So how was it for you?

the one thing I really love about the PW... and it is probably the thing that drives me year on year to hit that 'submit entry' button.... is the fact that the stories and adventures of the 85 miles live on well past the blisters, sore muscles and faded newspaper articles. They become legend.... the focus for discussion and debate. And there exists between those who walked, and those who supported, a great camaraderie that only those who have endured similar epic feats of endurance can claim. Swapping tales of cramp, chapped 'bits', upset tummy's, sheer exhaustion, sheer tedium at endless road in thick cold mist, flies, blisters and pulled muscles, we re-live the experience and, having vowed never to set foot on a PW route again, already talk of 'next year'....

Unfortunately this was not the year Dad would make it round again. By the time we got to the top of Ballakillowey he had already suffered badly from cramp. It was very hot and humid - and we had already walked many miles.. so when he said he was really not enjoying it - I knew it was more than a short break and drink could fix. Dad is not one to give up easily - he was being sensible when he said he was to retire. Once Mum finally found him (you would never believe she was actually born and lived on the Island all her life - how can you head for Colby and end up at the Round Table??) they joined forces at Peel and were my support crew to the finish line. They were brilliant - and it's been a long time since I was undressed by my parents! (complete change required at Andreas as even the flies were beginning to avoid me).  It was so good to finally get along that b*****y prom - and to have (nearly) all the family there waiting - priceless.

So a quick reflection on the PW for me and Dad this year. Well the training didn't quite go to plan - most of the time. We never did get our PW virgin out with us. But the walks we did manage were fabulous - despite the weather - and we had great fun (and lots of cake, and coffee and bacon butties!). Dad is my hero and my inspiration in so many ways. At 76 to be as fit as he is and even attempt to walk so far is awesome. It is from him that my Big Sis and I always reckoned we got our walkers legs (hopefully not quite so 'bandy') - as for the 'determined streak' that keeps you putting one foot in front of the other - no idea where that gene came from LOL

So now time to get back to all the the other stuff in life (play in two weeks - lines sort of learned!!). All that's left is to thank Murray for bullying me into doing the blog (it never was going to be the most helpful for training hints  - but my fellow bloggers covered that bit well enough for us all  - btw well done Gentlemen!) - and to try to find the plugs for the cross trainer and treadmill thingy that my Hub hid. After all - only 11 months and a few days to go till PW2012..

T minus 11....

and still getting sorted. House like a bombsite (mine and Mum's) with a veritable jumble sale of all weather clothing strewn everywhere. Managed to avoid the weather forecast most of the day.. until the kind man in the shop where I was buying flashing red lights (no comment required.. ) jokingly mentioned that we were due the second apocalypse....PW2008 all over again?? so out came the waterproofs, windproofs, and thermal underwear. But looking at BBC site it's not that bad... so decisions decisions what to wear? We always opt for no back up until after Peel (far too many cars and enough bananas and drinks at the feedstations) - unless in dire straights (good band btw) so fingers crossed we'll manage with what we have. Having rested knee for three days it is more cross than ever....sigh. Dad on the other hand is as fit as the proverbial flea - he'll be the one dragging me along this year! As always plan to get round (so long as everything stays relatively intact) and if the weather is good then we'll have a brilliant walk round the Island. Well what else could I be doing this weekend ..... : )

So from me and Dad..hope it goes really well for everyone. PW2011 over and out..

T minus 8 days......

