Things just keep getting better

Still riding a wave of positivity, the weekend has been a blast. I was out on Saturday riding in the forest catching some sun and just enjoying the moment. The freedom of the forest is such a peaceful place for me, whether I’m off on a power hack trying to kill myself or just taking in the surroundings…its definitely a great retreat for thought and reflection.

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve become more interested in photography. Looking for a new creative outlet that would challenge me both mentally and creatively I’ve basically fallen in love with it. I’m still way off the mark technically but I’m seeing improvements each time. Photography is one of those all encompassing passions that you can never learn enough about. I’ve only really been seriously into this for about two weeks now and I’m already annoying people with the camera and talking to myself about exposures and shutter speeds…so much fun.

…and to top off a fantastic weekend, I’ve been in contact with my new Sensei, and I’m scheduled to start Aikido in a weeks time. I am so excited about this. I’ve been wanting to get back into martial arts for a very long time now, but I’ve been very hesitant due to the back not being up to the job. If I did injure it again and went through all the same hassle and immobility, I think I’d go stir crazy.

Well, the back is getting stronger and the weight is coming off, so I’ve made the call and put myself down to start. Its very fortunate that my Sensie will be an old friend of the family, an old colleague of my dads.

I can’t wait, positive thought is the way, forward motion always…enjoying more and worrying less…

Its just a ride…

Historic Day

In the continual ‘battle against the bulge’ I’ve been having since screwing my back up many years ago, a great day has been reached today. For the first time in approximately seven years I am under the 17 stone mark.

Weighing myself this morning I was greeted with a score of 16st 12lbs (236lbs), that makes the total in excess baggage shifted since the 1st January this year to 23lbs. Its an average of around 1.5lbs a week, which is a healthy rate. Not mind blowing amounts, but its still coming off.

I have to take it slowly, not screwing it up again by getting to hyped and blowing my back out.

Cuba 2009

I’ve been a little bit lazy the past couple of weeks keeping things up to date on the blog, all is going well but I’ll leave the training details for another day.

I’m looking to organise a trek in Cuba from the north to the south coast, this will be a charity led event in order to raise funds for some children’s charities I support. I’ve listed a rough itinerary below, more information will come soon. If you are interested in taking part, getting involved or giving a donation, please contact me through Facebook, or contact me via this blog…

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Depart London for Havana
DAY 2: Time to explore Havana before a short transfer to the Escambray mountains
DAY 3: Trek from Hanabanilla Reservoir up through shady forests, passing cascading waterfalls and bathing pools
Day 4: Strenuous climbs through lush orange and mango orchards with beautiful views all around
DAY 5: Trek through rolling coffee plantations and beautiful woodland
DAY 6: Tough morning ridge-climb to the Rio Grande Falls; continue ascent to Pico de Potrerillo (972m) and its protected reserve; final descent into valley camp
DAY 7: More climbs as we trek high above the valley floor; views of Trinidad and the deep blue sea await us from our final summit; descend through rural farmland with chance to swim in waterfall pools before transfer to hotel
DAY 8: Free day to enjoy white sand beaches and explore the delights of Trinidad
DAY 9: Transfer to Havana and international flight back to UK
DAY 10: Arrive London

This is all still in planning stages at present, with the aim of taking the challenge in November 2009. Stay tuned for more information and updates.