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Anybody else had a bit of a dip ine month in?This week has been a struggle.It may be because I,ve seen a former "Loise" in my life!That and the weather has knocked me a bit.Time to MTFU me thinks.
Have we all died?
Still going well although struggled on Saturday with travelling to Wales and going to the football on route in The midlands. Landed at Hermon Bach at about 10 pm and had to settle with walking the dog up a big hill in the dark. Yesterday was spent walking in the forest and down to CdB visitor centre to plan the weeks riding with the kids. We’re staying about 200m from the halfway cafe so have access to the trails from the door and the kids can’t wait to get there!! Hope to get up Cadir Idris if we get a day with a decent weather forecast so all is good.
I failed. Am gutted to be honest 😔
Was going well and feeling the benefits, then last week I was travelling abroad for work, with my boss and visiting suppliers. Early flights, moving hotel rooms daily, late hospitality... it opened my eyes as to how much these work trips take over your life while you are away. I feel a bit annoyed with myself that I didn't make time, I think a big part of it was 'not wanting to make a fuss' or to having to explain why I wanted an hour to myself. But I wish I had - feeling really sluggish and unhealthy when I got home.
I will continue, but I probably need a new goal to keep me going. It's my birthday at the end of Jan, so maybe I'll look at using that as a target.
Well done everyone who is keeping it up. I'll be a bit more prepared next year.
Still going. Finding it a boost. Didn't get as much done last week as I wanted and this week will be a drag but dog walk when I get home from work then probably hit the turbos again. Would much rather ride outside but it's not a good idea, at least for this week.
Still on it, had a dip to be honest Saturday came down with a 24hr vomiting bug!!!! But back on it today just feeling weak, can I be let off Saturday for being sick 🤢
Commiserations to anyone who's dropping a bit on this - Don't beat yourself up, start a new streak.
I'm trying to do every day sept - dec which so far is on track, niggling Achilles injury and saddle sores have seen a lot more yoga than usual for me (i.e. more than none) and after a week racing across the Pyrenees it has taken some motivation to keep on it for the last week or so, but am coming out of the other side of the tiredness hole and still on track.
Good luck to all still going and those who've dropped a day or two, it's a great habit to build even with gaps.
I'd definitely not consider it failing - it's a voluntary, light hearted challenge. The real aim is to get you doing more than you would normally, and I think that everyone posting has achieved that. If you had a few days off and still want to do it, just keep going til Christmas.
I've realised (agian) that I just bloody love riding my bike. I've only had one day off the bike each week for the last couple of weeks and I'm not getting bored of it. I have some hard days (I had a bit of time trial this morning) and some gentler days to recover and it seems to be working.
Yesterday we lifted 1.5tonnes of topsoil up a flight of stairs and I counted that. It was tough.
As I said right at the beginning of this challenge, I used to commute every day, one way I used to treat as a time trial and go as hard as I could followed by an easy spin. That coupled with riding with the kids on Saturday and club run on Sunday meant I rode a bike almost every day. Since losing my job this has slowly declined and this challenge was just the push I needed to get back at it and I can honestly say that I’m feeling so much better both in body and mind. I’m feeling fitter and stronger, much better appetite and sleep. The lad has also kept it up every day and although I made fun of his bouncing and hooping he has also felt a benefit. Today we did the blue route at CdB twice, once this morning and again in the afternoon and I noticed how much stronger on the uphills he was. In the grand scheme of things, half an hour’s exercise each day is within the scope of most people and the benefit is well worth the effort. My goal is to continue this for the foreseeable simply because I know it’s doing me the world of good.
I failed last week. Came down with humdinger of a cold so missed about 4 days, then had a weekend away at relatives which meant lots of driving etc.
And I missed adding a few non-recorded activities to strava.
Working away so only a walk tomorrow before a long train journey home.
Back on it Wednesday. Shows how hard it is to actually do it every day.
Seems to be alot of cold around.My mates are all suffering.MUST AVOID.
One thing I've found invaluable in dodging colds is this stuff. I use it whenever I get a hint that I'm getting a cold and it's worked almost every time. When I haven't used it I've gone down with something. It certainly helps at this time of year regardless of whether you're doing the challenge or not.
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/267308562
So I must hang my head in shame and admit defeat. I’ve been unable to do any activity for the last two days. I work a twelve hour shift and due to work load over the past two days I haven’t been able to take my lunch hour. I’ll pick back up today- great work to all of you that haven’t skipped a day yet!
