Hurray! the Parish Walk is upon us but maybe, like me you are feeling a little nervous too! Unless you are one of the top 10/20 finishers there shouldn't be any pressure on us BUT we do feel the pressure to succeed- whether its a faster finish or to 'go a bit further' or reach another Parish or just your own personal challenge!
After the Parish, maybe next week, or when our blisters have healed, our joints are more supple and we have forgotten the pain we were in when we stopped walking - we all set ourselves another challenge for next year's walk! and can't wait to plan our great intentions to "do more training" - or maybe that's just me!
Well I eventually managed to get No. 1 (eldest) son out of bed at 7.30am on Sunday for a walk up round Glen Roy - he thoroughly enjoyed the countryside, the peacefulness, and spending some quality time with Mum!! The walk went well but his stride was twice the length of mine - so I doubt we will walk together on Saturday. This was his longest walk yet (9miles).
Son No.2 (middle one) is walking with his 'love of his life' Sarah and as they are both under 21 they will be finishing hopefully at Peel!
Enjoy the walk everyone - pack plenty of supplies (kitchen sink is handy) it's going to be hot, hot!
Angie
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Counting down....
Okay so how many of you like me are starting to panic now that you didn't keep to your training plan to compete in the Parish Walk 2010?
Well I would be lying if I said I have ever had a plan - I never have a plan of training, or even on the day where I should be at what time or what I should be eating and drinking - for me it seems to work when I just go out there and get on with it- Last year my first part of the race was quite slow and I didn't feel very motivated but the second half was a different race altogether. I never know how it is going to be on the day - but then neither do any of us.
Most of all it's a great event, bringing many of us all together around our wonderful countryside.
Oh so what walking have I been doing - not much as I have been in Italy on holiday with my family which we all enjoyed - lots of walking whilst sightseeing though!
Am walking to work and back this TT week as it's quicker than driving!
Have a safe TT everyone and take great care on the roads this week if you are out walking or driving.
Angie
Well I would be lying if I said I have ever had a plan - I never have a plan of training, or even on the day where I should be at what time or what I should be eating and drinking - for me it seems to work when I just go out there and get on with it- Last year my first part of the race was quite slow and I didn't feel very motivated but the second half was a different race altogether. I never know how it is going to be on the day - but then neither do any of us.
Most of all it's a great event, bringing many of us all together around our wonderful countryside.
Oh so what walking have I been doing - not much as I have been in Italy on holiday with my family which we all enjoyed - lots of walking whilst sightseeing though!
Am walking to work and back this TT week as it's quicker than driving!
Have a safe TT everyone and take great care on the roads this week if you are out walking or driving.
Angie
Friday, May 14, 2010
Not long now..........
I had a lovely walk tonight with Sarah (PW 1st timer) straight after work and we walked the route from Upper Pack Horse Lane in Lonan up the tiny windy roads (more like a pony track) to Glen Roy and dropped back down to Laxey - what a beautiful part of the island !
The views looking back as we climbed the hilly roads were breathtaking - there were new lambs jumping about in the sunshine, horses and ponies with their heads up when they heard us talking and spoiling their peace and quiet, a pheasant jumped out of the hedge, cows grazing on the fresh new grass, a beast that looked like a Yak! with long, pointing and menacing horns, cockerels were crowing in the nearby cow field. We heard a peacock calling and there was birdsong over head.
The hedgerows were full of golden gorse, primroses and bluebells abundant, and the may flower peeped through the long grass! I know this sounds more like a wildlife stroll but.... it really was a
very enjoyable walk and it was quite challenging "up hill and down dale " . We walked about 9 miles and plan to do it again on Sunday!
The weather is looking good now and you can see many walkers out training in the early mornings and late evenings.
What ever training you do, be it long distance or short walks just enjoy it, take a look around you and remember how lucky we are to live on this beautiful island.
Have a good weekend all - Angie
The views looking back as we climbed the hilly roads were breathtaking - there were new lambs jumping about in the sunshine, horses and ponies with their heads up when they heard us talking and spoiling their peace and quiet, a pheasant jumped out of the hedge, cows grazing on the fresh new grass, a beast that looked like a Yak! with long, pointing and menacing horns, cockerels were crowing in the nearby cow field. We heard a peacock calling and there was birdsong over head.
The hedgerows were full of golden gorse, primroses and bluebells abundant, and the may flower peeped through the long grass! I know this sounds more like a wildlife stroll but.... it really was a
very enjoyable walk and it was quite challenging "up hill and down dale " . We walked about 9 miles and plan to do it again on Sunday!
The weather is looking good now and you can see many walkers out training in the early mornings and late evenings.
What ever training you do, be it long distance or short walks just enjoy it, take a look around you and remember how lucky we are to live on this beautiful island.
Have a good weekend all - Angie
Sunday, May 2, 2010
All things bright and beautiful..............our countryside
Training has been hit and miss over the last few weeks! I have been keeping up the short walks as they are less time consuming and very enjoyable. However I did take a loooong walk today with my son James, who is competing in the Under 21's race to Peel. Our older son, Rob, remained in his bed - again! Will he even get to Rushen on the day I ask myself!!
