DAY 1 Hopes & Fears

Nothing really goes smoothly if I am involved so our departure to John O'Groats is delayed by waiting on the t-shirts and Hoodies to arrive. they finally arrive at 11:30 and with Car loaded we set off & I write this as we pass Perth with 4 hours to go.

Many well wishers this morning by text or social media with in particular some who mean the world to me. They all say the same thing "you can do this but be careful" I promise them I won't push myself too much & maybe for the 1st time in my life I will listen to those who love me. This is not a sprint, it is not about how quick I cycle to my daily destinations. It is about being at Lands end on the 19th.

I need to use Lorna & Dan my fellow heart failure patients when I need them, to get Dan to drive slow behind me on busy roads, to meet them both on my routes for drinks & food breaks, I need to tell Lorna exactly how I am feeling. None of that comes naturally to me because I see it as weakness & I wanted to do this unaided but I may be stubborn & strong willed but I am not an idiot. I realise now this  is a team effort without Lorna & Dan I will not achieve it.

It's time to fully focus on doing this, the how is done & through Lorna sorted now so the focus is on my my reasons why doing it. What positives will fill my mind on the long days. What will inspire me through the pain. I have waited & wanted this for a long time so I have enough to drive me.

My 1st Target will be my workplace Tesco's in Rutherglen on Tuesday night and then meeting up with Davy Mains and Kingleys the Partick Thistle mascot. 

My work have been superb and supportive so meeting up I know will be emotional & a good target at the time on the 4th day most say is the hardest, Caroline, Jayne, Gemma & Pearl have always been extra supportive among my colleagues so they have t-shirts for Tuesday, My Store Manager Harvey sent me my horoscope this morning to motivate me but I think he might have made it up & extra positive. Heather over the last week has actually pushed me to promote it more in store & within Tesco. I will try and not be late for my work. 

To Isobel, Lisa, Fiona & Andrea thank you. 

John