My word - I thought a month went fast and here we are 3 months down the line.
Training has been going haphazardly to say the least, although plently of walking stairs and long days will do my resilience the world of good.
I do have to say that fundraising has got harder the last couple of months and I can't blame people either, as I don't think I know anyone who hasn't suffered in some way or other at the hands of the economy.
Therefore, I have started a group on facebook asking friends to donate just £1 (plus Gift Aid) in the hope that I can find enough kind friends of friends who will also feel they can donate £1 to help me reach my aim of trekking the Great Wall in memory of my brother. Visit the page here or go straight to my justgiving page.
I'm not prepared to give up easily, so be warned!
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Saturday, 6 September 2008
How Fast A Month Can Go
Wow... I can't belive it has been a month since I last blogged, although it has been an extraordinarily busy month!
We have spent every weekend going to and fro the coast for various reasons and I have started a new job based in London.
Now, evidently the job in London and the travelling has taken its toll on the training regime but I have found some cute (but obvious) ways to ensure that a level of preparation is still in there.
The gym visits are now only 2 a week if I am lucky, although the settling down of weekend travelling and commitments will help that, as I should be able to get into the gym every Saturday and Sunday after this weekend.
As far as everyday goes, there is all the walking and stairs that I do. Firstly there is the walk to and fro the stations and between the underground; let alone the stairs at the underground as I have resisted the temptation to always use the escalator. I work on the 3rd floor and have quite a few meetings in the 6th floor, so I have been using the stairs as often as possible. So with 18 stairs between each floor that is quite a few stairs every day.
I think I need to get the pedometer out to see how many I am doing!
The bonus is that I have lost half a stone since starting work in London three weeks ago.
What I do need to do is get my a**e into gear with fundraising as that is particularly poor at the moment.
Donations can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic.
We have spent every weekend going to and fro the coast for various reasons and I have started a new job based in London.
Now, evidently the job in London and the travelling has taken its toll on the training regime but I have found some cute (but obvious) ways to ensure that a level of preparation is still in there.
The gym visits are now only 2 a week if I am lucky, although the settling down of weekend travelling and commitments will help that, as I should be able to get into the gym every Saturday and Sunday after this weekend.
As far as everyday goes, there is all the walking and stairs that I do. Firstly there is the walk to and fro the stations and between the underground; let alone the stairs at the underground as I have resisted the temptation to always use the escalator. I work on the 3rd floor and have quite a few meetings in the 6th floor, so I have been using the stairs as often as possible. So with 18 stairs between each floor that is quite a few stairs every day.
I think I need to get the pedometer out to see how many I am doing!
The bonus is that I have lost half a stone since starting work in London three weeks ago.
What I do need to do is get my a**e into gear with fundraising as that is particularly poor at the moment.
Donations can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic.
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Summer Holiday Frustrations
Unfortunately, the effect of the school summer holidays is starting to take its toll on the training regime! As much as I am still motivated to keep the training schedule going, trying to fit it all in plus entertaining an 8 year old is all proving too much!
I'm lucky at the moment if I can get 2 sessions a week in at the gym, let alone the 5 or 6 that I was.
I'm lucky at the moment if I can get 2 sessions a week in at the gym, let alone the 5 or 6 that I was.
Friday, 25 July 2008
For My Friend Steve
It has been a few days since I posted and it has been an emotional few days. Last week I received the very sad news that my friend and ex-colleague Steve passed away after his inspirational 5 year battle against cancer.
Steve always treated his cancer with the respectful contempt that it deserved, he carried on living his life to the absolute maximum, determined that it would never get the better of him. There were a great number of people who never knew the battles that he fought on a daily basis; and that was Steve all over - life was always for the living, not for anthing else.
I am proud to have called Steve a friend and I will always be grateful for the advice, friendship and experience he gave me; I will always be grateful for the difference that he made to my life and the up-front and brutally honest counsel he gave me. I will always miss him.
Sleep safe and peacefully my friend xxx
Steve always treated his cancer with the respectful contempt that it deserved, he carried on living his life to the absolute maximum, determined that it would never get the better of him. There were a great number of people who never knew the battles that he fought on a daily basis; and that was Steve all over - life was always for the living, not for anthing else.
I am proud to have called Steve a friend and I will always be grateful for the advice, friendship and experience he gave me; I will always be grateful for the difference that he made to my life and the up-front and brutally honest counsel he gave me. I will always miss him.
Sleep safe and peacefully my friend xxx
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Ouch!
Now, I know I only posted yesterday but I just had to post after going through my programme again today and wow, wow, wow it hurt!
I felt great after about an hour but my legs were a little stiff before I started today so, being honest, I wasn't overly hopeful BUT I managed it.
