The Final Day, 24 July

Well, 4am and here we go again. We're getting quite used to this time of day and it has to be said there is a fair amount of excitement as the final day starts. I immediately sense that the relatively lacklustre public support of yesterday has once again moved up into top gear. For me, all of the agony and doubt of yesterday's first 25km are gone. For Emily and Kate, although they kept it quiet unless asked directly, they struggle on mainly in pain from the heat rash.

Today is another flat day, speaking about the geography, and with daylight comes sunshine and steadily rising temperatures. Although temperatures are due to be high thunderstorms are forecast. In the morning the only hint of these come when we get to the river bridge at Grave and the heavens start to open. Out come all of the ponchos, but no sooner are we settled into them than it stops and slowly they are removed. Once more the sun appears.

There is definitely an atmosphere in the air, one of expectation and excitement. The military groups and Dutch Police, always in fine voice, are singing lustily today and we lap up the atmosphere. Every small village has turned out in force and the music, both live and recorded blasts out at us we plod on and on, never failing to raise our spirits (though please can we have something other than Village People and YMCA?).

The crowds are big today, but as we get to 13km from the end a Dutchman tells us the party will really start. Emily is temporarily kidnapped by a group of Dutch soldiers and Kate visibly perks up whenever there is a uniform in sight (but please don't upset the Scots by asking what the red and yellow lion flag is all about).

And the party does hot up. Villages now appear with crash barriers holding back the crowds, looking very Tour de France. The cheering and singing goes off the scale, especially the favourite little Dutch ditty that has no words...I really can't explain but it's a sort of unofficial anthem and very popular. People disappear off into the crowds to be greeted by loved ones who've come to see them in action. For me, the pain of constant footslogging on tarmac (another 60,000 steps) is eased by the electric atmosphere.

All the walkers are now crowded together on the road and the pace is slower. The crowds get deeper and deeper. The Dutch Police provide a marching band preceded by a Mounted Section and we enter onto the Via Gladiola, the last 5 miles in Nijmegen itself. Crowds hang out of windows, draped all over balconies, even sitting on rooves to get a view. The pace slows again and overtaking becomes impossible. Strangers thrust gladioli into your hands as literally millions are handed out, all walkers must have at least one.

The TV cameras become more plentiful. We approach a major road junction controlled by a police officer on a podium, flamboyant in white hat, controlling traffic and walkers with a white baton. I find out it's his very last day at work and he rightly milks the occasion. He lets us proceed and we all cheer. We start to see the first of the grandstands, still no sign of thunderstorms thank goodness. It's actually getting hotter. Before we know it we are in the final stage, massive crowds everywhere and the volume goes up and up. The Dutch Chiefs of Staff salute us! In small villages the mayor and local police and fire chiefs had saluted us, now it was the turn of the bigwigs.

Then we see it, the finishing banner, below suddenly grey skies. We approach, hold hands, and cross the line together, arms in the air with a huge cheer. We've done it, and I know we are all so proud of what we have done. For my part I know that meeting Emily, Kate and Ben has helped pull me through. More mentally than physically, this would have been a very difficult task without them and I say, "thank you!" I salute Kate as she had done no preparation beforehand and every step appeared to be in pain. I salute Emily as, like me, she walked miles in preparation.

We hurry to our finishing stations, sign in, are congratulated and are awarded our medals. We meet up and I grab a passer by and she takes a photo of us as literally the heavens open. I am proud of our events and proud that I hit my target of £1500 for BLESMA. The pain endured by those young men and women injured in our armed forces vastly eclipsing my discomfort. I did this for me, as a challenge; for them to pay some of our debt and for the memory of Captain Alex Eida, killed in Afghanistan. I salute them all.

Then it's off for a couple of beers, then into town for a meal with my new friends, whom I shall miss very much, but whom I hope to see again in the future.

Roll on next year. For I will be back.

Thursday 23 July

Day 3 was the day I was not looking forward to. I had read before that it can be the hardest psychologically. You've spent two days walking and have reached halfway, the third day still leaves you a day short of finishing. I was also very much amused by an article on Dutch TV, yes the Marches are well covered on national TV; the Dutch were referring to the seven hills that have to be climbed as 'mountains' (tongue firmly in cheek). They interviewed a German soldier who said, "You call these mountains, they're tarmac!" Not bad for someone who speaks neither German nor Dutch.

My room-mate told me that anyone from Germany or Britain would not be troubled by the hills.

