Health aspects first and overall, things are progressing as planned. It was a 3-walk week and for the long one, I shaved 2 seconds off the last time achieved, overall 1 minute and 1 second less than my first walk. I think I have now found the new median level and know how to push myself to achieve that. I think it will take a while to get to the stage of being able to improve this, but I am content to keep delivering that circa 13:30 duration. You will know that I acquired a bicycle last week and during this week, in addition to the 3 walks. I managed to complete 2 cycles. Without intent, I parked up and started the first cycle from that specific point, then up to an end point at the far end of a long, flat, promenade we have near us. A short stop, then back to the same start point. After checking that, when home, the complete distance was 4.6 miles; I repeated the same exact route for a second time at the end of the week. I was surprised that I went that far, but glad I was able to. The intention for the cycling is to use different muscles and I can feel those that are being worked, which are different to those when I am walking. The back pain is there, but in a different place; this week’s physio should help sort that a little. I have not been on a bicycle for maybe 4 years, so happy that is where I am starting from and will see what unfolds and what difference the addition of this, makes to my overall fitness and abilities.

One other health aspect that cropped up this week, was the call from one of the cancer nurses, as a follow on to the PSA results mentioned by Dr. Rahman’s secretary. She informed me that my latest result was 0.2, previously being less than 0.1 - and that has been the case for over a year now. Dr. Rahman was not concerned enough to want to talk to me and the nurse did say that it was still very low, but something to monitor over the next blood tests. I am trying to focus on those facts, but the other potentials are playing out in my mind and that is slightly challenging, psychologically. I cannot get too worked up by one result, but I will be interested to see what the next 1 to 2 show and what that may mean.

Work continues on V7, with a further 4 biographies being completed. May not seem much, but each one was complex, with some oddities to research. Part of the reason for the lower quantity of biographies this week, is due to me pivoting off to a ‘new’ book title. Some of you may have seen the one-off book I compiled, that shows the veterans I met over the past 30+ years. I have been frequently asked to publish that book and make it possible for people to buy one. Whilst I have found that concept very unusual, I have taken the decision to compile a version for general release. That book will contain the same photos (with a few additions), but also have a short biography on each veteran, where possible. The plan is to have it available by mid-year.

This week was one of cancelled meet ups, with 3 planned, plus a key appointment not taking place either. Each of my friends had to cancel, for various reasons, but we have already rescheduled 2 of those.

A bit of an up and down week, with some key advances, then a few curve balls to deal with. The focus is still where it needs to be, just slightly more challenging in some areas, during this past week.

Thanks for your interest and support.

Regards

Peter