Those shifts count in my book beaker.Sounds bloody tough and puts half an hours exercise in the shade.
Today was just Pilates. First non cardio day. Hoping to get a good ride tomorrow.
Heavy rain tomorrow dude,might not be pleasant.
Decided to come to Lake District for a few days with kids so hiked up Loughrigg this morning, pony trekking tomorrow and a whizz up Whinlatter 🚲 tomorrow night... anyone in Keswick want to join me please feel free 👍
yeah just spotted that longer ride might have to wait until sunday. it'll be sufferfest again tomorrow.
Alas I have totally fell off the wagon. Felt a bit weary and run down, general manflu like symptoms. Turns out my blood pressure has sky rocketed. Currently trying to sort it out but the challenge has fell by the wayside. Hopefully get back on track though, just need to introduce something a bit more low-key.
Looks like today might be my first failure. Was all set to head out on the MTB this evening when, alas, call from the wife and her car had broken down. So I've had to go and rescue the kids. Will try and do some sit ups and press ups when I finally get them to bed... but first Fifa 19 🙂
Tp,as you rescued the wife,aren't you owed half an hour of rough sex?I,m single by the way.
but first Fifa 19 🙂
I think you're the first person who's missed a day I've no sympathy for - if you've time to sit playing a computer game where imaginary people exercise, you've got time to do exercise!
Speaking of time, I've realised part of my problem with this year's challenge and how tired I've been feeling is my tardiness. A lot of mine is cycling a long, long way to work (direct is 4 miles, I go at least 13 and up to 30). I keep thinking "tomorrow I'll take it steady" but then set off a bit too late and have to hoon it to get there in time. Weekend of decorating ahead so I'll sneak in two properly gentle half hour rides to recover.
Travelled back from Wales today and wasn’t looking forward to going out. I charged my lights yesterday and just got back from an hour out on the road bike. The challenge is now going to be even tougher for me, getting out in the dark after a day at work has always been hard, going to need some extra motivation if its wet!!
Munrobiker Fifa 19 was with my lad before his bedtime, he doesn't handle change of routines well so was a bit anxious after being stranded in the car. But yes I did fail, tried to work up the enthusiasm for press ups but the sight of my mtb equipment already to go knocked the wind out of my sails.
Monkeycmonkeydo 1/2hour of sex. Jesus those days are long gone 🙂 a couple of minutes and an embarrassed apology is a good showing.
Thursday was a long day....
Been back on it since, blooming knackered at the moment though.
Struggling a bit with a mild chest infection.Mainly just walking and stretching,plus about to do some Yoga.The recent Monsoon conditions seem to have knocked my health/motivation for six.Perhaps, Dr P, if he's still going can give us all advice.Staying healthy in these conditions is a challenge.
Lost about 10 days total due to illness, but enjoying it much more than I thought I would! Done loads of climbing and running, which has really improved the mood 🙂
Climbing and running are things I can only dream about.This challenge has made me realise what a knackered old man I am.I think,nothing short of a new life will galvanise me into real fitness.Perhaps, this adventure will make us all realise our lifestyle shortcomings.To that extent it's a useful exercise.Neil.
I'm realising my own short comings. I think I've started to get the feelings of overtraining. I'll take most of next week off the bike and do some hiking and stuff.
Still on it, had few days biking around Keswick over a long weekend, sadly the day I failed was an ear infection and not a sick bug (Labrythitus) bloody horrible feeling of nausea and vertigo, but only missed one day so tagging it on at the end (Christmas Day 🥳)
I’m realising my own short comings. I think I’ve started to get the feelings of overtraining. I’ll take most of next week off the bike and do some hiking and stuff.
I did 'Marcothon' last year, it's a similar idea to this, run 5k every day in December, and I ended up feeling a bit meh towards the end.
I reckon it would be good for someone who didn't really do much, a wee kick starter, but tbh I ran less that month than I normally did, as I was only ever running 5k to tick the box, none of it quality training such as tempo, zone 2 runs etc, as such I never felt any benefit at the end up.
Well done Ruby,I,m beginning to think low level illness might just be a byproduct of this challenge.Food for thought from Nobeer.Am I really doing more than normal?Perhaps not more but just different disciplines.To all feeling tired out there I strongly recommend a Yoga session.Works for me anyway.
