training 2020: introduction

Finally getting around to writing about my training goals for this year.

Cycling: 7,500km

Running: 600km

I’m focussing on cycling, so the running distance is set low.

Current status

Cycling: 708km (50km behind pace)

Running: 50km (10km behind pace)

Summary

Totals for all activities this year. (Need to find a way to split Strava monthly totals into separate sports. Totals include walking, too.)

DistanceTimeElev. gainCount
January556.3km32h 22m5,334m29
February217.6km10h 46m1,676m7

Lost in the trees

A while ago Allan told me he had spotted a sculpture hidden in the trees. I had a look but couldn’t see it. A few weeks ago I went back and because the trees are bare I finally could see it clearly and took some photos. Today I got round to the other side to get some photos of the sculpture from there and some detailed shots as well.

It reminds me of someone finding a Mayan Carving in the jungles.

Its actually a sculpture by Charles Anderson made in cast concrete with coloured cement. Possibly made in 1978.

  • The first sight of the mysterious sculpture
  • The view from the other side
  • Some close ups of the details

Winter tree, by Stephen

Version 1

The winter skeleton of the flame red autumn tree
forlorn against the glowering grey sky
bends back and forth in the wind
dancing through the winter storm
waiting for spring buds to create its summer dress

Version 2

Sitting on the freezing park bench
looking at the grey frost covered tree
remembering the flame red autumn tree

The sky roofed over with low grey cloud
Mirrored in the frozen pond
the mind slowly clouding like the sky

senses dulling over going numb
the world going grey in the mind
slowly becoming one with my little tree

rapid thumping coming closer
high pitched laughter and a squeal
small arms wrapped round the neck

a voice telling me Im cold
as I swim back to reality
lets go get a hot drink