Testing...

Given that we're now counting down the number of 'sleeps' to go until we set off for Land's End (it's 4 by the way), I thought it was about time I figured out how to post from my mobile.

So if you're reading this, it works!

In other news, it looks like our trip will be featured in the Highland News next week, photo and all! More news when I get it.

Normal blogging service will be resumed at some stage later this week, when I'll give you a proper update.

Cheers for now.

2 Weeks To Go!

It seems 'LEJOG season' is upon us - I've enjoyed reading the blogs/tweets of those of you who have already started/finished.  And all of a sudden it's less than two weeks till the start of our trip, so I thought it was just about time for an update.  


If I'm honest, the training hasn't been quite as good as hoped, although this may be down to unrealisticly high expectations. I think I had an unrealistic mental image of what my training would be like in the weeks leading up to the trip. Like something out of a Rocky film, only better looking and with lycra!  The quality and duration of my training rides is fine and I'm feeling fitter than ever, but I haven't had the time required to get enough long rides in.  After the training weekend in the Lakes, I decided it was probably better to focus on training on consecutive days.  A good idea I think, seeing as I'm now capable of the sort of mileages we're aiming for on the trip itself.  This has meant more sessions inside on the turbo trainer.  Normally these are quite boring, but my Sufferfest training video ensures I get a proper workout, and the legs are always screaming afterwords.  The main reason for my lack of training time has been the arrival of more full-time employment, which I suppose I can't be too upset about (all those protein shakes and bike parts don't pay for themselves!).  The new job means I'm away from home for a few nights a week, which isn't ideal, but I'm still getting my long weekend rides in (when I'm not away boozing, which I have been two weekends out of the last 4!)  I also have my lovely lady-friend living with me now, which I'm determined to use as an (admittedly fairly lame) excuse for skipping out on training... But despite all this the legs feel great and I'm confident they're up to the job!


Besides the training itself, all other aspects of the planning and preparation are going really well.  The route is finalised, the accommodation is booked and the train tickets have been ordered.  We've also ordered some rather fetching jerseys for the trip, from IMPsport, which I can't wait to get my hands on. I'll post pictures when they arrive.


I've picked up a few more essential pieces of kit over the past few weeks too.  Despite my optimistic expectations for two weeks of glorious British sunshine, I'm beginning to realise that we might well get rained on quite a lot.  This harsh reality was driven home to me in typically poetic style recently, when the heavens opened less than a mile into a 60 mile training ride, forcing me to huddle under a tree and tie shopping bags round my feet in a pretty poor attempt to keep them dry.  Curiously enough, this was also the exact moment that I discovered that my 'shower-proof' jacket probably wasn't going to cut the mustard.  Anyway, 60 soggy miles later I decided it was time to give in and shell out for some Seal Skinz socks and a proper waterproof jacket.  I've also picked up a cheap set of lights for emergencies, but I reckon I'm all set as far as kit is concerned.


The fundraising is going strong, but we're still way off our target so if you haven't already, please help us support a fantastic cause by clicking on the 'Sponsor Us!' tab at the top of the page.  As always, HUGE thanks to everyone who has chipped in and sponsored us, it is very much appreciated and provides great motivation for training!


That's it for now, more updates to follow as we approach D-day.  Everyone get praying for sunshine and fierce Southwesterly's....


- Cal