Monday, August 27, 2007

Where's Sturdy??

Did you miss me???!!!!!

Sorry folks, been without my computer for the past week. Bet you thought I'd got lost somewhere! Chance would be a fine thing!!! Sadly, still haven't been able to get out anywhere exciting to walk. It's strange isn't it how life can change in such simple ways yet they can have such a large impact on different things. Until a little while ago I had no commitments or real reason to keep me at home and so I used to be out there all the time - nothing and no one to stop me - apart from a shortage of cash every now and again! But as the year has moved on and I've met different people and done different things I find that I'm now leading a more balanced, some would say normal life - which is good......but......I want to be out there walking! It seems ages since I've really been out on the hills. The weather this weekend has been great and I've been doing some brilliant things and having a good time but I've not been out on the hills and it feels as though I've missed out. I know that how I've chosen to spend my time is, in the long term, more important, but it would have been nice to have been out somewhere like the Lakes, or the Peaks, or the Downs, or anywhere really. I have just been for a nice walk around Langdon Hills but it's not quite the same now is it!

On a more positive note, I'm obviously having a good affect on some of you, including my best mate Pat down in Somerset. You know, the one I keep dragging into things. She called the other day to tell me that she's about to undertake a 3 day, 35 mile walk with another of my friends. It sounds like a fantastic route and I'm soooo envious of them. Sorry I can't be there with you. They've promised to give me a full account and I'll pass on the highlights to you when they come back. I'm so pleased for them, especially for Pat as this is the sort of thing she would never have dreamed of doing just a short time ago!!! Go for it girls.

Last week I officially became a volunteer walking leader for 'Walking Your Way To Wellness' - a council run scheme to encourage those leading a sedentary lifestyle to take to the great outdoors. Especially those who may feel excluded, such as those with health problems, feel they may be too old or too large or those who don't want to go out on their own. This is something I feel really passionate about as I know the difference walking has made to me, and if I can help others to discover that joy and some of the health benefits I have gained then it's more than made my journey worthwhile.

It's only 3 weeks now until I go to Ben Nevis and I'm really starting to worry that I've let things slip a bit. I have no doubt that I can do it but it's going to be a struggle. Interestingly enough it's probably going to be more of psychological struggle at the moment than a physical one. And then what? Once I've 'been there, done that'? Well, I'm not going to give up walking but at least then perhaps I can feel as though I can relax a little.

So, the ultimate challenge is almost upon me. If you'd like to help support Marie Curie and help encourage poor sturdy as she takes on Ben you can log onto: www.justgiving.com/sturdygirl and make an online pledge. Every penny counts and come on....you know I'll be suffering!!!

All for now.

Sturdy

Posted by Admin @ 10:35 am :: (0) comments

Monday, August 13, 2007

Tell Me Why.....

I don't like Mondays..???!!!

What a great song that was - and so true. I mean, who does - like Monday's that is!
Another quiet weekend I'm afraid with no real walking. I could fib and tell you I've been to the Peaks, the Lakes or the Downs but I'm afraid that would be telling a big fat porky lie and that's one thing I don't do! I guess it's like that for a lot of us walkers - the urge to get out and do it is always there but the practicalities of everyday life often get in the way - ho hum. Still, did get to help demolish a fence and dig some post holes so that was good exercise - and we had a bouncy castle to play on afterwards. It's true what they say, you never are too old to storm a bouncy castle!!! Went for a gentle walk on Sunday around Maldon and Rettendon which was very relaxing.
Gosh, to think in 5 weeks time I would have been to and, hopefully, conquered Ben Nevis. Scary stuff! Just been in the gym pounding away at the cross trainer and really do need to sort out at least one decent walk over the next few weeks. Think I might head back to my trusty Cheddar Gorge, drag Pat out and head for the hills. Sounds like a plan to me - just not sure when!
As I'm nearing my challenge I can look back over the past few months and consider the may things I've learnt, the people I've met and the physical and psychological changes that I've undergone. I've lost around 3 stone or more and am now a size 10/12 (unless trying to squeeze into a wetsuit!), am holding steady at 10st (but hope to lose a bit more) and am more confident on the hills and paths. I've learnt a lot about myself and about others and know that I'm not the same person now as I was in October last year. And all for the better! I really do love my walking and know that when my initial quest is over, a new one will begin. Next week I take some basic training as a walking leader - and then....who knows! I seem to prefer walking in the cooler autumn/winter months as I don't fair too well in extreme heat so guess some winter walking skills will be called for - and then a trip to the Cairngorms. Tomcat and I hope to do a couple of days wild camping over the winter so if anybody has any ideas of where/what/how etc please do let me know.
Not much going on this week other than the usual training. I'm working some extra hours this week so doing 12 hour days means I'm not going to have much energy for anything else - but it's my birthday on Thursday, so I'm sure I'll muster up some energy for a celebration walk - even if it's only to the pub!!!
Thanks for the emails I'm getting, it's really nice to hear your stories and if my little challenge can help inspire others or make a few people laugh then that's great as that was my hope!
I'll let you know when I've got my next proper walk planned and if you're in the area, maybe you could come along and join me!
Right - back to 'The Fellwalker' - it's just getting to the really interesting part. Mind you it does start to make you wonder about these national park types that want to take you walking in high places....Neil!!!! (just kidding). Good book to pass the time but don't read it alone on the hills.......
All for now.
Sturdy.

