Grape Afloat!

[allotmentlady]

all pain and the rewards will be brilliant, think of how fantastic your body is going to look!!"!

[janeyo]

If you come and help with my digging that will harden your hands up fast

[pipscariad]

You've got the power!

Phew, a week has passed since my row a week ago, but it feels much longer than that! It's been a very busy week, and the 'training' has got underway in a serious fashion - I've had my first go in the gym with the weights (muscles, what are those?), and the first go on the rowing machine (the first of many, in both cases...). And yes, you Grapes do have miraculous powers, because, when I was flagging on the rowing machine I thought of you all, and how you have supported me in this venture and how I mustn't let you down - and it worked, I went faster! So keep it up, because things are only going to get tougher and so I'll need you even more!

I feel permanently stiff (family forum remember now...) - I reckon I'll stay that way until it's all over, but it's not a bad feeling in a way... Rowing today was brilliant, hard work of course, but I got the hang of everything much better this week. We went out of our usual harbour at Porthgain, and the sea had a 2 foot swell, so it was pretty exciting. I got a wave right down the back of my neck at one point . Got pretty wet, not helped by falling off the edge of the slipway whilst getting the boat ashore (I was pushed by the boat, your Honour...)!

So, more of the same this week, and my running shoes, on loan from big sis, arrived yesterday, so no excuse now... Oh, and I've bought myself a grown-up sized skipping rope, so even if it's raining I can exhaust myself (small daughters' just didn't work for me as she's 3'7" and I'm 5'9"...).

I'm buying my ferry ticket tomorrow, so that's the point of no return! Enough rambling, I'm off for a soak in the bath, but keep those energetic vibes coming - I need 'em!

p.s. no blisters this week, so am doing something right (and no I'm not weeing on them, before you ask )

[Flummery]

Well done lass! What a feeling of achievement. Glad we are all helping - even if it's just to shame you into keeping going.

Seriously, I'm sure after the first few weeks you will build up your stamina and it won't be quite so hard. Enjoy it!

[jackie j]

Vaseline on you know what helps, surgical spirit helps the hands, as does gloves for rowing and a rowing cushion but you probably already know this.
My 12 year old daughter is starting rowing next week in the river have to get her a lifejacket and the other bits I have mentioned.
Good luck with it.

[pipscariad]

Yeek, I've just booked my ferry ticket - I've got butterflies in my tummy now, this is really happening!

Off for a calming cycle ride to the rowing machines now

I'll think of you all when I start to flag!

[jackie j]

Thankfully I don't think I'll need Vaseline, but who knows?! Yup, I've heard of the surgical spirit thing, will give it a go. Is your niece going to the Scillies?

No she only rows in the sea near us

[pipscariad]

I thought I'd better do a quick update on this, in case you thought I had fallen by the wayside! Training's going really well, but it is eating into my gardening time! Rowing on Sunday was wonderful - blue skies, calm seas, and a good, fast time, so smiles all around. I must be much fitter, as I felt as though I could go out again!

I go to the gym once a week now (its where I was this morning), then the rowing machine once or twice a week, and two cycle rides every day - this combines letting out/putting away my hens at the veg plot, and equates to nearly 7 miles (some days I do more, as I can 'add on' a loop to make it further, and when I go to the gym I cycle there with my training partner, which is a good 15 mile round trip). I've started trying to do it as fast as I can, and using much fewer gears when going uphill. I have much harder thighs now! Various parts of my body seem to be permantly aching, but it's quite a good feeling, and getting fit again is brilliant, I feel so much better and have loads more energy !

I've had no offers of sponsorship, but have decided to not worry about the cost, I'll manage one way or another, and I'm committed to it, so that's that! And I have managed to round up nearly £90, and many of you good folk have helped with that , so a big thank you again! I'm planning on doing an ebay session, but haven't had the time to sort it all out yet! I've now paid for my accommodation on the islands, and the ferry ticket, and my share of the gig shipping costs. I got really excited when the tickets arrived, as it felt much more real then!

Six weeks to go now, and the time is starting to fly! I get butterflies in my tummy when I think about it....!

[snuffer]

Lordy, lordy. I'm exhausted just reading that. My main execise is walking the dogs, looking after the garden and the lottie and I can asure you, that is quite enough.

Sounds like things are going great guns there pipscariad. Keep up the good work and enjoy competing. You definately deserve success.

[Flummery]

Keep it up - not only will you be fitter, you sound like you're having so much fun too!

[pipscariad]

Had an unexpected row tonight as well - organised at the last minute. Went out at 6pm from Goodwick Harbour, it was sooooo lovely - the sea was like glass, and the sky was tinged with pink, which in turn made the sea the same colour. Gorgeous. I find rowing very relaxing, a bit like meditation in a strange way, as you have to concentrate so hard that there's no room for anything else in your mind. Feeling very chilled out now, but also very ready for a hot shower - what with the gym workout this morning and then rowing, I'm pretty bushed.

(And yes, it was dark when we got back!)

[janeyo]

How's it all going?

[pipscariad]

Oo, thanks Janeyo, I got all excited when I saw 'my' thread there! I haven't been updating too regularly, as I thought you might all drop off at the repetition of it all! The 'cycled there, went to the gym (again), on the rowing machine, out in the boat' routine... But, 'tis all going really well thanks, and the realisation has hit me that there is now only just over four weeks to go

Sadly since yesterday I have managed to pick up a yucky cold, which has now lodged firmly in my head and replaced my brains with cotton wool - or a more leaden version of the stuff anyway , so I'm having a couple of enforced days off. I wondered why I struggled with my cycle ride on Wednesday night... I just hope I'm fit for rowing on Sunday, but have a feeling I won't be. Bah. Still, it will be back to pedalling the lanes next week, and trying to lift heavier weights in the gym. I now have real muscles, it's very exciting!

The only downside of all this training is that it takes up so much time, and with that and the garden the house is being very neglected! Luckily my OH is a star, and steps in with the hoover, washing machine etc, so we don't completely disappear under the chaos - I have a feeling he will be relieved when it's all over though.

I'm still attempting to get a photo of us in training on here, but OH tends to stay at home with the children, so I'm not managing that one. Besides, my nose is too red at the moment . At least I'll have plenty of pics of the actual event for you, come the time.

Ramble, ramble - you sorry you asked yet Janeyo? (Can you tell I'm not feeling well enough to get on with anything!)

[allotmentlady]

Well I have had a really good read, u sound like your fitter and coping better. I envy you rowing when the water is like glass, must be lovely.... 6 weeks will fly........how long do u stay over for? Is the family going to join you?

Moxx

[janeyo]

Not boring at all - that's why I asked!

Makes me feel tired just reading about your training lol