Victoria Mae Designs
‘Keep moving’ – My lovely mug from Victoria Mae Designs

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 

 

 

 

 

 

26 Comments on Tea, sympathy….and words of motivation

  1. 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 πŸ™‚

    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)My Profile

    • 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’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. πŸ™‚

  2. 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!

  3. 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.

  4. 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

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