Although I'm still a few months shy of my actual predicted recovery date I've been back on the Honda for quite a while now, and have even managed to rack up quite a few wins. Not bad considering in May I was sat on a Scottish rock holding my leg wondering when or if I'd ride again.

The big test was always when I'd be able to make it back on my Inspired 24" biketrials bike. Biketrials is a pretty explosive sport and considering my demos are pretty much all based on one wheel whilst hovering the front wheel over some willing victims nose, or spinning 360's in time to a violent house track. Wednesday saw my first ride on the bike, not only was it my first ride it was also a very public ride ride outside the Ted Baker store.

I'm over the moon to report it all went well, I can still do it all and despite some aches and pains the following few days I think I'm defiantly back to my best. Thanks to everyone who kept me smiling on the shorter than expected (but still a long time) road to fitness. Not long till May, where I intend to compete again and finish without an injury. :-D

Been a while since my last achilles rehab update, it might seem that not a lots going on but its the opposite. Things have been progressing well, and as I approach the point where I was supposed to be fit to ride I've actually been riding for 8 weeks.

Saturday was a miserable day as I sat watching the Scott Time & Observation trial rather than competing. I feel pretty good and theirs no doubt I could of started, it just wasn't worth the risk to my damaged lung, heart and possible risk to the actual achilles. Still hurts to miss such an important trial especially as my new Montesa Honda would of been a dream to ride.

174 days seems like a lifetime ago, and a lot has changed since then. Most notably I am now 126 days (or 133 days depending on whose estimation you use), into the journey that is parenthood. Achilles injury, lung and heart injury aside, it shows that the miracle of nature still works it magic. Either that or I had too much time in bed recovering :-) My prediction is that we'll have a girl, so we'll see what happens next March.

Other notable things since my injury occurred have been the relocation of the healthCHEK empire to a new building, the start of my MSc in Psychology and my new path of nutritional study with a certain US Doctor. It just shows that what initially seemed like a devastating injury has actually given me a whole new path.

More of the genius in action.

Words can't describe how good this is!! Gerard is a talent for the future, Toni Bou is simply awesome high up on some huge posts. Cesar is hardly the past, he was just making his name in the world of biketrials as I started riding world rounds. He was super talented back then and nothing has changed.

Watch it...

My advanced rehab continues, last Sunday has felt like the first time I had no real restrictions when riding. While it was yet another easy trial, they have all felt difficult enough with my lack of bike fitness, lack of right lung function and lack of flexibility in my right lower extremity. Its the most normal (yeah right), that I've felt since early May so its a good sign that I'm mending well.

Off the bike I'm progressing well and am able to do fairly well controlled single leg calf raises, once that works perfectly it will be time to work on power such as single static leg jumps.

Its all looking good for a return to some big trials fairly soon, sadly I'm going to miss my favorite trial though as its just too soon to risk, or so Jen tells me.

I've been out of my boot and able to walk for just over 2 weeks now. I'm feeling pretty good and whilst I still can't do a single leg calf raise I can feel the strength building. I rode a bike on a turbo trainer last week and I tested a Montesa Honda 4rt last Saturday, everything felt good so I've been out riding the specialized around the streets.

On Friday a Honda Montesa 4rt should arrive from Pidcock Honda so I can continue my rehab. It may seem a little early to ride given the nature of the injury, but I'd rather use it as a form of rehab and start carefully riding the easy route. 

Photos viewable in full size or downloadable for free from Fotki.com at http://public.fotki.com/MACC-MAN17-CNWTRIALS/trials-2011/other-clubs/pathfinders--derby-mc/pidcock-honda-rd-4-/

After a hectic weekend I'm almost glad to be back housebound again for the start of another week. I did quite a bit of walking (sort of) during the weekend and despite managing fairly well, it was seriously hard work. Although I'm now allowed to put my foot on the floor and carry weight on my injured leg, the ground at Saturdays competition was far from the flat stable ground I've become used to over the past month.

This led to me suffering quite a bad headache on Sunday morning due to the tight muscles in my neck, shoulders and chest from using the crutches.

My delivery has arrived from the states today so expect more details on the mystery products ASAP. Also on its way is a new t-shirt that I selected from my range.

I've also swapped my camera lens to upgrade the one I use on my Canon 60D, hopefully I should get some good photos while I'm unable to ride. I've wanted to get a new lens for a while but could never justify it due to the fact that I'm always riding and not on photography duty. I took a few shots at the Saturday evening trial which can be viewed on the Macc Trials Club page. I gave up trying to get the exposure etc correct as it was far too difficult trying to hold myself up whilst using the camera. Some dodgy looking shots but I just wanted to try and get as many riders as I could.

