Christian Ainley my day to day

  Having used my old boots until they had developed holes in the uppers. I looked for a replacement and found a pair of nice Italian boots on eBay. They looked perfect and hardly worn.  I decided to wear them today for a walk up Rowley path, now they were in great condition but had been in the cupboard for a long time the glue holding the soles on had got old and started cracking. By the time I’d gotten a few miles the glue had completely failed and the soles were off. I struggled back home having learned a valuable lesson cheaper isn’t better.  It was a good trip though with 7 balls and a good chunk of my book out of the way. The goretex uppers on the boots kept my feet perfectly dry as well.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  Back to the gym today and it’s leg day. Cross trainer to start with level 15 intervals. It was 30 minutes and 410 calories.  On to hack squats and just the 57kg of the machine to start then adding 10kg it was a grind.  Leg press next and 50kg working up to 70kgs it was hard going but I got there.  Leg extensions next starting with 50kg going up to 66kg higher than last week !  Prone leg curls to finish starting at 39kg and only going up to 46kg my legs were finished I had to call it a day.  I came home and worked through some course work only two questions but the answers required some examples and explanation.  It’s been a good day all in all, have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  To the gym and back, it’s back day ! I started off with rowing machine and I got the one that’s slightly easier if I’m honest and had a good 30 mins covering 3800 meters and 310 calories.  Dead lifts to start the weights not heavy just adding 20kg to a bar then another 10 kg focus on technique.  Then it was reversed flys starting with 42kg then going up to 57kg.  Machine rows next and starting with 35kg going up to 57kg it was a struggle.  Lat pull downs and 50kg up to 60kg a bit of a grind near the end.  Some rear delt flys with the rope next starting light at 13kg going up to 20kg I came home and wanted to make some progress with my course so I worked my way through half of the next module. It did take a lot of time as soon three hours had passed by.  I am now 50% through the course ⭐️ Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  It was a morning of waiting in so all I could manage to do was get out for a walk. It was a quick trip around the estate to collect today’s WeWards and then up Rowley path.   The army surplus boots are no longer ripping my toes apart and are actually comfortable now they’re softer.  It was a good haul of 8 golf balls and I was able to make the most out of today’s warmth. The weather must be turning soon and it’ll be warm jumpers and frosty mornings.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  Wanting to get out early for a hike up Rowley path do I could relax for the evening I booted up and headed out at lunch time. I put on some thick socks and the army surplus boots which are a lot better now and softer after a lot of miles.  I’d already had a quick walk to collect the days WeWards do this was up to the gate and back.  I had seen some wheel tracks on the field and then run into this young man practicing his horse and carriage skills. It was a day for horses as there was a horse and rider in the top field also, I didn’t get a picture as I’d already startled the horse climbing a small slope.  It was a successful ball hunting trip with six more added to my stock. Still need more to make a complete dozen to sell on eBay but it’s fun looking for them.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

