May 27th, 2008 -- Posted in Challenge - gym |
So, I rode to the gym today again, as par my challenge. It’s getting a little easier each time, as I figure out the best ways to tackle each specific evil hill! However, I realised a few things today..
Firstly, riding home is harder! This is for a few reasons - first, of course, because I’ve already ridden there, done a workout, and I’m getting pretty worn out by this stage! Second, I’m riding against the traffic, which creates a hell of a wind that ends up pushing against me as I ride. Third, there’s more up than down on the way home!
The other concern I have is for my health… I realised today, as I puffed, how bad the air smelt/tasted. I think that riding beside the highway is not the best for my lungs and heart. After doing a bit of research, all of which strongly warned against exercising near heavy traffic, I may go back to driving at least half of the time after this week is out, in order to reduce my exposure to carbon monoxide.
May 26th, 2008 -- Posted in Challenge - gym |
Okay. So I rode to the gym twice last week - as I thought, the stipulation to ride actually discouraged me from going - mostly because of the extra time it takes. Not to mention I was sleeping in more than usual… But Nick has flown out today, and my cello lessons have moved to Saturdays at 11 - so I now have more free mornings.
So - to extend my challenge to another week!
Apart from that, I’m getting more in the habit of walking places rather than driving. Especially now I’ve realised how bloody close I live to a humongous shopping centre, and how nice a walk it actually is at this time of year.
It’s the old ‘doing something for my health and the health of the planet’ thing - and it’s true, it feels great!
May 22nd, 2008 -- Posted in Challenge - gym, The Rental, garden |
Well, I didn’t make it to the gym today, as I had my cello lessons… and a sleep in… so, anyways, I went for a run instead. Nick is going to the UK for five weeks on Monday, so I’m going to extend my challenge to next week - when I’m more likely to get to the gym a few more times rather than trying to store up five weeks worth of cuddles!
This weekend I’m off to the ‘Plant Fair in the Back Paddock’ at the Botanic Gardens - it looks awesome. Though, knowing my history, I’m likely to come home with waaaay more plants than I actually need. Though, when it comes to plants, the more the merrier!
I have to say, one particular plant I’m immensely enjoying at the moment is the zygocactus. For those of you who don’t have one… here’s one of mine in full bloom.
Most of the year it’s a rather boring succulent - but when it flowers, it does a proper job of it!
They come in all sorts of colours - pink, white, red, variegated, and apparently some yellow and orange, but I haven’t seen these. I’d love to collect them all. They are fantastically easy to propagate - just break off one of the stems and stick it into some good soil, and like any good succulent, it will eventually take root and form a new plant. I plan on having a big collection one day! Just a few years and a little patience.
I shall update you on what I succumb to on Saturday…
