The ramblings of Keane Ingram

We had a great weekend at Center Parcs - it was probably the most successful holiday we've had as a family so far.

We got to Elveden Forest at 3pm on the Friday ready to check in, there was a small queue but it didn't take too long to get our entry bracelets (keys are so last century). Once we had unpacked everything and taken the car back we were ready to explore the pool. It's fair to say that the kids thought it was amazing! We spent a lot of time in the wave pool, going down slides and getting splashed in Adventure Cove. We then went back to the lodge and had a quiet evening, although the kids were excited about seeing the various wildlife at the patio doors!

On Saturday morning we took part in the Treasure Trail activity, which required cycling across site to find various clues. Rory was on his scooter and soon got tired, which meant I was giving him a backie for most of the event which was not very comfortable for my knees!


We ended up doing the clues out of order bu…

I had a great time in Nottingham for my friend's stag do. On the Friday evening we went white water rafting at the National Water Sports Centre which we were all apprehensive about. This was not helped by the staff telling us not to swallow the water as the bacteria could make us quite ill(!) But once we got going it was really good fun, we all got wet (although I managed not to fall out) and got some experience of the rapids. It really makes you appreciate just how good the Olympic canoeists are! Rowing for an hour and a half really takes it out of you.


After that we went out for a meal and then had an evening wandering around Nottingham - not entirely planned it must be said, for the club we had planned to go to wouldn't let us in due to some people not having ID. We eventually ended up in a pretty good place called The Bodega, where there was the random sight of a woman wearing a Mapei cycling cap (she managed to pull it off, it must be said).

I barely slept Friday night bu…

I've not been too well recently - Kitty was sick last Saturday but had fully recovered by the Sunday. I then got the same bug last Wednesday and am still not feeling quite right over a week later. I spent all of that Wednesday in bed feeling terrible. Needless to say, my training for RideLondon has not been going too well! I was able to manage the gym on Tuesday but must have pulled something in my leg because I woke up yesterday with a bit of pain in my hamstring. It's not too bad but just annoying when I know I need to get back on the bike for some long rides. On the plus side, at least the sun has come out again, hopefully this is the actual start of spring!

On Sunday we went to the Museum of London to see a performance of Horrible Histories. I must admit that prior to last week I hadn't heard of the museum but I saw that they were offering two free performances of Horrible Histories to celebrate their new 'Fatberg' exhibit. Luckily I was able to get tickets - w…

Last weekend Anna and I had a much needed night away in London. We went to see Dry Powder at the Hampstead Theatre starring Hayley Atwell. We had front row seats and a great view!


We also revisited a few Sam Smiths pubs with a view to updating the Sam Smiths Challenge website which desperately needs an overhaul! On the Sunday we had a quick look around Forbidden Planet, a shop where I could very easily spend a fortune. I say a quick look but we were there for at least an hour!

Last week was pretty stressful due to the snow, the kids' school stayed open as long as they could but they were off Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. I took the kids into town on Friday so they could exchange their World Book Day vouchers - they took it in turns on the sled:


I think I've hurt my knee a little from pulling the sled so much, similar to an old injury from a muddy Glastonbury where I was pulling a wagon around. Hopefully it will clear up in a few days.

I'm glad the snow has finally…

Kitty was seven years old yesterday. What with that and the BRIT Awards last night I'm feeling very old at the moment!


Her main present was a pair of heelys which she was very happy about. She invited a couple of friends to go to the local soft play which is much easier than organising a party!

Things seem pretty hectic at the moment and I'm not getting much rest, but Anna and I have a night away this weekend which should allow us some peace! We also saw Black Panther yesterday which was very good.

My calves are a little sore at the moment from cycling/exercise but otherwise I'm feeling OK. I managed a 50 mile ride last week so my base fitness isn't too bad, I just need to start training properly. Hopefully it will warm up soon!

Rory's party went pretty well. There can't be many bigger wastes of time than tidying up a house before a bunch of 5 year olds come to a party! On the plus side it's reassuring to know that it's not just my kids that are so messy!

This time of year is always so expensive - Kitty's birthday is in a couple of weeks, then it's Mother's Day, my brother's birthday, my mum's birthday and then Nicky's birthday at the start of April. We should have taken this into account when trying to conceive!

The biggest news for me personally is that I got a ballot place for the RideLondon-Surrey 100 this year! I'm very pleased about this and also a little apprehensive. On the plus side, this time around I know I am capable of doing 100 miles and getting up those hills, and in theory I have a better fitness base.



Circuit training is still going well, and I even managed a 4.5km run on Tuesday. My legs were tired afterwards but my calves are still surviving - I&…