That is now 3 days in a row and I have a enforced day off tomorrow as I just don't have the time to attend the gym, but I will be getting in plenty of walking so it all to the good!
I felt great after about an hour but my legs were a little stiff before I started today so, being honest, I wasn't overly hopeful BUT I managed it.
That is now 3 days in a row and I have a enforced day off tomorrow as I just don't have the time to attend the gym, but I will be getting in plenty of walking so it all to the good!
Monday, 14 July 2008
Pain & Dedication
It has been a week or so since I updated the blog and I thought that it was time that got my a**e into gear and told you where I am at!
I have now had a specific programme designed for me to train and boy is it a challenge! Thank you to Gina for putting me through my paces and for pointing me in the right direction. The programme is built around what Gina endearingly calls "horrible intervals" - and they are pretty horrible and they certainly push me to the limit but I feel great afterwards!
I start with a warm-up and then one set of "horrible intervals" then toning based around squats and lunges with hand weights to tone and build the upper body with a little bit of rotational variation to work the core; then another set of "horrible intervals" followed by upper body combined with core on the stability ball; the final stage is another set of "horrible intervals" and the cool-down.
I have to admit that after my first time through the programme I had trouble getting up and down a flight of stairs without my legs burning but as I discused with Gina if I can really enjoy the experience next year as well as complete it then it will be fantastic.
As a bonus, I have lost another 2lb, so that makes it half a stone in just a matter of weeks!
Fundraising is going steady but I have had a few ideas on how to ramp it up a bit, so hopefully that is going to gain momentum over the next few weeks or so. Also my Mum has a plan of attack for the people that she knows - God Bless Mums!
I have now had a specific programme designed for me to train and boy is it a challenge! Thank you to Gina for putting me through my paces and for pointing me in the right direction. The programme is built around what Gina endearingly calls "horrible intervals" - and they are pretty horrible and they certainly push me to the limit but I feel great afterwards!
I start with a warm-up and then one set of "horrible intervals" then toning based around squats and lunges with hand weights to tone and build the upper body with a little bit of rotational variation to work the core; then another set of "horrible intervals" followed by upper body combined with core on the stability ball; the final stage is another set of "horrible intervals" and the cool-down.
I have to admit that after my first time through the programme I had trouble getting up and down a flight of stairs without my legs burning but as I discused with Gina if I can really enjoy the experience next year as well as complete it then it will be fantastic.
As a bonus, I have lost another 2lb, so that makes it half a stone in just a matter of weeks!
Fundraising is going steady but I have had a few ideas on how to ramp it up a bit, so hopefully that is going to gain momentum over the next few weeks or so. Also my Mum has a plan of attack for the people that she knows - God Bless Mums!
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Training hard and 5lb lost!
A serious amount of training has been going on this week. At least an hour and a half everyday this week and some days even two and a half hours.
At the moment the training is focusing on building my stamina for walking and climbing and I have been doing some serious interval training on the cross-trainer and treadmill, along with core stability and strengthening work.
Some days the training is easier than others, but I need to get through the trekking for 7 days tiredness barrier.
The benefit of training so far is that I have lost 5lb as a result and my general energy levels are higher - which is a nightmare for my sleep pattern as I don't feel tired in the evening and by the time I feel tired enough to sleep - it is more or less time to get up!
Next step is to find some routes that I can actually go out walking - but my favourite walking places are a bit far at the moment for the cost of petrol!
Don't forget to sponsor me when you get the chance.
Thanks for reading x
At the moment the training is focusing on building my stamina for walking and climbing and I have been doing some serious interval training on the cross-trainer and treadmill, along with core stability and strengthening work.
Some days the training is easier than others, but I need to get through the trekking for 7 days tiredness barrier.
The benefit of training so far is that I have lost 5lb as a result and my general energy levels are higher - which is a nightmare for my sleep pattern as I don't feel tired in the evening and by the time I feel tired enough to sleep - it is more or less time to get up!
Next step is to find some routes that I can actually go out walking - but my favourite walking places are a bit far at the moment for the cost of petrol!
Don't forget to sponsor me when you get the chance.
Thanks for reading x
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Weekend of fun fun fun
Despite the fact that it is the boy's 8th birthday this weekend I have managed to get a 6 hour walk training in this weekend. The fact that it was all on a level and involved shops I guess means it was a bit shallow but still, good practice in humid warmth and on my feet for hours on end.
I walked all the stairs instead of lifts and escalators which I feel good about and it will help the stamina - if I can do parents and children all day whilst also walking then I guess I can a say on my feet in surrounding that fascinate me!
Still back to proper training in the next few days!
I walked all the stairs instead of lifts and escalators which I feel good about and it will help the stamina - if I can do parents and children all day whilst also walking then I guess I can a say on my feet in surrounding that fascinate me!