Visited my first trial since my injury at the SSDT in May yesterday. Took a trip to a local club Pathfinders & Derby at their Clifton trials venue. Getting around was hard and I'm in a fair bit of pain today, mainly due to using crutches causing my shoulders and chest tightening up making me shift in to a forward head posture (sore neck and headache time).

Having a relaxing day today and hopefully going to the cinema later to get out of the house again before I spend yet another week housebound.

I've studied a great deal in to the psychology of competing in sport (I'm always psychoanalyzing myself). It struck me that those competing in sports and those attempting to change diet and lifestyle habits have similar emotions.

Athletes experience moments of doubt and fear, and so do newly educated healthy eaters. Athletes worry about the outcome of a game or competition, equally those engaging in healthy eating plans worry if they will accomplish the goals they set. Both often doubt their training and wonder if they have done it well enough.
Our confidence is built by our past experiences which defines how we perceive ourselves against our ideas of success. This is very individual, as an example I may think I've not competed or eaten particularly well based upon my previous experiences, yet another individual may be perfectly happy with my results. Equally another individual may be disappointed in my efforts. We set our own goals and are defined by our own experiences and expectations.

In the nutrition world I come across a lot of negative perceptions, people seems to focus on the fact that they "can't eat well", or that they "still haven't lost weight." I've lost count of the times I've educated someone about food, only to have someone focus on the negatives such as "its too expensive to eat well", "the results are too slow," or they may even blame everyone else or everything surrounding them. This is also common in the world of sport, from athletes claiming success costs too much money, or their progress is too slow. I've seen people at my sport blaming their bike and literally abusing it.

• Its too expensive ~ 
  

1. From a nutrition point of view, it takes no more cash to select healthy foods than it does to select bad foods. I've seen people with very little actual food on their shopping bill, prioritizing computer games, DVD's, crisps, sweets, new clothes, Coca Cola and various other non essential items, above the food that they need to be healthy and vital. Do you drive your £30,000 BMW through the McDonalds drive through, yet complain about not being able to afford good food? Do you buy new clothes to cheer yourself up rather than buying the food that would get you the health that would keep you happy? When people actually make proper food choices and buy from a farmer or butcher, not only do they escape the temptations of the supermarket but they also realise its cheaper.
2. Yes sport is expensive and its often the case that to reach the top, you need money and lots of it. You have to sit back and analize why your doing sport in the first place. To reach the absolute top you often do need financial support, but for most of us sport is about fun (or it should be). Take a look at this little video of Guy Martin talking about his passion for his sport. Guy is someone who is truly focused on doing what he loves.
   

• The results are too slow ~

1. From a sport perspective, results take time and effort to achieve. To reach your goals you have to become dedicated to the cause. You don't get there by simply buying the equipment and entering the event.
2. Similarly from a nutrition perspective we need to engage in achieving results. I've lost count of the people that have wanted instant results despite spending years eating and living badly. People often expect to be given a diet sheet and not have to work at it. For the past 8 years I've used Metabolic Typing clinically to help clients learn about themselves, lately I've advanced upon the Metabolic Typing method using more advanced techniques to make it easier for clients to understand how to assist themselves. The one failing of diets (even metabolic typing) is the dependancy of clients to interact and engage with it.

• Using excuses ~

1. Confident people have a "can do" attitude and focus on the positives. Both with sport and health, they look for something positive, even when there does not seem to be anything. A confident person will admit when they make mistakes and will learn from them. If your failing in competition sit back and look honestly at what is going wrong. 
2. Equally if your suffering from being overweight, diabetic, or a whole host of other problems, do not sit blaming others or claiming to be unlucky. Sure, your suffering but its probably needless and if you engage yourself in tackling the problem you'll be surprised at the results. 
   

When people lack confidence they tend to focus on the negatives, and struggle to acknowledge when things do go well. I've often seen this in clients who despite making many improvements in their health will dwell on the negatives. They may point their finger at everything and everyone else for their perceived idea of poor results. Others often dismiss the idea of even trying to improve when offered a solution. Why would they do this? Why would someone dismiss a chance to regain their health because its too hard or too expensive? Its confidence, they lack the confidence to even try and are frightened to risk possible failure in the quest for success.

So, how do we become confident?

The only way to start is by beginning to focus on the positives. If its in sport, drop back a level and focus playing for fun rather than being so competitive. I know that when I ride at national level I can loose focus on the positives, so from time to time I make sure I drop back to club level and ride somewhere I know I'll probably win. I call it a confidence boosting event. With your diet focus on the things you did well and that went right, even when the end result wasn't what you wanted. Drop back a level and don't set the goal so high. Take small confident steps towards success.