and counting. We have our numbers, joining instructions and details of car routes, feeding stations and most importantly for some of us - loo stops. Dad had a bit of an MOT - all clear, good psa levels, just need to keep an eye on his kidney function (I do keep trying to tell him that when the Dr says drink lots of liquids he doesn't necessarily mean red wine..sigh). My knee alas is still very cross - so much so that annoyed husband has threatened to remove the plug from my treadmill and cross trainer so I give it a rest.... well I thought a couple of laps of Archallagan plantation with the dogs last Sat would be good training... two laps running that is. Ah well. Did consider getting a knee support when I was in one of our local sports shops recently - alas was faced by so many choices I gave up. I was in there to buy the annual pair of 1000 mile socks.. which sounds simple. When did they decide to bring out so many versions? The first attempt at a purchase ended up with socks that nigh on stopped the circulation to my toes. Anyway have resigned self to having sore knee - and will sneak back on cross trainer tomorrow. Have discussed the need to have a meeting to sort out supplies with PW partner.. not sure when this will be as have really busy weekend (trying desperately to get into the good books of the Director and learn all my lines.....) - things like batteries and petroleum jelly are high on the list (you have no idea how many jars Mum goes through every PW ministering to needy and very chapped walkers) BTW if any of my fellow bloggers have suggestions for best undergarments for blokes walking a long way - please feel free to advise - this is not really within my area of expertise. Girly (under)garments - now that is a different matter. First, and failed, PW attempt  I got the most annoying and painful friction burns on the underside of my arm (caused by a loose and then sweaty tee shirt) and other bits (tight new sports bra.) My underwear advice for what it is worth - keep it cotton, well washed, and not too tight. Forget the need to match colours - no one is looking. Still not sure where so many months have gone... seems only yesterday that it was January - definitely a sign of old age - well that and the fact that I knew most of the lyrics of most of the songs at the Elton John concert tonight!

Decisions, decisions....

So.. with less than a month to go to PW2011 it's all getting a bit stressful. With the intended training schedule in shreds in the recycling box, the PW virgin having failed to register (apparently he submitted the forms on the Sat but they weren't received in time) and a knee still twinging - it's not looking very healthy. Sat in MASH on Saturday  (Top Secret training HQ for PW No.1) as three high viz clad athletes arrived, having walked in at pace from Ramsey (again). That only exacerbated the dismay. Having been more than 'stupid busy' every day, night and weekend for over a month, and in dire need of a day to learn my lines for the play (Alan Ayckbourn 'Communicating Doors' in  July FYI)  I was planning a Bank Holiday with a book, large cup of something with caffeine and a few packets of ginger biscuits. However, PW partner happened to mention in passing on Sunday that he was heading off to St John's along the old railway track the next day. Decisions, decisions. A day spent in solitude, trying desperately to cram text into ageing brain cells, versus a couple of hours pounding the roads. Well as it was only going to be a few hours I'd still have loads of time for lines... So ETD 9am at the QB. Rucksack, windproof and waterprooof  just in case this time... & a few £'s to top up the carbs and liquids in St Johns. Good pace along the path - managed not to spend too much time 'passing the time of day' with everyone we met (is there anyone Dad doesn't know?? and he has been warned - no socialising on the way round this year - it's serious walking - not serial talking). Hit the coffee and scones by 11am. Decisions, decision. Too early to go home - and we needed some gradient. Dad's plan - head off up Ballanass Rd, past Slieau Whallian, and see where we go from there - so long as we get to Peel by about 2pm we'll be ok.. and the weather was simply fabulous (the play can wait...) It was quite a climb - broken only by a few passing cyclists and vans. But what a fantastic time of year to be out walking - trees and hedges packed with flowers and green things with obscure latin names (that Dad either knows or makes up - I wouldn't know the difference!). Took a right at the very top by the mines (and what a view), played 'name the hills' for a bit (don't know why I bother - I always lose) headed down past Arrasey Plantation, up, down, up, down etc etc... then a green lane, through a mini swimming pool of muddy water, down Barnell (and was it down...certainly gave the knees and legs a hammering) left at the bottom, right after Patrick Church then PW route to Peel. Good day, great walk, major problem - no lines learned so facing very cross Director at next rehearsal. Decisions, decisions. Maybe I should blame Dad - after all it was his idea....

Destination Ramsey....

