Information on cervical cancer

Some information about cervical cancer - please pass this on to the women in your life.

• In the UK, around 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. 1,000 of those women will die.
• Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in women under 35.
• 99.7% of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• Cervical cancer is largely preventable through cervical screening and HPV vaccination.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

• Abnormal bleeding: after or during sexual intercourse, or between periods
• Post menopausal bleeding, if you are not on HRT or have stopped it for six weeks
• Unusual and/or unpleasant vaginal discharge
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Lower back pain

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please contact your GP.

Reduce your risk!

• If you're between 12 and 18 years old you're eligible for the HPV vaccination. This will protect you against HPV types 16 and 18 which cause 70% of all cervical cancers. 
• Women over the age of 20 in Scotland and Wales and 25 in Northern Ireland and England will be invited for cervical screening (smear). Screening saves over 5,000 lives in the UK each year, it can reduce your risk of cervical cancer. Make sure you take up your invitation for screening when invited. Need more information about screening, check out the Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust website.

Cambridge via Cheshunt back to London aka home

So Sunday dawned and I needed to get home...there was no way that I was having a repeat of Saturdays adventure. I jumped on a train from Cambridge to Cheshunt. From there, I planned to cycle home. I have to say this was easy, only 13 miles. Really nice route and I didn't need the GPS to help me navigate - just as well as it would have probably taken me to the M25 anyway!

As I cycled close to Whetstone I stopped for a glass of water at my friend's house. They're good friends and I ended up joining them for an roast dinner (clearly a good time to have dropped in un-announced) - that topped off a great weekend. As Gordon Ramsay would say, 45 miles of cycling DONE. I'm very happy with that. But next time I will definitely invest in a printed road atlas!

Here's my route on the Sunday:

View Larger Map

A 30 mile adventure from London to Cambridge via the A505

So this weekend I was due to visit a friend for her b’day/leaving party in Cambridge. Having reviewed the weather forecast I knew, if I cycled, I would be rain free. Unfortunately, the London to Cambridge cycle ride was Sunday and I needed to be in Cambridge for Saturday – so I was going it alone. I got on my bike but decided that leaving from home direct to Cambridge would be too far, so took a detour and I started from Harpenden.

Primed with my 2 litre camel back, 2 gel pouches (the guy in Decathlon convinced me to try them), some nuts and chocolate covered raisins, 1 bottle of re-hydration mix and my mobile which has inbuilt GPS navigation system (tucked neatly into my new handle bar bag), I set off.

The GPS did me proud taking me through some lovely country lanes and a few easily manageable hills. I cycled until Letchworth with only one 10 minute rest where I scoffed down my nuts and choc. raisins. I was really enjoying myself - the sun was out and I was cycling through wheat fields, it was idyllic. I suspect that some exuberant texting to my friend, to let her know I was on time, was my downfall; as I then got lost in Letchworth. Letchworth and I are now intimately acquainted. It was also at this point that the GPS navigation let me down – it insisted that I get onto the A505. Anyone unfamiliar with this road should know that it’s very busy and has varying sizes of hard shoulder. I resisted the instructions and cycled to Baldock. Unfamiliar with GPS systems I thought it would have re-adjusted the route and so followed the monosyllabic voice that came from my cycle bag onto a road that looked just like the A505. But surely the GPS system wouldn’t do that to me? Would it?

As I cycled I did think that this wasn’t the type of road that I should cycling on. The cars were going fast and the hard shoulder was very small! But my GPS unit instructed me that I needed to cycle 4 miles on this road. After about a mile the hard shoulder disappeared and I was unable to continue cycling. I had option but to get off the bike and walk.  This had turned from a relaxing leisurely jaunt to go and see a friend into a suicide cycle.

Unusually for me, I didn't panick but I was worried that a  car would run me down as they sped past at 60 mph. I could see on the GPS map that there was a small B-road up ahead. I had no choice, I was getting onto that B-road and cycling in any direction as long as it was away from the A505!

As I cruised on the B-road feeling genuine relief that I hadn't been left as road-kill on the side of the A505, my mobile thought it would be a good time to run out of battery. Lovely, I was on a strange road riding to nowhere, certainly from the map on the mobile before it died I wasn't going North, and I had no way of contacting anyone - oh and the important bit no map (because I didn't make time to get a UK road atlas!).

