4 March - Day 7 - Cold Feet

Having tried thermal socks, heat pads and new overshoes, I was hoping that today would feel a little cosier in the toes region - I was wrong. I’m sure there is a clear scientific reason for this - but having now read articles from people who were fine in the arctic but could not prevent cold feet when cycling, at least I feel it’s not just me who has faced this problem.

What I haven’t yet explained in any of these accounts, is that the part of the Centre that I am currently in has no heating. The very old boiler was condemned some weeks ago and a new one can not be fitted until the 8th March. So when I get to the Centre, I huddle round a fan heater that I brought from my Dad’s until I can feel my feet enough to get up and walk around. I know! - I’m moaning again - and there are so many people far worse off than me.

While I was defrosting earlier, I did look up two things. The first was the origin of the phrase ‘getting cold feet’ , only to discover there are multiple theories, with the writers Reuter or Crane most often being named. Some suggest that people who have cold feet can not move on because they are ‘frozen’ and their feet stuck. Another idea is that the phrase originated from a description of the poor, who may not have had shoes and the lack of money prevented them moving on. Who says I don’t provide interesting information?

The second thing I looked up was solutions to cold feet and in the end have ordered some battery heated socks. These may turn out to be a ridiculous idea but 25 more weeks, even as it gets warmer, seems a long way off. I’m sure it would have probably been much easier and sensible if I’d just donated the money I’ve spent on the bike and clothing directly to the Centre and then stayed warm in the car. But - it had to be a challenge. If nothing else, cold feet and a broken boiler will hopefully prompt more people to pick a special date and sponsor a spin. I’ll let you know whether the heated socks work next week!