Still back to proper training in the next few days!
Thursday, 26 June 2008
It Hurt Today
Third day in a row and a hefty interval training programme today and it hurt... alot!
Funnily, it didn't hurt while I was training it was after I had cooled down and showered - however the results are already starting to show. It looks like a good 4lb weightloss this week, the mid-life lurve handles and stuff are definitely strating to firm up and I have more energy.
I think I might give myself a day off from the gym tomorrow but do a couple of miles gentle walk - regardless of the weather!
Funnily, it didn't hurt while I was training it was after I had cooled down and showered - however the results are already starting to show. It looks like a good 4lb weightloss this week, the mid-life lurve handles and stuff are definitely strating to firm up and I have more energy.
I think I might give myself a day off from the gym tomorrow but do a couple of miles gentle walk - regardless of the weather!
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
On a Roll...
Just a really quick update today!
Well, the gym again today. It really has become a bit of an addiction this week, but not sure how many more days in a row I can do. BUT I will get there as much as I can as well as getting out walking.
Next phase is to start adding in some dedicated walking and I really need to start getting in some 3-4 hours walks in.
Well, the gym again today. It really has become a bit of an addiction this week, but not sure how many more days in a row I can do. BUT I will get there as much as I can as well as getting out walking.
Next phase is to start adding in some dedicated walking and I really need to start getting in some 3-4 hours walks in.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
One Day Late...and the mash saga!
Well, I managed to get to the gym this morning after having intended to have got down yesterday. I did, instead, spend the whole day at home waiting for a phone call that could have come at any time, but infact was not made until 6.15pm. How frustrating!!! At least I had stuff I could do at home thanks to the french (red wine) diet - and for once it didn't involve the red wine bit, I actually killed my abs in the living room.
The workout this morning but was worthwhile but actally really hurt, but it didn't hurt until about 10-15 minutes after I walked out of the gym. I spent an hour on an interval training programme on the cross trainer and I felt really good after, until my legs went numb! I'm guessing it was just a delayed reaction to the work I put them through but it would have been hilarious had they done it as I stepped off the cross-trainer. Admittedly it would not have been funny for the staff at the gym and would not have done my street-cred (what's left anyway) any good.
I then went on to have an in-depth discussion with the customer services desk at Tesco about the quality of thier potatoes! Anyone who knows my household knows that the boy exists on a diet mainly comprising mash and peas. Anyway, as a result I thought I woud be crafty and buy value potatoes because, let's face it, potatoes are potatoes right?
Wrong! How wrong could I be? Being the loving, dutiful mother I am, I made him mash and peas last week and I made them exactly the same way as I have made mash potatoes for the past year and a bit. I did start to wonder when the consistency of the mash just did not look right. Do you know what I mean, when you just KNOW that something is not right? Anyhow, I keep mashing and adding milk and butter and still it did not look right.
I then tried to serve it up and my word... what a mess! As I put the spoon into the saucepan, it very nearly bounced right back out at me, just like in a cartoon. When I eventually managed to get the spoon into the mash mixture, it all virtually came up on one great gloopy mess. Now, I use the word "gloopy" very carefully here, as the mash now had the consistency of very thick but rubbery wallpaper paste. It was the most bizarre thing I have ever seen in my life.
When trying to deposit it from the spoon to the plate, it just wouldn't move. It bounced from the spoon very nearly touching the plate, almost as if it had decided that bungy jumping may be a really great idea at this point. As I lowered the spoon to the plate it did then stay there, but as I moved the spoon around the plate, so the gloopy mess followed behind. Figuring that I was probably already onto a loser with dinner, I went to do a taste test.
As I put my finger in it really was glue like and when I tasted it it seemed fine taste wise, but obviously my brain had interrupted and overrided my common sense function as my taste buds then decided it was awful. But more was to come... after I had informed a very hungry seven year old that mash was off and it was soup or nothing, I tried to throw the mash away. Again an easier concept in the imagination stage than actually executing the move.
As I tried to deposit the mash it sort of glooped off the plate, hovered in mid-air and almost bounced like a baby in one of those contraptions you attached to the door frame before landing in the bottom of the bin with a soft but meaningful thud! I also managed (and I don't know how) to get it on my fingers. Flicking it off reminded me completely of the scene in Ghostbusters where the Bill Murray character had just been told to collect a specimen of snot - I had to use that same precise flick movement with my hands and fingers to get the mash off me.
By this time, with an alledgedly STARVING 7 year old, I had tears running down my face and could hardly stand-up let alone speak. He couldn't see what was so funny and then did the teenage thing of going off in a sulk, embarrased that his Mum had a sense of humour and found flicking gloopy mash highly, highly amusing.
