29th May

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Well for me it was yesterday. It was Bank Holiday Monday and once again Mary and Lucy were in work, the weather forecast was not good, I didn't fancy any of the films showing in the cinema, so what to do with myself?
For the first time in my life I went "bouldering" at the artificial climbing wall in Leeds. Bouldering is climbing but without ropes and harnesses and rather than climb a 40ft pitch you never get more than 12 ft off the ground. "The Wall" has a few bouldering areas which are big, round areas of rock about 15 ft high with lots of hand holds and a big foam crash mat on the floor, so that if you fall you have a soft landing. The idea is that you work on short areas of climbing which are technically quite difficult, but the experience strengthens your arms and increases your confidence in your ability to overcome some severe problems. As it was my first time I had to rely on what I had seen others do and stick to stuff that was not too extreme, but I enjoyed it and had a good work out, my hands and arms are still a bit stiff today. As well as doing a number of easier manouvres on rock where there were good holds I also struggled with a difficult climb which involved an overhang. I managed about three of the more difficult moves before falling off. I was quite pleased with myself until I saw a boy of about 13 years of age scamper up the climb and negotiate my three moves as if they were hardly there. Was he really that good or am I really that bad ? Anyway, I still enjoyed it and will probably go again in the near future.

29th May

Our grandsons are rapidly growing and changing - I have put some more photos of the boys on Flickr, along with one or two "family" photos - enjoy! http://www.flickr.com/photos/13615080@N00/

26th May

Over the last few weeks I have climbed on the Wall in Leeds a couple of times and feel stronger and more competent with every climb. I have visited the local gym at least twice and have been able to run on the treadmill for up to 30 minutes which is longer than I have run for quite a few years. The cycling continues with regular trips to work but I haven't done a long ride for a couple of weeks. Today I attended a Bike Safe day in Harrogate which involved going on an observed motorbike ride with an assessor following me who then gave me his oppinion on how I was riding and to what I needed to attend. The feedback from the assessor was very useful and very welcome because I really didn't know whether or not I was a good or a bad rider. I was pretty sure I had picked up some bad riding habits over the years but you are never sure how serious they are until somebody appraises you. It reminded me of the fact that I taught in comprehensive schools for over 20 years before someone gave me an appraisal and told me I was doing a good job.Up until that point I didn't really know how well I was doing in the teaching proffesion and I was extremely relieved when after 20 years an appraiser told me I had been doing quite well really. I wish someone had told me that a little bit sooner. The motorbike assessment experience has pressed home how important it is to affirm people when they are doing a good job and gently encourage and redirect when they are not.

7th May

Today was May Bank Holiday but Mary and Lucy were working all day so I had entertain myself for 12 hours. I decided a few days ago that I didn't want to just sit in front of the TV or spend all day surfing the net or reading a book. The weather forecast was not so good but this morning turned out to be quite bright although a bit breezy, so I decided to do a longer than usual cycle ride. About a week ago I rode from Knaresborough to Brimham Rocks and then on to the outskirts of Pateley Bridge before heading back home. So this week I decided to repeat the ride which is about 22 miles in distance. Today the ride seemed easier, perhaps because I knew I could complete it and my fitness is improving, and I did it in 2 hrs 35 mins, about five minutes faster than last week's run. I arrived home just after 12.30pm, had lunch and felt I could justify having a lazy afternoon.
It's funny, but as a child, in fact right up until last year, I never enjoyed cycling. I always found it too painful and difficult. But having made a careful decision over the type of bike I bought and setting up the seat height properly has made all the difference. I guess the first few rides last summer were the most difficult but now I can get to work quickly and easily despite having to climb the hills that surround Knaresborough. After buying the bike I also purchased a rack and a couple of panniers which now carry substantial amounts of books, papers and clothes when I cycle to work.
The bike is a Gary Fisher mountain bike but it has smoother street tyres for easier acceleration.
Maybe in the coming weeks I will add on some mileage and do an even longer ride up into the Yorkshire Dales. The advantages of riding a bike are that it keeps me fit, reduces wear and tear on the car, and is the sort of low impact exercise that reduces wear and tear on me as well.