We walked from Douglas and followed the Parish Walk route to Rushen Church. It was a beautiful day and although chilly to start, we soon stepped up the pace and stared to really enjoy the challenge. We have now walked the first 32 miles to Peel in 2 parts and thoroughly enjoyed the route, the views and generally the countryside. The daffodils are fading, but the primroses and bluebells are really starting to flourish - and the hedgerows are abundant with them - I also noticed that there are numerous dandelions everywhere - even our back garden! The cattle have been turned out to the fresh spring grass after a long Winter indoors, the little lambs were following the ewe's round the fields. These are all wonderful things you just don't see when driving the car.
Over the next few weeks I need to step up the miles - yeah rather late as usual! but it's never stopped me getting round, so best foot forward and lets all enjoy the Springtime.
Any tips on how to keep your toe nails I really would welcome!
Thanks Angie
We walked from Douglas and followed the Parish Walk route to Rushen Church. It was a beautiful day and although chilly to start, we soon stepped up the pace and stared to really enjoy the challenge. We have now walked the first 32 miles to Peel in 2 parts and thoroughly enjoyed the route, the views and generally the countryside. The daffodils are fading, but the primroses and bluebells are really starting to flourish - and the hedgerows are abundant with them - I also noticed that there are numerous dandelions everywhere - even our back garden! The cattle have been turned out to the fresh spring grass after a long Winter indoors, the little lambs were following the ewe's round the fields. These are all wonderful things you just don't see when driving the car.
Over the next few weeks I need to step up the miles - yeah rather late as usual! but it's never stopped me getting round, so best foot forward and lets all enjoy the Springtime.
Any tips on how to keep your toe nails I really would welcome!
Thanks Angie
Friday, April 2, 2010
......up over the Sloc and down to Peel !
2 weeks ago I encouraged my 2 older sons to attempt the Parish Walk this year - James is 19 and Rob is 21- a little unsure they agreed to let me sign them up ( and pay for them!!) After all the years of supporting me I felt it was time for them to give it a go!
Last Sunday was a beautiful morning and with my son James, his lovely girlfriend Sarah (both new entrants in the Parish this year) and my friend Kim, we all set off from Rushen Church and slogged our way up the Sloc! I thought it would be good for James and Sarah to experience this section before the big PW day.
'The Young Ones' led the way and set the pace for Kim & I. We were sure us ' Not So Young Ones' would out walk them on this 12 mile walk over the hill and down to Dalby - not to be! They stayed ahead and walked in great style, enjoying their first long training walk -
Walking past Niarbyl around midday I sent a text to Rob to let him know what he was missing - but he said he was in the best place after a heavy night out - still under the duvet! That won't get you far Rob!
We all made it to Peel in a good time and deceided we would walk more of the route from Douglas to Ballasalla or even to Rushen next time.
2 weeks ago I walked (crawled ) up the coastal side of Cronk Ny Arrey Laa, in training for Kilimanjaro with the other 14 trekkers led by farmer Paul Costain - this was tough and very steep climbing up from the shore line - even the sheep didn't get to some sections we did! Whilst we didn't experience any 'altitude sickness' it was exhausting!
My training at the gym is going well -visiting twice a week I am feeling fitter than ever and looking forward to a long walk on Easter Monday with friends.
I hope you are having a good weekend and I wish you all a very Happy Easter!
Shame about the weather ! Angie
Last Sunday was a beautiful morning and with my son James, his lovely girlfriend Sarah (both new entrants in the Parish this year) and my friend Kim, we all set off from Rushen Church and slogged our way up the Sloc! I thought it would be good for James and Sarah to experience this section before the big PW day.
'The Young Ones' led the way and set the pace for Kim & I. We were sure us ' Not So Young Ones' would out walk them on this 12 mile walk over the hill and down to Dalby - not to be! They stayed ahead and walked in great style, enjoying their first long training walk -
Walking past Niarbyl around midday I sent a text to Rob to let him know what he was missing - but he said he was in the best place after a heavy night out - still under the duvet! That won't get you far Rob!
We all made it to Peel in a good time and deceided we would walk more of the route from Douglas to Ballasalla or even to Rushen next time.
2 weeks ago I walked (crawled ) up the coastal side of Cronk Ny Arrey Laa, in training for Kilimanjaro with the other 14 trekkers led by farmer Paul Costain - this was tough and very steep climbing up from the shore line - even the sheep didn't get to some sections we did! Whilst we didn't experience any 'altitude sickness' it was exhausting!
My training at the gym is going well -visiting twice a week I am feeling fitter than ever and looking forward to a long walk on Easter Monday with friends.
I hope you are having a good weekend and I wish you all a very Happy Easter!
Shame about the weather ! Angie
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Still alive & kicking!!!
Sorry for the missing blogs! Lots been happening lately, I have been in London for a few days, had a rotten cold ( I think I caught the one that Dudley has had all Winter!) and was in Blackpool last weekend with the family who were competing at a Brass Band Championship contest with great results!
