Skywatch Friday

In an attempt to get fitter I am cycling to work - when the weather is dry :)

We have a fabulous new cycle path which takes me right into town and through my local park.

Please pop over to the Skywatch blog to see more skies from around the world.

My Month In Numbers - June

This month I received 1 copy of a yet to be published book by one of my favourite authors.

I managed to bag 4 books that were already on my "to be read" pile from a charity shop - 2 books for 99p - love a bargain.

I took part in  5 mile charity walk for Parkinsons through the grounds of Brodie Castle  and into Culbin Forest. But due to vague signage and some not very accurate measuring it turned out to be 6 1/2 miles.

Andy (and a friend) managed to finally fit a tow bar to the Mighty MiTo so I can now transport 2 bikes around - I have only been waiting 12 months for this moment. Queue 10 miles along the coastal path.

June was the month my biggest boy turned 19. Biggest boy is the correct term as he is hitting the gym hard and the amount of food he can eat is incredible. Maybe I am counting down the days till he goes back to uni and I have a full fridge again.

My Month in Numbers is the brainchild of Julie over at Notes on Paper.

On Your Bike!

I can't run at the moment - I have an ongoing issue with my hip. I'm really not happy about the situation - and go green with envy everytime I see someone else out running. I have an appointment at a sports injury clinic tomorrow so hopefully she can give me some idea of what is wrong.

But luckily I can still cycle as that doesn't hurt at all. I have been cycling to and from work for the past few weeks but today I dusted of the MTB and headed off into the woods. Blue skies and sunshine was very welcome after yesterdays snow and hail. The highlight was when 2 red squirrels ran out onto the path in front of me - I think they were chasing each other. I had to brake hard to avoid them and the noise sent them scarpering straight up the nearest tree.

And it was another day of the 5x50 challenge completed.

Skywatch Friday

23.5 miles on the bike with the Belles - from Cullen, through Findochty, Deskford and Lintmill (with a stop for coffee and cake) before back to Cullen.

A great morning on 2 wheels - no better way of seeing the countryside and visiting new places.

(Love the smiley face on the sign!)

Please pop over to the Skywatch blog for more skies from around the world.

My Month in Numbers - August

In August I read 8 books - including Six Little Miracles by Janet Walton which was the story of the Walton Sextuplets. All I can say it hats off to that woman! An interesting read.

In August I only ran almost 40 miles and cycled 30 miles. I took part in the final Pinto 3k challenge of the year and I have just Found the results on the Moray Road Runners site and it says I finished in a time of  15:58. If that is right that is my fastest 3k Pinto race to date. This month I have also signed up for my very first 10k race to be held at the end of September. Have only managed this distance twice before. Better start some proper training!

Been out on the bike again a couple of times - but the big kid in me should stay away from the tracks and jumps. Another over the handlebars moment - no lasting injuries just some serious bruising - again!

On 8th August we made the epic 900 mile journey from Elgin to Cardiff for the first of the Dove series - a warm up between Wales and Ireland for the Rugby World Cup.  It was held at the Millennium Stadium and it was the first time I have been there - along with 75 thousand other supporters. We all dressed up in suitable attire and had our faces painted. The roof was closed although it was a gorgeous day and this just helped yo increase the noise levels inside. I hold my hands up and admit to crying whilst the Welsh national anthem was sung - I knew I would. The score wasn't what we wanted with Wales losing 21-35 but it is something else crossed off my bucket list.

Back to school for Callum - into 4th year and the senior part of the school.

I think that is about it for August. I won't moan about the weather as in my opinion it hasn't been too bad up here.

Big changes in the Burton household next month - not looking forward to it - but will put my big girl pants on and deal with it.

Please pop over and say hello to Julie and catch up with everyone elses month in numbers.

My Month In Numbers - July

I seem to have missed a month or 2!

At the start of the month I took 1 plane journey from Inverness to Birmingham and then hired 1 car to drive myself to Wales and then onto the Cotswolds in to see my Mum first and then onto see my Dad. I only venture South of the border once a year (as I don't like flying) but funnily enough we are going back down next month - but this time we are driving which take considerable longer at 10 hours each way :)

I did take my running gear with me and notched up a few more (very hilly) miles to add to my 49.83 miles logged in July. I have done another couple of 3k races this month and actually managed to beat my PB in the first one.

I also purchased a new mountain bike - she is lovely and when Andy is back  action we will be hitting the trails. Not as much cycling this month with only just over 40 miles covered.

Whilst I was away I got plenty of reading done with 15 titles finished - a couple of my favourites were by Cathy Bramley and were the first books in 2 of her series - Appleby Farm and Wickham Hall.

But my most important number is 1 which is the number of furry new additions to our family. Meet Bella - not neutered or spayed by her previous owner she was a very young mum of 6 rather large kittens. Her previous owners then thought she was surplus to requirements and we have adopted her from The Cats Protection League. Maisie wasn't too impressed at first - plenty of hissing and a feline version of a mexican standoff ensued. But things are calming down now and they are tolerating each other. We are now a 2 cat household again :)

Please pop over an say hello to Julie and read everyone elses months in number.

Skywatch Friday

Which way to go??

Please pop over to the Skywatch blog to see more skies from around the world.

Skywatch Friday

Last night saw us out and about after work for an 18 mile bike ride - and it was blue skies and sunshine all round.

The bridge across the River Spey at Aberlour:

The disused railway station and cycle path at Blacksboat:

My trusty steed:

And this made me laugh on Facebook this morning:

Please pop over to the Skywatch blog for more skies from around the world.

Skywatch Friday

On Wednesday I had to wrestle with my new bike rack for the car - the sooner I get a towbar fitted the better as this involved too many bungee cords and a strategically placed sponge for my liking.

But it was worth it for the 15 mile bike ride following the path of the River Spey and the stunning views - even with the killer hill in the middle!

A post ride group photo.

Roll on next Wednesday for a jaunt around Speyside starting in Aberlour.

Pop over to the Skywatch blog for more skies from around the world.

My Month In Numbers : April

April was all about running, cycling and walking - and racking up the miles.

After chickening out last year I signed up for 5x50. It is a challenge to encourage people to be more active in their daily life - and hopefully to keep up the good work once the challenge has ended. You pledge to do 5k a day for 50 days - this could be running, walking, cycling, swimming or 30 minutes of any exercise. As a type we are on day 48 so the end is in sight..

I also (rather foolishly) signed up for 30 days of biking - where you guessed it - you pledge to ride your bike every day in April. Altogether I rode for 308k (which is 192 miles) which took me 18 hours and 45 minutes and I burnt off 15000 calories in the process. Fair to say I am quite pleased with those figures. I documented my travels on 2 wheels on Instagram and took heaps of photos.

A screenshot from Endomondo sums it up nicely.

But I have to say I will be slightly relieved when Sunday is over and I don't have to don the lycra and get out there everyday. Or will I miss it..........

Please pop over and say hello to Julie and read about everyone elses numbers.