Well, I’ve been busy since last posting…. Where should I start? Firstly the rugby world cup. We visited Marseille for the RWC QFs to see Wales (What a joke!). We left Cardiff on 5th of Oct 07 at 8am by Private Jet. We arrived to see 2 QFs which has resulted in England and South Africa getting to the final. The best part of Saturday night was watching France defeat New Zealand, the atmosphere was great (C’mon you blues).

View RWC Photos Then the following week I decided to Cycle around the Isle of Wight. I can say that it’s solid and has many hills. In fact loads of hills. I did some training for the cycle but nothing to prepare me for 74 miles of hell!!!! Then to top off the weekend England beat France and I had to endure the whole thing with 5 English Lads and 1 wannabe Italian!!

View IOW Photos 

We have some family news – Steffan, Delyth and Beca are expecting an extra family member (12 week scan) – 8th Oct 2007. Scan Picture seen below. 

12 Week Scan (Image 1) (Image 2

Well today I challanged myself to do at least 25 miles to ensure I can cope with the distance of the Isle of Wight route. I did a total of 27.30 miles in 2hrs 9 mins and 15 secs. I must admit that you really should ensure you know your route. I raise this as I ended on tha A10 today which really is a no/no. My learnings today are :

1. A lot of places end with “END”. For example, Dane End.
2. Green End has some really nice houses.
3. Ending with a climb after 24 miles is a bad idea.
4. Invest in more Jelly Beans (sport version).

On Friday I went for a 4 mile jog in a very slow 34 mins. My muscles still hurt and made me do a search on goole regarding acl and starting to run again. But I couln’t find anything conclusive so I’ll just continue and carry on doing warm-ups and warm-downs.

Well I went on a training run around work today. I jogged(slowley) around a few parks for about 50 mins and am now feeling the pain in my legs. Just a samall thanks to Mike for taking me around the parks.

When my boss suggested that our team(Simon A, Simon M, Stefano, Prabinder – Not really a team member, Keith and Tel – SA Mate) should go on a cycle ride to the Isle of Wight (about 60 miles), I though sure I’ll come it will be easy! This was after I suggested that we should do the Welsh Cycle Route (North to South). Now after completing my first training cycle, I’m glad it’s only the Isle of Wight !!! My first training cycle was 12.11 miles around where I live (Stevenage / Letchworth) and took me 56:17 mins which is an average of 4:39 a Mile. My learning from the cycle is as follows:

1. My arse feels like it’s been in a round with Mike Tyson.
2. I am not fit!!!
3. Don’t leave me to do the pace making as I died over the last 3 miles.
4. People to drive cars think they can overtake on blind corners.
5. Don’t eat a cheese sandwich as I now feel physically sick.
6. Close my mouth when cycling as I catch far too many fly’s in my mouth.

I will keep you all informed of my training as it gets closer to the trip (20th of Oct). Not actually sure how a pissup to Marsaille is going to help ?