From good to gout..

Well what a mixed 2 weeks it has been for me.

Following the dragon ride I decided to take a well earned weeks rest which was nice, I then took part in the Southend Park run which although hot was ok and I felt fine.

Also during the week I received the news that I had won a place to go for a bike ride with the Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy. 

This was completely unexpected as I'd only entered the competition the day before the closing date.

Then it came to the Sunday evening before I was to go on the ride with Sir Chris and this was when I started to feel a bit rough and had that horrible aching feeling. So I decided to get an early night especially as I had to be on a 6am train to get over to Richmond Park!

The alarm clock rang and despite feeling a bit groggy I dragged myself out of bed and managed to make it to the train on time. Now I knew when I got on the train that I wasn't quite right as I'd only cycled 2 miles an the sweat was pouring off me! Not good!

So after 3 trains and a few miles of cycling I made it to the venue to meet Sir Chris.

He was a really nice and genuine guy and it was an awesome experience to be able to ride alongside such a legend.

At the end of the ride he stayed around for photos and signed autographs for at least an hour while we ate cake and drank tea!

My plus one for the day was also my wingman from the dragon ride Russ Mac who was clearly trying to explain to Sir Chris that indeed black is slimming!

So with the morning complete and Sir Chris heading off for the next stage of his tour I was left with either getting 3 trains back or plead with my wingman for a lift that would only take him about 50 miles out of his way!

My grovelling and puppy dog eyes worked as Russ kindly offered to take me  to my office in Barking.

As it turns out this was a blessing as I started to take a turn for the worst. This involved me shivering yet sweating at the same time!

Following my rapid decline I managed to get home and went to bed where I remained for the next couple of days with what looks like some sort of virus, was it a reaction to an insect bite I got on my leg in Richmond Park?

Fortunately I managed to recover in time for my sons 5th birthday and his party although still not feeling 100%.

Then just as I thought I was on the mend properly I started to get a familiar plan in my big toes.....that's right gout!

Now being a relatively fit 35 year old man you would be questioning this cant be true?

Well as much as I'd like to say it isn't it is true. However unlike previous attacks this one has affected both my big toes.

So what can bring this on...well a whole host of foods including -

Meat such as beef, pork chicken and turkey!

Seafood including tuna

Vegetables including mushrooms, peas, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots!

Fruits including bananas and pineapple

And finally various alcoholic beverages including beer.

Now looking at the list above I'm surprised that the last attack I had was back in 2009!

So other than avoiding the foods above and taking medication I need to rest and keep my feet elevated.

Clearly this unexpected rest could be a welcome blessing but considering Challenge 7 is in 2 weeks it doesn't mean a great deal of training will take place between now and then.

Is it my body telling me I've done too much? I don't think so although I need to convince quite a few people of this.

My view is if I'd done too much why now as I have been training since October!

Unfortunately there's not a lot I can do about it now other than wait for the swelling and pain to subside so its feet up and eat pasta, something I've become accustomed to over the last six months!