Had to fit things around visitors this weekend, so not the best but..

Day 40: played 30 mins of football with the U15s that I ‘help’ coach. Plus laying all the cones out/in, running after stray balls, shouting etc..

Day 41: pre-breakfast 5.5 k run and stretches. Then wondering around the streets of Bath.

Day 42: walk with dog on the tops for an hour or so. Later, prepping/testing my gravel bike in the evening (went for a spin of about 5 miles).

I’ll get out for a bike or run today.

12 miler to and around d bikepark with my grandson…… aces.

“Ramp Test” results…

This test really didn’t suit me at all. I like long and steady efforts, and love to dig in on a climb. This progressive increase in demanded watts was horrible. Too short and abrupt. It was all over in 15 minutes… and only 3 or 4 of those required much effort. I suddenly could not continue and then felt sick.

FTP= 225        Max HR= 160

55 years old, 80kg and been riding forever… although stage 4 cancer takes its toll I suppose!

I should be happy (last test FTP= 199) but I thought it would have been higher. Max heart rate was lower than expected too.

Ah well, something to build on 🙂

15k walk today. Walked into Rhodes Old Town over the hill and looked round the ancient ruins at the acropolis, rather than getting the bus, then walked back along the coast.

Its about 24 degrees here so really nice, not too hot.

Day 43: 6 k run by head torch. Only one bat skirmish… meaning the pace was slow.

Away with MrsMC so yesterday was over 20k steps along the coast to earn a chippy tea and then an ascent of Steep Hill in Lincoln to a lovely Italian restaurant for a belated dessert.

*44 days is close to 50 right?

Sorry mate not even 90% ?

5.5k run this morning. Slow as I was hung over, sorted me out though!

Just a walk today but backed up by most of the day spent stripping wallpaper. Knackered now!

Multi day update #1, with pictures.

day 33 (18 Oct)  travelling to Dubrovnik for a 4 day long weekend, so mainly walking, a lot of walking.

day 34 did a turbo session at the resort in Dubrovnik 45 minutes indicated 21.5 km. Then walking round Dubrovnik old town in the afternoon, seeing the sights all told 3.45 km in 70 minutes, there was a break for food and snacks somewhere in this.

day 35 walked (6.5 km in 2.5 hours) round Dubrovnik Old town and then did the City Wall walk late afternoon to see the sunset from the city walls, amazing weather for mid Oct and great walk. Loved it.

Day 45: 35km of gravel.

@stanley – my FTP is apparently about 170. I look at Garmin and that tells me that I’m just into the “Fair” category – i.e. not even “Good”. I’d be over the moon with 225. Thing is, in “real world riding” I’m not usually the person tiring at the end of a longer ride and that matters more to me than a number that seems to bear no relevance.

Cracking pic @ton – brings a smile to my old face.

Yesterday was the usual evening run with the club – now fully in dark mode as a result of the clock change. 10km in a light mizzle, but temps holding up at 11C feel a bit unseasonal.

A body weight session in my gym today to loosen up the legs and keep things ticking over.

Hmm that was surprisingly easy. A combination of disciplined pre/post run stretching, no booze in the week, actually following the programme this time and – probably – not starting a run after an hour of slogging up and down muddy hillsides with the dogs!

My initial weight loss (2 kg) has stopped dead. I’ve actually put a bit back on. I did the vanity thing of taking a photo at the start of the challenge of upper torso (beer belly casting its own shadow) and will do at end of each month. Don’t worry I won’t be sharing! This is only to give me some evidence (I hope) of some fat turning into less fat or a bit of muscle. I have my expectations set low tho 🙂

Day whatever- lost count ages ago, but I’ve been doing press ups everyday as my constant exercise, and my left shoulder is killing me. I had surgery on my right shoulder 4 years ago, and I fear the other shoulder is heading the same way. I fear I may have to back off a tad.

@walowiz – thanks we’re looking to go next Spring I think. That hotel looked great, shall see if we can get in there.

My “best” FTP was about 265 I think after spending about four months dedicated turbo training on the FTP builder and similar programmes. I was good at Zwift but I don’t really remember it helping me much on the MTB. I had some goals on Zwift – sub 1hr on the alpe, being able to hang on to easier ‘B’ rides etc that didn’t translate to the winch and plummet riding we have here.

It’s probably 230-250 now depending on how much pain I’m prepared to ensure for 20 mins, but I feel better on the MTB. Probably as I’ve massively cut down on the turbo – as I just got so sick of it last winter – and rode outside in the slop instead

Day 45:  lunchtime 5 k plus stretches and warm down.

New PB for me. The time is not at all impressive, but it’s my fastest on Strava in 13 years! I don’t normally run much and am not built for running, so I’m celebrating by falling asleep at my laptop.

Another 5k this morning up the sea front in Rhodes.

Back in blighty tomorrow and aching so it might be time for some yoga!

Went for my monthly 1:1 stroll with my boss in the Pentlands. Supposedly tapering off for an attempt at running the Skyline on Saturday but that might be in doubt. Nevertheless, an easier few days feels welcome.

A bit slippy in the dust here at the moment

My heart bleeds, you poor thing with all that dry dustiness 🙂

Travelling through airports today, this has to count for a day’s gruelling exercise.