7 weeks #NHS1000miles

This week's blog isn't going to have a split it's just going to be a reflection on this time last year and why completing the #NHS1000miles in just 7 weeks became so important to me.

When I came up with the idea to do 1000 miles of activity in 7 weeks it was just based on maths and setting a reasonable challenge. The reason I wanted to do this was to make sure 2022 started much better than 2021. Covid19 also ruined #DryJanuary2021 and #REDJanuary2021 so it became 3 challenges. Then I realised 7 weeks was poignant because I'd had 7 weeks off work. In those 7 weeks, apart from the week I lost my taste, I can't remember the day I didn't have a few beers. So I've also done #DryJanuary2022 with a bit extra, no alcohol until the 1000 miles was done! Then there is the biggest significant date of them all. Sunday 20th February 2022 is a year to the day that Lee left ICU.

It feels weird now to remember what life was like a year ago. I've been tearful again in the last few days as I relive some of the emotions. My overwhelming feeling is that I'm grateful. The NHS saved Lee's life and working for the NHS has supported us on this long road to recovery. Friends and family have been superb. Cycling and my dogs have been a big part of coping. I know Lee has been going through a similar set of feelings.

So #NHS1000miles...it's an annual challenge where people from all over the NHS commit to 1000 miles of activity over the year. On Twitter it creates a wonderful community where people give updates at 19.30 every Sunday. There are inspiring stories, great pictures and impressive achievements. This is the tweet that kicks it off every week from the magnificent Kath Evans:

In many ways it's not an equal challenge. 1000 miles of cycling is nothing like 1000 miles running and I can't imagine anyone doing it by swimming. I'd like to have a crack at 1000 miles kayaking but I think Lee might apply for a divorce if I have anymore hobbies.

At least 20 miles a week have been with these two. My day starts with the most wonderful greeting and then we go for our standard couple of miles. It's a great way to start the day. Our son Sam walks them most evenings but Lee and I sometimes take them out together.

A lot of my cycling miles have come from my commute to work. Its an 11 mile round trip so 50 miles come quite easily. I don't take the trailer often but even a rucksack adds a bit of extra weight and additional stealth training! It's also nice to add a few extra miles by going home the long way!

The biggest contribution to my 1000 miles have been from group rides. I've been building my distance since New Year and have completed 100km (62.2 mile) "fondo," rides 3 Saturdays in a row.

I have lots of cycling friends in different groups and all of them have helped me through this shocking year. My group rides are with the Cyclasylum, a group of like minded riders who know that cycling keeps them sane. Last Saturday we all headed out as usual for fun miles with good banter.

We had a great ride out to Holdenby where a great Royal Palace once stood. Then I had a rare experience of riding on  Northamptonshire Road for the first time between Teeton and Creaton. Finally the group whitled down until 5 of us ended up in the cafe in Mawsley. 

I'd only got 40 miles at this point so headed off for extra miles. Every Fondo Saturday has been windy and my tactic has been to ride as far as I could into the wind then turn round a get blown home! Each week has been windier than the last and as I turned towards Lamport I nearly ground to a halt! These have been hard earned miles!!!

Heading into this week I needed just 80 miles to complete the 1000. As much as I enjoy the alcohol free beers now available I was looking forward to a proper beer 🍺 by Friday.

On Wednesday I took a real hammering from storm Dudley on my ride home. With even worse forecast with storm Eunice on Friday I decided to make the most of Thursday with an extra walk and riding home the long way. I told Lee I wouldn't ride on Friday because I knew she was worried. Then she said that if I only had 11 miles to do I might as well get on my rollers and get it done! So I did. At 10 miles I was hit by emotions again and then it was done!!!

 

So what next? Well I've got a lot I want to achieve this year. My next phase is to lose a bit of weight before trying to get as fit as possible before the Dartmoor classic. But let's not forget our main focus. I'll carry on doing whatever it takes to help Lee recover. Who knows, maybe next year she'll do #NHS1000miles too! We have come a very long way in this ridiculous year!

Happy Pedalling