The journey to Cycle 10k for CSSEF - Twilight Runway Challenge
Today was a mixed blessing as I took my bike out of my horses feedstore and cleaned all the hay and cobwebs off it. Since my horse Troy died mid November I have struggled to go out into the paddock and stable where he lived right outside my door because it brings overwhelming grief of the loss of such an amazing companion of 21 years. Walking into what was his feed store with his tack, rugs, grooming kit etc is one of the toughest things to do right now.
But this is the start of a new challenge for me, as a disabled person with reducing mobility to cycle 10k to raise funds for an amazing charity to help deaf and hard of hearing children in school, so that I remind myself is my focus and makes those memories worth it.
So, I clean my bike of and decide, now time like the present off for my first cycle since end of September 2020. Due to my disability, when the cold weather hits I must stop cycling, as the payback to my body of the cold and wet far outweigh the benefits of this kind of exercise.
I live in a valley and starting my cycling with a in hill every direction is just not possible, so a short van ride gets me to my destination of a far flatter and accessible place to cycle. It is at this point that my second overwhelming wave of grief hits me when I hit the actuality that I will be cycling without a canine companion for the first time in over 20years. As not only did I loose Troy mid November, my assistance dog Phoenix died at the end of September 2020. A full six weeks to the day between them, to add to this I also had a fox attack which left my chickens fatally wounded and sadly needing to be dispatched.
Grief will hit you over and over again, which to be honest is why I have set this myself this challenge. I know that my mental and physical health relies upon me exercising, and without my equine and canine companions this has been and will continue to be tough for some time to come. Never underestimate the loss of animals to the individual, especially when they have such an important role in that person life.
Consequently, setting myself a challenge to raise money for such a fabulous charity as CSSEF (Chloe and Sophie’s Special Ear Fund) is so important to help me cope with my grief and motivate me with my self-care to help keep fit and active, physically as mobile as possible and mentally well.
Today, found a chilly cloudy day, but I managed 2.8km. For a first day back on my bike I say that is a huge win!
If you would like to know why more about this challenge and perhaps donate to this amazing charity if you feel able, please Copy and paste this link:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DiCycle10k4CSSEF
To find out more about CSSEF please copy and paste address:
http://www.cssef.org.uk/
To find out more about the Twilight Runway Challenge please copy and paste this address:
https://www.runningcalendar.co.uk/event/twilight-runway-challenge/