Posted by Admin @ 6:17 am :: (0) comments

Friday, August 10, 2007

Kinder Surprise...!!!

And the surprise is.......I'm not going :-(

Just a little disappointed. Er - understatement of the year! Sadly, family matters have intervened and Tomcat and I are unable to make our great escape to the Peaks this weekend and, to be honest, I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do. Last weekend I managed to get out for a nice country stroll but nothing like the kind of distance or terrain I need to be doing at the moment. I also spent a lot of time mucking around under and on water - and as it was so hot, that probably wasn't a bad thing.

But it's only 5 weeks until I go to Ben Nevis and I'm starting to worry - just a little. Really must try and get some decent walking in but it can be hard sometimes, can't it; finding the balance between spending time with loved ones/family and dealing with the grind of daily life and getting out on the hills. I may be able to get out along my 'usual' route this weekend but if I'm honest, I'm also not that keen on doing it alone - but hey, needs must. Think I've become spoilt recently with having company - I've lost my solitary ways - but that's probably a good thing :-)

On a positive note, I've been invited to become a walking leader for the local council (see earlier blogs) and will be taking my training soon. Once completed I'll be able to lead short walking sessions for the elderly and those with medical conditions such as heart problems, arthritis, pain management etc. It's not exactly hard core mountaineering but it's a vital service, makes people happy and gets them out of doors. And I'll get a nice fleece and rucksack as well!!!! My mum is going to be my back up leader and will be taking the training as well - should be interesting!

So, for now it's keeping on at the gym, taking the stairs whenever and wherever I can and trying to arrange some proper walking before I reach the ultimate challenge of my quest on September 15th.

If anybody has any tips about tackle The Ben please do let me know - I'm going to need all the encouragement I can get!!!!

All for now.

Sturdy

Posted by Admin @ 1:29 am :: (0) comments

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Over The Hills And Far Away.......

Er...actually...no......was at home this weekend.....

But oh how I long to be on those hills. It's torture at the moment, having to learn to balance home life and the urge to be free and wild on the rugged summits. But at least I managed to get in some new experiences in July - the highlight of which had to be walking Striding Edge. I say walking...it was more like crawling, floundering, balancing etc, but it was good. Apparently, despite my earlier protestations, it looks like I may be persuaded to go up Sharp Edge after all...we'll see!!!!

It suddenly dawned on me that it's only about 6 weeks until I go to Ben Nevis - the ultimate challenge in my quest to become a Hill walker. The past 9 months have been amazing. I've been to some great places, met some wonderful people, developed good skills - especially navigation and lost loads of weight. I feel fitter, generally happier(yes mum....really!!!) and love being out on the hills. I've also matured emotionally and am learning to balance my hobby/passion with everyday life which, for me, is quite difficult. Maybe because I've spent too much time on my own or maybe because I just can't believe there are others out there to share it with. And do you know, that's probably the biggest realisation I've made recently....yes, I can go walking on my own, I can look after myself, be aware and safe and I can be miss independent sturdy girl...but you know what. I don't really want to be. I'll go on my own if I have to, don't get me wrong, but I've finally realised that I want company - good friends and conversation, quite times and after thoughts - to be shared with others. And that is really hard for me to admit. But there it is. When I was in Somerset I used to walk with a small group of friends and we called ourselves the Amblers. We covered the distances but took our time and enjoyed the scenery, the history and the atmosphere of the places we walked in. So 'The Amblers' is about to be re-born - watch this space for more over the coming months.

I'm glad to know that I have some regular readers out there and that in my own small way I seem to have given you the inspiration to get out amongst the hills. I love hearing your stories and they help to keep me motivated as well so please keep on emailing. Carla, let me know how your training is going - I'd love to know. I've even managed to inspire my good friend Pat it seems. I had an email this week telling me about an amazing walk she did around Cheddar Gorge - twice in the same day. Now that's something she wouldn't have done on her own a little while ago so good on on you Pat. Look forward to walking the route with you next time I'm down your way - which I hope will be soon.

I'm still hoping to go to the Peak District next weekend so should get some good walking in then. In the meantime, I'm slogging away in the gym, enjoying gentle evening walks with the dog and generally trying to enjoy life and our feeble summer.

This coming weekend I'm going to be playing around underwater again but hope to get out for a nice walk locally on Sunday - certainly hope so, starting to get a bit stir-crazy with not being out walking!!!!!

Am also passing the time away by reading 'The Fell Walker' by Michael Wood - interesting read and kinda making me want to make a trip to Keswick - then again, maybe not......!!!!!

All for now.

Sturdy

Posted by Admin @ 8:21 am :: (0) comments