Almost missed it today (I'm off away for the weekend riding and if I didn't go out this morning I'd miss the chance to exercise these evening because I'll be on the beer) but wrenched myself out of my pit and snuck in a gentle ride!
I reckon it would be good for someone who didn’t really do much, a wee kick starter, but tbh I ran less that month than I normally did, as I was only ever running 5k to tick the box, none of it quality training such as tempo, zone 2 runs etc, as such I never felt any benefit at the end up.
I treat it as a real training thing to build up a base for the following year's racing. It's noticeable though that my average speeds are down for a lot of the challenge compared to when I'm riding in the spring. I've tried not to reduce my distances, and sure enough I've done 470 miles in October which matches my distance for August but is otherwise a good chunk above what I'd normally do.
It's worked really nicely in the past - after the first one I did I rested carefully and then we got 5th at the Strathpuffer in Male Quads, and 2019's race season was great. It is all about managing it though, so you don't go to easy or burn out.
Also, the lower intensity of exercise helps me lose a bit of flab, my wife reckons I look really lean at the moment and the same thing happens every year.
Perhaps your speeds a down a little due to the rotten weather conditions.Speaking of which, the monsoon returns from today.Who would have thought Yoga could be so popular.
Aye still on it. Pilates last night about to sufferfest in a wee while.
Still not been out today. I'll do something but Jesus that weather is bleak.
We're halfway in, though. Well done everyone that's had a go, and especially those who have kept it up.
Weights today,cycling tomorrow.I cant say I,m really pushing the envelope.
I wonder if ton and DrP have fallen by the wayside.This thread seems strangely quiet.
I'm still at it. So far I've managed to avoid yoga on consecutive days as that feels like a bit of a cop out, but not sure I'll manage to keep that up for the second half of the challenge as the evenings get progressively more grim.
Struggling a bit with a mild chest infection.Mainly just walking and stretching,plus about to do some Yoga.The recent Monsoon conditions seem to have knocked my health/motivation for six.Perhaps, Dr P, if he’s still going can give us all advice.Staying healthy in these conditions is a challenge.
It's a tough one for sure... firstly it IS the season for colds and viruses, so you're going to give your body a double whammy of exercising and being ill...and the trouble is that if you DO exercise when ill, it just prolongs the illness...
I think it's really important to keep up the fluids and a good healthy diet (i'ma firm non-believer in supplements..i think fresh fruit and veg and nuts should suffice.). I guess listen to the body - rather than punish out a 6 hour ride, just do a 40 min ride that keens the HR up, but isn't punishing... like resting whilst exercising!
I'm finding that as soon as you break the routine, it's hard to get back into it.
DrP
Disclaimer - i've failed this challenge as i had the shits for 4 weeks last month! thankfully all back to normal, and I don't know why i had it, but it got draining in teh end and i had a few days rest.. also, some busy days when I've had the kids i've tried kettlebells and chin ups (got a bar in the garden) but really, if i'm honest, that's probably only 15 min hard exercise as I get bored!
Still on it. Two days non cardio due to buckled knee. Some easier days but feeling a bit exercise addicted now. 5km treadmill run this am and sufferfest this pm. Pity the weather is a bit shit.
Now lost 5kg since the start. 74.4kg-69.4kg
We’re both still going, the boy is really back into his biking after our week in Wales so the last 2 evenings have been round the woods after school. As it’s half way I’ve had a look on my Garmin and I’ve ridden just over 1000 miles in 50 days which averages 20 miles per day which is just above what i used to commute. This is exactly what i wanted to get back into and this challenge has pushed me out of a rut and back to something i know i really enjoy. I’m really pleased the boy has been so dedicated, we’ve had some good laughs along the way and enjoyed some hard times together including the wettest ride I’ve ever experienced on our last day in Wales. Looking forward to the next half and hoping for good health and no set backs. Keep going folks!
Great stuff well done.
The weather this autumn is about the worst we could have had.Anybody else hoping for a dry,frosty sunny spell?I will get out on my bike tomorrow afternoon rain or sun.Sandboy and 100th you are really impressive and inspiring,well done.
Was trying to paste a photo but .....meh.
