Linda Donaldson blog: It's all about the toes this week . . . jogle training

The continued cold weather spell has being playing havoc with my toes.  Despite wearing tights, thermal socks and overshoes they were numb and sore after only one hours ride the weekend before.  This consistent pain in the feet sent me on a search for some decent toe warmers.  Having asked around the local cycling fraternity I was recommended sealskinz socks so I tracked the website down and ordered a pair of rather fetching mens knee high socks, not sure why but they don't seem to do ladies. 

So early Saturday morning with new socks on, I rather smugly set off to do a 50 mile route over Malmsbury way.   It was a cold, fresh morning a bit grey skied but a beautifully clear ride and I enjoyed this new route through tiny hamlets and on empty country lanes. While I was cycling on my own, I was certainly not alone as there were lots of single riders and groups on the road - I spotted riders from the Chippenham Wheelers, Bath CC and passed a group wearing Malmsbury CC cycling shirts. A few dog walkers and horse riders were also out early all greeting good morning as I cycled past. 

While my calfs were snugly and warm, I could gradually feel my toes beginning to numb.  After about 20 miles the pain in my toes was getting so bad I abandoned the full route in fear I would not be able to pedal back and headed for home.  I was pretty cross at my toes and I channelled my frustrations into pedalling hard as I wanted the ordeal to be over. Why do other cyclists not suffer like me? I seethed to myself as I rode back. But while I had lost the feeling in my toes the rest of my foot was still warm, so perhaps it was my shoes that were squashing my feet and making them numb rather than a lack of insulation.

Determined to sort this out once and for all, shoes in hand I visited a friendly bike shop that afternoon.  On comparison my current shoes were really, very narrow and as soon as I tried on the new ones they instantly felt wider and better but, and here's the catch, they have different cleats on the bottom which meant I also needed to buy new pedals. I am rapidly discovering cycling is an expensive game.  Having spent as much as I would have on a swanky pair of designer heels, I left the shop with new shoes, pedals and a hot credit card.  Now fitting cleats to the bottom of my shoes and changing the pedals is according to the man in the shop "Really easy, you just need an allen key...." needless to say the kind offer by a friend to sort it all out for me is a much more attractive proposition than trying to figure out which way is up.

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Once I have the new cleats and pedals on I am probably going to have to relearn clipping in and out of my bicycle so that I don't fall over at traffic lights, junctions, into hedges (it has been known) but as long as my toes stop going numb I will be happy.

Next shopping expo...padded shorts oh dear!

Lindax

On the 8th of June I will be cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End in aid of the Bath Rugby Foundation.  This ride will involve cycling more than 100 miles per day for nine days.  If you are able I would be grateful for any donations www.virginmoneygiving.com/LindaDonaldson1