Anyway, in order to convince aforementioned supermarket to give me a refund I regaled the whole story in an attempt to bore them into submission as the lady was telling me that I had obviously done something wrong and that potatoes are just potatoes! I eventually won, when I noticed her glaze over!
I'm really not sure what that has to do with my training regime, China or anything really but hopefully it gives you a smidgen of light relief.
Don't forget to visit my fundraising site if you haven't already (http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic) and thanks to those that have, I really appreciate it.
The workout this morning but was worthwhile but actally really hurt, but it didn't hurt until about 10-15 minutes after I walked out of the gym. I spent an hour on an interval training programme on the cross trainer and I felt really good after, until my legs went numb! I'm guessing it was just a delayed reaction to the work I put them through but it would have been hilarious had they done it as I stepped off the cross-trainer. Admittedly it would not have been funny for the staff at the gym and would not have done my street-cred (what's left anyway) any good.
I then went on to have an in-depth discussion with the customer services desk at Tesco about the quality of thier potatoes! Anyone who knows my household knows that the boy exists on a diet mainly comprising mash and peas. Anyway, as a result I thought I woud be crafty and buy value potatoes because, let's face it, potatoes are potatoes right?
Wrong! How wrong could I be? Being the loving, dutiful mother I am, I made him mash and peas last week and I made them exactly the same way as I have made mash potatoes for the past year and a bit. I did start to wonder when the consistency of the mash just did not look right. Do you know what I mean, when you just KNOW that something is not right? Anyhow, I keep mashing and adding milk and butter and still it did not look right.
I then tried to serve it up and my word... what a mess! As I put the spoon into the saucepan, it very nearly bounced right back out at me, just like in a cartoon. When I eventually managed to get the spoon into the mash mixture, it all virtually came up on one great gloopy mess. Now, I use the word "gloopy" very carefully here, as the mash now had the consistency of very thick but rubbery wallpaper paste. It was the most bizarre thing I have ever seen in my life.
When trying to deposit it from the spoon to the plate, it just wouldn't move. It bounced from the spoon very nearly touching the plate, almost as if it had decided that bungy jumping may be a really great idea at this point. As I lowered the spoon to the plate it did then stay there, but as I moved the spoon around the plate, so the gloopy mess followed behind. Figuring that I was probably already onto a loser with dinner, I went to do a taste test.
As I put my finger in it really was glue like and when I tasted it it seemed fine taste wise, but obviously my brain had interrupted and overrided my common sense function as my taste buds then decided it was awful. But more was to come... after I had informed a very hungry seven year old that mash was off and it was soup or nothing, I tried to throw the mash away. Again an easier concept in the imagination stage than actually executing the move.
As I tried to deposit the mash it sort of glooped off the plate, hovered in mid-air and almost bounced like a baby in one of those contraptions you attached to the door frame before landing in the bottom of the bin with a soft but meaningful thud! I also managed (and I don't know how) to get it on my fingers. Flicking it off reminded me completely of the scene in Ghostbusters where the Bill Murray character had just been told to collect a specimen of snot - I had to use that same precise flick movement with my hands and fingers to get the mash off me.
By this time, with an alledgedly STARVING 7 year old, I had tears running down my face and could hardly stand-up let alone speak. He couldn't see what was so funny and then did the teenage thing of going off in a sulk, embarrased that his Mum had a sense of humour and found flicking gloopy mash highly, highly amusing.
Anyway, in order to convince aforementioned supermarket to give me a refund I regaled the whole story in an attempt to bore them into submission as the lady was telling me that I had obviously done something wrong and that potatoes are just potatoes! I eventually won, when I noticed her glaze over!
I'm really not sure what that has to do with my training regime, China or anything really but hopefully it gives you a smidgen of light relief.
Don't forget to visit my fundraising site if you haven't already (http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic) and thanks to those that have, I really appreciate it.
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Gym Scales Reinforce (but disappoint)
Well, a bit of a hiccough in the training schedule yesterday, in that I was all set to cycle to the gym despite the poor weather. I managed to get around the corner before all of sudden disaster struck! I had a flat tyre - and the back one at that. So off the bike I got and walked it back home. I fixed the puncture and pumped the tyre back up and test rode it along the road only for the tyre to deflate again.
After closer inspection, I found a shard of glass in the tyre and as a result quite a large slash through both the tyre and the inner tube - a visit to the cycle shop is now in order , but the bike is due its free service anyway so it should be a relatively painless procedure.
Another good session at the gym today, with an hours interval training on the stepper which was killing toward the end. I've also managed to book a programme to make sure that not only am I fit enough but that I also manage to lose some weight. I really need to work on my upper body to make sure that I protect my dodgy neck and shoulders, plus that I also get full support for the rotatins of the upper body that walking and hiking demand.