Alone and lost I had one option keep cycling and find civilisation! It was fight or flight - you have to remember I'm a city girl. I have no idea about the countryside - it is a foreign land! But it wasn't long until I came to a village and was able to ask for directions. Turns out that I was only 5 miles from Royston - the next big town. The last 5 miles were easy, I peddled fast as I felt guilty for being late. I was supposed to be at my friends by 2 pm but I lost an hour...when I arrived at Royston I decided to jump on the train. A quick pay phone call to my friend to let her know I was on my way and then I sank down in the comfy train seat reflecting on my near miss with quite a few cars. Still that's 30 miles under my belt - not bad for a novice long distance cyclist!

I arrived in once piece but I think I gave my friend a shock as she opened the door to a shaking, big haired, and slightly sweaty me...but hey that is what training for a cycle challenge does to you! My friend has done a marathon and triathlon so she was well prepared to sort me out: a big gin and tonic, piece or three of chocolate and a hug - instant quick fix! Absolutely brilliant day that I won't forget for a long time.

Here's my route:

View Larger Map

Latest training news - an attempt to get fitter by running

Last night, I felt a sudden spurt of motivation: I was going to boast my training regime by running. And of course my ulterior motive was to prep for Military Fitness Training, which I have signed up to but for a multitude of reasons too lengthy to go into here, I still haven’t been to a class. I will definitely go next week – promise!

So, I left the house and ran for about 40 minutes. To anyone else this would be completely normal but anyone who knows me will be aware that I HATE running. When I say hate it, I mean I obviously can run but I just don’t feel comfortable doing it. People who run tell me: “You’ll get to that zen place where you really enjoy it” or “It’s so relaxing, I get thinking time”. I envy them because over the last 10 years I have never had a running epiphany, despite running a lot: outside, in the gym, alone, with boyfriends and even with a running group.

If someone asked me why I don’t run my usual line would be: "My legs are too short to make me a good runner!” But yesterday my usual mantra of ‘definitely no running under any circumstances’ was completely forgotten. I left the house in the dark (better to run in the cover of darkness – least I should scare the residents of Golders Green). The first 10 minutes were great as I ran up to the heath in my bright pink Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust vest, broadcasting to anyone that got close enough: that cervical cancer is preventable. The next 30 minutes involved my ipod battery dying (so no music to dull the thoughts of how awful the experience was), a dash through the high road in the rain, a few near misses with pedestrians and culminated in me having to stop due to hives all over my torso. That’s right I am officially allergic to running – the hives prove it! As I tried to stop scratching and get back home, I had one single thought: thank goodness, I won’t be running the 400 km in Kenya!

I have total respect for all you runners out there but I don’t think I’ll be joining you any time soon...

Someone caught me on camera at the training weekend!

Photos courtesy of Alison Wild - thanks Alison!

Training in the Cotswolds - Day 1 route

Courtesy of Karen:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/98257203

Training in the Cotswolds - Day 2

Summary of Day 2 - Cotswolds Training:

• Somewhere between 35 and 40 miles cycled - Karen's Garmin says 35 miles (here's the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/98257260)

• At least 3 litres of water plus electrolytes rehydration mix – much better today 

• A lot of sweaty but happy ladies 

   

Our pre-cycle briefing  on Day 2

DAY 2!!! I feel extremely cheerful writing that. I have to say that when I woke up this morning I wasn’t sure if I could cycle today. I wasn’t in pain, nothing hurt even my bottom (Lanacane plus Sweaty Betty padded cycling shorts and no knickers really does work – I’m sorry I ever doubted this). I just felt a wave of fear at getting back on the bike especially as I knew I had a big hill to do first thing. 

 

However, I did get on my bike along with 49 other brave women. If everyone else was doing the ride, well so was I! My plan to get through the day was slow and steady. I definitely didn’t want to go with Reg in the support van (no offence Reg)! The hill wasn’t as bad as I expected and once I got to the top I was able to appreciate the fantastic scenery – rolling hills and beautiful coloured flowers. The Cotswolds really is stunning.

 

Stunning views taken during a rest stop

We cycled up and down three hills, through lavender fields and we even saw the Red Arrows fly past (perhaps they heard that Women V Cancer Group 2 were in the area!). 

 

A much needed pit stop!

