Hi there everyone - yes I am still alive!!

I am writing this feeling as if my body has been in a car crash. The last couple of weeks have been fairly hard and the body is feeling an accumulated fatigue feeling.

Yesterday morning, the alarm went off early in order I could get up and ready to meet the bunch ride. Well, getting out of bed with the legs fighting with me all the way to the bathroom, I knew that the long ride was going to be HARD!

But off I went, across the bridge to meet the group in Parnell, however the girls bunch was not there, so headed off with Tony's group of guys who are fast. I just resigned myself to the fact that I would do a solo ride, but that's ok, as I don't mind riding by myself.

But, one of the boys always came back for me when we got to a hill and got me up back with them, and then when we got to Sandstone, Paul and Dene stayed back with me, and let the group go on to Clevedon (via Ardmore) without us. That was really lovely of them, so I had company and assistance through to Clevedon (via Twilight). So we just bet the other bunch to Clevedon by going via Twilight Road!

As the boys were in the shop in Clevedon buying Powerade and Coke, I decided to buy some coke to try on the way back. Today I needed everything possible, as the body was soooo tired. So poured the coke into one of my empty drink bottles. I must say that I think it really helped. I have always wanted to try it to see if it helped, and pleased I did. Will definitely have to do that again, for sure.

On the way back a few more of the boys stayed with me so I had 5 of them - I think I was a convenient excuse to have an easier ride!!! But as the wind came up and was pretty gusty, it was great having them when we got through to Botany Road, as it really hit us there - otherwise, it wasn't too bad.

So a big thanks to Paul, Dene, Troy, Stanley, and sorry, I've forgotten your name.

My long runs of 2 hours each during the past 2 weeks have been enjoyable which has been great, as I used to enjoy them, but having been having more unenjoyable ones before that, so am loving them at the moment. Short ones seem to hurt more!

Swimming - well, in the pool things are going well. After a few bad episodes, I had a great swim last week of 4km which really helped. It felt good. Now, swimming in the sea is another story. I haven't overcome my fear of it yet. Time is ticking very fast to Tauranga, so not sure what I am going to do .... extreme panic is not an option. Stay tuned.

Merry Christmas to everyone, and enjoy the break off work. I hope that Father Xmas is kind and brings lots of pressies. Take care, and see you in the New Year!