I used the electronic scales at the gym, and to my disppointment they confirmed my weight at 12st 1lb but that also means that my scales at home match the gym ones which means that they must weigh correctly.
I'm managing to do a bit more of the exercise part of the french (red wine) diet with two sets of abs per day.
Thank you to everyine who has donated so far, and thanks to those that have responded saying that they will when finances allow - that is fine - I have a few months to make sure that I have all the money necessary to be able to go.
After closer inspection, I found a shard of glass in the tyre and as a result quite a large slash through both the tyre and the inner tube - a visit to the cycle shop is now in order , but the bike is due its free service anyway so it should be a relatively painless procedure.
Another good session at the gym today, with an hours interval training on the stepper which was killing toward the end. I've also managed to book a programme to make sure that not only am I fit enough but that I also manage to lose some weight. I really need to work on my upper body to make sure that I protect my dodgy neck and shoulders, plus that I also get full support for the rotatins of the upper body that walking and hiking demand.
I used the electronic scales at the gym, and to my disppointment they confirmed my weight at 12st 1lb but that also means that my scales at home match the gym ones which means that they must weigh correctly.
I'm managing to do a bit more of the exercise part of the french (red wine) diet with two sets of abs per day.
Thank you to everyine who has donated so far, and thanks to those that have responded saying that they will when finances allow - that is fine - I have a few months to make sure that I have all the money necessary to be able to go.
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Itinerary & First Stage Fundraising
19 June - Another killer training session today. 30 minute cycle to the gym, an hour and a half workout and then a 30 minute ride home against the wind with so much lactic acid in my thighs thatI thought I would either 1. seize up, 2. pass-out from pain or BOTH! But I made it home and now, a few hours later, I feel somewhat human again.
The abs have definitely firmed up though with the french diet and exercise regime, but I do have to admit that the red wine is THE best bit of it all! And apparently it has anti-oxidants, helps lower cholesterol and is an all round health benefit! What a bonus.
Now, I need some ideas for fun ways to fundraise over the next couple of months - the more enjoyable the better... and I need some volunteers to take on some small-scale fundraising activies at work or with friends. It need not be anything big, it could be collection box or a Guess the something or other... whatever takes your fancy!
Another question I keep being asked is what the weather will be like out in China at the time I do it, so here is a link to some information !!!link link link!!!. So, it would appear that I could be infor some good weather, but some chilly nights! As long as the visibility is good and the weather is fair, I'm not too worried. I want to be able to make the most of the experience.
As for the potential pal that said they might come along, they have gone quiet on it (you know who you are if you are reading), so I guess it will be me and my new 60 best friends for the duration! You can see some of the other people I will be trekking with if you click here !!!link link link!!!.
11 June - Another 2 hour stint training yesterday which included a 30 minute cycle to the gym, a full hour work-out including the cross-trainer, abs and back and then a 30 minute cycle home. I then vigourously mowed the grass front and back and power-hosed down the mess that is my patio area (thanks to Zeke and his friends). So a fairly good all round workout yesterday.
I've had lots of people ask about the trip and what it encompasses, how far we are walking etc so here is a link to the itinerary http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Microsites/china_hike/Day_by_day_itinerary.aspx. The more I look at it, the more excited I get. At this rate I will be exhausted just from excitement before I go - although knowing me that alone will keep me going.
I've now got press releases ready to go out to the local press and the village newsletter - I'm hoping that there may be some kind people out there who will help me get to do this.
Next I need to get a guide book on China so I can have a look at all the things I want to cram into the one full-day I get sight-seeing before I fly back. If anyone has been out to the Bejing area and has any recommendations please let me know. It has been recommended that I go and see the Terracotta Warriors but I'm not sure how feasible that is going to be in one day???
,
The abs have definitely firmed up though with the french diet and exercise regime, but I do have to admit that the red wine is THE best bit of it all! And apparently it has anti-oxidants, helps lower cholesterol and is an all round health benefit! What a bonus.
Now, I need some ideas for fun ways to fundraise over the next couple of months - the more enjoyable the better... and I need some volunteers to take on some small-scale fundraising activies at work or with friends. It need not be anything big, it could be collection box or a Guess the something or other... whatever takes your fancy!
Another question I keep being asked is what the weather will be like out in China at the time I do it, so here is a link to some information !!!link link link!!!. So, it would appear that I could be infor some good weather, but some chilly nights! As long as the visibility is good and the weather is fair, I'm not too worried. I want to be able to make the most of the experience.