So, four am arrived and there were Kate and Emily at the start, Ben had had to drop out because of the state of his feet. We got to the start line, took one step and cheered: less than halfway to go! The day started off quite well with the usual crowds lining the route and cheering us on. To my mind though the route covered more rural areas than the other days and so there were periods when there no crowds. I now also know what is meant by the phrase 'hitting the wall'. As we got nearer to the 25km mark I began to flag. I dropped behind Kate and Emily and just could not catch up. Worse, everyone else seemed to be overtaking me too. Nothing I did made the situation any better and my mind began to turn to thoughts of having to give up. The souls of my feet felt very tender and it all became a hard slog. As we approached the 25km rest station the clouds darkened and the rain started literally minutes after arriving.

I took the opportunity to take my shoes and socks off, massage my feet, put on clean socks and then eat and drink. By now the rain was lashing down but, miraculously, I felt so much better when we started off again, I'd got over the wall.

However, it then proceeded to rain solidly and heavily for 5 hours. We were all wearing ponchos and I was wearing shorts. The rain ran down my legs, soaked through my socks and filled my shoes. I took each step with the thought, 'don't get a blister, don't get a blister'. It really became miserable now. Wet, so much you did not want to turn round. Worried about your feet and still miles to go.

The hills arrived and for most of them you would not notice them in a car. They were really no trouble at all. At the last one the rain stopped and we took the opportunity of sitting on the verge, removing shoes and socks and letting both socks and feet dry out. Our feet looked like wrinkled prunes and poor old Kate had so much tape and so many plasters on her feet that everyone who walked passed looked askance at her. Eventually we got going again with the first pair of socks now back on again, my feet blue with the dye from the second pair.

At least now the mood had lightened considerably, the sun came out and every step took us closer to home. Once again I dreamed of a nice cold beer or two. Eventually up came the finishing line and with great relief we finished. For me I felt my worst day was over. I was confident I would now finish. Kate and Emily were suffering terribly from heat rash around the feet and ankles as well the various aches, pains and chafing of the feet. Little did I know that they did not share my optimism for tomorrow.

Wednesday 22 July 2009

Day 2. Once again a nice cycle ride into town to warm up the muscles. Then it was a case of buying some water and waiting for Ben, Kate and Emily to arrive. Soon it was 4am and there we were, bright eyed and bushy tailed waiting to go!

We headed out to the south of the city today, down the very road I'd just cycled up. After the usual frenetic cheering of the party-goers, today's start soon settled down into a more quiet affair than yesterday. I was wearing a different pair of boots today as part of my plan to alternate them. I soon discovered that I had developed a patch of hard skin right on the apex of my left heel which I hadn't noticed yesterday. During the first ten miles or so this started to play on my mind and I must have compensated for it in my walking action as my left knee began to hurt.

Quite quickly the four of us broke into two groups and Ben and Kate fell behind us, not to be seen again until the finish. Emily and I ploughed on and slowly but surely the crowds began to gather again and grow in number, as did the temperature and humidity; they climbed to 27 degrees and over 70%, making for another clammy, sticky day where water intake became crucial.

The joy of Nijmegen was soon revealed when I was explaining to Emily how pleased I was that my train from Amsterdam to Nijmegen had stopped right outside the stadium of Ajax Amsterdam. I had been a fan of Ajax ever since the early 70s, from the days of Cruyff and Neeskens. As I said this a man was walking past and said, "Ajax, pah!" Naturally we began talking and did so for over half an hour. He and his brother were Nijmegen veterans who came from Rotterdam and so supported Feyenoord. We had a great time with them talking of everything under the sun, until they reached the point where their wives were meeting them for lunch.

As before the atmosphere in the towns and villages was electric with live music and Dutch and Europop competing (if I never hear 'YMCA' again it will be too soon). As we crossed motorway the air was full of the sound of car horns and HGV hooters, just brilliant. It really does help; you can be tired and flagging as you walk into a village and instantly the cheers and singing will revive your spirits.

Day two was again finished around 3pm and a few more beers were sunk in the Vedren under a baking sun until Ben and Kate arrived, clearly nursing poorly feet. In fact Kate and Emily were also suffering from heat rashes around their feet and ankles which was extremely sore. Mind you, so were lots of other people as it appeared common. Another quick bite to eat, a cycle home and I was in bed by not long after 8pm, ready for the early morning alarm.

Tuesday 21 July

I parked my bike in one of the many large bicycle parks...taking very careful note of where I'd left it given how many racks there were. The cycle in had been good, warm but pleasant. I did notice lots of young people cycling in the opposite direction, they turned out to be students on their way home at 3.30 am after a night on the pop. Many of them called out "Succes" to those of us cycling into town, and our numbers grew with every passing yard, sorry metre.

