So, late last year D and I were in the milk aisle in Sainsburys when he told me he had decided to do LEJOG (Land's End to John O'Groats).  If there was ever a time to keep my big gob shut that was it but no, by the time we reached the bread aisle, I had announced that I would join him on this big adventure!

I'd like to raise some money for Maggie's because I volunteer there and see the incredible support given to so many people by the wonderful Maggie's team.  My mum died of cancer when I was 19 (almost 40 years ago) and I wish there had been somewhere like Maggie's to go to for support- for my Mum, who was trying so hard to be brave and for my sisters, Dad and me.  Many people found cancer impossible to talk about in those days and we felt very isolated.  Thank goodness this has changed and there is increased awareness of the impact cancer has on all our lives.

So, to LEJOG! Setting out on 9th September, we will cycle 1000 miles in 9 days, from one end of the country to the other, camping along the way.  CAMPING?!!  Aye, no hot baths and soft bed after 12 hours of cycling a day come rain or shine for us - a quick shower in a portacabin and a few hours kip (hopefully) in a teeny, tiny tent plonked in a farmer's field before a 5am rise and off we go again, for 9 days.  I have to admit that the lovely D and I have booked a Premier Inn for 2 of the nights as a back up, in case the cacophony of farting and snoring that apparently fills the night air is too much for my industrial strength, noise cancelling, earplugs and that's just in my tent!!  In the spirit of full disclosure, I have found that cycling for hours on end, breathing through my mouth not only results in quite a few flies being scoffed (good protein) but copious quantities of air being sucked in, which eventually has to make its way out again.  I'm beginning to think that cows are getting a bad rap - maybe global warming is down to emissions from cyclists- just a thought.  

Right, I'd better get out and do today's quota.  I will be posting regular updates here, so the sooner you sponsor me, the less of this rubbish you will have to look at hahahaha! Look down the back of the sofa, trouser pockets, glove compartment of the car - gather up all the bits and bobs of loose change and donate them to Maggie's. Every donation will make a difference to someone's life - maybe yours one day.  TTFN x

 This is Danny and I (see below) after he took me up the Redstone Rig, a brutal climb out of Gifford up into the hills of East Lothian.  It has taken my legs a week to recover - there is a horrible 17% kicker, just when you think you can't turn your legs any more! Fantastic views though!

So, yesterday we had a 'rest' day and climbed Ben Lomond -rained all day and couldn't see a thing at the top! See pic below!

Tomorrow, we are heading out early to do 90 miles - hope the weather stays kind for us! Trying to get at least 150 miles done this week.  Reckon I must have cycled 3000 miles since the end of last year - still as slow as a snail!! 

Had a go on the trainer last week as the weather was rubbish- see below for very attractive 'sweat in eye' photo!

Decided to weigh myself last week too- big mistake as I've put on weight!! How in the name of all that's holy has that happened?  I burned up 3500 calories last Saturday, cycling 82 miles to St Andrews - when I added up what I'd eaten it was around 4000 - don't think I'll be needing the services of Hercule Poirot to solve that puzzle!  So, operation Lose Half A Stone has started.  I have been very worried about my vulva dropping off - yes, it's actually a real possibility and happened to a pro- cyclist- but now I'm not so bothered. Every little helps!

Also, a big apology to all babies out there, as there will soon be a national shortage of Sudocreme - everyone doing the ride will be slathering huge quantities on their nether regions to try and avoid the dreaded saddle sores.   800 bottoms for 9 days=hmmm that's a lot of Sudocreme!

On a serious note, today I heard that Maggie's CEO, Laura Lee has been made a Dame.  Fantastic, well-deserved recognition for Laura and all of the wonderful work done at each of the Maggie's centres around the UK and now overseas too.