Before getting into cycling I never used to drink tea all that often but my appreciation of tea has changed. There seems to be something quite special about the tea and cake stop – even if I’m out on my own I’ll find a little cafe to recharge my batteries with a cuppa and a flap jack, or my particular favourite, some yummy lemon drizzle cake.
Riding has taken a bit of a back seat lately; the school summer holidays are upon us and it’s not so easy to get out and do ‘proper’ riding with the children in tow – although we have done some lovely little family rides over these last few weeks. Plus, and more to the point, I’ve been struggling with costochondritis for a few months now which has been causing me some problems, particularly first thing on a morning. For those who’ve never had it or never heard of it, it’s a painful condition caused by inflammation in the joints between the cartilages that join the ribs to the sternum. It’s not serious but damn painful at times as it sends your chest muscles into spasm and can make breathing extremely tricky at times. It’s a temporary thing, apparently, but I’ve had it for a good few months already and it’s showing no real signs of easing. I’m told it will eventually go but it’s put the kybosh on training for London to Paris and my involvement in that ride is now having to be postponed until next year – sadly. I am hugely disappointed to say the least.
So, I am still riding, but I’m having to take it a little steady which is frustrating. I had felt like I was making real progress, especially with hills, and then I came down with a chest infection which I think aggravated everything and I felt like I’d lost a lot of fitness….and motivation.
Sometimes, when things aren’t quite going to plan a cup of tea and a few words of motivation go a really long way. A cup of tea in my favourite mug is definitely helping at the moment! Mine is from London based surface designer, Victoria Mae and has a perfect little message on the inside: ‘Keep Moving’. And that’s exactly what I intend to do. ‘Down but not beaten’, as they say. And hopefully 2015 will be my year for the London to Paris cycle ride.
Time to put the kettle on….
Disclosure: Victoria Mae Designs kindly sent me this mug for review.Β
I love walking but have to build in a stop for lunch, somehow it makes exercise all the more easier!
mellissa williams recently posted…Di Palomo – The Fragrance Of Italy Made In The UK
Sorry to hear about your infection, I hope you get back into the swing of things soon. Very pretty mug too
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…Review: A Wilko Picnic
Thank Zena, Victoria Mae has some fab things on her website. Definitely worth a look for some lovely, individual pieces of homeware.
It can be so difficult to take a step back and take things more slowly, but it can give you a chance to appreciate the smaller things and the quieter things π
I do love me a good cup of tea, though recently had to stop taking it with milk. But now I love black tea, it’s an odd one.
I hope you feel better soon, I am very familiar with health holding you back so I hope that your restraints are gone soon
Laura Petit-moi recently posted…The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil range* – Coming very soon! (12th August)
Ah, thank you Laura, that’s really kind. It’s so frustrating when you’ve been planning something and working towards it for months but are then held back by health. But I will do it!
I used to cycle a lot but stopped since I moved to UK. I would love to have a bike one day and go for a long ride somewhere. Oh and I’m a tea lover!
Sylvia @ Happiness is homemade recently posted…Zapiekanka (polish street food)
Tea and cycling go hand in hand in the UK Sylvia. A brilliant reason to get back on your bike! π
I love your cup and am sorry that you are suffering., I have had a bout of reactive arthritis due to a virus and boy it floored me
Jen aka The Mad House recently posted…Ombre Shoe Lace – How to
Jen, that sounds horrible and really painful. I do hope you’re on the mend. X
I LOVE tea! I am sorry to hear that you have been poorly and I hope you are back to full speed soon x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Baby’s new loves
Ah, thank you. Doesn’t tea always taste better out of a cup or a mug that you love!
Not a fan of walking, admittedly, but I would rather do that than run or cycle, especially in London!
Stephen recently posted…Holiday T-Shirt Wishlist
Lovely mug, living in London though I refuse to cycle, people are mad!
Rachel recently posted…GOSH Cosmetics AW14 range
I’m not London based Rachel, but I know plenty of people who do commute on their bikes down there. London is fab for cycling cafes too! Far more choices than we have here in Notts. You should definitely check out Victoria Mae designs. She’s London based and has some really lovely, quirky designs. Definitely something for everyone. π
I hope you get well soon. Thankfully you know whats the matter with you. Shame it spoiling your plans London to Paris.
As for Tea, I used to hate the stuff, then I moved in with my best friend in my mid twenties and she got me hooked. Tea is definitely great. Good luck and stay motivated with your perfectly suiting mug!
Wishing you well x we have several different teas at home – love trying out different blends!
Michelle recently posted…True Colours [Project 365:2014 – Day 223]
I love this mug, so sorry to hear you are struggling, it is such a pain when things get in the way of something we really enjoy. I need to get a bike, used to love cycling.
That sounds nasty – I have joint pain in my feet so you have my full sympathy – lets hope you have a fast recovery! xx
Kara recently posted…The Bat in the Belfry
Sorry to hear you are not 100% – try not to over do things. I am thinking about starting cycling myself.
Pinkoddy recently posted…Nintendo Wii Sports Club Review
A lovely mug! I wish you luck on your London to Paris ride and thanks for the inspirational post. Love your blog…. off for a read! x
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Thank you for the lovely words π Hope you enjoyed some of the other posts too. X
I’m sorry that your face plans have had to be delayed. I’m a huge fan of tea and find that a cup always helps to make me feel a little brighter x
So sorry to hear you’ve been struggling, it sounds painful so sell done on any cycling. It’s funny how a good cuppa can boost your mood. X
Lori recently posted…A CITY BREAK IN LIVERPOOL
What a lovely cup, sorry to hear you aren’t feeling your best.
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Tie the Knot in Style
Love the mug (with coffee in – I don’t drink tea!). Hope youre back on top form soon!
Rachel @ Parenthood Highs and Lows recently posted…Alex’s Birth Story
Am loving the design on the cup. And the motivational lines as well. Could use one like that to get me moving more.
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