Lunch was a welcome break and it was a great feeling knowing that the end was insight. The last part of the ride sped by as we cycled through villages back to our starting point in Lower Quinton. Noone seemed very clear as to whether we had done 35 or 40 miles today, who cares because either way I am proud of myself. I made it – this is the furthest I have ever cycled - over 80 miles in two days is a remarkable achievement. 

 

I am also proud of the Group 2 team – I feel honoured to be part of the group. I just hope I can keep up with them all when we’re in Kenya this November...

Training in the Cotswolds - Day 1

Summary of Day 1 - Cotswolds Training:

• 48 miles cycled
• At least 3 litres of water and disgusting lucazade consumed
• 1 banging migraine 

Todays Cycle Kenya training was fantastic. The first in two days of preparatory training run by Action for Charity. Fifty seven lycre clad ladies and Ed made their way to Lower Quinton in the Cotswolds. Around 9 am this morning we were all nervous and uncertain - what did the team have planned? Would they want us to cycle hills all day? My own fear: would my bottom be fine by the end of the day?

My rental bike for the weekend.

Getting set up before the ride

It's fair to say, that as we began cycling I suddenly wished I had done more training! The morning started off well with a good 28 miles under our belts by lunchtime. It was a rather fast pace compared to my usual slow pedaling to work. Bearing in mind that I haven't cycled more than about 15 miles as 12 o'clock approached my energy was fading and I was an odd shade of white.

Sarah and Me before lunch

Lunch was at a beautiful country pub and we shared the venue with a piper and a wedding party! All a bit embarrassing when you're sweaty, have helmet hair and enormous padded shorts on. At lunch I took the opportunity to get to know my fellow cyclists. They are extremely knowledge about long distance cycling and have been fab at recommending me the best kit and essential snacks. I have a long list of things to get prior to Kenya.

I wanted to know why these women had decided to take on such a huge challenge. Their responses were inspiring and humbling. Some had loved ones who had been touched by cancer, others it was their own cancer journey that made them want to take part and for some it was the need to challenge themselves while supporting the three charities. These women have already raised thousands of pounds for the charities and in November they will be showing their support for women affected by cancer by cycling 400km - they are AMAZING.

Regrouping post a hill

Fueled by my carb based lunch I set off on my rental bike for the last 22 miles. It was not pleasant, the morning session had been fun cycling through gorgeous villages and past farmland. The afternoon was to consist of cycling up 3 consecutive steep hills. I gritted my teeth and powered up the hills to the best of my ability. The last hill was a 12% incline but I made it! In fact we all made it!

There was a great sense of achievement as we arrived back in Lower Quinton after 48 miles cycled. The most I've ever cycled in one day! I actually feel fine except for a spliting headache. Clearly I must get a better rehydration drink!

Feeling apprehensive about doing it again tmrw...wish me luck!

Half of the Women V Cancer Group 2 at the end of Training Day 1

Visualizing the route

If the itinerary was too much, check out this cool website that maps the route and elevations that the Women V Cancer group will have to cycle:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/39138754

Thank you to Sandhy Robinson Jones for making the map!
BW
@travelingorilla

Our Itinerary

Day 1: 6 November

Overnight from London to Nairobi

Day 2: 7 November

Nairobi - Nyeri

5km cycling

Early morning arrival at Nairobi. Coach transfer to Green Hills Hotel in Nyeri (3-4 hours approx). Nyeri is one of the largest towns in the Central Highlands and the gateway to Aberdale National Park. Bike fitting on arrival followed by a short warm up ride to Baden Powell's grave. If it's a clear day we'll enjoy views up to Mount Kenya.

Day 3: 8 November

Nyeri - Nyahururu 

98km cycling (that's right 98km!!!!!!!!!)

Today is a tough introduction to the challenge. Once into the lush countryside that surrounds Nyeri, we pass fields of crops including fruit, vegetables, sugar cane, tea and coffee. It's a long steady climb with several downhill stretches over small river valleys with some fantastic views. We'll be able to see majestic Mount Kenya in the distance and Aberdale National Park at closer range. After 83km we reach the equator for the first time. Overnight at the Thompson's Fall Lodge.

