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!