Richmond Park

It's my sanctuary, training ground and special place. If I've got loads on my mind, should life be getting me down or I just feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of London life, Richmond Park is where I escape to.

And even if I don't need to get away, Richmond Park has provided me with hours, actually days of joy and pain I guess. With its 12km (8 mile) outer and 10km (6 mile) inner loops, it's THE perfect place to bank miles in the legs. Whether it's on foot or the bike. Best of all, it's great to just go for long meaningless walks where you don't come across another soul for hours.

I can honestly say that without Richmond Park, I don't think I would have lasted in London as long as I have. Yes that sounds dramatic but a week rarely passes that I don't visit the park at least once. It's like recharging a battery.

If you have kids or own dogs, it's a must. There's also the amazing Isabella Plantation (garden), well worth the visit and it's free!

I heart RP.

Richmond Park website.

Ironman UK Here We Come

It has always been a goal of mine to become an Ironman. To me, it's the ultimate test of individual endurance (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike & a 26.2 mile run). Yesterday I got one step closer to achieving this dream. I filled out my doctor's details, clicked enter and signed up to compete in the UK Ironman event on 2 August in Bolton.

My stomach sunk a little when I received the confirmation email. So now starts the long haul to be race fit on the 2 August. It does feel daunting but that's why I've given myself 7 months to make sure I cross that finish line to hear those famous words - 'YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!'

Wish me luck.

Goodbye '08, Hello 2009

Happy New Year!

I came across some amazing photos that sum up the year that 2008 was. It's scary what can happen over 365 days. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions but I do have a few things I need to tick off my list for 2009.

Here's hoping you tick off everything on your list.

Photos of the year - Part 1
Photos of the year - Part 2
Photos of the year - Part 3

Merry, Merry Christmas

What a year! It was one hell of a rollercoaster.

Nothing says Merry Christmas like a story about friendship and love. This video has it all.

I hope you have a great festive season.

All the best,

Maloy

A Logo of Times to Come

These new credit crunch logos made me chuckle. I do feel bad for those who've lost their jobs though.

Simplicity Rules

I love this digital campaign by LaSenza (and not for the obvious reasons). It's simple, saucy and suits the brand perfectly. I think of it as one of those, 'why didn't I think of something like that?' ideas. It appeals to the target market massively and even the ladies in the office who've seen it, heart it. You bet they forwarded it to their partners.

I wish it was something I had worked on (again, not for obvious reasons)!

The Men's Guide to Buying Lingerie.

Riding Single

I'm fortunate to be able to ride to and from work. Not only do I save on travel costs but I get to my desk feeling fresh (I shower at work) and wide awake. I used to ride either my mountain or road bike, both fairly valuable and expensive pieces of equipment. London's road are a shocker (excuse the pun) so the wear and tear on my beautiful bikes was getting worse after every ride. To and from work, 5 days a week and the mileage all starts to add up!

When I started working at Haygarth, I always noticed this poor old bike chained to a drain pipe, exposed to the elements. I asked around the office and I found the owner. He explained that he had bought a new bike so the old one was in retirement. I made it quite obvious that I was interested in the neglected old beauty. A few months later I got a call from him saying that I could have the bike as he knew I'd make use of it, rather than it being shackled to the wall outside. I bought him a nice bottle of wine to say thanks.

And so started my project of turning the rusty old beauty into a single speed commuting bike. I got a single speed converter, stripped off all the gears, bottle cages and useless chainrings and slowly but surely bought bits and pieces to get it back to working order. In doing so, I've learnt so much about fixing bikes and bike maintenance/care. It's turned into a little hobby which has kept me busy for hours up in the loft or out in the shed.

Riding a single speed is such a awesome feeling. You stop worrying about which gear you're in and have time to look around, think of other things and take in your surroundings. Secondly, because there's only one gear, it's super light, there's much less wear and hardly any maintenance needed. Lastly, it's making my legs stronger so when I do ride my road bike on the weekends, my times and speed are improving.

Riding single is like being a kid again on my first bike without a care in the world. Once more I'm reminded how the simple things in life bring me the most pleasure. The picture above is of Howie, my new single best friend.