There was a lot of walking at work this morning so it’s an easy afternoon, I had one assignment left for my third module on my customer service course to demonstrate the importance of business organisations to change and provide examples. I came up with some good ones and submitted the unit for marking and consideration.  I’ve been having a few niggles my knee has been swelling up intermittently so I’m taking that as a warning sign and resting it today. I did pop out to collect my we wards and then came home to rest.   Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  It’s back to the gym today and it’s chest and cross trainer.  Cross trainer to start on intervals 14 good going the standard 2.43km and 409 calories.  It was on to machine press to start with 20kg working up to 37kg it was good going.  I went on to cable flys and starting low with 13kg a side going up to 22kg a side it felt good.  Incline press and starting with just the bar and then adding 10kg.  Decline press was a mirror of incline an empty bar and then adding 10kg.  A wide press on the machine to finish nice and low on 19kg and going up to 37kg and failure.  I was a nice workout I pushed myself but I know I have more for next time.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  Great news I’ve passed my second unit of my customer service course. I’ve got one more question in unit three before it ready to submit. I’m making great progress and really enjoying the content.  If you have the time I recommend starting a course and giving yourself a challenge !  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  After a brief rest when I got home I went out for a walk. I’m pleased to report that the old wives tale that cows sit down in the rain is not true. As you can see in the picture all the cows are standing and it was raining.    There had been high winds and a lot of rain over the last three days so I wanted to see the damage. Only one rotten tree had fallen and some large branches further up the path. The branches were actually three inches thick and would have killed anyone underneath luck no one was that brave in the storm.    Given the severity of the weather I was surprised to find six golf balls, it was nice to get out for some fresh air and to see the ladies.   Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  It was a return to the gym after work and it’s leg day. I wasn’t really in the mood if I’m honest but I wanted to grind out session.  It was rowing machine to start and a very slow 3673 meters over 30 mins.  Hack squats next and no weight on the machine and just adding 10kg to finish off, the machine has a resistance of 57kg.  Leg press next and 50kg going up to 60kg it was a grind to get through. Leg extensions next and my usual machines were busy so I had to use a different one. Starting with 40kg and going up to 47kg.  Leg curls prone starting with 39kg and going up to 46kg not much, like I said it was a grind. I was home to do some course work on my customer service course it’s internal and external factors effecting organisations and SWOT analysis modelling this evening and trying to explain them with examples. Hopefully I’ve managed to get it across in my assignment.  Squats to SWOT 😂 Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  I wanted to get out and have some fresh air, it’s also been a few days since I headed up Rowley path to collect some stock for my golf ball sales.  As it’s been really wet I decided to wear my army surplus Altberg boots last time out they rubbed my toes raw so today I wore thicker socks. They still rubbed but the leather is becoming more supple ever so slowly and today it was just a couple of spots on my right toes.  It was good hunting today given recent weather six balls I also managed to get through a big chuck of my current audio book. I’m currently waiting for my Amazon delivery Rhodia note books to journal in. I’ve finally got through my last Moleskin and the paper quality is so bad won’t buy another. Writing with fountain pens needs a heavy waited paper to prevent bleeding of the ink.  It’s been a nice day all in all, let’s see what tomorrow brings.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  Just a small one to say thanks for taking the time to read my blog, we are now up to 3000 page views and growing. 👍🏼

  It’s a return to the gym and I kicked things off with some cross trainer intervals on 14, 2.4km and 429 calories it felt good.  On to tri press on the machine, starting with 35kg and going up to 50kg to finish.  Cable machine next bar pull down with 16kg working up to 28kg.  Overhead pulls starting with 20kg going up to 32kg it was tough.  Rope pull downs 16kg going up to 28kg not much I need to improve on this.  I got on some fixed bars starting with 20kg nice slow presses and dropping down to 17.5kg slow and steady.  Some abs to finish off starting with 52kg going up to 65kg very hard going.  I’ve sold some golf balls today 16 Callaway Supersoft and they’re off with Evri that makes 638 balls for the year not bad going.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  This morning I received positive feedback on my first assessment on my customer service course ! Only six more modules to go before I gain the qualification ! 

  It’s a return to the gym today and some rowing to start, not very fast with tired legs 3661 metres in 30 mins.  On to biceps next and starting off with curls on the machine. 20kg working up to 42.kg.  On to preacher next and added 10kg to and ez bar going up to 25kg added.  Some nice cable curls not so heavy 13kg up to 22kg  Then it was bar curls nice and slow 17.5kg and 20kg bars just to get the burn !  Had a bit of time so added some rows at the end 35kg and 42.5 kg.  A nice session and some good exercises the gym wasn’t too busy which is always nice.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  After yesterday’s leg session at the gym I thought the best way to really punish myself was to go for an afternoon hike.  It was a long slow walk if I’m honest, having not been up Rowley path for a while I thought I’d head up there. My legs were stiff and didn’t want to cooperate to start with but eventually they warmed up.  It was nice to get some fresh air and I managed to collect 20 balls today not bad after only being absent for three days. The leaves are changing colour and falling, the nights are drawing in as the temperature drops so I’ll only have small windows to hunt for balls.   Tomorrow it’s back to the gym.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  Ok so not only did we get the ciders we also got the lager too.  As lager goes this is up at the lighter end of the spectrum, think Budweiser ish . Perhaps not as gassy and with a bolder punchy taste. It’s great for a summers evening or a BBQ. It comes in little 330ml bottles.  I probably wouldn’t buy it again as I find it too light, I prefer a heavier beer like carlsberg. If you like light lagers I’d say give it a go. Support British farmers and our local economy too.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Have fun stay safe 👍

