Monday 30 April 2018

Cycling by the Sea

Last weekend, with the promise of a 🌞 sunny 🌞 day ahead of us, we planned another bike ride. The main idea being to head somewhere a little quieter this time so there was more chance of me being able to enjoy a slightly more relaxing ride.

It was very chilly early in the morning, I'd hoped it would have been warmer so we didn't have to set off wearing our jackets. I needn't have worried however, as by the time I'd packed up our lunch and  the bikes were loaded into the van, it had soon warmed up and a light fleece top was all that we required.

We set off on our way and the track was quiet, just dog walkers and other cyclists greeted us so I wasn't as worried about  Lily's occasional  lapses in concentration. It was lovely and peaceful and the local wildlife appeared in abundance. We saw so many butterflies, a heron, a squirrel, and even a weasel crossed our path, which was exciting for me as I'd never seen one before.
Approximately four miles into our route we stopped at a bench for our lunch. Is it me or do sandwiches always taste better when they are part of a picnic, even when they are a little squashed? Tummies satisfied, we  briefly enjoyed the sea views and warm salty air before Lily urged us to push on further. I think she enjoys riding her bike. That, and the promise of an ice cream at our destination probably helped.



Two miles further down the track and with the chocolate ice cream having been given a few licks (she likes the idea of them rather than the reality) Lily decided she was getting a bit tired and asked to be attached to the back of my bike for the return journey, which considering she had already ridden six miles all by herself was probably a good idea - those little legs had worked hard, although the faster ride back was a lot of fun for her too and the warmth of the sun on our backs felt lovely. Of course, the moment we arrived home, what did she do? She went out on her bike! I was exhausted, so sat down with a mug of tea.

This past week has been busy. Good busy. I have managed to complete some more tidying and my wardrobe has had a good clear out, but there is still a long way to go until I feel on top of things in the house. It is still very much a work in progress, but I am finally seeing a difference which feels very satisfying.



For various reasons this week, time for myself has been limited but I have tried to grab a moment here and there given the opportunity - time to complete a little bit more of my crochet, read another chapter of my book, a treat of some fresh flowers, chance to get out for a run.  I am relieved to be feeling 100% better now and with my 10K run in five weeks time (eek!) I really need to get some more training in and hopefully begin to feel stronger.
J. X


48 comments:

  1. Your bike ride sounds idyllic. Flat country lanes would be my perfect choice for any exercise, it's the hills that kill me off (read slight inclines lol). Lily does really well to walk and ride as far as she does, I can imagine her really enjoying the ride back with you.

    Thomas is the same with ice-cream. He always has a flake and strawberry sauce but once those bits have gone more often than not he hands the rest to me.

    Glad to hear you're feeling back to your old self. 10K sounds a looong run! Is it a personal challenge or for charity? Either way you have my total admiration. Have a lovely week Jules and keep carving those few minutes out for yourself :) xx

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    1. It's great that Lily enjoys getting out, she just loves it (for now at least), every evening after school she is asking to ride her bike. The flat track was another reason for choosing that route - it's a bit more hilly around here! The ice cream thing makes me laugh, maybe it's because it's so cold.
      The run is just for me as a personal challenge. I'm very nervous but will see how I get on before I push myself any more. I expect I'll be one of the last to finish. X

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    2. I can almost guarantee you won’t be one of the last to finish. Plenty of people walk large sections of 10 k races, I promise xx

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    3. I wish I had your confidence CT. X

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  2. What a blissful day.
    You can't beat squished picnic sandwiches (preferably cheese and tomato) eaten in the fresh air and sunshine.
    I am so glad that you are feeling better Jules.
    Hugs-x-

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    1. It was lovely Sheila, and now the weather has turned quite chilly again. It was egg sandwiches on this day but I am partial to squashed cheese and tomato! X

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  3. What a lovely place for a bike ride with those views running alongside you as you pedal along. We're currently decluttering the loft, there's things we shoved up there years ago that we'd forgotten all about. It's good to discover some things again whereas plenty have made their way to the charity shop and it does feel good to make some room. Good luck with the run.

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    1. A good clear out is very therapeutic. I'm not very good with clutter, even if it's hidden away. It must be nice, however, to rediscover some of your long forgotten items. X

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  4. Lily did very well, didn't she? That's quite a distance for little legs.
    J x

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    1. She did brilliantly Joy, and she absolutely loves riding her bike. She is a bundle of energy all day, but all that fresh air means she sleeps very well at night. X

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  5. Lily does extremely well with her bike riding for a very young girl. I like the look of your cycle path beside the sea, our promenade is far too busy with cyclists to even enjoy our dog walking. I love tulips, I treated myself to some rainbow tulips a couple of days ago. I'm glad you are feeling fully recovered and good luck with the training for your 10k run.

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    1. Lily loves it Eileen, and it's great that she can be attached to the back of my bike if she starts to get a bit 'tired'.
      The track we went on is really good. Our previous ride had been on a promenade and it was a little too busy really, that's why I chose this route. X

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  6. Sounds like a great bike ride out and always nice to have icecream as a reward for all the hard work. I have every faith that you will be fine on the 10K run, think positive. The tulips are looking beautiful.

