Frank's 60th Birthday
London to Paris
Charity Cycle Ride
22/7/2009 - 26/7/2009

Came home from work on Friday 9th January to find a letter from the DVLA saying I can drive again.

Saturday did a 10k run in good time; Brana joined on her bicycle from Hookway to Uton which pushed up my pace.

Sunday cycled over to Exeter and out Digby way, exploring cycle paths as well.

Tuesday lunchtime ran to Arena and back.

Wednesday night drove for the first time, having cycled home from work. Went to South West Road Runners again, and again with Dave's group, the second level, and had no problems keeping up, so was pleased with my fitness and stamina. Am still trying to get a place in Sunday's 10k 'First Chance'. Chatted to Eugene who actually spotted me running in Crediton last Saturday by chance, and some other guys. I'm hoping to meet up with Ray at Arena tomorrow lunchtime for some training.

Off to the hospital this morning. Blood test first, to check on the pronounced vein on right temple. Then the MRI scan. Stripped off to hospital gown, then lay on narrow table and was rolled head first into the dark tube - very rebirthing! Forty minutes of whines, bangs and vibrations. They forgot to turn the music on, which was a blessing, as I escaped local radio. I enjoyed relaxing in there with the headphones on. TYhen back to work, where I phoned the surgery and got the results of my cholesterol test: 5.6. They say it's ok, but it's actually borderline high. Blodd pressure to be tested every year or so.

Ran just over 10km this morning, took 53 minutes. Ran via Peoples Park Road, Uton and Hookway.

A very good day today. Started by cycling to Exeter, and met up en route with a friendly accomplished cyclist who was moving to Crediton and testing the route to Exeter. Cycling with him meant that I pushed myself and made good time. Had a great time in Exeter too, and then cycling back I had another accomplished young cyclist to chase to Crediton, which again did me good, though this one didn't chat. Today I went back to my lighter North Face cycling shoes which were much better, but the best thing was the bright sunshine and slightly warmer temperature. In the afternoon I went for a 6.5km run round Fordton, Uton and Westernlea and revelled in it.

I saw my neurologist Dr Harrower yesterday teatime. Really nice and pretty reassuring. I have my MRI scan next Monday: they'll be checking for an 'A.M.V.' a sort of bad connection in brain between artery and vein, which should be easier to spot now the blood has cleared. I still think it was a cyclist's bonk, but they don't know about them, so I'll give hime some stuff from Wikipedia when I'm back there. Also discussed the white patches in my brain, of which I have more than my expected share for my age.

Good news: he really encopuraged me to keep up my exercising, all the cycling, running and weights! Says keeping fit and blood pressure and cholesterol low are the best things I can do. Great!

Yesterday I was pleased: I ran 10.6km round Fordton (twice) thanks to the ipod with Leonard Cohen and Dana International.

Also inflated the Swiss ball and started using it for exercises as well as all the usual weight training.

Today I cycled to Copplestone using some back roads as well, about 18km. It was extremely cold, so I abandoned the plan of a huge ride to Barnstaple, Bideford and Torrington. I had adjusted the cleats to avoid tendonitis. Better, but think right foot needs cleat moving back a little more, and both need moving out a little laterally so inside of shoe doesn't rub against crank.