  A return to the gym and it’s leg day again, I kicked things off with some cross trainer intervals on 14, good average heart rate of 133 and a total calorie count of 419 over 1.5 km.  It was on to hack squats first with no added weight just the 57.5kg of the machine then I added 10kg.  Leg press next and 50kg to start working up to 70kg it felt good.  Leg extensions starting high at 50kg going up to 57kg  Leg curls mirrored the extensions. Calf raises to finish starting with 40kg going up to 60kg.  A nice session and I’m feeling it in the legs, Saturday morning it will really hit.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  I’m sure by now many of you are aware of Clarkson’s Farm a series that looks at Jeramy Clarkson’s farm in a funny and entertaining show. If you haven’t watched it you should head to Amazon prime video and check it out, you’ll laugh, cry and go on a complete journey.  As part of his farm project he has a farm shop that sells local produce, beer and cider are made using ingredients sourced locally and today I tried the Hawkstone Cider. I have to say it’s very good, with a strong apple flavour (Duh !) it’s a perfect balance between bitter and sweet cider ! It’s priced at a reasonable £3:50 a bottle and it supports British farmers too. I found it in our local flower nursery that sells all the niche food too.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Give it a go 👍🏼

  Just on the outskirts of Slough there’s an ancient woodland called Burnham Beeches, I spent a lot of time there when I was a child. On Sunday afternoons we would cycle up to it and around it getting the most out of my “mountain bike” and it’s off road capacity. I was also there when they were filming “Robin hood prince of thieves” I was standing in the wrong place pissed off the director, but it wasn’t all bad as they were filming the woodland village post attack with lots of smoke effects and the police helicopter came to investigate the huge column of smoke rising from the woods and that was soon the directors prime concern.  Today it was a revisit to have a little walk around and re live that nostalgia, some things have changed. When I was a kid the lakes were full and now they look like muddy messes. Now there seems to be a lot more management of the woodland and large tracts are designated as widelife areas before there was a lot less care.  It was a nice lunch tim...

  It's my first rest day so it was a nice relaxed morning Grey’s Anatomy and chill. I sorted yesterdays golf balls and listed some on eBay.  I had sold a book on eBay so I went out and collected my WeWards and put the book in the post box. I collected all seven cards and came home, with a couple of hours in doors I went for I hike up Rowley path to collect some balls and get some miles in. It was 5 miles and 8 balls not bad considering the cold weather.  Have fun stay safe 👍

  Vodafone experienced an outage this afternoon, it happened to coincide with my afternoon walk. It's rather bizarre because I could still make and receive calls all be it not to Vodafone customer services. I could also send and receive text messages. Gps data still worked and displayed my location on a map.  But trying to load a website or use and app that requires data was hopeless. The apps I experienced problems with were WeWards, Audible, Aosu and most web based services. Luckily mobile data came back after just under two hours and with it all my push notifications too.  It's strange to think how reliant on datasmd the internet we have become. 20 years ago if my mobile data had gone down I probably wouldn't have noticed, most of the information I received was in text or phone calls the information service on my phone back then was called WAP and it was a very basic web page.  It was a nice walk with just under 5 miles and 22 balls over two hours and a lot of fre...

