On "Pace"
APRIL
Some of you may have noticed from my tweets that I have started to think about my prosthetics and how they could possibly be improved to aid my performance on the bike. I have said on many occasions that without the high-spec prosthetic provision I have it would be almost impossible for me to compete at such an elite level. I’m very grateful to Pace Rehabilitation for helping me with my continued search to find the right system for my needs. With a few ideas and a new generation of prosthetics I am currently trying out things are initially looking good. Whether or not this proves to be a success only time will tell but, with the help of Pace, we can continue to experiment and hopefully come up with something a bit special.
In the mean time, Tameside Circuits also started in April and what a steep learning curve they have provided. From being lapped twice in my first week to now finishing in the bunch it feels like I am actually racing, rather than just surviving! And, in the name of fitness I shall strive to press on and keep progressing.
Some of you may have noticed from my tweets that I have started to think about my prosthetics and how they could possibly be improved to aid my performance on the bike. I have said on many occasions that without the high-spec prosthetic provision I have it would be almost impossible for me to compete at such an elite level. I’m very grateful to Pace Rehabilitation for helping me with my continued search to find the right system for my needs. With a few ideas and a new generation of prosthetics I am currently trying out things are initially looking good. Whether or not this proves to be a success only time will tell but, with the help of Pace, we can continue to experiment and hopefully come up with something a bit special.
In the mean time, Tameside Circuits also started in April and what a steep learning curve they have provided. From being lapped twice in my first week to now finishing in the bunch it feels like I am actually racing, rather than just surviving! And, in the name of fitness I shall strive to press on and keep progressing.
Watt Bike
In between my unrelenting training sessions I also managed to catch up with Watt Bike at the National Track Cycling Centre, Manchester. Some of the credit for my achievements to date has to go to Watt Bike. From the initial stages of my rehabilitation at Headley Court (Defence Medical Rehabilitation Unit) following my injury to the initial selection process for the GB cycling team and use in the gym, Watt Bike you could say has been a bit of a permanent fixture. You can find out more about the day and see more pictures (yes, I’m afraid I am in Lycra again) on their website.
The end of April and this saw Sarah Storey invite me to ride in the Manchester and District Ladies Time Trial with her, where we won the combined prize. Nice way to end the month and certainly starting to enjoy road racing.
The end of April and this saw Sarah Storey invite me to ride in the Manchester and District Ladies Time Trial with her, where we won the combined prize. Nice way to end the month and certainly starting to enjoy road racing.
"Once a squadie, always a squadie"
MAY
Rolling into May and my first engagement was to attend Naidex National, an event which offers inspiration for independent living, at the NEC to support AKW Ltd. It was an honour to open the event alongside Simon Weston.
May seemed to be the month for official openings as I also had the privilege of opening a unique cycling track at Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College. It really is a fantastic asset to the school and one that hopefully will inspire more young people to take up a sport.
From one cycling track to another I was headed for a race simulation week on the boards. Although I have enjoyed experimenting on the road it is, of course, the track where I am most comfortable. With two 3km pursuits followed by a team sprint I feel that the first early season signs are good and I am keen to build on the training I have put in so far.
I’m not the only one in the Butterworth household that has been putting in some training recently. My wife signed up to do the Great Manchester 10K run on 20 May 2012 to raise money for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), a charity that has been there to support me with my dream of competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games from the start. So for once I was the spectator. Running really does not appeal to me, so hats off to all those who completed it either as a personal challenge or those who raised money for well deserving charities.
I can’t forget filming in Newport for an advert which will be put out by Channel 4 ahead of the Paralympics. Jody Cundy, coach Chris Furber and I were all treated like VIP’s, with a 70 strong crew it promises to be epic so keep a look out for us!
But really, it isn’t all about Media commitments and community events, although they are increasingly becoming a large part of the job. With 21 May 2012 marking 100 days to go until the start of the Paralympic Games in London I really do need to continue my focus on my training, so guys I’m off for a pedal but until my next blog here you can catch a short clip of me training on the track with alongside other GB riders.
Rolling into May and my first engagement was to attend Naidex National, an event which offers inspiration for independent living, at the NEC to support AKW Ltd. It was an honour to open the event alongside Simon Weston.
May seemed to be the month for official openings as I also had the privilege of opening a unique cycling track at Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College. It really is a fantastic asset to the school and one that hopefully will inspire more young people to take up a sport.
From one cycling track to another I was headed for a race simulation week on the boards. Although I have enjoyed experimenting on the road it is, of course, the track where I am most comfortable. With two 3km pursuits followed by a team sprint I feel that the first early season signs are good and I am keen to build on the training I have put in so far.
I’m not the only one in the Butterworth household that has been putting in some training recently. My wife signed up to do the Great Manchester 10K run on 20 May 2012 to raise money for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), a charity that has been there to support me with my dream of competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games from the start. So for once I was the spectator. Running really does not appeal to me, so hats off to all those who completed it either as a personal challenge or those who raised money for well deserving charities.
I can’t forget filming in Newport for an advert which will be put out by Channel 4 ahead of the Paralympics. Jody Cundy, coach Chris Furber and I were all treated like VIP’s, with a 70 strong crew it promises to be epic so keep a look out for us!
But really, it isn’t all about Media commitments and community events, although they are increasingly becoming a large part of the job. With 21 May 2012 marking 100 days to go until the start of the Paralympic Games in London I really do need to continue my focus on my training, so guys I’m off for a pedal but until my next blog here you can catch a short clip of me training on the track with alongside other GB riders.
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