Little late posting about day four. Yesterday was my late day, I started at 11:16 and we managed to overcome a few little setbacks to race round all day and make it in just inside the time limit. So, I wasn't back here till 8pm and food and a bath took priority over blog updates.

The day started with the huge road ride out to Chairlift in very wet conditions. I saw from photos that the early numbers had a nice dry start to their day. By the time we arrived the sections were covered in mud.

We then continued to Ba House and then back on the road for a short blast to the start of Rannock Moor. From this part we become very isolated from all the support vehicles. For me with its always a nervous part of the week that I'm always happy to make it through. I know my Dad isn't keen on not knowing how I am and I'm sure its the same for every-bodies families.

Everybody breathes a sigh of releif when their rider arrives from the final group at Fersit. Dougie fived the penultimate section at Fersit yesterday and sustained ankle ligament damage (prob atfl). The results show that I cleaned it so it would be nice to see what caught out the multi world champion.

Tough day today, officially the fourth rider out on the course, however, as people hung about waiting me, Tony and Geoff found ourselves riding every group first rather than risk time penalties. A trip over the ferry came early in the day, and in the opposite direction to usual. Lots of great moor crossings which really brought the bike into a league of its own,

The new group (forgot the name at the moment) had some large steps which were like ice for us early numbers, plus a lot of spectators keen to view the new sections. Had a great ride on the first one and was also pleased to be the first to make it up trotters burn in such slippy conditions.

The video below is me from Forest Gate during Tuesday's route.

99 miles (i think) today with a lot of good moor crossings. Been up to Fort Augustus, Tomchrasky, Ceannacroc and then back through the Glengarry Forest with the final section at the infamous witches burn. Another warm day, especially out on the moors.

Bike went well again and absolutly flew up some of the waterfalls and has provided lots of smiles across the moor crossings.

Great day out in the sun today in tropical conditions. Started around 9ish and set of for the first group. First section went well after some words of wisdom from Boyd Webster who has rode Montesa for a fair while. He told me to leave the clutch alone and he was right. Had a soft five at the second section when I mistimed a step and failed to get up it. Mind you better riders than me failed it so I'm not too upset.

Overtook my old schoolboy hero at one point (Eddy Lejeune) although I shouldn't of actually overtook him because he's supposed to be behind me. Turns out the Lejeune family missed a group of sections.

Felt a little tired after the lunch break, a combination of jet-lag and having to eat my lunch in 15 minutes!!! Bike rode well and I can report back that they are as much fun to ride as people have always told me. Was funny watching my riding companion Tony working his bike through the gearbox and using a lot of clutch to keep the bike going forward whilst I simply rode off the throttle. I remember the "never quite in the right gear" feeling very well. All is good at Team Pidcock with Jarvis sitting comfortably on 1 mark which is good seeing as he was number 33 today. Now he's got his early day out of the way he should settle in nicely.

Had a bath and am ready for bed now, day 2 coming up tomorrow.

Sunday 1st May 2011, day before the trial kicks off. Still an important day as everyone signs on, has their bike scrutinized and takes part in the parade through Fort William high street. Lot more people there watching this year which is either due to the 100 year anniversary or the tropical weather.

Lots of famous riders today, from Dougie and Jarvis through to the younger riders Challoner and Wigg. Theirs even a few famous faces (and voices) from the world of downhill MTB as Steve Peat and Rob Warner start the trial.

Fairly early start for me tomorrow with the first man away at 7:30 and me leaving 96 minutes later, hopefully in the same sunshine we've had today.

As usual its a long long journey to Fort William from Derby, but its one thats well worth it. This year the travel has been a little longer as I've headed here from Oahu, Hawaii via San Francisco. Even with the jet-lag that I have its an epic trip with beautiful scenery (well the end bit anyway).

I first came up in 1978 at the age of 2, my dad rather rudely came alone in 1977 and so I had to wait a further year to get the SSDT bug. It quickly became our annual family holiday and the electric atmosphere grabbed me early on as I fondly remember watching my heros such as Eddy Lejeune (he's riding just in front of me this year) and Steve Saunders (looks like he's won the Pre-65). From the famous sections to famous and familiar faces it really is trials heaven and shouldn't be missed by anyone connected with the sport.

