It's like riding a bike…

Following the continuing demise of my car, I’ve just bought a bike… Last one I had was when I was about 12, so I felt a bit out of my depth…

I got advice of my bike-expert colleagues. The basic consensus was to go for a hybrid, and not fall for the cool-looking mountain bike.. So I went to Hawk’s and bought a dual suspension mountain bike ... oops! I guess I’ll just have to learn the hard way! At least it looks cool, I think ;o)

It does seem to be quite light, so I think I followed that piece of advice ok! Also got myself some lights, mudguards, lock, and of course helmet.

Obviously, considering the (bad) luck I’ve been having this week (car still in garage; no idea whether it is worth fixing, for instance), as soon as I bought it, the skies went black and there was a storm over Coventry, so my idea of riding it home was thwarted… I ended up getting a taxi home, and not riding it properly until just now, an exciting Sainsbury’s trip.

Anyway, hopefully I’ll be a bit more lucky with the weather tomorrow… we’ll see!

Sarah O'Toole : 01 Oct 2006 15:12 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

I did it!!

Follow-up to Onwards and upwards from Sarah's blog

In about 1 hour 4 mins. Didn’t quite make the under the hour goal, but it was definitely a Personal Best (what with it being the 1st time I’ve EVER run 10K, and all).

There had been heavy rain in the morning, so the ground was muddy, and quite treacherous in places (it was mainly cross-country), but it was nice and sunny (with no rain) during the race. There was also a killer hill just before 4K, but some nice people handed out water at the top :o)

I’ve put before and after pics on my Ragley Hall 10K gallery

It was good fun… and I think I’ve got the running bug*... watch this space!!

*Although I don’t know why… I look forward to running, and feel great afterwards, but I’m pretty much in pain during it ;o)

Sarah O'Toole : 24 Sep 2006 19:42 |  Comments (3) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Onwards and upwards

Writing about web page http://www.10ksponsorme.org/sarahotoole

Following the 5k Race for Life in Coventry in June, I’ve entered myself in a 10k race at Ragley Hall on Sunday 24th September (a week on Sunday – eek!). Hopefully the weather will not be as scorching this time!

I’ve been doing some training with the Warwick Sport staff running club, and the furthest I’ve run (slowly!) is about 8k… so not far to go… My target is to finish within an hour, although I’m a bit concerned about the ‘challenging hills’!!

If anyone would like to sponsor me, you can do so here or in cash if you prefer! All proceeds go to Cancer Research.

Sarah O'Toole : 12 Sep 2006 20:54 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Race For Life – update

Writing about web page http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarahotoole

How hot??!! Ran the Race For Life on Sunday… must be mad – it was scorching… Glad I did it though – I was happy with my time (under 30 minutes), and the atmosphere was excellent – very inspiring.

Many thanks to all who sponsored me – I've raised a total of £130 for Cancer Research so far. In a blatant attempt to get more traffic on my sponsorship page , I've put an embarrassing picture of me celebrating after crossing the finishing line!

Sarah O'Toole : 13 Jun 2006 22:19 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Race For Life

Writing about web page http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarahotoole

I'm running in the Coventry Race for Life on Sunday – a 5k run for Cancer Research. If anyone would like to sponsor me, you can do so here or in cash if you prefer! Alternatively, just turn up at the Memorial Park to laugh at us all running in the predicted heatwave! :o)

Sarah O'Toole : 05 Jun 2006 22:37 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem