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....