I did 40 miles around the New Forest on Friday, first time on a bike for a few years, and there were times when I hoped I was going to die. Am going to cycle the Tarka trail in Devon with the family at the end of the month - I'm hoping that'll be easier going as some if that is old railway line so should be pretty level going. It's 32 miles end to end, so we're going to try and do Barnstable to the end and back which ought to be about 50 miles. I once got cautioned by the Old Bill for doing 50 in a 40 zone (slight downhill)...that was a long time ago, as I quickly realised on Friday
Love the idea of the otter trail. Can’t believe you did 40 miles straight off... I have built up over a few weeks. 6 Miles a few times, then a few up to 10, then 15/16 before the 30. That’s impressive RJ. How old are you?
Am 51. I do a bit on a rowing machine so I'm not completely starting from scratch fitness wise. I used to play footie, some athletics and cycled a lot, but not since I was about 20...I'd like to lose the dad bod and am down to 80kg from 90kg since May. Only 5 to go to get to my fighting weight. Really looking forward to the Tarka trail, I've walked a few stretches of it over the years but never the whole thing Edit. Those numbers were wrong, I'm down to 85 from 95kg. I should just stick to lbs really, as I know what they are
I'd forgotten how uncomfortable a bike seat is, especially when you're carrying a bit of timber...my ass felt like I'd been to a pool party at Barrymore's
Me too. I've done the Meon Valley Trail 3 times in the last month. It's Wickham to West Meon and back, about 20 miles. Thankfully the saddle soreness has got less each time. The best bit is stopping at a Cafe in West Meon for tea and a bacon sandwich.
That’s pretty good going RJ. I’m just younger than you, but have hardly done anything for the last several years, a bit of fat Dad football a year ago. What’s been the best effect on the Weight loss, excercise/eating less/drinking less? Clue: I want you to say just the first one
I cut down on beer and cider - still drink spirits but less than I used to. I cut down on carbs, smaller portions of some, and I now pre-cook pasta and then reheat it. It becomes a resistant carbo which isn't as readily digested. I've got steak tomoz, 16oz rump with a green salad and some parmesan shavings. I almost don't miss the big plate of chips that used to be there too Main thing was exercise though, lots of flights of stairs on campus where I work so I stopped using the lift, plus a session or 2 a week on a rowing machine. I try to do 30 strokes/minute for 30 minutes which is great for cardio and strength
Alcohol is just empty calories. I hardly drink so regrettably giving it up wouldn't make much difference to me But for any regular drinker, the answer is easy.
^^^This I'm approaching 49 like FLT (He's older than me ), and I can honestly say whenever I have lost weight it as been like you. This March to May I lost 1.5 stone from lower carb, reheating pasta and 5:2 diet. Like you I substituted the chips or potatoes with a low carb alternative and it worked well. No beer, no cider, just wine as it is a lot lower carb. Just have to be careful with the alcohol munchies and the fact that my defences are down when under the influence. I walk at least 3 miles every day and have a nice little vibrating plate at home that I swear by. Do squats and press-ups on it as well as standing...about 30-40 mins a day. The best aid to my fitness is a tracking device, originally FitBit now an Apple watch. it really helps to motivate me to 'fill my rings' or just walk a bit more. It's horrible approaching 50.
Apologies if this has been posted before . https://www.southampton.gov.uk/council-democracy/have-your-say/clean-air-consultation.aspx
I cycled from Bristol to Bath and back last week, first time I had been on an actual bike in years. Apparently the round trip was 33 miles, was enjoyable will probably do it again after work one night this week.
Good stuff. How old are you Saintmagic? * I feel a not606 cycle meet coming up... need to check she’s so there are no 24 year olds sneaking in and killing us on a ride
I cook it till it's al dente, then plunge it into cold water to stop it cooking further by its residual heat. Rinse it thoroughly to get any surplus starch off (stops it sticking together) and bung it in the fridge in container. I then put a portion on a plate, clingfilm over the top, and microwave just long enough to get it piping hot. Making toast with bread straight from the freezer does the same thing to bread starches. I'll sometimes toss the pasta in a tiny bit of olive oil before I put it in the fridge, which also helps to keep it separate. I focus on starchy carbs reduction rather than fats, because it's sugar that is the enemy, not fat. Excess starchy carbs get converted to sugars which prompts the body to lay down extra fat...making them into resistant carbs means that they don't get broken down as quickly and act as a form of fibre almost so it reduces the body's calorie intake by approx 50% for a given amount of starchy carb - that's the theory anyway
I'm 29. Had pre season the day before and day after doing the cycle so was a bit stiff, wasn't really gunning it though. Took me just over 2 hours to cycle the distance. I have no idea what a "good" speed at cycling is though.