Things at a low ebb

Today should have been a top day for training and LEJOG planning but it's turned out a little different. My knee is sore and I have decided to lay off anything that will aggrevate it over the weekend. I was supposed to be circuit training at lunch time and cycling to work but I binned that too.

Good meeting with Phil Tynan this evening in the Royal Oak, Wantage. Phil did LEJOG last year in 9 days and has left me in no doubt as to how much of a challenge this is; not just physically but also mentally. I am strong in the mental department (or is it that I am just mental?) but I am having doubts about how comfortable the ride will be for my knee. It doesn't really matter how much it hurts, the ride will get done. When I can't put up with the discomfort any more there are drugs but they are addictive and make you feel a bit squiffy - I'm not keen on taking them like smarties.

If I had to do this ride now (assuming normal knee conditions) I could do it. My backside would be wrecked and so would my legs but I would make it because I am bike fit; I'm strong and used to exercise. I have the right attitude and I have planned in contingencies should things go wrong. I have a number of supportive family and friends who are my back up albeit remotely. I know about good nutrition and hydration. It's all good.

But I am feeling a lack of confidence and have a non committal mood, I need to get back on the bike and prove that my knee is still good. The doctor said that discomfort and inflamation do not mean lasting damage but that is no comfort when it hurts. Cricket at Challow has ruined me over the 30 years I have been playing there, I know a lot of bowlers who have packed up because of the pounding their knees have taken on the concrete hard clay at Challow.

As a result of our meeting, I will be adjusting my over night stops to make sure the big climbs are met with fresh legs. More admin; I love it....