As for the potential pal that said they might come along, they have gone quiet on it (you know who you are if you are reading), so I guess it will be me and my new 60 best friends for the duration! You can see some of the other people I will be trekking with if you click here !!!link link link!!!.
11 June - Another 2 hour stint training yesterday which included a 30 minute cycle to the gym, a full hour work-out including the cross-trainer, abs and back and then a 30 minute cycle home. I then vigourously mowed the grass front and back and power-hosed down the mess that is my patio area (thanks to Zeke and his friends). So a fairly good all round workout yesterday.
I've had lots of people ask about the trip and what it encompasses, how far we are walking etc so here is a link to the itinerary http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Microsites/china_hike/Day_by_day_itinerary.aspx. The more I look at it, the more excited I get. At this rate I will be exhausted just from excitement before I go - although knowing me that alone will keep me going.
I've now got press releases ready to go out to the local press and the village newsletter - I'm hoping that there may be some kind people out there who will help me get to do this.
Next I need to get a guide book on China so I can have a look at all the things I want to cram into the one full-day I get sight-seeing before I fly back. If anyone has been out to the Bejing area and has any recommendations please let me know. It has been recommended that I go and see the Terracotta Warriors but I'm not sure how feasible that is going to be in one day???
,
Official Poundage Lost During Training
I have had an offer for sponsorship of every pound I lose whilst training; and I am more than happy to make this challenge more of a challenge!!!
In order to make this as transparent as possible I will get my weigh-ins at the gym and get them verified by two individuals (yet to be decided).
By my bathroom scales my weight is 12st 1lb (runs and hides in shame...) but I will get that verified (hopefully for my vanity the gym scales will weigh me lighter!!!) :o) (however, for the purposes of anyone sponsoring me this way I started at 16st - LOL)
Updates as I get them!
In order to make this as transparent as possible I will get my weigh-ins at the gym and get them verified by two individuals (yet to be decided).
By my bathroom scales my weight is 12st 1lb (runs and hides in shame...) but I will get that verified (hopefully for my vanity the gym scales will weigh me lighter!!!) :o) (however, for the purposes of anyone sponsoring me this way I started at 16st - LOL)
Updates as I get them!
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
The French (red wine) Diet
9 June - Deb completed her Race for Life yesterday and did it in 45 minutes with a bit of jogging despite having put her back out 2 weeks ago (she couldn't move for 2 days); which means it is even more of an achievement. In order to support her we had t-shirts printed with my brothers' picture on it. A very emotional afternoon for all!
This week, I intend to get the promotion side of this challenge going with some press releases and such like. I also need to get some sponsorship forms made up as there do not appear to be any official ones? A bit bizarre, but just a blip!
Training is going ok, but the red wine is going better than the abs routine! Whoops! I had better get serious about the other side of it before the red wine takes over.
3 June - training pattern now a little bit better although I am still training haphazardly rather than conistently. I read the training advice that comes with the fundraising pack and that doesn't even start until 16 weeks before the event, and although I am tempted I had better get doing long before that!
Luckily, this means that what I have been doing will stand me in good stead for being able to achieve the event and the more I think about it the more excited I get. I can't wait to visit China and experience a new culture.
I trained for an hour and a half yesterday with a ride to the gym and back and a tough challenge on the cross-trainer. I also noticed an exercise plan in the weekend papers that is based around the french way of life - which helps as it means I can get fitter and leaner with the legit inclusion of red wine! Happy days! However, it does involve getting up earlier and putting my abs through torture before breakfast - but if it helps my back survive the perils then the red wine reward has to be worth it.
It is now only a few days until my sister does her Race for Life in memory of Richard. However, she is going to have to walk it having hurt her lower back about 10 days ago. I'll let you know how she gets on after the weekend.
Please support me by making a donation at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic in memory of my brother, and remember to keep checking back on my progress.
This week, I intend to get the promotion side of this challenge going with some press releases and such like. I also need to get some sponsorship forms made up as there do not appear to be any official ones? A bit bizarre, but just a blip!
Training is going ok, but the red wine is going better than the abs routine! Whoops! I had better get serious about the other side of it before the red wine takes over.
3 June - training pattern now a little bit better although I am still training haphazardly rather than conistently. I read the training advice that comes with the fundraising pack and that doesn't even start until 16 weeks before the event, and although I am tempted I had better get doing long before that!
Luckily, this means that what I have been doing will stand me in good stead for being able to achieve the event and the more I think about it the more excited I get. I can't wait to visit China and experience a new culture.
I trained for an hour and a half yesterday with a ride to the gym and back and a tough challenge on the cross-trainer. I also noticed an exercise plan in the weekend papers that is based around the french way of life - which helps as it means I can get fitter and leaner with the legit inclusion of red wine! Happy days! However, it does involve getting up earlier and putting my abs through torture before breakfast - but if it helps my back survive the perils then the red wine reward has to be worth it.