I made my way into the Vedren, the central area which served as the walkers' village. It was pretty full. Whilst waiting for the gun at 4 am three blokes next to me started asking me questions. With their two dozen words of English and my equal number of German words we made ourselves understood and had quite a laugh in the process. It turned out we were all first-timers. I never saw them again after the start. A loud cheer greeted the gun and 17 minutes later I crossed the start line, had my bar code scanned and began. There were wild scenes all around me as more students cheered us in an excess of beer but it made for a great atmosphere. I slowly followed the throng and realised my own pace would not be possible. We went out of the city to the north and very soon crossed the bridge over the Waal.

It started to get light and the number of spectators slowly grew. People with garden furniture at the end of their garden, bunting and flags in every street. Parties in full swing with hi-fis on, or live music being played. The atmosphere was that of one great, gigantic street party. The line of walkers snaked for miles already and I realised I had not yet seen or heard an English voice, only Dutch and German. Amongst 40,000 people I felt quite lonely.

After a couple of miles I saw an English couple, recognisable by the flags they flew from their rucksacks. I spoke to them as we walked but they were walking too slowly for me and, at a bottleneck, we lost contact. On my own again I realised this was going to be hard work. After 5 or 6 miles I was overtaking a small group of people when one of them spoke English and we immediately started talking. They were all from the Reading area, Kate and Emily were teachers, Ben a paramedic. They let me join them and on we went, chatting about everything under the sun, which was now out and the temperature was climbing. It turned out Kate had had the idea of doing the walk and invited the others but only Emily had done much practise, regularly walking 30 miles. Once the 30 and 40km walkers had left us the pace quickened markedly and I marvelled at how they kept it up.

Every village and town we passed through the crowds grew bigger and noisier. Brass bands started playing and adults and children were everywhere doling out sweets, cakes, biscuits, fruit and drink, in addition stall holders selling it. Clearly food and drink would not be a problem, unlike the toilet stops which were, as hundreds queued to use them. We stopped for food and it was clear that Ben and to a lesser extent Kate were suffering with their feet. On we went for mile after mile. Ben began to suffer more and more. Emily and I began to wonder how long the walk was as it was taking us much longer than our training walks. It was difficult to measure how far we had gone and how far was left. The temperature climbed to 25 degrees with 60-70% humidity and drinking became the preoccupation. We stopped for a rest when Kate became light-headed and off we went again only to discover, after 5 minutes that Kate and Ben were nowhere to be seen. Fortunately they called Emily on her mobile and told us to carry on as they were resting again. So, off we trooped, soon dreaming thirstily after a drink of beer once we'd finished.

The course seemed to go on forever and our spirits flagged somewhat. Eventually the bridge and town came back into view and after many detours around the suburbs we came back to the start point. Slightly confused by the lack of a finish sign we checked in at our desks and day 1 was over. We found out later that it had been 32 miles long. Our beers tasted nice after 11.5 hours on the road but we were a quarter of the way there. Ben and Kate came in within the time limit but Ben's feet were a mess. Never mind day 1 was over. I got food and then gingerly cycled home to shower and hit my bed. Mario my room mate had finished three hours before me but never mind.

Just time to get 4 or 5 hours' kip before the alarm went off at 2.30 am again...

Monday 20 July 2009

Up nice and early and arrive at the airport in plenty of time for my 6am flight. Am amazed to be given an extra legroom seat without having to ask for it.

Flight goes well and we start to descend to Amsterdam as soon as we get to cruising height. We land as far away from the terminal as possible and it's 20 minutes of taxiing to get there. From the terminal it's a very short walk to the train station but here problems arise as neither the automatic ticket machine nor the counter machine will accept any of my cards, so good old cash comes into its own.

The train itself is brilliant and runs well to time. An unexpected bonus is that the second stop is right outside Ajax's stadium. I arrive in Nijmegen less than two hours after landing and leave the station not really knowing where to go. I see two women who were on my flight and follow them, guessing they are going to the walk too. At a junction I catch them up and, yes, they know where to go, great.

The sun is baking the city and it's not fun carrying two bags in the heat. I check in and receive the all important cards for the walk. Then I hang around, soaking up the atmosphere, buy a bus pass and get on a bus heading for the suburb where I'm staying. I soon realise I do not have a clue where to get off or go. Fortunately a man asks the driver a question in Dutch and I recognise the name of the road where I'm going to be staying. My guide takes me to the street, he is staying at the house opposite mine. He informs me there are no buses to get me to the start point in the morning, oh my god.

