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I did it! Muscles has been trying to get me onto a spinning bike for months. However, an adductor pull that took 75 years to heal has kept me off due to ungainly an completely graceless movements.

But today, wanting to give my posterior shin splints a rest (yep - saw physio ... good news on the whole - more below), I hopped on a cycle for a fast spin. The last time I enjoyed a fast spin cycle, it invovled a large glass of wine, a Best Beloved-free weekend, and bracing myself quite securely against the wall of the conservatory. This was a whole other thing.

And I loved it!!! I particluarly loved the fact that I have never sweated so much in my entire life. (I am talkming about the gym now, not the conservatory.) There's something deeply satisfying about putting your head down and peddling your socks off, watching sweat drip .. drip ... drip off your chin, nose and eyebrows. (Have I ever told you how attractive I am in the gym?) I did some hard 1 minute climbs, but mostly enjoyed head down, very fast cycling. My heart rate was right up there too - just like when I run on the treadmill. I am feeling very pleased that I've found something that gives me the same workout as the treadmill.

I took most of my weights up too and would like to offer a cautionary tale. When you are balanced back on an inflatable exercise ball, with two 9kg weights perilously balanced above your head, beware what your ipod shuffle throws at you. Today I got an attack of the giggles as my ipod decided that was the right time to play Andrea Bocelli crooning jingle bells with the Muppets in lusty support. 9kg weights make a big noise as when they drop 1 metre to the floor.

As mentioned, I went to the physio - I think I love her. She was fab, and with a few questions and pokes and prods, she mnassaged then stuck needles in me. My left leg is now completely free of pain, but my right leg is not as simple. I think it will need another session, but wonderful physio said just to pop in and she'd fit me in between clients at no charge. Have I told you I love her? I can keep on running too, she showed me a cunning way of stretching the pesky deep muscles that are causing the problem. She also gave me some tape to tape up the offending area for 2 weeks and I'm to ice both legs after runs for a week.

I have no idea who I have become. If you had told me 6 months ago that I would be relieved that I can continue running, and be prepared to ice, tape and stretch, I would have laughed. In your face. Loudly.