  A return to the gym today for rowing and back. It was toeing to warm up 3733 meters in 30 mins and 270 calories.  It was to a back workout starting with deadlifts. Not heavy adding 20kg to start then upping it to 30kg. Reverse fly next with 42g to start then upping it to 50kg followed by 57kg.  Rows next smdthe new machine pictured I had 25kg a side then added two 5kg plates.  Some lat pull downs 50kg going up to 60kgs on the machine.  Narrow cable rows next 50 kg up to 57kg. Rear delts to finish with a rope, nice and light 13kg up to 16kg  Have fun stay safe 👍

  617 Arguably the most famous bomber squadron in the RAF during World War II. Formed in spring 1943 by the hugely talented but also arrogant and narrow minded* (Wing Commander) Guy Gibson they were the elite of RAF crews. Hand picked by Gibson himself for their experience, flying ability and reputation these men trained relentlessly to fly low level over Europe to bomb the dams of the Rhur Valley. In May 1943 133 men set off on that task. Nearly half would fail to return from the success of breaching two of the dams. Guy Gibson was instantly grounded and strictly forbidden to fly because of the propaganda coup his loss would be to the enemy. John Nichol looks at what happened to the squadron after the raid, when other RAF bomber squadrons were flying to Berlin, Hsmburg and Munich 617 were left flying training missions for future operations that were not fixed. Soon they would be put to use on the most difficult operations and skill would be needed in the extreme.  John Nichol...

  Today it was a return to the gym and it was chest and cross trainer. I started with cross trainer on intervals and really put in an effort after 30 mins pushing zone 5 on cardio I’d done 2.45 km and 450 calories.  It was on to chest and the press machine starting light at 20kg and building up to 35kg nice and slow making them count.  Cable flys next for once the main cables in the weight room were free so with low weight and slow reps it was 10kg a side going up to 12.5kg not much but good strain.  On to incline next and adding 10kg the the bar for some slow reps then dropping down to just the bar.  It was on to decline press had a bit of difficulty getting the bench set with regard to the leg holders but got there in the end and mirrored the incline.  Some chest pull down la to finish 20kg and 25 kg. Before heading home.  I wanted to pop to the supermarket but decided to leave the car at home and have a two mile walk instead to top out the day. It w...

  Yesterday was rather full on with a gym visit in the morning and afternoon walk and then working through course work. So today I dialled it down a bit, after a morning of getting some chores out of the way I was left with an afternoon.  I went for a wonder around the estate to collect WeWards and then headed up Rowley footpath and in to Black park. On Thursday afternoons they have a model society that meets to sail there radio controlled boats on the lake. The beautiful yacht in the picture is one of those. So if you have an interest pop along to Blackpark on a Thursday afternoon.  On the ball front it was rather productive today 5 balls 1 on the way up and 4 on the way back. In total it was just over 8 miles of walking and I made some good progress with my Audible book too. It’s a day without course work as I’m well ahead I’ll try and get back on it tomorrow !  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  After a spot of lunch and waiting for a delivery I got changed and headed out for a hike. I went around the estate to collect some WeWards and then headed up Rowley path only two golf balls today I guess the weather is putting golfers off.  I wanted to get some course work done so after a nice bath I settled down and finished off module 2 and sent it for submission. Two down and five to go at least I’m ahead.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼  

  It’s a return to the gym this morning and some rowing to start, not a hard pace just plodding along managed to get 3765m in 30 min. It was on to legs and like last week hack squats to start, remembering the struggle last time I didn’t add any weight and then just added 10kg to finish it felt a lot better. Leg press next and starting off with just 50kg I built up to 72kg it felt ok.  Leg extensions next and starting with 50kg and working up to 65kg I’ll start building on this. Leg curls to follow and as always I tried to mirror the extensions.  Calf raises to finish and I started with 50kg working up to 60kg it was a nice work out.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  I wanted to make some progress towards this months apple challenge so I headed out for an afternoon hike. I still had four WeWards to collect so there was a small detour up the Uxbridge road to get them.  I headed up Rowley path I’m listening to a new book so I was able to keep half my mind in that. There was only three balls today but one was a premium one so that’s good. It was just under six miles in 2:15 some of the is squirming around looking for balls which brings the pace down.  Oh I’m now half way through the challenge 7 days out of 14 completed !  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  It’s a return to the gym today for a triceps and cross trainer .  To kick things off it was cross trainer on intervals level 14 , one of the cross trainers is faulty so of course I got on that one first. When I did find a working one I put in a good half hour and 2.35 km later and 447 calories I moved on to Tri’s  I went onto the machine first and it was 50kg working up to 60kg  On to the cable next and my usual machine was in use so I tried a different one. It was bar pull downs first starting on 22kg going up to 32kg  Over head pulls next with a rope starting lower at 18kg and going up to 26kg it felt ok.  Rope pull downs looking at form starting with 18kg and going up to 27kg it was a struggle.  I moved on to some made up bars next nice and light at 12.5kg going up to 20kg I should go higher next time.  I wanted to do some abs to finish build up some core , it was 50kg on the crunch machine going up to 62kg still trying to gauge where I...

