I'm now back in counselling. Leanne thinks my PTSD is based in anxiety and not depression. DURRRRRR, no shit Sherlock! It really doesn't take alot to work that one out! Ok, ok so what you gonna do about it? She doesn't think CBT is for me but EMDR is the way forward. I've read a little and it all seems a bit... well..... ok, I will try and stay open minded... no more reading. Let's just do it. I've had 2 sessions with Leanne and we're going to start the EMDR tomorrow (Monday)- spent these last 2 sessions talking crap and crying... bloody sick of it!
Well, it's now nearly February and I've had my counselling. Been signed off as 'normal' (lol!!!!!) or back to a state she thinks I can cope with. Between you and me, I think the real reason I was signed off is because she went on maternity leave and it tied in very nicely for her. Me. A cynic? Never!
Anyway, I have still no real understanding of the EMDR process but it seems to have made a difference. At the moment, no flashbacks and feeling okay. There is still alot of resentment to the hospital. Until the legal wranglings have completed, there always will be. Am I still short tempered? Yes is the honest answer but I can control myself more. Deep breath, safe place and all that. It works for me. The thing that still works best is my bike and running, so let's leave all this BORING drearyness behind and think to the year ahead. Let's think of events, races, fun and the happiness and achievement it brings.
Gran Fondo
is an Italian term for a a single day cycling event. You'll also hear these types of events called cyclosportifs or sportive. Whatever you call it, these events are multiple distance rides on open (sometime closed) roads along with timing (split into age groups and M/F), snacks and a cracking atmosphere for every cyclist.
Gran fondo fever has taken the cycling world by storm and there events for every level of cyclist. Honest! Its popularity is gathering a pace in the UK, especially with it being Olympic year and our strong team. Here are some of the popular European rides-
La Pinarello Gran Fondo
This is one I really want to ride. PLUS, if anyone would like to buy me a Pinarello Dogma or Rokh bike, I'd be most grateful!!!
We met Andrea Pinarello at last year's Gran Fondo New York and sadly he passed away in August last year :( Best wishes to his family.
This is one I really want to ride. PLUS, if anyone would like to buy me a Pinarello Dogma or Rokh bike, I'd be most grateful!!!
We met Andrea Pinarello at last year's Gran Fondo New York and sadly he passed away in August last year :( Best wishes to his family.
Plus all the info on this site for many other Italian Gran Fondos!
We’ve all heard about how difficult the pave sections are in Paris-Roubaix, but I want to experience it for myself one day. It’s only a 135kms route instead of the real 260kms, but to be honest, I’m not sure I really need to do the full route to get an appreciation for the cobbles!
174km long and 5180 metres of climbing. A beast! The route goes up the Col du Glandon, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and finishes at the top of Alpe d’Huez. Enough said.
The website says: L'Etape du Tour, established in 1993 to allow amateur cyclists to test their legs on the route of one of the mountain stages in the Tour de France, has become the reference race for cyclosportive riders from all over the world.
This is its second year and I'm gutted I can't go. It's a brilliantly organised day. Great course and great party afterwards. I'll definitely be back to do this one again.
Another great day out. If you get the chance to do this one, go for it! Dates not released yet. Hope it goes ahead.
Another good source for information is the UCI Golden Bike website. They have a list of UCI rides which are all worth checking out.
2012 events
So, what am I doing this year I hear you ask! Well, so far here's the (booked) itinerary:
March 4 Gainsborough 10k
March 11 Silverstone Half Marathon
March 25 Wiggle Cheshire Cat
May 12 Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive
July 8 London 10k
hoping to add Lincoln Triathlon, Woodhall Triathlon and hopefully the Wiggle Dragon Ride (which is ballot entry), will add in a section of the Tour of Britain and a couple more I imagine. I'd really like to get one in abroad but will have to wait and see. Got to get through these ones first!
Oh and by the way, keep an eye out over the next few weeks as there will be an exciting announcement.... hopefully!