Anyway I knock on the door and am let in my Heelen, who apologises for speaking only slightly less than perfect English. She shows me my room and tells me my German room-mate hasn't arrived yet. She makes a phone call and within 5 minutes she has secured a bike for me to use. So, there I am cycling 3km into town to sus out the route. I park the bike, no problems there as there are loads of bike parks in Holland and make my way back to the Vedren, the square where the event is based. I soak up the atmosphere, as they soak up the beer; can they really be walking in a few hours' time? For once I think, "What am I doing here?" I get something to eat and cycle back, getting lost in the process. I meet my room-mate, Mario, a German Customs official and five time veteran of the Vierdaagse. He tells me we'll get up at 02.30 in the morning and that I should leave by 03.20 for the 4am start :-O

So, it's an early night then! But I still end up with four hours' sleep for the second night running. At 2.30 the alarm goes...

The time is now!

Well, that's it, I'm packing and it's time for the off. 400 miles completed, only 120 to go. What's more England are beating the Aussies! If I can I will update this blog while I'm away.

Here's hoping and praying.

Snowdon

Today I went up Snowdon for the first time in years. My son had never been to the summit and so I promised him we would go after his GCSEs. We went up on the Pyg Track and I have to admit we were both blowing hard when that path joins the Llanberis Path just short of the summit. At least I know the heart and lungs work.

Although it stayed dry the summit was shrouded in cloud so we saw nothing. At least we got to enjoy frequent flypasts by an RAF Merlin helicopter, very interesting indeed.

We came down on the Miners Track which again was hard going, especially on the legs. It only started to rain during the last couple of miles so we got off quite lightly.

More good news: I have hit my target of raising £1500 for BLESMA through the Nijmegen Marches. I am well pleased.

On Target

Tonight I have achieved my target of raising £1500 for BLESMA. Very many thanks to everyone who has contributed, it really is appreciated.

Last weekend training walk

Well, that's it! The last weekend training walk is over. 30 miles spent walking from home to Tile Cross, a quick cup of coffee with the in-laws, then back home off to King's Heath and then home again. The full 30 miles as well. what a relief.

This week I'll walk home from work on Monday, walk in on Tuesday (repeated on Thursday/Friday) with a little jaunt up to the top of Snowdon with Philip on Wednesday. That will bring the total training mileage up to 400. Not bad really.

Yesterday I did just 21 miles as Izzy was not feeling too well and is starting to get a bit fed up with all the time the training for this is taking. To make up for it I walked home from work today and will walk in again in the morning. Feet seem to be holding up quite well.

More importantly, the sponsorship keeps creeping up and I've now hit £1265, only £235 to go. I think I'll certainly make £1300 but am not so sure about the last £200.

After my now world famous appearance on 'Tonight's The Night' on BBC1 I was contacted by the uncle and father of a British soldier killed in Afghanistan. Capt Alex Eida was killed in August 2006 and I shall be walking to honour his memory. Thanks to his father I have been in touch with his unit, 7 (Para) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. They are going to send me a couple of t-shirts and I shall wear them on at least two days of the walk. This makes my efforts seem even more worthwhile.

Getting There

A week ago last Saturday I had to work so I didn't go out for a walk at all last weekend, instead I had a nice lazy Sunday. On the Monday I did walk to work but at going home time the airport was hit by a terrific thunderstorm and torrential rain. So, I wimped out, got a lift part way home and walked the rest.

Sunday I did go out having celebrated Father's Day a day early! I walked 27 miles to my parent's and back and then into King's Heath and back again. A good walk, out for 9 hours so a long day.

Today I drove into work and then walked home. Tomorrow I shall walk in and drive back, repeating the process on Thursday and Friday.

Only 3 more weekend walks to go, though on 15 July I shall be going up to the top of Snowdon with Philip. Just cos it's there!

My first wet day

It had to happen, my first walk in the pouring rain. The 4 Days website recommends you walk in all conditions, in wasn't my fault that it didn't choose to rain properly on any of my earlier walks, even in the winter. Today it was raining as I left and did so for the first 13 miles. After lunch it brightened up considerably. Once again, especially with the rain, the hardest part was keeping my pace down. Still, another 25 miles logged. 6 weeks to go. I should put in about another 250 miles, giving me 500 in all, not bad really.

2 June

Today I walked into walk, thereby ensuring a 5.30 alarm call, not good fun. The walk however was well worth the effort.

29 May

This was a good walk on a lovely very warm day. 24 miles in all at a slow p-ace. In fact, this was the hardest part of the day, keeping my pace down. I've a couple of episodes of shin splints and so walked decidedly slower and did not suffer at all. The sun made sure that after lunch the sweat was pouring down my brow and I had to wipe my face every few minutes. All in all an excellent day

Windy Day

Well, Saturday was the closest I've come to walking in the rain. Every day I've been out so far has remained dry. Saturday was showery but still not bad, though walking along some of the exposed banks at Draycote was hard work in the wind.