Oh dear,bit of a fail over here.Managed to contract the Norovirus for the weekend.The results weren't pretty!Still, I,ve managed a couple of half hour walks,plus fetching and carrying.Hopefully over the next few days I will get back to cycling and weight training.Anybody else feeling a little done in by the last months weather?I dont know if it's my age but I,m really feeling it.Hope it's going well elsewhere.Neil.
Still going but legs buckled after the weekend rides. Training peaks showing that I'm fatigued, easy run tomorrow (maybe a leg turner turbo).
Well, I just failed. Not sure why but I just fell out of the habit and am a bit disappointed with myself. It has got me doing more, and I felt great while doing *something* every day but I just stopped for a day or so and couldn't get going again. I feel a bit low on energy, possibly the darkness effect but intend to get back to it.
Also feeling a bit CBA today but I have a bit of a migraine and it's awfy dark up here now.
But I get to ride my bike tonight and that'll be fun. It will!
I'm rock climbing tomorrow, though. Indoors, which will be really lovely.
The weather has been making it tougher than usual to get out but as usual, once you’re over the first 10 minutes you forget about the cold. The worst thing is getting soaked and then cold, unable to warm up hands and feet no matter how hard you’re pedalling. Things I’ve learned this week is it takes so much longer to get out in the winter, sorting lights and other bits and pieces you don’t need any other time and yellow lenses make the trees look stunning in low afternoon sun. The boy is still going, mostly hooping because of the weather. I know it’s only a matter of time before I’m forced into the static spin bike but I’m determined to carry on outside until the ice forces me otherwise.
i find the commute/general cycling duties are meeting teh 30+ minute target... I've been adding in runs/gym etc...
Might see how i feel tonight but my throat is proper croaky and wheezy today!
DrP
Ice is a worry but by this time last year I'd already slid 50 metres on my left arse cheek along a cycle path when I slid out and this year there's been nothing!
I’m rock climbing tomorrow, though. Indoors, which will be really lovely.
I'm on way to Ratho now. Eden Rock is close to home, keep trying to make that regular (and failing)
Back in the swing of things.Two hour walk yesterday and a cool but sunny cycle today
.I need to up my game now for the final push.
Had a GREAT climbing session this week (Alien Bloc for me, though I prefer Eden Rock but that's miles from home). Because I'm going more regularly I've been able to push myself and done some harder stuff. Much poorer, though - it's twice as expensive in Edinburgh as it was when I lived in Derbyshire.
Still on it despite this being the worst autumn I can remember.In fact,its the wettest ever and most folks around me seem to be Ill.Anyway,today I,ve done some weights and stretching.Tomorrow cycling and no F-----g rain hopefully.I,d pay for a month of dry,frosty and sunny weather.
I was going to come on and post that the dry, frosty weather has finally arrived and I hope everyone's looking forward to it! Had to take it steady on the tarmac this morning but as soon as I was off road on something gravelly it was fast and the conditions this morning were lovely!
Bought some liner gloves for my cycling gloves though, it was chuffing freezing.
Yeh...temperatures dropping like a stone here.One of the mistakes I made four weeks ago was having a severe hair and beard trim.This just before the freezing monsoon kicked in.I wonder if anyone else gets cold s after a winter hair raid? I seem to.Keep going folks,Neil.
Two thirds of the way there - well done everyone!
I suspect the lack of posts on here is due to Ill health.I think the attrition rate has been high for this challenge.I,ll try and keep going and do an extra day I lost through Norovirus.
Still going not feeling bad at all. Hovering at 6.5kg weight loss so now down to 68. Which is good. Climbing quicker when I get on a real bike but legs feel heavy due to no real rest, either running or riding or both in a day.
Tired legs here too, though it doesn't seem to have impacted on riding the mtb, I think my brain just overrides the feeling as it's fun time.
Missed one day so far but shattered at the moment! Looking forward to Christmas lunch 🙂
We’re both just about still on this, the boy has been suffering with a cold but has still managed either bouncing or hooping everyday. I’ve started to feel really fatigued and lost a bit of motivation so decided to have an easy week this week to try to recover. Most evenings I’ve taken the dog down the river, me on my fatbike for a gentle ride in the dark. Big century ride tomorrow for a mates birthday so hoping the rest has paid off.
Good work all - I'm still going on a mix of CX racing, turbo in the evenings and lunch running when I can find the time around calls and meetings.
Of for an hours hike along the Tees to Stockton.No rain and some sunshine.Bit if a treat I suppose.
