Still on the run!

Still on the run…

I actually made it. I did run the whole programme of Couch to 5K https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/43501261. Graduated and everything. Running was going to be my new thing to stop me from becoming a blob. But then a holiday got in the way. Yes, that meant not even one run for over two weeks. There was a lot of walking and healthy eating too but no runs. So I should have been right back into it but I hadn’t reckoned on the battering that jet-lag would give me. Many times I was wide awake at 3am and then solid-gone at 8am, couldn’t seem to get back into the circadian rhythm.

Up and running

The jet-lag faded eventually and I made it, up and out at 8am but it was so hard! My legs felt heavy, it was like running through treacle. I managed two runs before I was knocked back again. This time it was the ‘mother and father’ of all head-colds. It robbed me of a week of my life – and running!

Take a step back

Back with the programme again. The run this morning provided me with a moment of clarity. It came to me in a flash. Just start again. Well, not quite at the beginning but right back to week 5 of ‘Couch to 5K’. A major step backwards but it makes perfect sense! Take the pressure off, build it back up again.

Draw up a plan

However, it’s important that I stay focused as it is the local ‘Pilgrim Fun Run’ in six weeks. I rashly suggested to my daughter and daughter-in-law that we all do it together, we might even enlist the grandchildren. There are approximately 50 days to the ‘run’ – it is possible that there could be at least 20 training runs between now and then. This is a positive event to work towards. Although I do have more holidays that ‘might’ get in the way. I must try to incorporate some training into those periods too.

Trainers on — Memories of the first run – three months ago

The Pilgrim Fun Run

The Pilgrim Fun Run takes place in Retford, North Notts https://www.innorthnotts.co.uk/events-this-week/icalrepeat.detail/2018/11/25/79061/-/the-pilgrim-fun-run-2018-in-retford

The Pilgrim Fathers originated from this area and left for America almost 400 years ago. There will be an almighty celebration of that event around these parts in 2020 https://pilgrimroots.org/

12 August 2018

The Book Club

A new book shop opened in town just before Christmas last year ‘The Barrister’s Bookchamber’ https://barristersbookchamber.com/ This shop has a very interesting, unique and Dickensian style. It sells all kinds of books: antique, vintage, used, old, secondhand, paperbacks, hardbacks, fact and fiction in fact you name it and they probably have a copy of it… yes, even ‘Fly Fishing’ by J R Hartley.

The shop is Angela Rowntree’s baby, a barrister herself, who wanted to recreate the feel of a genuine Victorian barrister’s chamber just like her own used to be.

The opening of the new establishment was a Dickensian affair too with Ebenezer Scrooge ‘greeting’ the constant stream of intrigued townsfolk. All books very reasonably priced so a purchase had to be made. I knew my son would love the very old and battered copy of ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Ebenezer Scrooge at the opening of the original book shop

The look of the shop has been very thoughtfully put together and the atmosphere is cosy, warm and inviting – particularly as it has a tea room which sells the most amazing cakes. The urge to sit a while to stay and read is irresistible.

A search on Facebook found their page and very quickly the Bookchamber was posting about writing and poetry workshops, children’s book-themed parties, as well as guest author events and eventually the announcement that the Barrister’s Bookchamber was to start its own Book Club. First meeting to be held early in the New Year. Was I interested? Yes, I was.

An all-female group (although a man has subsequently joined us) turned up from diverse backgrounds and with varied tastes in literature. Introductions over, the first book was chosen ‘The Collector’ by John Fowles. I think it would be safe to say that the following month, the group was fairly evenly split on their appraisal of the book, it was a bit – Marmite! We have just had our August meeting to discuss ‘1984’ by George Orwell – it turned into a lively, political debate with some incredible insights and comparisons. In between we have read Oscar Wilde, Gail Honeyman, Clare Douglas, Fiona Barton and Marian Keyes – an eclectic selection. I think the only book we have unanimously enjoyed together is ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman, which seems to be every book club’s read of the moment.

It was as we discussed the latter that I came clean and confessed that I had not actually read the book but that I had listened to it on ‘Audible’ https://www.audible.co.uk/ Audible is a guilty pleasure of mine, it means I can ‘get lost’ without having to sit down or go to bed! I can walk for miles, do the ironing, clean the bathroom, cook, bake – enjoy two pleasures at the same time! I had expected hands to be thrown up in horror but they weren’t, in fact it was no big deal. Don’t misunderstand me, I do love ‘actual books’ and I do read ‘actual books’ but ever since childhood, I have loved being read to and enjoy just… listening.

The Book Club has introduced me to new people, new books, new views and even new friends… and a shop full of amazing books, which I can either listen to or read.

9 August 201826 August 2018

All is safely gathered in. (Winter is coming!)

Update: Harvesting in the dark

On the way home from a night out – the farmers are still harvesting.

The hubster and I went out for out for a wander yesterday afternoon. We could hear the distant hum of the combine harvester.

You may have seen a couple of images on Twitter @SavourtheMomen1 and Instagram @Sharon28.sr. Here they are again:

Townies!

We are relatively new to this area. It is still an absolute delight and a wonder to see the continual change in the fields around us. This incredible summer has provided the most amazing fields of gold. Our neighbours might well take this for granted as they have always lived in this environment – but they are far more in tune with the change in the seasons than we are.