I took it easier today and spent 7 hours doing the 25 miles. I also stuck at 25 as some minor blisters developed right on the heel of my right foot. I'm going to have to look at a new pair of boots as these seem to be wearing out, nearly all the lining at the back has disintegrated. Not what I wanted. I've also noticed that the bottom of my right shin was tender when I finished, it must be the shock of spending 25 miles walking on asphalt, not what I normally do when walking but as Nijmegen is spent on roads and footpaths I shall have to get used to it. Off to the local running shop tomorrow for some advice.

Very pleased in one respect though, day one of the walks takes us to Arnhem and I've always wanted to go there. Walking and military history in the same trip, great news.

9 May

Saturday was a good day. After two weeks out of action I upped my mileage from 17 to 25. In fact I set out round Draycote Water aiming for a minimum of 20 miles and hoping that I would achieve 25. I stopped after 10 miles for a short break and to check that the feet were holding up to the strain after my injuries. They were doing well though it was a relief to take my boots off for a few minutes.

I'd set a good time for the first 10 miles, 2.5 hours, so I allowed myself to slow down a bit after that. Strangely the lap from 10 - 15 miles was the hardest and I felt quite weary. Though another foot check and some lunch and I was off again. They've installed some mile marker posts around the lake which is a great help. The next two laps went well though I knew I had completed a good distance by the end because I simply felt weary and my muscles ached a little. I think listening to Genesis 'Live Over Europe' was a great help, especially the tracks where the beat fitted my walking rhythm. Knowing it was also coming to an end also helped a great deal.

The next day saw me out and about again though I only did 6 miles it was useful, it got rid of the ache in the limbs. All in all an excellent weekend. Next weekend I'll be back at Draycote, doing either another 25 or possibly pushing on to 27 miles depending upon how I feel.

Short stroll

After the trauma of two weeks ago I can at last put boots on and today went for a short stroll. Back to it next week, 20 or 25 miles next Saturday, depending upon how the feet hold out.

The fundraising is coming along nicely, justgiving and other sponsorship has taken me to the verge of £400. I also had a nice phone call on Friday from a chap who saw me on the John Barrowman show. It's his 50th wedding anniversary this year and he and his wife want to donate to charity to celebrate. Having lost a nephew whilst serving with HM Forces they are looking at a military charity, so they are going to sponsor me. What a lovely gesture, now I have to do them proud.

My first Donations

Hurray! First donation on justgiving and my email was circulated at work and within an hour or so had 9 responses pledging me money! At last, success, of a sort.

I am still in pain though, heels are healing but still can't walk properly. Never mind.

From the ecstasy to the agony

Well last night was special. We all sat down to watch ourselves on 'Tonight's the Night' with John Barrowman on BBC1. I have to say I was so relieved, the filming had gone by in a blur once I'd been surprised. So much so that I could not remember very much of it even the next day. So, a fortnight later I was scared stiff that I was going to look like a right plank. Watching it last night was like watching a new show. I still do not remember much of it actually happening but at least now I know what happened!

Having had a late night I was up at 7.30 this morning for a training walk along the Stratford canal to Lapworth, another 17 miles. Unfortunately, wearing my proper walking boots, because I knew the condition of the canal towpath, I really suffered. For some unknown reason my boots decided to really rub my heels and the walk was most uncomfortable. When I got back my heels were in a terrible state and my toes had also suffered. I think I'm going to feel very uncomfortable tomorrow. Apart from the pain the walk back had been quite good; the sun was shining, swallows were skimming over the surface of the water and I was listening to Jenkins, Karl on my iPod. You all thought I was going to say Katherine after the Tv show...she came later!! I couldn't do the walk and not listen to her could I?

Justgiving

I have created my justgiving account for the walks...please visit, but more importantly, part with some cash.

http://www.justgiving.com/footsore

Good News

I've just had an e-mail to say that I have drawn a permit for the Nijmegen Marches and so will be able to take part. Well back to the training and also a start to the fund raising!

Registration

Well, having registered I've been watching the rest of the process. When registration closed on Maundy Thursday over 3,000 too many people had registered. This means that tomorrow there will be a draw to discard excess numbers...there is a 1-in-6 chance that I will not be selected. Hence I've cut back on the training. Sunday may see me walking once again, or I may have some free weekends ahead of me!

