'The Project'

I have now assigned nicknames to two of my team mates when we have been out training. Scott came along the road looking well dapper in his new gear ready for our first session on the bikes. New bike, helmet, gloves and backback, but best of all a bright yellow skin tight top...so he was immediately christened 'Lance' after the legendary Mr Armstrong.

Our man Alan is now known as Mr Motivator - by me anyway. Not only is he the fittest of the quartet by a fair bit, he is also the vocal one, encouraging the squad with his motivational mantras. 'If its no sair enough, you're no peddling hard enough' being my favourite. He is keen for us to 'feel the burn' and 'raise the bar'. Right now I would settle for propping one up.

On Saturday, after my lack of fitness was exposed for the umpteenth time, Alan declared that I am now 'The Project'. 'The Project' is a polite way of him telling me that he is going to knock this overweight, unfit reprobate into shape in time for the 5th of May. Hey who knows, we could maybe cash in and make one of those keep fit DVDs that seem to be flying off the shelves. Davina McCall, Jade Goody and Janice from Corrie would be no match for 'The Project - From Fat To Fit in 16 Weeks'. Alright, mibbae no'.

It's A Fair Old Trek

I was interviewed by a reporter from the Fife Free Press today. I think it is to help publicise an information night about the Bike and Hike taking place at the new centre in Kirkcaldy on Thursday night. Scott and I will be going along to find out more about what we have got ourselves into. I was reminded that the Monster is a massive challenge and was asked if I am a bit anxious about it. I go through phases to be honest, switching from being really pumped up to absolutely bricking it. Having a look at this map doesn't help mind you. The red dots represent our journey...and we are doing this in one day!

On a positive note, I think I have recovered from Saturday's cycling - no longer walking like Roy Rodgers.

Saddle Sores

My 29th birthday has been good, but it didnt start well.
It started with our wee cat Floyd being sick and me having to clean it up. Nice.
I then got a phone call from Alan, now re-named Mr Motivator for his inspirational slogans on our training runs. He reminded me that we were indeed getting on our bikes and going out cycling in a force 9 gale. So no birthday long lie for me. Maybe next year.

I haven't been on a bike in nearly 10 years - and it showed. I still have the imprint of the saddle on my derrier. We went about 10 miles, out to Oakley along the cycle track. Saw Dundee United manager Craig Levein out walking his dugs, but he tried to lower his head so he wouldnt be recognised. Its all right Craig, you dont have to worry about us stopping to talk to you and anyway...you wouldnt be getting our autographs anyway :-P

Also saw Scotland physio out walking his dugs and was tempted to see if he had a spare slot for an emergency appointment as the lactic acid was fair building up in my legs.

Today has proved that I seriously need to lose a bit of weight and up the fitness levels pronto. We walked 11 miles last week and I felt great, but today has proved that the 30 miles on the bike will be tough, tougher than I thought anyway.

Lee came home to tell me that I am the proud owner of a shiny new bike which I collect tomorrow. Going to give it a test drive on Monday. Sink has also got me one of those camel backpacks for storing liquids. Holds a fair amount but still trying to decide if it will be coke or tennents lager that I put in it.