No.2 on my hit list of #Exeter region @parkrunuk Saturday events - it’s @cranbrookcountryparkparkrun. Good timing as, with the start of school hols many of their enthusiastic DoE award student volunteers were absent. A solid ~150 participants and lots of kids/families which was great to see.

Another 90 mins this morning, representing 12mph avg club. Felt the hamstrings and glutes from yesterday’s exploratory deadlifts. Long way to go but we try to enjoy the journey. #HappySnail @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social

As promised, back to volunteer at @exeterriversideparkrun @parkrunuk. When we did our 5k last Saturday I said I’d come back and volunteer. Here we are. Lots of people surprised to see us back so soon, saying normally people have other important things to do. What’s more important than your word? 🤔

Other juicy pics of the @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social

Embrace the 4-day week. Don’t do any work today. Read my blog instead. Have a coffee. Enjoy life. (And comment, like, share, etc). #LifeUnfolded tomstaniford.substack.com/p/32-rise-of...

Hopefully worth the wait: latest blog on my first/last/target 5k. Endless thanks to @exeterriversideparkrun @parkrunuk volunteers and organisation. Comments, likes, shares welcome. tomstaniford.substack.com/p/31-one-sma...

In the last 6 days I’ve done my first ‘proper’ bike ride with prosthetics, a second bike ride of 3hrs, and my first 5k #ParkRun - the longest I’ve walked in a single session in 24 years. Think I deserve this ‘recovery’ bacon, pancakes, and maple syrup. A brief rest, before we dive back into cycling.

My good friend (and precision athlete, he insists) Cornish @maie.music_oxford joined us for the @parkrunuk and introduced me to cutting-edge Cornish performance recovery wear. Sales enquiries welcome.

A special #sponsor shoutout to @albion.cycling and dear friend @graeme_raeburn. These clothes fit superbly well, they are incredibly high performing. Despite heat/sweat today I barely noticed. The temp-regulation wonders of top quality merino (not all examples are created equal). Thanks G-unit.

First (last?) ever 5k done. Got lucky with route, shade, breeze and with good pacing unexpectedly managed the whole 5 even in 29 deg C. Was concerned at start that heat stress on stumps would end our attempt early. Sweaty work as you can see! Longest I’ve walked in a single session/day in 24 years!

9wk prosthetics anniversary. Still a long way to improve fit, function, resilience, etc but pleased to have so far managed 2.5 mile walk (3mile/5k PB planned for tomorrow) and a 3hr bike ride (admittedly with some @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social e-assist!). Onwards. #LifeUnfolded #StayOutsideForLonger

What is this nonsense? It’s blazing hot, not a cloud in the sky.

Up at 3:45am, on the road 5am, to minimise heat and traffic. A great joy to be in full Team Bottrill Nopinz kit for the first time (even the rain cape got a showing in the cold start). @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social predictably faultless.

It wouldn’t be a proper ride without a coffee stop. Just taking the weight off my legs for a bit, as you do 😂 Great cortado, faultless @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social, and progress made. Onwards. #LifeUnfolded #StayOutsideForLonger

First ‘proper’ ride done. 16 miles, 1hr10. Huge headwind out (very grateful for the @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social e-assist!), so an easy tailwind home. Feeling very comfortable. Prosthetics behaving. Training begins. Onwards. #LifeUnfolded

Yesterday was Trevor & Roger’s biggest day so far. 4hrs in the morning, including first short bike ride, and then a further 6hrs at a family meal in the evening. Everything being managed ok - building comfort and resilience.

The new Electric G-Line @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social in full flight! Some small fit/prosthetic niggles to solve (it’s a process) but what a joy. We are back on the road! #LifeUnfolded. Onwards. Huge thanks to Laura S, Jemma C, Will B-A and Wesley for their support getting here. Much more to come.

The Brig does not approve of clickbait unboxing vids. She does, however, consent to being the centre of attention. The electric G-Line @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social was ridiculously easy to unbox/setup, even for this self-confessed world’s worst mechanic, with a dodgy hand. 🤚 Onwards! #LifeUnfolded

(Re)learning how to ride a bicycle again is going to be... challenging. The electric @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social is the ultimate rehab and training tool to help me build up my comfort and effort in the saddle - it’s #LifeUnfolded in motion.

#LifeUnfolded differently than expected. Proud to partner with @bromptonbicycle.bsky.social and the most versatile bike in the world. It goes as far as you go? I intend to go very far indeed.

While my current speed and distance are not particularly impressive, I can at least claim I am starting to look dangerously athletic.

Easier to find the wherewithal to push on when surrounded by such wildlife. 2mph is my absolute speed limit for now, and I can’t even hold that for an hour. But distance progress. Onwards. #StayOutsideForLonger

Overcast but the first day free in a while for a ‘distance pushing’ walk. 2.5 miles. Major PB. Was hoping for 2.8 but last part crossed from discomfort into damage so cut short. Also, my birthday. So favourite breakfast and a decent coffee to recover. Thank you to all who wished me a Happy Birthday.

Disgracefully overdue visit to @TheCowshedCafé. Friends @rob_mortlock and @pigletonabike have built a thriving community hub w great coffee, giant sausage rolls, and a constant stream of happy customers queuing out of the door. If you’re down in Northants/Beds you need to visit. Safe bike parking!

Visiting in-laws to celebrate the arrival of my first nephew, continued progress of T & R, and my bday (next wk). My wine buff Oz BIL and I are deliriously keen to crack open this very fine gift from my friend @tommccallum.com - who appreciates a vintage friendship. Expecting special. Thanks Tom

Rehydrating back at the car. Brig was fine. I was not. Walking with prosthetics, never mind 3” longer ones, is energy-intensive. Reduced heat dissipation (no leg surface area!), 3 layers of silicone-based prosthetic sleeves which don’t breathe, and 27 degrees C don’t help.

Job done. Repeated the 1.75 mile PB from 3 weeks ago - but with adjusted sockets, 3” extra height, and a rather sticky 27 deg C. Heat made things spicy. 1.5l drunk in 1hr15. Home to hide in the dark with a fan on. Onwards. #StayOutsideForLonger

Solstice. Turning Point. Ground Zero. Rock Bottom. Fitness-wise, anyhow. First walk with ‘completed’ #prosthetics. 0.41 mile, 20 mins, with some stops for rest and traffic. 3 weeks until @exeterriversideparkrun 5k. Onwards.

I find myself suddenly concerned by doorframes.

Back at 190cm/6ft3”. The process begins again. Stretching, crutches, stick, build distance and technique. Speed comes later. But a good start here. (I do need a shave). “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” Madiba