles might witness the world's slowest 30 slog (slow jog).
Tough today 11.5km Peebles to inners. Should have had breakfast but last night's curry powered most of the run.
Well done,sounds exhausting to a non runner.For me,a hundred minutes cycling yesterday and weight training today.Managed 10.5 hours sleep last night which is unusual for me.I also seem to be stuffing my face constantly.Even my easy regime leaves me wondering if my body will make it to Christmas.Neil.
Well done to you all so far.... the weather has been awful recently down here in the south. YouTube search cyclist yoga, it has been great for when the weather isn’t great.
Do any of you find a couple of hours cycling in Autumn much more knackering than in summer?I seem to.Unless,of course,its just tiredness kicking in.Could be cycling into strong winds that doesn't help.
The wind has certainly made it hard work this week especially when out on the road bike. I’m starting to feel aching all of the time and I’m having to stretch and use the foam roller almost every day now to keep me going. The lad is still right on this, still bouncing and hooping but has spent this afternoon playing footie with his mates, as well as a couple of loops of the woods after school I’m really pleased he’s showing a commitment to this challenge, can’t feed him enough!! It’s good to read how everyone else is finding it and knowing others are finding it tough is reassuring as well as spurring me on. Keep going folks.
It is harder in winter. You burn more calories when it's cold, trying to stay warm, there's a head wind that's stronger and often there's wetness whipping heat from your body.
I had a weekend bike touring in the Cairngorms so am all caught up. I'm eating like a pig, it's great.
This morning's post wedding run was slow and I think the Orcadian strip the willow has buckled my knee. It's certainly a bit puffy. Easy turbo tomorrow.
I'd count a ceilidh as exercise to be honest. It's certainly the sweatiest thing I do.
What is Orchadian strip the Willow?Is gardening now included in the challenge?
It's a no holds barred proper ceilidh dance. Bruising is considered a standard reaction.
Stonking cold + weather means ive been nowhere near exercising every day, there was a week where I only commuted by bike once!
Not doing so badly now, last week was good but skipped Friday as I was in bed by 8! Saturday afternoon was spent doing gardening, dug out two big leylandaii stumps. Sunday morning clubrun followed by a third leylandaii stump has utterly done for my hamstrings and back muscles though! So will either get the rollers out for a spin or look up some of this yoga tonight.
Weight training yesterday,cycling today.I,ve been eating alot and sleeping better.A couple of dry windless weeks would be a pleasant change.My main challenge is psychological....motivation is a challenge for me.A month in I,m determined to finish and not feel like a failure.Easy day tomorrow after my flu jag.
jimmy
Subscriber
I missed a day, Tuesday, was just too tired and the day squeezed that it was nearly 10pm before I could do anything
Tuesday seems to be my grind to a halt day, same last night. Actually felt fluey and achey so rested. Rather that than break myself for the remainder. Weekend of cycling and beer coming up too.
TINAS - was gardening on Saturday and my watch beeped at me loads for reaching my goal x1 X2 X3 so planned evening exercise got canned (beer canned)
So far so good, doing it with my wife and she's saved the day on more than one occasion (making me do a yoga session at 23:15 was ever so welcome).
Mixture of running, cycling, turbo, walks, yoga and circuit training.
I'll check in next month.
Still haven't had a day of bad enough weather for me to start learning yoga - it'll happen at some point though.
I can't blame people for having had the odd day off. I'm really impressed at everyone who's kept it going though, well done!
Still ticking them off old knee problem strapped so it's been turbo all week. Hoping to get an outdoor ride tomorrow followed by at trip to thornielee Sunday. Saturday probably back on the turbo.
Too stubborn to stop.
Still going, it's been a week of sufferfest. But I'm quite enjoying it. Tomorrow it's thornielee for some steep fun.