This time next week....

Seven days to go....  Gulp.  Not even a whole week.  My start time is 7.40am, so it's LESS than a whole week.

Today, by way of training, I've cheered Geraint Thomas to win gold in the rain in Glasgow, and marvelled at Emma Pooley's incredible cycling at the front of the women's race before collecting an emotional silver medal.  That's training, right?

I've also swum, mown the grass, washed the cars, shifted logs and ignored Fit Mark in a car despite him beeping his horn and waving furiously.  Or so he says...

Yesterday we also did training.  Dog training.  She's learning to walk nicely on a lead.  It's slow progress because there is always Something More Interesting to be doing like Chasing A Cat, or Watching A Plastic Bag Blowing Across The Field, or Greeting People, or Talking To Other Dogs Including Our New Best Friend Enzo Who Is In Our Class And Who Is Just As Bouncy As Happy Running Dog. And has about as many manners...

I've made lists, I've worked out where I have to go to register, I've got my kit clean and I've put my bike (and wheels) ready to be wedged into the Smart car.  I panicked that I hadn't had a confirmation from the hotel I booked in February and spent a frantic 15 minutes on the phone before they confirmed that yes, I do have a room and no, I won't have to sleep in a bus shelter.  I've even painted my nails and planned my picnic.  My hand is still feeble, but it's too late to worry about it any more - it'll just have to manage.

Next Sunday think of me as you have your breakfast cuppa - I'll have been cycling for a while. Then when you have your roast lunch I'll STILL be going...

I'm aiming to finish in 7.5 hours.  If it's over 8 I'll be disappointed, and if it's under 7 I will be thrilled.

So, by this time next week I'll have completed Ride London.

Unless I'm still pedalling....