Chase the sun
For my 50th birthday earlier this year we had a small party and a big cake.
As I’m not actually a big party person, those ratios were perfect for me.
I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday. (It was a raspberry and white chocolate cake and I ate most of it).
My idea of a great time is a solo three-hour bike ride with a quality podcast, a pumping playlist and a cafe stop at the end!
It was never my intention to mark my 50th with a holiday or a huge party or an expensive gift to myself.
Instead, I was hoping to do something that I’ve never done before.
It’s been a long time since I really tested myself.
The last big challenge I took on and completed was probably the Gran Fondo bike ride which was held to celebrate the Giro d’Italia coming to Ireland. That was in 2014 - a decade ago.
While I wanted to take on something that was properly intimidating, I couldn’t see anything that ticked all the boxes.
That was until I heard about Chase The Sun.
Chase The Sun takes place on the 21st of June, the longest day of the year.
Starting at sunrise (4.46am) at the Titanic Docks in Belfast, entrants face a 209-mile bike ride which takes them to the Antrim Coast, over the Glens, inland to Maghera, then out west until it finishes on the Wild Atlantic Way beaches at Enniscrone near Sligo.
You have until sunset (10.13pm) to complete the challenge.
I have signed up.
I’m not going to lie, I am daunted!
Anytime in the past when I’ve done a 100-mile bike ride, I’ve been pretty knackered at the end.
All going well, I can normally do 100 miles in about six hours.
After six hours on the saddle, it feels like you’ve done a marathon.
How the hell will I do back-to-back marathons?
I’ve also seen at first hand just how tough a 200-mile bike ride is to complete.
A few years ago I drove a support car for a friend of mine who took part in a 200-mile race.
At the halfway point, he stopped in the Sperrins for a nature break and to eat some food.
While he didn’t say much, the pain and discomfort was etched into every line of his face.
I watched him trying to straighten himself. Even that took an incredible exertion of effort.
He was aching. He was tired. He was sore. And he had to get back on the bike and do the whole thing all over again.
I felt desperately sorry for him.
Right there and then, I also made a vow to myself that I’d never do a 200-mile bike ride!
But here we are.
I’ve signed up and it’s only 4 weeks away.
Trust me, there is nothing in this world that compares to taking on a challenge which scares the crap out of you! Your motivation to train goes through the ceiling.
And that is my suggestion to you this morning.
Make 2024 the year when you are going to do something special.
Stop coasting along in your comfort zone.
Make 2024 a year to remember by doing something different.
If you are blessed with good health, then celebrate your good fortune by protecting it and enhancing it.
Start by changing your body and your life.
If you’re stuck for ideas, sign up for The Shred for the Med.
Do the 4 weeks.
Get leaner, fitter and stronger.
PH
LEANER, FITTER, STRONGER
The Shred is a holistic training programme which is designed to help you live better.
Join The Shred for The Med and we’ll help you get leaner, fitter and stronger.
Starting on Monday 10th June, our final weigh-in will be on Friday 5th July - just before you pack that suitcase for your holiday.
If you struggle on your own, come and join us.
The only thing you’ve got to lose is weight.
You can register for The Shred for the Med now.
Just go to our website:
📅 4-week programme
✊ Motivational Posts
🧑🤝🧑 Weight Loss Groups
🏅 Weekly Challenges
🥕 Calorie Guidance
🏋️ 3 Weekly Live Sessions
😄 only £44.95
The Shred for The Med will run for four weeks: Monday 10th June to Saturday 6th July.
It costs £44.95.
Please read the information in the email which will confirm your payment.
If you want to join a WhatsApp Weight Loss Group, you must join The Shred Facebook Group before Friday 7th June.
The WhatsApp Groups are organised before The Shred for The Med officially begins.
A series of videos and posts on Sunday 9th of June will let you know what is involved so you will be ready to go when it officially starts the next day.