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    1. I'm trying to think positive about the run, I'm just a bit nervous about running in an official event. The tulips are lasting really well. X

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  7. It is so many years now sinceI got on a bike that I dare not do so now.
    Probably as well as I would be a danger to all.
    But I do envy your ride throu gh that beautiful scenery.

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    1. I doubt you'd be any more dangerous than Lily!:-)
      It was a gorgeous day and the scenery was beautiful. It was an added bonus to encounter all the wildlife too. X

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  8. I'm glad you were able to get out on the bikes, and well done to Lily for cycling so far :) I love the first photo, where was it? Love the tulips too, they are a gorgeous colour :)

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    1. I have a feeling we will be going on quite a few bike rides this Summer Eunice.
      The photographs were taken near Glasson Dock. X

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  9. Replies
    1. Thank you Nil. I have a feeling I'll need it ;-) X

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  10. just lovely. Good luck with the run. x

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    1. Thank you Sadie. I really hope it goes OK. X

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  11. Did you go cycling at Glasson Docks? We've taken our boys there too, when they were smaller and they loved it too. Well done Lily's little leggies :) x

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    1. We did indeed! It's lovely there isn't it? The little legs did well. X

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  12. I hope the run is fun!
    The bike ride and picnic sound wonderful!

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    1. Thank you Pom Pom. We had a lovely time. X

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  13. So glad to hear you're feeling better.

    The bike ride looks wonderful, I have never owned a bike and sometimes I am so tempted as everyone here is so active and I'm such a lazybones.

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    1. Thank you TD. I feel like I should ride my bike more often, but I prefer a nice quiet track away from any traffic. X

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  14. Beautiful, refreshing and inspiring photos!
    Happy May and good luck with the (preparing for the) run!! xx

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    1. Thank you Sara. Now that I'm feeling better I can hopefully manage a bit more training. A happy May to you too. X

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  15. It sounds and looks like a lovely bike ride with your daughter, and time well spent. This will be a wonderful memory for you both.

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    1. It was a really lovely day. Simple pleasures are the best. X

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  16. Enjoy the run, I am sure you will feel invigorated.
    I remember the days when we use to go out with our bikes as a family, it was such fun.xx

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    1. Thank you Marlene, although I'm not sure about invigorated :-D
      I do enjoy a nice gentle bike ride especially away from traffic. It's a great family activity. X

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  17. Sounds like it was a lovely outing! That was a long bike ride! Best wishes on your run! So glad to read that you are feeling well, again. :)

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    1. Thank you Bless. It has taken until this week to feel fully well once again. I hope the germs stay away from now on. X

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  18. Good on you for doing a 10k run :) I have done 3x5k walks - the last one with Evie :) LOL I did ask her if she wanted to do it again this year and she said that she wanted me to do it on my own, so as its a Sunday I wont be doing it as I dont want to book a day off of work unless it was doing it with her :)

    Evie is the same with ice creams she has a couple of licks and then doesnt want anymore :)

    If we go to a restaurant then she likes it in a bowl and will eat the whole thing...

    Lily did well cycling 6 miles :)

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    1. I usually measure distances in miles, so at the moment I'm a little bit in denial as to how far I will be running! I hope I manage it OK.
      Lily loves riding her bike and has been out playing on it in the rain this evening. X

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  19. I've never been a cyclist but there are few places that beat being close to the sea. Walking along the sea front is very calming. I wish we didn't live quite so far away from it. A good clear out is very cathartic.

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    1. You can't beat a bit of sea air. We spend a lot of time on the beach during the Summer months. X

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  20. "Is it me or do sandwiches always taste better when they are part of a picnic"
    LOL! I think all food tastes better as part of a picnic. Picnics are so special, I can still remember going on them as a child ... they are an important part of growing up and I'm sure Lily will have so many special memories.

    Lovely pictures again, I always enjoy seeing them.
    Those tulips are gorgeous.

    Good for you in your up-coming run .... hope the training continues to go well.

    Have a lovely Friday and weekend to come.
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. You're absolutely right Jan. I do love a good picnic, and given that we have them regularly it's a good thing. I'm looking forward to the long weekend ahead. I hope the weather is good for you. X

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  21. Glad you're feeling more energized now Jules after the flu. I'm just catching up with life in blogland, looks like you had a lovely day out cycling. Cathy x

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    1. Thank you Cathy. I'm feeling so much better now and the beautiful weather has given me a much needed boost. Enjoy your catch-up and I hope everything is good with you. X

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  22. Lily did do well cycling six miles. Glad you’re better and have been out running. Good luck for the race xx

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    1. She enjoys it so much CT and asks to go out on her bike every day! I'm managing to fit in a bit more running, I just hope it's enough to get me through. X

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    2. What distance are you up to now? You’ll be able to run 6 miles once you’re up to 4-5, no worries. Just take it steady xx

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    3. Thank you CT. To be honest it's not so much the distance now (I'm going for a 6 mile run this morning), but the whole 'race' thing that has me nervous. The running number, surrounded by 'proper' runners and the faint aroma of Ralgex in the air. :-) It's been a long time since I've done anything like this. I just hope it goes OK and gives me the boost I need to possibly enter some more races in the future.

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