Still doing my bit despite this nightmare autumn.My outdoor gym plan has been ruined however.Walking tonight and cycling tomorrow.At least I am not ill, unlike those around me.
Sad to say that yesterday I didn’t manage to get out, even for 30 minutes. We were involved in an accident on our way to work, no one was injured but the shock and adrenaline took its toll and I was just too exhausted to do anything. I’m not looking at this as failure but I accept that in the terms of the challenge it is exactly that. I’ve been out tonight, after work in the pouring rain and without this challenge that would never of happened. I intended to continue every day until Christmas and have also been talked into the Festive 500 by some mates. Keep going folks.
This week's been tough, short staffed at work, which as a teacher means cover and planning for other classes, then meetings afterwards.
Still managed to ride or run everyday. Albeit at lower intensity. Should manage an hour outside this afternoon (thank goodnes for 1pmfriday finishes).
I'd not regard anything as a failure - you've kept to the spirit of the challenge and exceptional circumstances are exceptional circumstances.
Mine's done a bit of a u-turn in profile - I've started a proper training programme to get fit for the Strathpuffer so in and amongst some recover rides I've done some cadence range training and some hill reps.
I also took it way too seriously last weekend - we were staying with some friends so I didn't have my bike and they were off to do a park run so I went along. I've run a total of 15km this year, and 0 the year before (because running is bloody awful) and did it in 22:56. No idea if that's good or not.
For a non-runner that's pretty darn respectable. Sub-20 used to be my target as a "runner" when I was triathlon training 8 years ago.
Still going. Last week was a drag. It's more work fatigue, it's the rubbish time of term but a ride at whinlatter yesterday and grizedale today should put some spring back in my step.
Was asked what I'm doing after, think I might go for the year.
Today looked like being the day where it all fell apart for me - early train down to London from Edinburgh, work, seeing a pal and then catching the sleeper back up. Fortunately I've managed to find a climbing wall that I can kill an hour or two at so I can just about squeeze it in!
Three quarters of the way there now - not long left!
Weights and yoga at the weekend.Just of for a hike along the Tees now.At least its dry folks.
Has anyone started counting down rather than up? Only 15 days left!
No.Sort of still on it but I think this autumn weather has curtailed my enthusiasm a good deal!Must read your original post for the final push.
Chris says - "stick at it!"
Still going but not riding so much, really felt overtrained a week or so ago and to be honest it was beginning to feel like a chore. I’ve been focusing on strength training and doing 45 minutes of circuits each day for 2 weeks, planning on getting back on the bike for the last week or so. The lad has been doing the circuits with me which has been fun and a big help to motivate each other. Hoping to do a more structured program in the new year building up for next summer. Hope everyone is in good health and sticking at it.
Still going strong - missed a total of 10 days due to Illness but dogwalking has helped when I haven't wanted to do a run/ride/climb.
Just a bit of an update from me...
I dropped off the thread when I missed a few days through working away. But I had already felt the benefits of doing something daily, and I had started to enjoy the running, just felt that I needed to pace myself better. I used to run 15 years ago (a couple of mountain marathons), but had done very little since
So I just carried on and to pace myself I decided to follow a 'Garmin coach' half marathon plan. Then I figured that I may as well enter one (Alloa - in March). With that in mind I decided to give it a real shot (I'll be 49 next year) so entered a marathon in August (Run Mhor) in the hope to be fit as I hit 50!
So although I missed a few days early on, I'm really grateful to this thread for getting me out and starting me running. I know it sounds daft, but once I'm out there it is a great way to spend an hour on a wet, dark evening, and makes me feel so much better in myself.
Thanks all 🙂
That's impressive flowerpower - it's a really good way to train up for events like that, and it's excellent that you're rediscovered something. It's really got me hot for rock climbing again (I'm going this lunchtime - 55mph winds here today meant I decided to can the bike ride).
I think sandboy's son has also been really inspiring - his motivation must be incredible!
Still going sufferfest has taken a beating and my 5km on the running machine is now 3@10kmph 1@11 0.5@12 and 0.5@16 (according to machine numbers). given I was struggling to complete 5km at a mix of 8and 10 in September I'm chuffed.
Probably going to finish by starting the festive 500 which will kick me outside, been indoors too much.
Well done all still going and all that have been using it as an inspiration to do stuff.