Given the prevailing southerly wind, Dad (local met man) decided it would be a tad less uncomfortable to head up north with the gusts behind us - than face a wind tunnel down south and across to Peel. Weather forecast not brilliant for later on... blustery showers coming over from Ireland - but thought we'd go for it. PW training session number 2 was about to commence  - a tad behind schedule admittedly. 9am ETD - 9.20 by the time I'd ministered to needy offspring - down to the prom, round to Groudle, head up North. As usual we encountered manic drivers (many with R plates, but also quite a lot in large chunks of expensive metal) driving at breakneck speeds with no consideration for anything else on the road. Thankfully no one apart from Dad was in ear shot to hear the expletives..... And on top if it all - lots of those irritating little stones and bits of seed pod that get under your sock - they were annoying too. Thankfully by the time we reached Lonan, calm prevailed, normal conversation resumed, and we began pondering which hostlery to frequent for mid morning protein, carbs, and caffine in-take. Laxey seemed a decent spot. 20 mins, one bacon buttie (Dad), large latte and mug of tea and loo break later - we were back on the road. Mum phoned when we were just after the Corony to let us know it was persisting down in Douglas... smugly we reported 'blustery but dry' up north. Oh how we spoke too soon. In scenes reminiscent of PW 2008, as we walked down, up, round, down then up to Maughold Church the heavens did their worst. Several very posh cars adorned with wedding ribbons passed us on the way (if it was your wedding at Maughold this aftenoon - can I just say the flowers outside the church looked lovely, the guests very smart indeed, sorry about the weather, and apologies for the two bedraggled walkers who squelched through your wedding party.) No let up in the rain and wind. Dad was ok - sensibly he had brought his rain proof coat with hood. Me - well I was as intelligent as ever - brought two space blankets, and change of top - but forgot the waterproof. I was soaked. A shared soggy cheese sandwich later and we yomped into Ramsey heading for the warmest, driest cafe we could for a hot drink. Mum and Daughter No.1 joined us, having had a journey from hell over the mountain in the mist. There was only one solution - we needed retail therapy. Despite everything else in my rucksack being waterlogged, the 'plastic' card was as good as new : ) One fabulous fair trade shopping experience, steaming hot shower, and substantial tea later - all is good with the world. Knee not too sore(ish), the pace was acceptable and Dad's leg was ok. If we're aiming to complete our training schedule we may just about be ready in time for the PW next year...!

Houston we have a problem...

well a few problems if we're being honest.. which of course we always are.. With just over a month to go we have lost the PW Virgin ( not entered unless assuming a hidden identity), not managed any more 'team' training walks since the last blog, been out of action for two weeks, and managed to fill the diary with even more non walk related stuff. Re: out of action. All self inflicted. At my age (**) you would have thought I would know by now that, although the mind may want to keep on playing superwoman - bits of the body disagree. Case in question. I don't normally wear high heels - despite the blatantly obvious fact I am, well, not tall (a fact I think should, if anyone official is reading, be taken into consideration in the PW. I must walk the equivalent of PWx2 compared to the 6ft 2' size 12 feet walkers that stride gracefully past me looking as if they are on a Sunday jolly....)  but I digress - high heels - yes. So posh night out - trying for once to look respectable in posh trousers which need high heels.. end of the night- time to clear up. Superwoman decides that carrying sandbags and heavy boxes up flights of steep stairs may be good training for the legs. That may be - but the back and neck didn't agree. Possibly exacerbated by the attempt to emulate ABBA on the dance floor, plus walking home - well back and neck in agony for a week, immobile for another, and I can just about now turn my head around this much........ On the positive side - I did rest my sore knee for a week - which has done it the world of good. The other half of the team continues to do sneaky training hoping I don't find out. Got one over on him the other day- had a meeting in Union Mills Sat am and had to get back to MASH HQ (top secret training facility for PW No. 1) early afternoon. Lhergy Cripperty beckoned. So long as I didn't look left I was fine. Blast up to top, round and back on the old Castletown Road. Made it for a fab latte, just missing the heros of the PW Messrs Waddington and Lynch. Apparently they'd walked in from Ramsey, via Maughold, and called in for sustenance. Rumour has it they cooled off in the Irish Sea before lunch... now that deserves respect! So countdown training schedule: as Sat is free from other stuff, Dad and I may get to have a blast to Ramsey, or Peel via the Sloc - depends on the weather and prevailing wind. One thing is certain, no matter which beach we end up on - there is no way I'm going in the sea!

