I’VE had an up and down kind of week, jumping over 400 obstacles in schooling sessions – and plenty of time for hobbies and training after that.
When I was a kid, my middle brother Hadden used to climb anything he could. A rock, a wall, a stack of straw bales…and as his little sister, it was my duty to keep up!
I’ve been into climbing ever since then, so when I had a spare afternoon on Thursday, that’s how I spent a few hours.
There’s a place I go called The Gecko, where the guys have converted a warehouse on an industrial estate into an indoor climbing centre, and it’s great fun.
You meet a really good crowd, climb for a bit, then have a hot chocolate and resume. It’s a great hobby to cut off for a bit.
I’m sure you know by now I’ve never been one to sit around, and at the moment I’m concentrating on making sure the body is right for when we hit the season.
I’ve found a circuit through feilds and woods that takes ten minutes or so to jog around, then I’ll do yoga and pilates – that’s the exercise routine for me.
My body is feeling “even” right now, which is a rare occurrence because it means I am packing a punch on both sides.
In the season there’s a constant compromise because of muscle wastage from injuries, whether it’s a minor fracture, a tear, a sprain or just weakness from fatigue.
So having both sides even and equal is a great feeling…although it doesn’t mean I find pilates any easier!
It’s about static strength, balance, knowing your limbs’ individual strength and what you’re capable of. I really got my teeth into it during COVID – but still can’t keep up with the lady on the app!
It also helps you focus your breathing, is very good at slowing you down and I try to do it every other day.
This weekend I’ve also got a couple of rides to look forward to as well, starting with Cubswin for Neil King at Fontwell today.
It’s a front runner’s track and although the handicapper has got a hold of her, she’s a great ride and I’ve been riding her for a few years now.
Then tomorrow I’m off to Uttoxeter for Lucy Wadham’s Trincomalee, who gave me every last drop of petrol from his reserve tank – no pun intended – at Haydock in May.
Unfortunately we got our pockets picked on the line, but I am really looking forward to seeing what his engine is like a year stronger down the line.
You could well see him going over fences later on in the season, and this is a nice place for him to start.
As ever, stay safe and keep kicking,
Bryony Frost is an ambassador for horseracing.co.uk. Follow her on Instagram @officialbryonyfrost
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