It is now only a few days until my sister does her Race for Life in memory of Richard. However, she is going to have to walk it having hurt her lower back about 10 days ago. I'll let you know how she gets on after the weekend.
Please support me by making a donation at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic in memory of my brother, and remember to keep checking back on my progress.
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Application & Acceptance
1 May - Well, time is progressing sooo fast but at least the weather appears to be getting better. Training has started with 3 dedicated workouts in the last week, plus cycling and walking and everyday life!
I might have found a pal to take with me, and everyone who I have mentioned it to has promised to sponsor me - so once I actually start asking I should get a good start.
6 May - I got the call from Macmillan today to say that I had been accepted - brilliant! I am now a bit nervous, a bit excited and a bit daunted by it all. But I'm sure that I will get my head around it all.
7 May - mmm training this week not going so well, just can't seem to find the time to get out walking or get to the gym. Have resorted to wearing ankle weights for everyday use in order to build up my legs - although obviously not if wearing a skirt or 3/4 length trousers. I think that I might get a few very odd looks.
I spoke to my parents today and told my Mum that I had been accepted, and they seemed really pleased. I'm also managing to tell lots of people about it now too. Still a year to go and all that money to raise... it really still is a daunting task, but it is achievable.
Hopefully I should have the fundraising pack in the next couple of days, so I will know what I am definitely up against and can start a staged approach to both the training and the fundraising.
22 May - oh my word - how time flies! Two weeks since I posted and not a huge amount different yet in my training and preparation regime. I have continued with the cycling and the walking and cycling training and continuing to wear the ankle weights, whenever it is appropriate but I really need to get a dedicated programme together, otherwise I'll be there and I'll do it and come back with niggles and pains etc.
I recieved the pack from Macmillan last week with everything you could possibly need to get you started - however, I have been so busy that I've not had time to read it properly yet, (note to self - READ IT!) and I've not yet started on getting the fundraising going either.
29 May - training is going ok - well , I'm getting in enough walking and cycling! I've not even started on the fundraising yet, and that is going to be a battle to get the amount I want to - but we'll give it a go!
If there is anyone out there reading this then it would be great to get your comments going!
Please support me by making a donation at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic in memory of my brother, and remember to keep checking back on my progress.
I might have found a pal to take with me, and everyone who I have mentioned it to has promised to sponsor me - so once I actually start asking I should get a good start.
6 May - I got the call from Macmillan today to say that I had been accepted - brilliant! I am now a bit nervous, a bit excited and a bit daunted by it all. But I'm sure that I will get my head around it all.
7 May - mmm training this week not going so well, just can't seem to find the time to get out walking or get to the gym. Have resorted to wearing ankle weights for everyday use in order to build up my legs - although obviously not if wearing a skirt or 3/4 length trousers. I think that I might get a few very odd looks.
I spoke to my parents today and told my Mum that I had been accepted, and they seemed really pleased. I'm also managing to tell lots of people about it now too. Still a year to go and all that money to raise... it really still is a daunting task, but it is achievable.
Hopefully I should have the fundraising pack in the next couple of days, so I will know what I am definitely up against and can start a staged approach to both the training and the fundraising.
22 May - oh my word - how time flies! Two weeks since I posted and not a huge amount different yet in my training and preparation regime. I have continued with the cycling and the walking and cycling training and continuing to wear the ankle weights, whenever it is appropriate but I really need to get a dedicated programme together, otherwise I'll be there and I'll do it and come back with niggles and pains etc.
I recieved the pack from Macmillan last week with everything you could possibly need to get you started - however, I have been so busy that I've not had time to read it properly yet, (note to self - READ IT!) and I've not yet started on getting the fundraising going either.
29 May - training is going ok - well , I'm getting in enough walking and cycling! I've not even started on the fundraising yet, and that is going to be a battle to get the amount I want to - but we'll give it a go!
If there is anyone out there reading this then it would be great to get your comments going!
Please support me by making a donation at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic in memory of my brother, and remember to keep checking back on my progress.
Friday, 25 April 2008
April 2008
It has been a manic month, starting with Richard's funeral on the 1st!
My sister's fundraising has been going fantastically well (http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/deborahharrington1), and I have started the ball rolling with setting myself on course to trek the Great Wall of China in April 2009.
Step one was to download the application form, at which point I realised that I would need to renew my passport before setting off next year - another item to add to the list!
Step two was to acknowledge that I would have to significantly up the ante in terms of my training and exercise programme - another item to add to the list.
Step three was to realise I needed a reference from a professional who has known me for at least 3 years - another item to add to the list.