Good news....

...I have finally managed to replace my treadmill thingy. Great celebrations....!!! This is number 5. I am not allowed to get another if this one breaks. I have been told quite categorically. Dad refuses to negotiate any more long solid structures down and around our dog-legged stairs. He has a point. So having gone through two circuit boards (unable to be replaced due to age and unknown planet of origin), one electrical fault that caused the whole house to plunge into darkness when the 'on' switch was engaged, and a structural failure - my advice is as follows. If you are buying one - make sure you (a) can get parts, (b) know how old it really is, and (c) get it checked by a man who knows what he's talking about (thanks Kevin). Cheap isn't always cheerful.....

Dad has been busy yomping up Peel hill every morning as well as pounding the tarmac on the Marine Drive (oh yes, I found out - and it wasn't Hamish who told me!) so I really have to get my act together. Am now in a position to resume a full PW11 training schedule... long walks, blasts on the cross trainer and working up a good sweat on the treadmill thingy. Well that's if I have the time....

Time for a blast.....at last.

Only three months later than intended Dad and I managed to finally synchronise diaries to get a day free for a walk. Training has really begun! Well almost - still not managed to get the Parish Virgin out with us on the course - ah well 2 out of  3 aint bad (ref: Meatloaf ). Intended route - Peel via the Sloc. Aim - to give the legs and feet a good pounding and see how we feel in the morning. If we can get out of bed no problem - then training is on track. Alas weather forecast not brilliant. 4 am this morning wide awake - rain lashing against the window. Flashbacks to PW2008 - top of the sloc  - extremities turned blue - horizontal rain and howling wind. Teeth chattering uncontrollably - and no shelter in sight. Sleep is difficult. Maybe I can write a note to be excused training today? Flashbacks to PW2011 banners and adverts appearing everywhere and decide time really isn't on my side. Crawl out of bed very tired - decide a pre walk cross training session isn't a good idea - so go back to bed. Eventually have to surface to minister to needy offspring... so decide to get ready and head down to meet Dad at the QB. Being the local he is Dad offers his advice on the direction of the prevailing wind and we mutually agree that the sloc should be avoided this time. Still head to Peel (still into a head wind) but consider opportunities for diversions along the way to add miles and some gradient. It is a horrid road at the best of times  - with a head wind and zillion tonne HGV's skimming the pavement - it's worse than horrid. We were glad to turn right at Ballacraine and head for.... first coffee break in St John's Mill. Carrot cake rather nice too. Up the incline to the Poortown Road (mental note to self avoid moving when having just consumed large slice of stodge) and blast into Peel. Hang a left to the Patrick Road, left at Patrick Church, then enjoy the relative peace of a walk back into St Johns. It is fabulous this time of year - if you usually walk with some sort of headphone device - try taking it out - you'll be amazed at just how good nature sounds. So heading into St Johns - dilemma - attack the main road back or try the old train route which can be a bit of a quagmire - and I had my nice white trainers on. Need cup of tea to make a decision so we stop at the cafe - no cake this time! Decide we can't face more traffic so march off down to the PROW and have good mostly mud free blast all the way back to Douglas. Dad's leg was good. Worked up a fair temperature heading home - and arrived back 7 hours later to a house like a bombsite, dishes and washing everywhere. All this and training too....

Honesty is always the best policy...

