Good Intentions Get Knocked Out By Influenza!

I cannot believe how long it has been since I last wrote! I was full of good intentions and then WHAM! I got 'flu! At first I thought it was just a bad cold, so tried to carry on as usual, but my energy levels had dropped dramatically and I began to feel weepy and low (very unlike me!) and I just didn't start feeling better, even after about six or so weeks! I finally did what I am always telling others to do and listened to the messages my body had been screaming at me and I took myself off to the doctor. A blood test confirmed that I still had the influenza virus in my bloodstream. No wonder I felt shattered!

Once I had that news it somehow made me feel so much better! I think it was because I must have been worrying that there was something SERIOUSLY wrong with me, as I was feeling so unlike my usual self. It also meant that I could say "I am recovering from 'flu, so I give myself permission to slow down and take care of myself." It took a while, but at least I didn't prolong the illness by driving myself too hard.

It is now coming up to the end of June and I am now fully recovered and back at the gym doing my regular sessions with Eric. They are still going well and although it is very slow in coming off, my weight is reducing. I was delighted when I actually got into the BMI (Body Mass Index) range that meant I was no longer overweight, a little while back. I still want to lose another 8lbs or so, but it now seems achievable to me. My shape has really improved and I am even wearing sleeveless shirts for the first time in years, as Eric has had me going all sorts of exercises to tone up, not only my arms, but also every other part of me! When I can I also go to two exercise classes during the week, which are challenging, but great fun! Unfortunately, I've not been able to get to them for the last few weeks and, I can tell you, I really missed going. I like the social interaction as well as the fitness aspect.

I have added a new activity into my repertoire. Through a series of events starting with me buying a CD collection of Salsa music on a weekend trip to Edinburgh, we have had the super James Oliver and Shirene from www.salsaalba.co.uk travel up from the Central Belt to Kingussie, where they have been giving us Salsa lessons. It is one of those things that I have always wanted to do ever since I first heard about it, but have never managed to try - until now. I LOVE IT! We have only had three visits from them so far, but I really, really enjoy the whole thing. Unfortunately we didn't get such a good turn-out last time, as it was a very busy night for people, so Salsa came last on their to-do list, but it did mean that those of us who did go had almost personal tuition. James certainly put me through my paces and I was happily exhausted by the end of the second session! We're not sure when the next class will be here in Kingussie, but if you're in Edinburgh, there are sessions there and elsewhere. Just check out the website.

I had a major challenge last weekend when I accompanied my daughter on the 26mile long Scottish Bikeathon. It was a fund-raiser for Leukaemia Research, and started and ended here in Kingussie. My sons also took part, but they went ahead at their own, faster pace. It started OK, as it was overcast, but warm and dry. Then the rain started. And didn't stop. I was grateful that I got home when I did, as it got even heavier! However, we did it, and my daughter cut at least an hour off her time from last year, when she did it for the first time with her Dad. I had only been on my bike once this year, so was feeling rather achey in the derriere by the time we finished! It will be padded cycle shorts and a gel seat for me next year! I did it though, and I am so glad. The whole atmosphere of the event is cheerful, even in the face of the rain, and it was my privilege to accompany my determined daughter (who is only 8!) on the ride. She and a pal linked up in the last stretch and chatted together in the rain as they steadily peddled the last few miles, almost as if it was a jaunt that they did every day. I felt very proud, as you can imagine.

Lots more has happened, and lots more is planned, but I'll leave it there for now. I am feeling slightly frustrated as I write this, as my website www.harpercoaching.com seems to be having a 'blip', so I can't access it, so neither can you! It was there earlier in the day, but as we are approaching midnight here in the Highlands, and the sky is finally beginning to darken, there is little I can do. Time to say "goodnight and sweet dreams".