This year is my first year on a 4 stroke Pidcock Montesa Honda and I'm very hyped up and ready to ride it. Theirs a brand new Repsol edition sat here waiting for the action to start and I'm looking forward to letting it loose in the sections and across the moors. Just picked up my Pidcock team jacket for the trial so I'm about ready to go. 

To check out the full details of the bike visit http://www.futuretrial.com/en/moto/future-300-corsa-lunga/weeblylink_new_window
Pidcock Motorcycles are the people to contact here in the UK http://www.pidcock.comweeblylink_new_window

On Saturday I spent the afternoon with Pidcock Motorcycles and Stu Day for a test ride on a Montesa Honda 4rt. I've been a confirmed Gas Gas rider since 2003 and before that was on Beta for a fair few years, I think I was about 9 the last time I rode a Honda. When I had my Honda TLM50 I got given a HRC sticker which I decided to save for my next bike...I'm 35 now and have never had the chance to actually put it on a bike.

After many years on 2 stroke power I never considered riding a 4 stroke. My dream bike all those years ago was an RTL 250 in Rothmans colors and theirs no doubt about it, a Repsol Montesa Honda 4rt is the modern day equivalent. So when we arrived at the test day to be greeted by a massive line up of both 4rt Racing and Repsol models, I made sure I stood close to a Repsol ready for the start of the test day.

The bike fired into life like clockwork, as it did all day and instantly the sound (or bark) of the engine put a few grins on the faces of the test riders. Their was a wide range of abilities at the test day, from capable riders, right through to a guy who'd never been off road. The day was arranged alongside the Mick Extance Off Road school under the guidance of Stu Day which meant everybody's skill level was catered for. Everyone managed to get a good 2 hours (yes 2 full hours) trying the bikes out and a number of staff (including Chris Pidcock himself) were on hand to make sure everybody got the assistance/information they needed.

Considering I had an S3 Championship round the next day, I should of been taking it steady and conserving my energy. However, I've never had so much fun on a bike and didn't want to waste a minute. Hence, my gloveless hands came away sore and blistered (will toughen me up for the SSDT in May). If you've not tried a 4rt I'd suggest you do, rather than forming an opinion based upon that of others give yourself a good go on one and remember that your learning to adapt to a new technique. Once you crack how to ride one, its a rewarding and often easier experience. One thing is guarenteed though, the noise will keep you riding much longer than you originally intended.

The bike I rode (Repsol 4rt) wasn't set up for me as it was a test day bike. However, even with out any personal adjustments the bike was comfortable and gave a sense of real quality. The bike is wider than my current GG but it feels right and just added to the stable feeling. The other thing that felt obvious (well it did to me) was that the mass of the bike felt very low down which obviously aides balance.

We started the test by having a guided tour of the land from Stu and the initial play area was an area of hard standing with various logs, see-saws, concrete blocks and a limbo bar which Stu kept lowering every-time someone went through without dislodging the beam. A log acting as a balance beam allowed us to see quite how stable the 4rt was across it. Straight away it became clear that the Montesa suspension is absolutely sublime. It seems to have no compromises and simply does what you require. It amazed me time and time again as the bike stuck like a leach to various rocks and obstacles and not once did it bounce around and loose grip.

From here we moved on to a mini MX track and a got a little chance to unleash the power of the 4rt. On a muddy track the engine never felt under stress. Once again the suspension soaked it all up, even the tabletop :-)

From here we followed Stu up towards the first real section we had planned. On the far side of a lake Stu had set out a stream section. For those a little more ambitious their was a turn out the stream up a steep bank and up a cambered climb covered in muddy roots. Its exactly the sort of section I dread as I'm usually far to clinical and want to be inch perfect before firing a bike up such as climb. I have great admiration for those 1970-80's riders that stick their tounges out and cling on at ridiculous angles as the bike climbs up. I grew up with a biketrials background, and wanted to ride like Tarres, If needed I ride like that but never feel happy or overly confident. Modern bikes probably aren't built with that in mind either. I got the shock of my life when it all seemed so easy as I shot up in 3rd gear. Once again the stability of the bike helped it track just right whilst the power just fired the bike up. I'd love to take claim for using my skills but I'm pretty sure it was the bike.

We moved on to some rocks and after a £5 bet with my friend Marcus (who thought I'd bottle it or fail) I tried a carrying the front wheel over a rock and tapping it on the the next step. The torque of the engine meant it was easy to control and Marcus now owes me £15 for my 3 attempts. Riding it on rocks felt good and was the area I was most interested in testing. I've often felt out of control in the SSDT (those who've seen me would no doubt agree, especially if they've had to pick me up). I've often wondered if the 4rt would prove more controllable across such sections and it did. Where as I often just have to rush rock piles on a 2 stroke I felt more able to ride. In part I'm sure this is also due to the suspension yet again. I've often described my Scottish riding as 'pinball' as my back wheel skips and bounces around, so I really appreciated the back end. 

