This time last year Mum and I were in Barcelona. The purpose of our trip was to attend the Catalunya MotoGP in Montmelo (and we had fun using Instagram to follow in Jorge Lorenzos footsteps)

My first gp abroad intensified my obsession with the sport (and of course the riders). Fans of MotoGP are very much like massive family – It doesn’t matter what your nationality is or which rider or team you support, we all get along. Mum and I left our hotel and walked towards Passeig de Gràcia, where swarms of people wearing T-shirts with 46 (The Doctor is popular everywhere and rightly so) 26, 99 and 93 (he’s Spanish after all) were walking in the same direction as us; we jump on the train and sat opposite two lovely Spanish ladies, one a Marquez fan (she seemed nice so I didn’t hold it against her) the other a Dani Pedrosa fan (love him). When you arrive in Montmelo there’s a short walk to the circuit – just follow the crowds through the streets (it very much reminds me of Twickenham on match days – people selling food, drinks and memorabilia outside their front doors) When we reached the circuit we saw the warm up sessions and I managed to get some good-ish pics of the boys and their toys before we walked down to our stand to find our seats.
Race time!! We watched the little buzzy bees of Moto3, our very own Danny Kent won – Yay!!  Moto2 followed seeing Zarco win and Sam Lowes finish in 4th. Then it was the big boys turn! I was wearing my I💛VR T-shirt (it was a tough decision between that and my Dani one) and mum wore her Vale one too. We were surrounded by Spaniards wearing Marquez tops and caps. Marc crashed out of the race – I punched the air and my three faves (Jorge, Vale and Dani) went on to take the podium steps.

Crashes happen all the time, Cal Crutchlow can vouch for this (he’s always in the medical centre, stressing out his poor wife Lucy) I said I punched the air last year in Catalunya, I did; Marc crashing meant my fave riders got the trophies, but I never wish any of the riders harm. Lets say 90% of the time the riders get back on their feet, looking like Michelin men if the airbags have gone off (this was Marc last year, out of the race but absolutely fine just a little bruised); 9.5% they might need medical treatment, have some plates fitted to their collar bone or have an ankle pinned. Rarely does anything really bad happen. Yesterday however during free practice 2 that horrible 0.5% crash outcome occurred. Luis Salom, a proper little cutie, tattooed arms but with the most genuine smile and twinkle in his eyes crashed at turn 12 and tragically lost his life. Racing has its risks, all the riders know this, but racing is in their blood, they have such a passion for it. Yesterday morning Luis worn a T-shirt with this Nelson Mandela quote on “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up” These riders are very much living their dreams. Safety levels improve year on year and thankfully tragedies rarely happen, so when they do its extremely sad and upsetting. Ride In Peace Luis Salom #Mexicano39

I will enjoy watching the race this weekend from the comfort of my sofa, keeping my fingers crossed for all my favourites to cross the line in podium positions. I’ll next be trackside in September for the British round at Silverstone and then I’ll be jetting off to Valencia in November for the final race of the season – I can’t wait!!

That was a rather sad start to my blog this week, but as in use these posts as almost diary entries I wanted to write something the sport I love watching.

What have I been up to over the past week.  Well in parts (the gym) not very much, in others (socially/dates) quite a bit.  So last Friday I was on a half day at work and when I finished at 12pm I drove to The Rowbarge at Woolhampton to have lunch with my gorgeous friend and her adorable new baby girl.  The sun was shining(ish) so we sat outside and enjoyed a glass of Pimms with our lunch and had a proper girlie catch-up.  I also had a scrummy cuddle with Ellie, the cutest little bubba around.  After lunch, I headed into town to have my hair cut (nothing exciting just a pre-holiday trim / weight loss aid)

Saturday was a rather lazy day, Mum and I popped into town for a little mooch around the shops (somehow I managed to purchase a new skirt for Florence – Oops) we then went round my sisters for a cuppa.  Sunday my sister was out, but mum and I still went on our family Sunday afternoon walk.  We didn’t go far, we drove into town and then had a little stroll along the canal.  Sunday evening, was date night.  I had another enjoyable evening with the cute Italian, we had dinner and then went back to his to watch a film.

Bank Holiday Monday – yay finally a Monday that I don’t hate!  I went to my sisters for lunch so she could update me on the events of her Sunday.  Then Sunday evening I had another date!  We met in Portsmouth and had a delicious meal in Carluccio’s followed by some drinks in one of the bars at Gunwharf Quays.  I had Tuesday booked off work as annual leave, so I stayed the night in Portsmouth and then spent the day shopping in Gunwharf.  Actually I was well behaved and the only purchases I made was a top for mum and a fathers day present ready to give to dad.  I did pick up numerous tops, dresses and handbags but somehow managed to resist (I think perhaps I’m coming down with something, it’s really the only explanation)

With my somewhat hectic weekend I didn’t go to the gym for a whole week!  My first and only visit this week was Thursday nights HWP!  Very poor show!  I have even treated myself to new gym leggings to go with my new pink bra and top – I’m hoping my new outfits will motivate me and inspire me to get my Kim K down the gym (it hasn’t worked yet – But I’m certain Phil will help kick my arse Monday at PT)

I think I’m in for a quiet week this week.  The countdown to Florence is in full flow now, I’m so excited, the 19th can not come round soon enough.  We need to do some final planning, but other than packing really I’m ready and raring to get there.  I will of course be down the gym throughout the week, trying to get back on track and lose a few more lbs (before I pile it all on with all the scrummy food and drink in Italy!)

Until next time, thank you for reading.

L x