Chill Time

The last few months my life has felt a bit like a round bale of hay hurtling down a hill with no way to slow down or take stock. Sure I've had days here and there but I guess it's the image of putting your phone on charge and waiting for it just to be charged enough to carry on rather than having a full battery. I've been running on just enough for a long time. And to be honest I've been exhausted, physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Being a youth worker is hugely rewarding, but its also massively draining. Patience, energy and always being flexible is costly and there are times when it's literally all I can do to get through a day of sessions. Don't get me wrong I love my job, but its hard! Being responsible and managing people is difficult and at times horrible. 

BUT I have just had a little holiday and its been amazing. 

Like seriously so restful and refreshing. I went to spend a few days with some of my friends Tom, Naomi and Malcolm at Tom's parents farm. It was so fun! I know these guys from university (in fact I've written gushing posts about all of them in the past), and they are the type of people that know loads about me and we can just tease each other and laugh together. We had SUCH a chilled time. 

Highlights included:

• Staying up late in pj's everyone talking in my room
• Strolling down country lanes
• Enjoying Tom's Mum's cooking
• Feeding the horse
• Watching Tom's whole family have a family photo
• Mooching through antique shops
• Tasting amaretto and cranberry for the first time
• Laughing at everything
• Becoming a wasp ninja...or rather watching Tom dish out wasp wrath 
• Getting stuck in all the traffic ever.
• Singing to Moulin Rouge, Mamma Mia and Christmas cds
• Basking in the sun

I feel that even after only a few days, catching up on sleep and being in some fresh clean air has totally rejuvenated my soul. 

photo courtesy of Nom and Malc at Mustard Yellow Photography

London to Brighton Torture

I have been very encouraged by how people have really got behind me with regards to this cycling challenge. Already I have smashed the target of £300 set for me by XLP - anything beyond this is bonus! So if you want to donate anything please go here. 

Yesterday I continued with my training by doing a London to Brighton bike ride with some of  the team from Moonpig. 60 miles in the rain. And not like a little drizzle, at times it was proper downpour - I was so SO soaked! I was wearing my raincoat and it got drenched through so for a good 50% of the ride I was pretty cold. 

BUT I did it. I had to get off and walk some of Ditchley Beacon which is a KILLER hill just outside of Brighton. After you've cycled about 54 miles the last thing you want is a long steep hill. Apart from that I rode the whole way on the hybrid bike I cycle around London. 

I'm not going to lie, I found the day incredibly difficult. The rain made everything heavier and more horrible, plus I was riding a bike that's great for a few miles around Lewisham but for long distances is heavy, clunky and not quite in the best of conditions. The first 30 miles were fine, but after that it was up and down and I genuinely was praying as I went that God wouldn't let me fall into any cars/tractors that over took me. 

Good news is that I was cycling with some really experienced people who were brilliant at telling me what I need to sort out before the real deal. Also they've done the big one before and told me that yesterday was harder than any 1 of the days we'll be doing over the 4; just because it was so so hilly. 

Also I am hiring a road bike for the real thing - and having ridden one before and feeling how different it is and how much smoother the ride is I am feeling confident that I'll survive the big one. 

Today though I am in pain - mainly in my right leg joint, it's super painful to lift my leg. Everywhere else is ok, bit achey but not too bad. I think this is just a foretaste of the pain that is to come....!