Happy New Year.

Can't believe 2011 has already gone and we are into the New Year. Time sure does fly when your having fun. What an EPIC 2011. So many things to be thankful for - YES even those things that have tested us to within an inch of our very lives we should be grateful for having come out the other end a much stronger and resilient individual. I have learnt things about myself  - some of which created a rocky path to overcome, however in doing so I realised that no matter how low you can get or feel that inner voice of hope and freedom will always get you back to the top - you just have to listen and give of yourself 100% and let the journey BE.

I know that I am capable of many things - great things, and for that I am PROUD. I always knew I was a lucky individual with my friends and family but everyday I try to make them aware of just how much. And just in cased you missed it - YOU GUYS ROCK. 

And so with a new year upon me it is time to make some new goals. Create some new dreams, make some new paths and conquer some old fears. This year - 2012 - will be one to be reckoned with. I am sure of it. Lets see, where to begin.

• Cycle to Melbourne with the Cycling Cerebellums - HUGE.
• Yeppoon 70.3 - IT'S MINE.
• Cole Classic - CAN'T WAIT
• Ocean swimming - YES PLEASE. - no hesitation, this is a MUST.
• Feel fit again.
• Watch this space - to be continued I'm sure.

I'm excited. Now let's get some training started.

I'm trying.

After yesterday's royal sleep in and totally missing out on the club Christmas ride, I decided it was high time to get my but back in the saddle again. Not for anything supremely long but just to get the legs accustomed to being worked everyday again.

So I took them back out for a Greendale loop. I sure hope one day that loop feels easier or I am in BIG trouble. But I know it's still early days and quite possibly I am expecting alot out of myself as I usually do - however you always want more NOW. Patience is a virtue I am quite sure I was not bestowed with. But - 

I'm trying.

As I was out riding I kept thinking to myself of all the beautiful things I was going to be seeing whilst on this journey to Melbourne and all the great times - challenging times- unforgettable times that will be had with everyone. I could feel my heart start racing with excitement - or maybe that was just palpitations because I was climbing a hill - who knows. The fact is it will be the journey of a life time - shared with great friends for a great cause. 

In trying to get myself to this journey I have started back on the nutritional supplements. It was a much needed part of my daily routine to be able to make it through all the training for Port and Yeppoon. I need my leg muscles to be nice and strong yet supple so as to avoid injury. Stretching is part of my day as well as I am starting to feel my quads, hamstrings and back tighten. God only knows I don't want my back starting to play up - so with that being said I cannot / will not forget my stretches.

I'm trying.

So today will do it all again - but first things first - shopping with my kids.

It's back.

My spark that is. Loving getting back out on my bike and enjoying the freedom it gives me. Not to mention the fact that it is strengthening my legs again. I couldn't get over how quickly I lost all of that strength and stamina after only a few months of no activity. It takes so long to gain it yet how quickly your body forgets what you trained it to do.

However with only a few short rides under my saddle I managed to squeeze out a 92km ride out of nowhere. I was so proud of myself. All the self doubt I had got squashed on that ride. It took me 3hr 20mins and that was even with some some quick pit stops every 30kms to refuel with some gels. I really couldn't believe it - and even though I felt so very tired and sore I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face.

During that ride I had time to just focus on form and cadence - everything I had been taught for months to do for Port and Yeppoon. And when I got to the hills where I felt like I was going to die I kept saying to myself "After every uphill there is the glorious downhill run on the other side - so suck it up Princess". The ride to Melbourne will be no easy task and there will be many many hills to conquer so I MUST find as many hills as I can and ride them as many times as possible - and that is what I shall do.

I keep having these funny images of me with these MONSTER legs by the end of it all. And I can't wait. I love strong looking legs - they look amazing.

With the kids being on school holidays it will be a bit hard to get out and about on the bike so my trusty trainer will become a very good friend I do believe. But I have heard an hour spent on the trainer equates to 2 hours out on the road. And I have been using it quite regularly already. I have found a pretty cool spot out on the front verandah looking out into the paddock but having the benefit of my TV to scan through some good movies.

I feel very spoilt indeed. I can never get bored looking out at that beautiful view when it's all nice and green - watching the cows walk past and wonder what the hell this human is doing on a ridiculous contraption. 

So with Christmas all said and done and a few extra kgs added it is time to get back on my bike and ride. I hope you all got spoilt rotten.

My new words.

"SLOWING DOWN"

Seems to be what I am saying alot of lately as I make my way back into cycling - but not for long. On the downhills I am great - kind of funny that. But as I make my way up a small incline my legs have other ideas and one of them is not to go fast. In fact it is quite the opposite. Slowly but surely I get slower and slower till I have not other option but to yell out "Slowing down". Feels like I have started right back at the beginning again.

My body and all it's aches this morning is telling me "Girl, you's got a bit to go to feel like the old you". But I am so happy with being back out in the fresh air and taking time out for me in a positive sense that "I DON'T CARE".