Hard Day

Well, I've just got back from a stroll down the Stratford Canal. I've checked the Nijmegen website to discover that at the end of registration for previous walkers 28,000 have registered, leaving 17,000 spaces for newcomers like me. Registration opens at 1 minute past midnight, Sunday/Monday and I shall be there!

Today's walk was in fact 17 miles from home down to Lapworth in Warwickshire along the canal. I made my way from home to the canal via the River Cole and Priory Fields Nature Reserve. Priory Fields is a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust reserve, the only one I know of that's not in Warwickshire! Walking through it I saw the strange sight of 6 Mistle Thrushes chasing each other around kicking up a right racket, I guess they were starting to establish primacy in breeding territories. I made my way to the canal and just before it I turned left. You have to turn left just before the canal because if you leave it even a fraction too late you get very wet.

The canal towpath was a good place to walk except that, when you get to the bridges numbered in the late teens and early twenties it is very muddy indeed. I wished that I had put on my walking boots as I know they are waterproof, instead I found out that my other boots are also waterproof, good job too. The canal takes you through Solihull Lodge, round that god-awful estate Chadwick End, past Earlswood, then Hockley Heath and onto Lapworth. I turned round at Lapworth lock No.6, where I thought I would sit on the lock gate, drink my drink and eat my snack. No, the lock gates were shrouded in plastic fencing as the canal was drained and I was surprised by how shallow the canal system is. So, I just turned round and ate/drank on the hoof. Even so the walk took me 5 hours, so my speed had dropped below 4mph. Some of this was due to having to negotiate my way round the mud, sometimes I had to walk through it and risk falling in, but even so the distance has begun to tell on me and I know I've walked 17 miles. Still I shall definitely do it again. When I reach the 20 mile barrier I shall take the train to Stratford and walk back which will be about 22 miles plus the distance from the station to the canal.

Isabel was very keen to examine my pedometer when I got back (she bought it for me). Something she frequently does. I thought it may be because she was seriously impressed that I had taken just under 32,000 steps, but then the penny dropped. I disappear for a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday and return happy but slightly red-faced. I'm sure she's checking that I have not got up to any other slightly illicit activities. On that note I'll quit while I'm ahead.

Registration looms

I can register on Monday and, as of today 27,259 people have already registered. The numbers signing up have obviously slowed quite considerably. So, I should easily be able to register, it just depends upon whether they exceed 45,000 as to whether I stay in after the dreaded ballot. Fingers are well and truly crossed.

This weekend's walk will take place on Saturday and, just to go somewhere different, I have decided to walk down the Stratford Canal. I have found a couple of useful websites on this canal, and so I shall walk to Lapworth, lock 6 to be exact. This will be a round trip of between 16-17 miles. If the weather holds out it should be quite pleasant.

Halfway Mark

Today I reached the halfway mark...well, sort of. I did three circuits of Draycote Water, 15 miles in all, half of what I will be expected to do each day in July.

The walk went really well, I kept up a great pace throughout and am still consistently on 4 miles per hour. The weather was overcast and I started off with a fleece and a woolly hat (to protect my bonce). After one lap I was well warm , so the hat had long since come off and then so too did the fleece, so I walked the next 10 miles in just a t-shirt, well not just, but you know what I mean.

The first lap was a bit stressful though as I had arrived and started off on the walk before the visitor centre opened. As I hadn't got any change I hadn't been able to buy a car park ticket. I usually get one from the visitor centre, so I walked the first five miles hoping I hadn't been given a ticket. Problem solved though as the centre was open when I completed the lap and a ticket was bought.

It's a good place for doing multi-laps as each lap is long enough thaqt it doesn't become boring; plus there are only two long straights, which also helps to reduce any boredom.

I didn't use the iPod on lap 1 but did on the other two. I had a trip down memory lane as I listened to Bob Seger, the Eagles, Elton John and a little bit of Fleetwood Mac. Pure magic. I've come to the conclusion that, much as I love classical music, I can't walk to it, so it has to be my non-Classic collection on these walks.

I've been monitoring the Nijmegen website and registrations appear to have slowed, there are about 24,000 people registered so far so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

22 Feb

Well, I abandoned plans to go to Draycote today as, earlier in the week I went to Rutland Water, and yesterday I spent driving round Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, incidentally coming across huge areas of flooded land that came as a big surprise, I can tell you. This morning I decided instead to do away with the drive to Draycote and just walk from home to the outskirts of the airport. It's approx 14 miles but I shall check tomorrow when I go to work. I kept up a good strong pace and came back in 3 1/2 hours. I must admit that I had to work at the last couple of miles, that's the first time I've really felt anything on any of these walks. Maybe now I've hit the point where I've got to start working as well as walking.

