Just a short update - I haven't forgotten about you all, but have been doing some cross training and enjoying some time off the bike.

My cycling has been very structured for 7or 8 years now and a combination of events saw me feel the need for a complete break - I just needed to do something else that would allow me to rediscover my love for the bike.

Given my weak core, weak back (Post slipped disc 2 years back) and a love of swimming from my triathlon days (A brief 17 years ago..) and combined with my sons passion for swimming - I decided to give swimming a go.

I am now 3 weeks in to the programme, and have been managing 3-4 sessions per week - it hurts, but I am getting a lot faster and have reached a KM iin the last few sessions.

My goal is 1km in 16 mins - which is about as fast as I have swum in the past, back in 1992/3 when I was managing 1.5km in 25 mins.

It feels good, muscles I have not used for years are being called into action and are responding well - I am feeling like a swimmer again and have even shared a few lessons with my son (Which is nice)

I am feeling the need to compete again so may even find me some events to swim once I get a bit fitter..

Out for now..