Despite The Weather

Despite The Weather...
Sun Jan 17, 2010 7:35 pm LynneE

It’s ok having these hopes and plans but they’re worth absolutely jack unless you put them into practice.

For a long time I’ve barely ticked over but was determined to start afresh in the New Year.

I started my new job on 4 January and absolutely love it. It’s high pressure and there’s a lot to learn but the people are lovely and it’s a beautiful, eco friendly, purpose built office, really close to home.

This time last year I was a total whimp and wouldn’t venture out if there was the slightest hint of frost. I’ve moved on slightly and was absolutely gutted with the snow. I like running in nice fresh crisp snow I’m just not so keen when it’s frozen, or there’s icy patches or it’s turned to slush. The school’s were closed so I ended up walking to work. By Tuesday I was going stir crazy and decided just to bite the bullet. It was basically compacted and slippery but satisfying to finish. We had a lot of overnight snow on Wednesday and in hindsight I was crazy to venture out Thursday morning. Complete with head torch and trail shoes I ran multi terrain; compacted snow, ice, slush and deep snow. On and off the pavements it was incredibly hard work and added 9 minutes to my normal 40 minute run.

As if by magic there was an almighty thaw on Friday night. The pavements were still icy when I left home but an hour later when I got home they were almost clear. Maybe I should have delayed the start but if I had maybe I wouldn’t have gone out.


I intended to go out on the bike this morning but swapped it for a walk in the park with Mark, Morgan and Bud. There was still some nasty icy patches but hide and seek was great fun. Fortunately Jim was in the dog house for not having his phone switched on so I bribed him to look after Morgan while I went on the bike this afternoon. I can’t remember the last time it came out and I must confess I’ve done absolutely nothing in the way of pedal power and boy does it show. I’m wrecked. Quads are on fire and I’m suffering from severe saddle rash. That will teach me to be more consistent.

Weight wise I stumbled upon Wiganer’s Winter Experiment 2 which I knew with a bit of tweaking would suit me.

Breakfast – porridge
Lunch – soup
Dinner – Lean meat or fish and unlimited veg including potatoes
Unlimited fruit throughout the day

It’s working very nicely thank you very much. I’m not hungry. I have bags of energy and I’ve Mojo to spare. (And the Wii fit says I’ve lost 5lb since last week’s fitness test). I’m still going to Slimming World because I find the discipline of a weekly weigh in and the group support really helpful.


So the hopes….

I hoped to do the Village Bakery Half Marathon which is on 21 February. That’s just not going to happen. I’m not ready and I’m not going to put myself under unnecessary pressure so my “A” races will be The Chester Half Marathon on 16 May and Bala Standard on 12 September. I know neither of these will be easy but I’m determined and am confident I’ve given myself enough time. What I absolutely do not want is a DNS – I had 3 of those last year. Chirk’s entered 25 April and The Deva Diva’s 18 July – just want to use these both as a comparison of improvement as well as Llanrwst which I assume will be the week before Bala . I’ll hopefully just use that as a last minute training exercise.

2010 Hopes & Plans

2010 Hopes And Plans
Fri Jan 01, 2010 11:54 am LynneE

A colleague came into work yesterday and told us about a radio article he’d heard on the way in. A lady had said that she was making no resolutions, just hopes and plans. She hoped to win the lottery and planned how to spend it.

I’m adopting the same philosophy:-

I hope to lose 5 ½ stone – I plan to eat healthier and exercise more

I hope to complete a half marathon – I plan to train consistently and put contingency plans in place

I hope to complete an Olympic Triathlon – I plan to have swimming lessons and buy a new bike

I hope to walk Offa’s Dyke – I plan, well I guess I better plan my route and pencil in some dates

I hope to start studying for my AAT – I plan to de-clutter my life to give myself time to do something constructive

I hope not to change jobs – ever

I’ve not felt so positive about a new year for a long time, if ever. New job. New wardrobe (courtesy of my wonderful sister-in-law who’s lost a shed load of weight and given me all her clothes that no longer fit her). I know money can’t buy happiness but this substantial salary increase will remove enormous pressure.

A very happy, healthy, prosperous new year to one and all

Here's To 2010

Here's to 2010
Sun Dec 27, 2009 1:25 pm LynneE

Have sadly neglected Blogland for quite a while so sincere apologies.

Have barely been ticking over but I am hanging in there.

Started working full time in a different department in September and have been ill pretty much since. Nothing too drastic just cough, cold, sore throat. The cough got on my chest and I ended up with antibiotics which cleared it for a week and then it was back with a vengeance.

I really wasn’t enjoying my work so started looking elsewhere. I applied for an Assistant Accountant’s position and heard nothing for a month. I also applied for an Accounts Administrator and a Payroll job. I was invited for an interview for all three. I was offered the Assistant Accountant position so declined the other two interviews.

As soon as I handed my notice my health improved dramatically. I felt really positive and was eager to rise to the challenge.

Drama they say is always present in this life that is Lynne’s.

Last Tuesday I was invited to meet the Finance Director and Financial Controller of a Company one of my friends had worked for. They offered me the position of Financial Accountant. Not only did the position come with a substantial salary increase and benefits (including AAT and CIMA funding) but it’s 5 minutes walk from home.

And that’s not my best Christmas present….

My husband and my big kids have ended a 3 year stand off so harmony is one more restored to the Evans household.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010 – the year I do a half marathon and an Olympic Tri.
_________________