..or that's what I was always told by my parents, as I wandered through that lovely state of blissful ignorance that is, and should be, childhood. Admittedly, in adult life this maxim doesn't always hold, and one learns, more through trial and error than by instruction,  when the 'little white' lies are an essential strategy to deal with horrendous haircuts, outfits, or choice of (boy) friends/partners etc. However, in an event such as the Parish Walk, when you choose to train, and ultimately commit to walking with someone, trust and honesty are almost unspoken rules of the partnership. How else can you support each other during the darkest hours and longest climbs unless you can speak your mind. So, imagine my surprise when, having made no plans for any training walks due to the sheer volume of 'other stuff' happening evenings and weekends for the past month or so  (I'll come back to that in a bit) I discover in a passing remark made by Mum, that Dad  - my walking partner for 3 PW's, has been doing secret training between  Port Soderick and town every day for the past week..........Dad - you have been outed and I am most unimpressed!

So - as I anticipated from the outset of the blog - serious training is having to take second place behind all the other stuff that is life with children and work and hobbies and involvements. Treadmill is still broken, the only time I have seen the PW Virgin was bumping into him on the way home in the rain the other night. We didn't mention PW. And as much as I'd like to be able to report on miles of arduous, focused training, targets met and calories burned - I can't. Training walks completed = zero, training walks planned this side of March = zero. Honest.

Shoes for PW Virgins

With thanks to Paul for following the blog thus far - and with apologies to everyone about the complete lack of formal training 'notes'  - it's not that they are top secret - there just aren't any. Training walks completed since last blog = O. Plans for training walks with Mr Dunn, PW virgin = O. Opportunity for serious walks = O - just too busy. And what's more annoying - my treadmill thingy I run on is broken - serious undermining of attempts to stay in shape - and unlike MrTaggart (no not the famous one who wins running fell races - the other one from Laxey) I'm not partial to running up, and rolling down Snaefell - ok so it may have only happened once but it still a great chance for me to get my own back... allowing me to finish 2 mins slower than his PW PB last year - and not telling me in time to speed up.

But I digress...(just like Mr T did one year in the mist and ended up... no that would be too cruel). I've been asked about footwear. Again nothing scientific just how it is for us. It's something I took a couple of years to get sorted and as with many things it is personal preference - try a few different types early on  - and then choose a pair and train in them for a few hundred miles! Dad uses good walker/trainers - I use RBK's road plus running because I have such broad feet, and they give really good support. On the day I get blisters - which pop and I walk them in. Try never to remove shoes unless its an emergency - and good socks are essential! All of which probably isn't tremendously helpful....but it has worked for us. Now I did see one person in multi-coloured flip flops at Santon one year......

171 days (or thereabouts) and counting....

The trouble with numbers is just that - they make everything sound much more definitive. 171 doesn't sound a lot when you say it in the context of  - for example - the global population or distance to Mars... but it's only 5 more turns of the calendar til June and that makes PW2011 just that little bit more real. So time for some serious stuff... Well update from last blog in December. Walking on ice - now that is a skill I have yet to master. A thick layer of glass like shiny stuff all over the pavements and two Springer Spaniels to walk is just the scenario you need for a comedy sketch. The dogs won by several paws. However the discovery of ice grippers not only transformed what was becoming a daily creep along railings to work into the normal aerobic blast past the traffic - it also meant the canine steam trains could be controlled. Thankfully by the time we hit County Clare on Boxing Day the ice was no more. Saw the local Rugby team training on the beach at Lahinch....it looked such a good idea... a run along the beach...into the wind  - in soft sand  - air temp about 2 degrees..... still have a sore knee. However onwards and upwards. The 'Parish Virgin' has finally agreed to come out of the closet. Mr Robert Dunn you have been called by name. Have discussed with Dad (very briefly as we had both just come out of the Irish Sea on NY day and at this point were turning a delicate shade cornflower blue) our training programme. Given Rob is relatively fit & healthy and can do the physical cardio vascular stuff himself - we agreed we needed to concentrate on the psychological side. Walking the full route, getting to know and hate the hills  - both up and down - dealing with the monotony of long hauls (Andreas to Lonan) etc. Although we need to finalise this with Rob - we are confident it is a good strategy for a first timer. I left Dad at home tonight working on his training - a box of 24 posh chocs and a bottle of 2001 Shiraz. It's only numbers...