  After two days at the gym I wanted to get out and get some fresh air and get some miles in. I put my boots on and headed up Rowley path . After storm Amy I wasn’t expecting too many balls but I thought I’d get an opportunity to look at the damage caused.  I could only spot one tree that had been knocked down by the high winds there were lots of rotten branches that had be bought down, they had been moved off the path by a previous person. I did manage to find 11 balls which was around average and I was able to get through a large chuck of audio book too.  I came home and set about some course work just finishing off the first unit of module two, it’s only two units so I’m half way through I’m hoping to submit it on Wednesday, it’s not due until the 23rd October so I’ll be way ahead. Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  Gym and biceps after a morning at work I went straight to the gym, it was rowing to warm up at a nice easy pace for 30 mins 3741 meters.  On to biceps and preacher to start 5kg a side going up to 10kg a side it felt go and I should push next time.  II did some cable curls next starting low at 10kg and building up to 16kg I concentrated on form.  On to preacher machine next and starting with 15kg taking it nice and slow adding 5kg to finish.  II picked up some bars and with a 12.5kg did some curls nice and slow going up to 20kg until they were burning.  I wanted to get in one last exercise so I did some rows on the machine nice and light 36kg going up to 42.5kg and finish.  It was a nice workout I’m feeling the effects of yesterday’s leg work out but it was nice to get some exercise.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  It’s back to the gym after a little break and it’s leg day to start. To get some blood flowing I did 30 mins on the cross trainer doing intervals on level 14. Surprisingly it went well and I was able to move on to legs. Buzz have recently installed a hack squat machine confident I placed two 15kg plates on and had a go, I didn’t realise that the machine had 57.5kgs of resistance built in so it was a bit of a struggle. I pushed through for 4 sets abd then dropped down to 5kg a side and it was a lot easier.  Leg press next and with 25kg a side to kick off then upping it to 30kg a side taking it nice and slow it was good.  Leg curls next and starting with 42.5kg and working up to 57.5kg not my highest but it’s about getting started. Leg extensions next and I tried to mirror the curls and surprisingly was able to get on a machine from the same company and match closely. I’ve had a nice day and it feels good to be back at the gym.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  Just the one rest day this week and after watching the football last night, Arsenal won 2-0 it was a nice relaxing morning. Grey’s anatomy on binge it’s like chicken soup and a blanket, it’s comfortable easy to just let it play while you dip in and out.  Just after lunch it was out for a walk to collect today’s WeWards and see if there were any golf balls of Rowley footpath , with the added benefit of some fresh air as well. Today’s count 10 balls and a total of 6 miles not to shabby.  It’s on to the next module of my course understand customers it’s only two units so I’m hoping to make some good progress. It’s going to take up to ten days to receive the grading for my first module.  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼

  It was back to work yesterday and it’s always a bit of a grind for the first few hours. I was soon in the swing of things and back to being an old pirate m.  I haven’t pushed to much on the exercise front as I’m trying to get back to my old sleeping patten . I’m getting there and by Saturday I should be on track !  I’ve been listing golf balls like crazy on eBay trying to cash in before the weather changes, looking at my previous sales the total number of balls sold is 573 that’s just mad and to think they were all laying on a footpath !  I haven’t been sitting idle I’ve been working through the first module on my customer service course , I’ve gone through all six units answered the question and submitted it to be marked. So fingers crossed I’ve met the requirements to move on. I’ll keep you all posted  Have fun stay safe 👍🏼