Harvest dust gets everywhere

Our bird’s eye view was from the nearby canal towpath. Several vehicles: combines, grain collectors and even bigger grain collectors, followed by bailers, all work together like partners in a dance. The huge expanse of barley (yes I can recognise it now) was ‘done’ in little under an hour. Great clouds of light-brown dust billowed up and made its way across the canal. It left its tell-tale film on the water, to be absorbed overnight to sink to the bottom. We took shelter behind a hawthorn hedge. Even so everything, yes everything, inside and outside the house… and the car, has a light covering of beige dust. I suppose it goes with the territory!

A different way of life

The machine operators certainly know what they’re doing and understand the crops, the land and the weather. At this time of year and in this area, there is no such thing as an eight-hour working day. The headlights of the vehicles in the fields can be seen as they work into the night. At a guess I would say it is probably three solid weeks of working 18/20 hour days. I could be wrong, it might be more.

Then comes the tractor. They pull huge trailers of hay stacked so high they barely make it under the bridges. They shower the roads and paths with yellow confetti.

The harvest is almost finished now and the moon will soon shine on the freshly harvested fields to turn the gold into silver.

It will always continue to fascinate. It really is a spectacle to see. I recommend that you take the time to go and look for yourself, before it is too late.

Hats off to the farmers.

12 July 201824 January 2019

A Walk with Alpacas

A very unique gift

I received a very unique gift-experience for my birthday, from a very thoughtful friend. A walk with alpacas. I took this opportunity to take two of my grandchildren to share the experience, to Treswell, Nottinghamshire, England.

A passion for alpacas

A husband and wife team, with a passion for alpacas, look after a small-holding ‘OrionTree’ https://oriontree.uk/ They are specialist breeders and keep their herd small. Anyone who wishes to try one of their experiences is guanteed a hands-on encounter with a difference.

Chalk and cheese

Eight year old Evie and five year old Jack couldn’t wait to meet the alpacas. Jack loves all kinds of animals and was eager to get stuck in. Evie, on the other hand, is a little more reserved and preferred to ‘just help Grandma’.

An image of one of the alpacas ready for his walk — One of the alpacas ready for his walk

A calm and gentle nature

Alpacas are beautiful, friendly creatures with a very calm and gentle nature. They make exceptionally easy walking companions and the team at Oriontree can adapt the walk to suit but they generally stick to a routine.

Jack with James the alpaca — Confidently walking with my alpaca

Hello boys

After a short introduction the machos (alpaca boys) are brought out. We were each paired with our alpaca and off we went. Both children were entranced with their partners from the beginning and it wasn’t long before Grandma’s help was no longer needed.

A confident little girl leading her alpaca — I can do this

Snack break

A short break at the half-way point provided the opportunity for Jack to ask all his questions. He needed to know about the alpacas’ teeth and the difference between alpacas and llamas and countless other things. All questions were patiently and knowledgeably answered by our hostess. Meanwhile ‘the boys’ chomped their way through a box full of snacks, fed to them by the Evie and Jack.

An absolute delight

It was a very unique experience. We all learnt a lot and it was a pleasure to be in the company of such beautiful creatures, especially in the lovely, North Nottinghamshire countryside. https://www.innorthnotts.co.uk/

A walk with alpacas in the wonderful Nottinghamshire countryside?

I would highly recommend.

24 June 20181 February 2019

Why is Nordic Walking so Good for You?

An image Nordic Walkers wrapped up in winter gear, heading out for a walk

Find out why Nordic Walking is so good for you!

I read an article about British Nordic Walking https://britishnordicwalking.org.uk/ It was exactly the inspiration I needed to hunt out my poles and reintroduce myself to the joys of this unique form of exercise.

There is a group somewhere near you

A group meets at Clumber Park not far from where I live https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park every Friday morning. An induction period is available for newcomers and poles can be hired for just £1, prior to the main event which is £5. Fully-qualified British Nordic Walking instructors lead the group.

Nordic Walking poles with spikes tucked away and the hand loops can be clearly seen here with their velcro straps

So what is Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking uses specially designed poles to enhance the walking experience. Using a technique that is similar to the upper body action of classic, cross-country skiing, Nordic Walking becomes a genuine, whole-body exercise that can be enjoyed at many levels, from walking for health to athletic Nordic running!

An image of a group of cheerful, Nordic Walkers taking a break — An opportunity to make new friends

What are the benefits of Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking combines the simplicity and accessibility of walking with simultaneous core and upper body conditioning, similar to Nordic skiing. The result is a full-body workout, which means:

•46% more calories burned, compared to walking without poles

•less tension in the neck and shoulders

•posture and gait is improved

•back and abdominal muscles are strengthened

•the impact on joints is reduced

And most importantly…

… because Nordic Walking doesn’t feel like hard work you’ll be happy to walk further and for longer.

A view across the lake at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, England — Clumber Park, a picturesque and tranquil place to practice Nordic walking

Clumber Park, National Trust, Nottinghamshire England

Woodland walks at Clumber Park, National Trust, North Nottinghamshire, England

Finish with a stretch

A fifty minute walk through the woods later and we were back to where we started for a ‘stretch’.

A view of Clumber Park, chapel from acrosss the lake

It’s not all about the exercise

But it’s not all about the exercise, there’s the fresh air too and who doesn’t love trees? And it’s also an opportunity to meet like-minded people. What more could you want?

The picturesque lake at Clumber Park, North Nottinghamshire, England

You never know, it might be just what you are looking for

Find a session nearby to discover just how good Nordic Walking is for you.