Day 4: 9 November

Nyahururu - Nakuru then transfer to Kabarnet

57km cycling

Shorter easier day, with some uphill cycling, through lush countryside. We leave Nyahururu and head into the Subukia Valley. After around 14km we stop at a viewpoint over the valley (2550m). From there we continue to Subukia town. As the day progresses we pass vast tea plantations with their light green hues. After lunch transfer 140km to Kabarnet which has a spectacular location in the Tugen Hills on the eastern edge of the Kerio Valley. Overnight at Hotel Kabarnet built by President Moi.

Day 5: 10 November     

Kabarnet – Eldoret

93km cycling (included in this is a 26km hill)

The most challenging day of the ride crossing the Kerio Valley and climbing the Elgeyo escarpment. We start with 18km of downhill, parts of which are quite steep, followed  by gentler terrain. After around 28km we encounter a very serious climb over 26km on windy roads through a pretty forest with lots of butterflies. There will be a huge sense of achievement when we reach the top of the hill (2293m) and we'll be rewarded with fantastic views across the Rift Valley. After lunch the rest of the ride is generally downhill through a beautiful area with little traffic. Overnight at the Wagon Hotel.

Day 6: 11 November

Eldoret - Kakamega

98km (67km on tarmac & 31km on dirt road) if there has been no rain

110Km if there has been rain

There are two options for cycling from Eldoret to Kakamega. The one we take will depend on the weather in the days before we arrive here.

If there is no rain we will do the following. This day is made up of two halves. Up to lunch time we will cycle on very hilly tarmac roads with undulate through plantations and farms. There are some steeper longer hills when we reach Kapsabet. After lunch we cycle on a dirt track past a small farms and villages and into rainforest towards Kakamega. Overnight at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega.

However, if there has been rain (which is likely), we will cycle on the busy main road for 62km to the junction on the main road to Kakamega. From here we will cycle for 34km along a smallerroad before entering the Kakamega Forest Reserve for a short ride on the road of about 2km. This is home to black and white colobus monkeys, flying squirrels, the blue monkey and also potto (the worlds slowest mammal). We continue on road for about 12km to Kakamega. Overnight at the Golf Hotel in Kakamega.

Day 7: 12 November

Kakamega - Kisumu

53km cycling

Today's ride is mainly downhill with some steep climbs. After 39km we get our first view of our final destination  - Lake Victoria which covers 70,000 square kilometres and is the major geographical featuresin this part of the continent.

Traffic starts to build up as we near Kisumu, which surprisingly is Kenya's third largest town. We finish cycling around lunch time. Overnight at the Sunset Hotel and a well deserved celebratory meal.

Day 8: 13 November

Transfer Kisumu – Nakuru

approx 4 hours

We transfer by road to Nakuru. This afternoon is free to relax or take part in an optional game drive. Overnight in Nakuru.

Day 9: 14 November

Transfer Nakuru – Nairobi

approx 4 hours

This morning we transfer to Nairobi. This afternoon is a highlight of the trip we visit the Nairobi National Park including a visit to the elephant orphanage where orphaned babies are looked after & raised until they are ready to return to the wild. This 120 square mile national park is home to giraffes, monkeys, rhinos, antelopes and more.

Day 10: 15 November

Nairobi - UK

All in all - it's not too bad! Is it? OK, who am I kidding, it's bad but the scenery is going to be stunning.

Women V Cancer - Cycle Kenya Challenge

Over 18 months ago, I attended a meeting for Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust with representatives from Breast Cancer Care, Ovarian Cancer Action, Classic Tours and Action for Charity. We saw beautiful pictures of the Kenyan Rift Valley and heard about a proposed route for the first ever Women V Cancer Cycle Kenya Challenge. The cycle challenge would be a women only event and the participants would raise awareness and funds of the 3 cancer charities. It sounded really incredible. 

As I sat in the meeting I thought: "Wow this challenge looks amazing, trip of a life time but I bet it's going to be extremely painful for the participants, you'll never catch me cycling 400km up and down those hills"

Little did I know that as the months moved forward I would be the elected charity rep representing all three charities on Cycle Kenya Group 2 (6-15 November 2011) and cycling along with 100 other women on the trip.

I'm pretty sure there will be lots to share on this blog. I want this blog to help raise awareness of breast, cervical and ovarian cancers but also share some insights into our trip and of course the training before hand - so watch this space!

Best wishes
travelingorilla aka Claire