I even backed up after cycling with Elissa yesterday afternoon doing the Greendale loop for which I am so thankful with her positive words to me and then did my regular Thursday night Sparta group. And let me tell you - last night I slept like a baby. Good to be feeling that kind of exhaustion again as weird as that may sound.

Number 1 goal is to get these legs ready for the long ride to Melbourne next year. Make sure you check our website - The Cycling Cerebellums - HERE. And scroll through all our tabs. You can donate directly on there or even purchase one of our fantastic bands or supporters T-shirts. These can be found on the "How to get involved" tab. We would love to have you on board.

We also have a blog, click HERE and become a follower. Follow our journey as we make our way to helping The Commercial Travellers Ward at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. The more the merrier.

I did it.

Yesterday I got "back in the saddle" so to speak. And I must admit I was quite nervous. Nervous about numerous things. My ability, my determination, my strength - BUT - I thought, "you gotta start somewhere right ?".

And it was just the perfect day for it. All week we have been having this horrendously unpredictable weather yet yesterday it was almost as though the God's were laying out the red carpet just for me. And how could I not oblige by taking advantage of it.

It was great seeing everyone's faces this morning. I have missed them all so much and it really pepped me up beyond belief. And as we took off I took a deep breath in of that beautiful morning air and had trouble wiping the smile off my face. Loved hearing everyone's chatter - thats the great thing about riding with people - you are never short of someone to talk to.

Elissa and I had planned on taking in about 100km so as we got to the Northern Road we said "Adieu" to the pack and wished them a safe ride. Rommel joined us on our journey to the M7 and back and so the 3 amigos set off.

I was really impressed with myself on the way out to the M7. I kept thinking "Wow, this old girl hasn't lost too much strength". But as we turned around and started heading back home it was then that things started to systematically switch off. The mind was definitely a willing participant but the body had other ideas. Especially as we started to go up long slow rises which I would normally power up.

I couldn't help but giggle as I watched my speedometer reading slow down until I am sure I got to the point where I could have walked faster. I would yell out to both Elissa and Rommel "slowing down, slowing down" to which they both would back off the gas and join me in the land of "slow poke". Thanks guys.

As those last 15kms were trying to be reached on our way home I think it was just sheer determination to get back to the Coffee Club for a well deserved long black. Thankyou Elissa and Rommel for making my first ride back memorable and for getting my backside back in one piece. The target of 100km was not reached but 73km was - JUST.

And as I sit here typing I think my Yoga class tonight will be a Godsend. My hip flexors are quite sore as are my Trapezius. So welcome back Barb to the land of pain and fun.

Better late than never.

Last Sunday was the day I was meant to conquer the Bondi to Bronte. Hmmmm, well that did not happen. Why? It's quite simple really - I got scared and freaked out. And I'm okay with it.

I didn't start off scared. I was really excited about wearing my new Bondi to Bronte cossie. I was even excited when we got to the beach. But that excitement soon changed as the wind started to pick up quite ferociously and the ocean started to get choppy. I could feel my anxiety levels start to pick up dramatically and no matter how hard I tried to squash them with positive affirmations - I just couldn't get over it.

Believe me I flitted from "I'm going to do it" to "No way, I'm outta here" more times than I would like to count. My cap went on and off equally as many times - but when push came to shove and it was time for the black caps to line up - the first thought that came out of my mouth was "I'm not doing it". And so it was there that my day ended.

So anyway, here is a very brief montage of my experience:

That is all.

Yoga and me

Cant even begin to describe what an amazing experience I have had over the last 2 Monday's. It has come just at the right time - thanks Matt. You really have brought clarity to my life by introducing me to this wonderful art. It is something I have always thought about but never really engaged in. And I must admit - it seems I am a bit of a natural at this gentle yet challenging art.

I love how it makes my mind just be still and how I am forced to focus on my breathing and every part of my body. And as Eva talks I can literally connect with every word and get in touch with every cell within my body to help restore calm and tranquility. Quite a new experience for this flighty Piscean.

I never realised how flexible I still was. As a child I could pretty much contort into any shape I asked my body to get into but obviously age and life have their drawbacks, if you don't continue to stretch things get stiff. But it seems my upper body and lower back are still quite flexible.

This is now part of my weekly routine - one I will continue for forever and a day. I really think this was made for me. The one thing I have realised though is that I have absolutely no balance on one leg. Especially trying the eagle pose below.

It was like watching a tree being cut down by a lumberjack. Slowly but surely I would start leaning to one side and before I knew it I would topple over only to regain composure and try it again. I couldn't stop giggling.

At the end of every class we lay on our backs and relax for a few minutes and go through a series of meditation. Eva places this beautiful balm on our foreheads that smells like heaven. I feel at home. Can't wait till next Monday.

If you haven't tried Yoga. I suggest you do. You will never be the same again.