Changes

Had a busy week and a nice few days off to top it all off.  Been commuting in really nice weather is so nice.  It’s allowed me to go the long way home through the back of Partington via Dunham Massey and back through Altrincham and Sale.  The traffic is rush hour style at the time I’m getting back which is a little annoying but I’ll have to get used to it!  The end of the week has seen two days worth of nice rides.  By this I mean 2 hours ish.  I have also had the pleasure of getting out with company, which always spurs me on and keeps me pushing.   Nice weather plus company equals a happy Crossland.

A couple of people have asked me about figures.  The statistics of my weight loss over the past 12 months.  To be honest I haven’t got any precise figures of the loss.  I am going off clothes like I said before.  I have, however got a couple of pictures, which kind of sum up the journey.

Late 2010

Feb 2012

So you may be able to see a small difference…  Honestly though I can’t believe I was that big.  I have had a mental picture of myself over the years and it is hard to try and get my head around the fact that I was that big.  It has taken me a while to get to where I am and it will take a good few months to get to where I’m going but to say I am happy with the progress is an understatement.  If I had the time to thank people who have helped and those who have pushed I would list them here.  At the end of the day though I have to give myself a firm pat on the back as it is me who is doing this.  I’m giving myself a clap :-)  Thanks to you all and keep pushing me it helps!

My favourite topic is obviously the bike at the moment as it has been for some time now and I am certain will be for a number of years to come.  I have been preparing for the Ireland ride over the last few weeks and if anyone thinks cycling is a cheap hobby can think again!  Bib shorts, shoes, bike fit, new stem and seat (because I really really really don’t want a case of numb groin again!) and a host of other bits and bobs for the trip.  I am really confident it’s all coming together nicely and I will be well on the way come June.  I went to see Rich at Pedal Precision (www.pedalprecision.com)  again this week, his plush new office at the Velodrome suits his expertise.  I also want to say how much of a genius Rich is at what he does…he is a genius.  We spoke about an issue with my knee, which has been causing me pain and my fear of numb groin returning during the Ireland ride.  Reassured, cleats adjusted a little tinkering with the position on the bike, new stem and saddle and I am 100% confident I will make it around Ireland. 

On the charity front everything is coming together nicely apart from being rejected for a bag packing stint at my local ASDA.  Just a letter back saying no sorry.  No reason has left me a bit frustrated with them.  It has been another good week for donations this week we have collected £71.50 leaving my running total so far at £718  As we speak I am having the Tiger suit dry cleaned and have arranged for a good friend to come and get some photographic evidence.  There may even be a short film if I get a headcam in time.  Watch this space (or not if it offends).  Over the next two months I will be selling raffle tickets for £2 a ticket with a chance to win half of all the money collected from the raffle ticket sales it’s called a 50/50 raffle!   Please let me know if you would like to buy some or if you can sell some, which would be a great help!

See you next week people.  Have a great week!