My parents were down for the weekend, helping to look after my niece whilst my sister was busy doing her bit for St John's Ambulance. We went off to the Swindon outlet village in the morning - which I was particularly keen to do as they have several discount outdoor shops and I wanted to get some light weight, long sleeved tops ahead of my trip. Well - I was in luck as Mountain Warehouse had loads, in lots of different colours reduced from £29.99 to £10! I'm afraid I'm a mad one for a bargain so I bought 3 - saves me smelling when I'm away! And just for the record - I had a few anyway, so I've now got enough for a clean one every day! On previous trips I've taken really old, tatty t-shirts etc (it's not a fashion parade!) and thrown them away before I've left, which means there is more room in my bag for souvenirs! Also - this now means that with the exception of Iodine tables (and neutralising tabs) - I've got all my kit!!
I also bumped into an old colleague from a previous company and it was so great to see her. Reminded me of what a fantastic team I had and how much I miss them (not that there's anything wrong with my current team that is!)
On Sunday, we were up really early to do the Anthony Nolan "Oxford Big Bike Ride" which John's company were organising. We did the 10 mile route and unfortunately I got a puncture halfway round. But John was super organised and had tire levers, puncture repair kit and a spare tube in his rucksack, so we were all sorted and off again within 5 minutes. Most annoying - and very sorry to John for nicking his brand new tube. Replacement is on it's way!
I also watched the Ben Fogle series last night about their trip to the South Pole and was busy watching the open try out weekend for their third team member, when I saw an old colleague from the Army - and she made it to the final 4 candidates. I rated her really highly and it was great to see that she didn't let the side down. Pity she wasn't selected, but it did remind me just how much I've let my fitness go. She's got two kids now too - so no excuse on my part. John is also planning on cycling back from work tonight - over 15 miles - so I really need to start pulling my finger out, but I just struggle so much with motivation and am so tired after a day at work, that I just can't face it. I am doing a lot more at weekends now though - just need to start doing more in the week.
Anyway- it's 6pm, been in since 8am - so time to make a move. London tomorrow...can't wait!!
Hey Cathy, George fired me the details over and what you're planning is fantastic. Just a thought though you might want to stick the link to your JustGiving page somewhere on here. If it's on here already, forgive me - i am a man and can't find anything unless it's right in front or me (and even then it's not always guaranteed...).
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