I will NOT give up!

Well this week I will be dealing with training around an injury in my calf. How did I get this injury? I'm not entirely sure...but how about we recap what I did yesterday before I discovered the mystery bruise!

My day yesterday began at 3am when my alarm went off...that's right...3am! Up and into my Perth Crew blinglet and cycling shorts and in the car at 3:30am to head to the Esplanade Train Station in Perth. 4:30am I was on the first train to Mandurah with my bike and as many cyclists and bikes they could cram into the train! By 5:45am I was at the starting point for the RAC Bike Hike for Asthma. My mission was to complete a 70km cycle from Mandurah to Perth on the Freeway.

At 6:44am I cycled out through the starting arch and began the epic journey to Perth. The first 10km, while windy, was manageable as it is a distance I used to cycling to work. What was a little annoying on my cycle was that when I changed the tube on my tyre (with a lot of help from dad!) I put it on the wrong way for my bike computer! So...I had no idea what my speed was or how far I had cycled during the morning. So, my plan for the ride changed slightly to base my breaks around time instead of distance.

My first break for water and dates (couldn't bring myself to eat lollies for the sugar so went with dates, which I love!) was around 8am and my second was at 9am. I was so impressed at how quickly the sugar from the dates perked me up! I have to admit, I did really enjoy getting off that bike seat at those times as well!

At approximately 9:40am I rode through the finish arch at Langley Park in Perth and I was so excited to be done! It was also great to see Natalie with her kids at the end. The support that I knew was waiting for me at the end really did help me get through the race and I love that the Perth Crew provide that support and encouragement to each other. I have made some amazing friends throughout the past 6 months as a part of the Perth Crew.

So, getting back to my mystery bruise...

Late afternoon I discovered that I had a massive bruise on the inside of my calf, right near my knee and it was swollen. Well, of course the first thing I do is take a photo and post it for people to comment on (sending it via facebook or text to different friends for comments) and then start to ice and put voltaren cream on. This morning it was aching when I got up and after icing it this morning at work, I decided to get it checked out so made an appointment with the physio.

My physio appointment incorporated torture (getting his thumb stuck into the trigger points in my calf), acupuncture (which I barely felt which I wasn't expecting) and then the tens machine...which felt kinda cool. When I left (after being there an hour!) I wasn't walking as well and had been told no exercise until after I see him again on Thursday. But...since I am only restricted in my leg...I am putting together a workout for tomorrow with upper body and core work...so keep your eyes out later in the week for how my training panned out!

Until next time :)

New beginnings

Welcome to Sarah's scribblings!

Yesterday I had such an amazing day hanging out with friends at Rottnest. We cycled and swam and hung out at the pub - so all in all a GREAT day :)

Spending time with these girls is the best kind of therapy - knowing I can say anything and I'm still accepted and if I'm struggling they will be there for me.

Lately I've been reflecting on my journey and where I have come so far. Sometimes it's hard to see the changes and I need to remind the fat
girl in my head that she's been replaced! Today I wanted to share some of the gems I have discovered or rediscovered lately.

1. If you want to get there you will make a way. If not you will make an excuse.

2. You can't make people join you on the journey - sometimes that means you'll leave people behind.

3. This program has given me so much more than weight loss!

I've spent a big part of this week upset and defeated. I don't want to let what other people do or say control how I feel about myself. I am going to run my own race and I know I have some amazing people beside me cheering me on. I know that I will have times where I'm sad about friendships broken or doubt my ability to do this. Those moments will not define me. How I respond to those situations will define me.

So I invite you to join with me and see where this crazy journey takes us!

Until next time

Sarah