Today I also found myself walking to the music. I started off listening to a Peter Gabriel playlist and all went well till I got to the "I Don't Remember" track, the beat of which really threw me. I then went onto a Queen playlist, finishing off with ELO. I've now got to setle down and write my essay on my terrorism studies course. This evening it's off to Symphony Hall to listen to the CBSO Youth Orchestra which has the dubious honour of having my daughter play violin for them. It's an evening of Ravel, slightly different to ELO!

Training Exercise - Snowdon

Well, sometime after 11 June, and before 22 June, I shall be going to Wales to go up Snowdon. The reason? My son finishes his GCSEs then and has to do his work experience. We've been talking about going up to the top since a day trip when we went halfway. Now seems a good time to go the whole hog, a bit of male bonding. I haven't been up Snowdon for many years, though I've probably been to the top about 4/5 times. It will be good to go again. Young son has been charged with planning the trip as good practice for his DoE adventures! It's great to have an excuse.

Rutland Water

Today was spent walking around the Hambleton peninsula, that juts out into Rutland Water in England's smallest county, Rutland. It was only a 5.5 mile walk but, as some of it was spent with half a ton of mud caked around each foot, it certainly felt further than that. There are some stunning views to be had here and I shall try to upload some photos of the day. The old Hambleton Hall, dating from 1611 is wonderful. The walk was rounded off with tea and cake in the Finches Inn in Hambleton, very nice.

Got home from the walk to find a packet from BLESMA containing loads of info about their work and a t-shirt that will have to be worn in the last session of my venture as I cross the finishing line. That will leave no-one in any doubt as to why I am there.

How to get over having no Valentine Cards

Today I did 12 miles, from home onto Catherine-de-Barnes Lane and back.. This went well again with a good, steady 4 miles per hour. Feet seem to be coping well and I did a lot of thinking, which is unusual for me, as you well know. Thought a bit about our redoutable Home Secretary and the Great Parliamentary Expenses Scam. No wonder they become MPs, it's becoming a bigger and better number with every passing day. I need to find a room to rent in backstreet Glasgow, I could make a fortune.

I also thought about what to do if I don't get into the Nijmegen Marches. I can register after 9 March but if too many people register, there is a ballot. I was thinking of completing the Chichester March, then walking up Snowdon, Scafell and Ben Nevis, but not on the same day! Probably do it over a few days, like Nijmegen.

Progress continues to be made

This week I have approached some organisations regarding sponsorship, laying the first foundations that I hope will lead to success. I'll keep you posted as and when replies start to come in. I've decided that, given the economic situation, I shall keep any requests very low key; I believe that this way I may score more low level successes leading to a steady flow of funds.

Sunday's walk will be of 12 miles duration. I shall be heading out along Hampton Lane, Solihull onto Catherine-de-Barnes Lane, turning back about 1/2 mile after the Boat, might even have a half - solely to test the theory of dehydration of course.

Next week being half-term, I am also hopeful of going to the Peak District to do a lovely walk near Ladybower water followed by a filling meal at the Ladybower Inn. The reservoirs round here were used by the RAF to practise for the Dambusters Raid so are full of history too. If I do both the miles will really start to build.

Good News

I have made contact with BLESMA and they are more than happy to have me support them, so they are going to send me lots of info and sponsor forms to use. I can also use their logo. I'm pleased about that. In addition, the chap I spoke to has completed Nijmegen twice and he has given me a very valuable tip. Drink loads of water. This sound piece of advice comes on the back of drinking beer on his last day of his second walk and ending up in hospital. Much as I like the Dutch I have no desire to sample their medical services. I now will be appoaching a company to sponsor me by the provision of some water bottles!

I've also contacted a group of ex-squaddies 'oop north' who hold monthly quiz & curry nights and raise money to give to charity. They helped last year with the plane pull so I'm hoping they will be happy to support me this year. Fingers crossed.

I bought some new headphones for the iPod this week so they will be road tested this weekend. I'll let you know how I get on.

Busy Day

Well, out for another training walk this morning, a 10 mile round trip to Hampton Lane in Solihull. 2 1/2 hours in fairly good conditions except for ice on some of the pavements that was quite treacherous. I was prepared for very cold weather, as predicted by the weather forecasters, but as usual, it was warmer than I expected.

Any way a good session was had and double figures will be the norm now, so the miles should start building up quite nicely, especially as this week sees the start of the official training programme.

I had the iPod with me today so just for the record, the playlist was Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, his Toccata and Fugue, the soundtrack to Band of Brothers and most of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. I can see that I'm going to have to give some thought to building some balanced playlists for these walks.