The final section of the day was a SSDT style section up a long long stream which ended with some pretty steep bits. The bike didn't seem to pull away or strain your arms but felt very strong with power instantly on tap. By this time our 2 hours were up and begrudgingly we headed back down to hand the bikes back. Given the chance I'd of kept it for the next day. Would of been handy with all those graded hill climbs at the Colmore.

To conclude, an excellent test day. Well organized with ample opportunity to get a real feel for the bike. It seems those that have a 4rt wouldn't trade them for anything and are full of praise. Those that haven't tried a 4rt should really give one a go and form their own opinion. Give Pidcock Motorcycles a ring http://www.pidcock.com/montesa/pages/montesa/home.htmweeblylink_new_window

Or if you fancy experiencing the Mick Extance Off Road School with Stu contact them via http://mickextanceoffroad.com/weeblylink_new_window

I have one week of full training before a rest week in which I will do stretching and movement based activities. So after Sundays competition (which I won) on Monday I set about getting some movement back as it really stiffens up after any activity. Once I had a bit more R.O.M I set off on a bike ride on the cannondale.

Tuesday I decided it was time to tackle my old Scott program which aims to prepare me for hell;

Orgate takes another victim

50 Front Squats

50 45 deg Pull-ups (at handlebar width)

50 Deadlifts

50 Kettlebell Presses

50 Box Steps

50 Bent Over Rows

Last year I worked the time down to 18 minutes which is pretty impressive. Yesterdays effort rolled in at 27 minutes 01 second so not really on a par with last year. Still its a minor miracle that I’ve even made it this far and I’ll try again tomorrow (thursday).

Here’s a little video, just so you know why and what I’m training for. Remember the riders have been riding over this sort of terrain for a seriously long time by the the time they’ve reached the point at which this video is filmed. Last year I was out there around 7 1/2 hours….

Yesterday I realised my knee just wasn’t any better. So I’ve revised the plan to focus on upper body for now. The new plan was extremely hard as my upper body never got a break.

• 25 Pull ups at 45 degs
• 50 Clean & Presses with a 20 Kg barbell
• 50 CHEK Press with 2.5 Kg plates
• 50 Push Ups
• 50 Tricep Dips
• 50 Biceps Curls with 20 Kg barbell
• 25 Pulls at 45 degs

Todays time is 25 minutes 21 seconds

At the start of the movie 300, Gerard Butler left many wondering how did he get those six-pack abs? Could I ever look that toned? The training regimen used was called the 300 workout. It’s a workout that has no air conditioning, no mirrors, and no place comfortable to sit and hide. The moment you start the workout its a true war that needs to be won. Fight on and the pain will burn, rest a little and the pain drags on. Theirs no other way to do this program than attack it head on. Its not for the faint-hearted, nor the out-of-shape. The 300 Workout is a fitness test or a finale to months of training.Client have usually weight lifted and trained with tools such as medicine balls and Kettlebells (cast iron weights with handles). It’s daunting plan and one that I used for my 2008 Scott Training, it includes these weight-training moves: 25 pull-ups, 50 deadlifts at 60 Kg, 50 push-ups, 50 box jumps with a 24-inch box 50 “floor wipers” (a core and shoulders exercise at 65 Kg), 50 “clean and press” at 16 Kg (a kettlebell-lifting exercise) and 25 more pull-ups — for a total of 300 reps There’s no rest between movements and the score is based on total time.

As most of you know the Scott is fast approaching, yet I’m just starting rehab following a major knee injury. Time isn’t on my side, but, I need to be fit just in case I can make it to the start line.

So I’ve modified my 300 program to one that I can just about manage;

• 25 45 degree pull-ups (hang of a barbell on the squat rack)
• 50 deadlifts with a 20 Kg barbell
• 50 push-ups
• 50 box step up with a 24-inch box (making sure I maintain knee alignment)
• 90 second plank
• 50 “clean and press” 20 Kg barbell
• 25 more pull-ups – I know its not 300 reps due to the plank but I’ll add something better in as soon as I’m able. The aim of the game is obviously to maintain/improve my fitness levels while my knee returns to full function. Hopefully as I gain flexibility and strength I aim to return to the standard program and push myself to be ready for the start line on the 24th Oct 2009.

First go today 15/09/2009 – 26 minutes 46 seconds, not great but remember I can’t really walk.