2 weeks ago I started at the Ladies Only - Body & Mind Gym in Douglas, who are very kindly sponsoring me a 6 month membership to get me round the Parish Walk and up that Kilimanjaro mountain in October! So I have a lovely personal trainer called Paula who on my first week said we would just take it easy to get started- and so I was fine-
Last night at the Gym. Paula really put me through my paces! I didn't use any major equipment just stepping, bending, stretching, lifting, kicking etc and boy do I feel it today!! I have muscles where I didn't think I had any! I now need to attend more classes and really strengthen my lower half of my body and increase my stamina.
I am still walking short 2-4 mile walks about three times a week, which isn't enough but it's all time permits at the moment. I have so much charity work going on after my own work there's little time for anything else.
I, like everyone else must be looking forward to the clocks going forward to bring us lighter evenings - I am hoping the Easter weekend will be a fair weather one and getting some extra walking in!
Keep walking and talking !
Angie
2 weeks ago I started at the Ladies Only - Body & Mind Gym in Douglas, who are very kindly sponsoring me a 6 month membership to get me round the Parish Walk and up that Kilimanjaro mountain in October! So I have a lovely personal trainer called Paula who on my first week said we would just take it easy to get started- and so I was fine-
Last night at the Gym. Paula really put me through my paces! I didn't use any major equipment just stepping, bending, stretching, lifting, kicking etc and boy do I feel it today!! I have muscles where I didn't think I had any! I now need to attend more classes and really strengthen my lower half of my body and increase my stamina.
I am still walking short 2-4 mile walks about three times a week, which isn't enough but it's all time permits at the moment. I have so much charity work going on after my own work there's little time for anything else.
I, like everyone else must be looking forward to the clocks going forward to bring us lighter evenings - I am hoping the Easter weekend will be a fair weather one and getting some extra walking in!
Keep walking and talking !
Angie
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
2010 ..........a challenging year
I have been that busy training that I haven't had time to 'blog' ..... well not quite true but I have been full on with work and other commitments so sorry this blog is overdue!
I have been out on the roads quite a bit these last couple of weeks albeit short walks of 3-4 miles - and last Sunday I walked up Snaefell in the rain and mist to try my skills at mountain trekking!! I have to be honest I was not very comfortable doing this . Okay, so I had my Parish Walk trainers on which slipped about on the wet mountain side, my feet were not supported as they should be, and I have decided I need to buy the right footwear for the right job. I did not have the right wet gear either.
So what is this mountain trekking all about you may ask?? Well myself and 13 other Manx residents have signed up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October later this year in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The Kili mountain is the 'roof top of Africa' and a huge challenge for us all. Snaefell is the only 'mountain' I have ever ascended and Kili is 10 times higher than this.
It is a 10 day trek , the trekking isn't the hardest part of the journey it is coping with the high altitude which can leave you suffering great sickness, feeling weak, headaches, breathlessness
( does that sound a bit going round the long stretch to Bride?) Well my Parish Walk training will continue and along with my Kili training I will be expecting to be 'supa fit' !
This weekend I am going to buy my first pair of hiking boots and probably some thick walking socks! I am told the temperatures are very extreme up there - we start off at the bottom of the mountain in tropical temperatures and as we climb to the top it is like being at the North Pole - minus 15 degrees ! I have already bought some non glam thermal underwear (long johns to those of us over 40).
That's all for now, oh if anyone would like to sponsor me ( direct to Breakthrough Breast Cancer ) please visit www.justgiving.com - I would be truly grateful. Thank you -Angie
I have been out on the roads quite a bit these last couple of weeks albeit short walks of 3-4 miles - and last Sunday I walked up Snaefell in the rain and mist to try my skills at mountain trekking!! I have to be honest I was not very comfortable doing this . Okay, so I had my Parish Walk trainers on which slipped about on the wet mountain side, my feet were not supported as they should be, and I have decided I need to buy the right footwear for the right job. I did not have the right wet gear either.
So what is this mountain trekking all about you may ask?? Well myself and 13 other Manx residents have signed up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October later this year in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The Kili mountain is the 'roof top of Africa' and a huge challenge for us all. Snaefell is the only 'mountain' I have ever ascended and Kili is 10 times higher than this.
It is a 10 day trek , the trekking isn't the hardest part of the journey it is coping with the high altitude which can leave you suffering great sickness, feeling weak, headaches, breathlessness
( does that sound a bit going round the long stretch to Bride?) Well my Parish Walk training will continue and along with my Kili training I will be expecting to be 'supa fit' !
This weekend I am going to buy my first pair of hiking boots and probably some thick walking socks! I am told the temperatures are very extreme up there - we start off at the bottom of the mountain in tropical temperatures and as we climb to the top it is like being at the North Pole - minus 15 degrees ! I have already bought some non glam thermal underwear (long johns to those of us over 40).
That's all for now, oh if anyone would like to sponsor me ( direct to Breakthrough Breast Cancer ) please visit www.justgiving.com - I would be truly grateful. Thank you -Angie
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