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.