And so it goes on! I now have a list of 10 items that I need to do and I have yet to put the application form in the post as I write.
As far as thank yous go, I already have a few. Firstly, to my son and his dad for allowing me the time to do this; secondly to everyone at the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre in Abingdon for supporting me with my training; and thirdly my former Chief Executive at CLS for agreeing to be my referee.
There will be many more people I will need to thank and I need to apologise now if I forget to mention anyone - but all your support is very much appreciated.
Please support me by making a donation at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic in memory of my brother, and remember to keep checking back on my progress.
My sister's fundraising has been going fantastically well (http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/deborahharrington1), and I have started the ball rolling with setting myself on course to trek the Great Wall of China in April 2009.
Step one was to download the application form, at which point I realised that I would need to renew my passport before setting off next year - another item to add to the list!
Step two was to acknowledge that I would have to significantly up the ante in terms of my training and exercise programme - another item to add to the list.
Step three was to realise I needed a reference from a professional who has known me for at least 3 years - another item to add to the list.
And so it goes on! I now have a list of 10 items that I need to do and I have yet to put the application form in the post as I write.
As far as thank yous go, I already have a few. Firstly, to my son and his dad for allowing me the time to do this; secondly to everyone at the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre in Abingdon for supporting me with my training; and thirdly my former Chief Executive at CLS for agreeing to be my referee.
There will be many more people I will need to thank and I need to apologise now if I forget to mention anyone - but all your support is very much appreciated.
Please support me by making a donation at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic in memory of my brother, and remember to keep checking back on my progress.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
The Reason Why...
It is now a month since my brother was taken from us by a particularly aggressive and vicious cancer of the oesophagus. Although the problems had started to manifest themselves at Christmas 2006, we did not get diagnosis until September 2007. Six months later and it was all, sadly, over.
It has been a hard time for all of us, especially my parents, but we take strength from the fact that he is no longer suffering and no longer in pain. There have been a number of individuals and organisations that have supported us all through this time, whom we have thanked personally and they know who they are and how much we appreciate what they did for Richard and for the family as a whole.
My sister is running the Race for Life in June in memory of our brother and I decided that it was time that I also did something in his memory, and to help facilitate the future of great institutions such as Cancer Research, hospices and support of the families affected.
I've never taken the easy option, as many people will know; and true to form not wanting to do things the easy way I decided that I needed to do something that was spectacular, life changing but also significant. For a while I have been thinking about taking on one of the major challenges offered by a number of Charities, but have decided upon trekking the Great Wall of China with Macmillan Cancer Support.
This also has a further personal significance as a number of years ago I worked for Macmillan Cancer Support as an Appeal fundraiser and helped to put a Macmillan Nurse in post. In fact, the first of the same team that went on to support my brother and our family, so I am determined that I will succeed!
I am not approaching this with a laid back attitude, but knowing full well that I have a metaphorical mountain to climb in being able to train effectively, safely and complete the challenge in one piece.
This blog is to serve as a reminder to myself and others, the routine and effort that I will have put in to this; and to publically thank everyone who has contributed, and will contribute, and helped me along the way to help me achieve my goal.
Please support me by making a donation at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic in memory of my brother, and remember to keep checking back on my progress.
Thanks for reading x
It has been a hard time for all of us, especially my parents, but we take strength from the fact that he is no longer suffering and no longer in pain. There have been a number of individuals and organisations that have supported us all through this time, whom we have thanked personally and they know who they are and how much we appreciate what they did for Richard and for the family as a whole.
My sister is running the Race for Life in June in memory of our brother and I decided that it was time that I also did something in his memory, and to help facilitate the future of great institutions such as Cancer Research, hospices and support of the families affected.
I've never taken the easy option, as many people will know; and true to form not wanting to do things the easy way I decided that I needed to do something that was spectacular, life changing but also significant. For a while I have been thinking about taking on one of the major challenges offered by a number of Charities, but have decided upon trekking the Great Wall of China with Macmillan Cancer Support.
This also has a further personal significance as a number of years ago I worked for Macmillan Cancer Support as an Appeal fundraiser and helped to put a Macmillan Nurse in post. In fact, the first of the same team that went on to support my brother and our family, so I am determined that I will succeed!
I am not approaching this with a laid back attitude, but knowing full well that I have a metaphorical mountain to climb in being able to train effectively, safely and complete the challenge in one piece.
This blog is to serve as a reminder to myself and others, the routine and effort that I will have put in to this; and to publically thank everyone who has contributed, and will contribute, and helped me along the way to help me achieve my goal.
Please support me by making a donation at http://www.justgiving.com/sarahpearce-in-trinsic in memory of my brother, and remember to keep checking back on my progress.
Thanks for reading x
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