Gordon Stretch has given me permission to put the below link in which shows you what we got up to last March in our charity event. Hope you enjoy it;

http://bhx2008-baeg.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-12-19T02%3A00%3A00Z&max-results=32

Weather update

Well, surprise, surprise! I was able to drive to work again today as the forecasters had again over-hyped the situation and got it wrong. You really wouldn't pay them in washers would you? The schools were closed again and what a dreadful decision, though you can understand it given the forecasts and the dreaded 'elf 'n safety regime that prevails in this country. When you walk across a rutted, muddy field, do you really need an assessment to tell you to mind slips, trips and falls? No, of course not.

Dutch Charity

Well, a good friend (yes, I do have at least one) has read this blog and did what I should have done; e-mailed the military attache at the Dutch Embassy. So, I now have a Dutch military charity to support:

Bond van Wapenbroeders
PO box 93
3940 AB Doorn
The Netherlands

The translation is 'Brothers in Arms'. I shall now get in touch with them and offer my support. I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks, Andrew

Weather Watch

Part of me has been hoping that the weather forecasters would finally get their act together and successfully forecast...the weather. Tonight they are saying we will get substantial snow and, whilst my son hopes that means no school, I hope it means no car to work. I'm rather looking forward to an extra training session by having to walk to work. If I don't go in I lose a day's holiday so I have every intention of making it and getting a few extra miles in to boot.

Never mind, I'm sure they'll be wrong. Again.

Registration Conundrum

Well, what a disappointment. Here I am, all fired up to register for the event; go online; not allowed to register. Only those who have taken part before are allowed to register now. I have to wait until 9 March and hope that the quota has not been exceeded. Fingers are now well and truly crossed.

First Steps

I decided to start the training programme early so last Sunday, 25 January, I went for a 5.5 mile walk around Draycote Reservoir in Warwickshire. Draycote is owned by Severn Trent Water and the lake is used by sailors, windsurfers, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts, as well as walkers, cyclists and joggers. It's perfect for training and I believe that I will be going back there regularly in the coming months. It's a five mile circuit and has a snack bar there! Parking is easy and it's only an hour away by car for me.

Today, I went to Solihull School (my old school) and back. 7.5 miles in all in bitterly cold weather but I was nice and warm by the time I got back. Plenty of people out jogging, as well as cyclists flashing past. Only problem was, I forgot my Ipod, won't do that again. I can see though that I will be getting through a fair few pairs of socks in this quest, as well as boots. Food for thought.

I have also approached the Dutch Ministry of Defence. My thinking here is that I will be walking in Holland, raising money for the military and I know the Dutch forces are in Afghanistan with the British, so I've decided to give 25% of my money to a Dutch military charity. Here's hoping I get a reply. Does anyone out there know of such a charity?

Welcome

Welcome to this, the very first entry in my new blog. This has been created to chart my progress as I prepare to take part in the Nijmegen Marches 2009. I've wanted to enter for ages and 2009 has become the year when I finally get up off my backside and do something about it. The Marches began as a military event but now include civil as well as military participants. In all, between 30,000 and 40,000 people take part. This year's event takes place between 21 and 24 July and will entail me walking 31 miles (50km) each day in the Nijmegen area.

The website for the event, http://www.4daagse.nl/, contains all the information about the event and enables progress to be followed during the 4 days. It also has a training programme for participants and this has started me out on a 650 mile road to Holland.

I've decided to do the event to raise money for charity and have chosen BLESMA as my charity. BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association) exists to help those men and women who have lost limbs whilst serving in the armed forces. Unfortunately, given current circumstances, they are very busy at present. Last year I was part of a team that raised £21,000 for military charities and BLESMA was one that we helped. We held a plane pull at Birmingham International Airport and then carried a stretcher from the airport to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Selly Oak Hospital, a distance of 14 miles. For further information see http://www.forceshospitalcharity.org/. With the money we built a garden at the hospital for the patients, families and staff, as well as a huge plasma TV for a rest room. We also sent two ex-service personnel skiing with BLESMA, four ex-service personnel on an adventure holiday with St Dunstan's, helped Combat Stress's welfare network, supported SSAFA with their project to build and equip flats near Selly Oak Hospital for families to use, donated to Troop Aid and helped send forces children to the theatre through Forces Childrens' Trust. We were well supported by staff from the RCDM, HMS Forward, RAF Brize Norton, trainee military nurses from UCE, 202 Field Hospital (TA), Flybe, Pertemps and Birmingham International Airport.

So, this year I want to send as many limbless ex-service personnel skiing as possible. Please visit their website to see the good work they do, http://www.blesma.org/.