The Forces March 2014.

Another year has passed and I have returned from my annual 'Busman's Holiday.'

This year, however, was a little different because Rob and I decided to take some first-timer marathon walkers and runners with us. The 3 days in the middle were to be a bit more steady for us leaving us days 1 and 5 only on our own.

So, Tuesday 21st of May, I packed up Jessy (my van) and Robin and I drove up to Ilfracombe to camp the night at the Larkstone cafe.

We were greeted there by some of the Forces Marchers of the past, including another Debbie who I hadn't met before. We had some Cider and giggles, quite a deep chat with Graham and then Rob turned up, a little wibbly it has to be said! We were all in the zone and ready to get some sleep before heading off on Ultra-Marathon #1 in the morning.

The Start.

We packed away the tents, loaded up the van and headed off down to the start of the March, right by the theatre in Ilfracombe. Danny was there welcoming us all to the start and gradually more and more people turned up that I hadn't seen for a year. I was back with my Forces March family again!

There were also a lot of people I hadn't met before, a lot of new marchers, which is great news for the charity.
The Mayor arrived along with the superb Town Cryer waving his big bell around. We lined up at the start and we were off, cheered on by half the town and the local school children waving us on our merry way.

Day one was just Rob and I, but we also knew that we had another 4 to go, so we set off at a nice steady pace, out towards Coombe Martin and then on to what seemed like an endless hill out the other side.
Both Rob and I commented that we hadn't remembered that hill in past years, even though Rob has done it 5 times now too. I think you tend to remember days 4 and mostly 5 and erase the pain of day 1 until you do it again. Next year, we will remember!

Robin as our support driver was spot on, always where we wanted him to be with a smile too, letting us know how we were doing for time, although I don't think Rob and I cared about that. It's just about getting through it on the FM, as Danny always says....'It's not a race'

We ran through to Simonsbath, another hill gave us a good bum workout and then it was the section of endless beach hedges.
Rob and I spoke of this and I said that we had to think of a way to get through this bit, mentally ignore the boring landscape and endless 'same 'ol' hedges. Then we came across the Alphabet Game!
Bands beginning with A, B, C and so on...
Artists with the surname A, B, C and then first name, then cars, the game worked, suddenly we were at the turn off towards Westermill Farm and the finish. The alphabet game was a saviour and one I shall remember on Saturday when I take on the Dartmoor Discovery Ultra.

We ran and skipped back to the finish and I hopped straight into the paddling pool with a hot cup of tea. This was the one and only time I saw the physio's on this march, a record for me!
Just a bit of glute pain, Emily got in there and sorted it out for me, along with a little rolling on a ball for a bit.

Then Hannah turned up.....

Here she is above all smiley and happy to be there with us, in fact I don't think Hannah stopped smiling at all, even in the hail and on the hills she just kept going and smiling all the way.

We had a nice chilled evening, chicken and pasta, some wine and Rob tucked into the Pop Chips!

Then off to bed we all went ready for an early breakfast and a warm up into Day 2.

Day 2.

After breakfast we had the briefing, followed by a 2 minute silence again for Lee Rigby. There were a few of us with teary eyes that morning, particularly as Danny read out a letter from someone who had been helped by The Veterans Charity. But it's a boost to know why the event is so good, raising valuable money to help Veterans.

We got vaselined and camelbacked up and we were ready to go......walking for once!
It was a struggle to not run at the start, but Hannah as a walker went off at an epic pace anyway, faster than some people can run to be honest. The plan was to walk all but the downs, they, in the wise words of 'Downhill running lady Rita' were not to be wasted and luckily there are a lot of downs on day 2.
There is also a Steam Railway at the end of day 2 and the last train in at 5.15pm, so Hannah knew the pressure, I had to see that train!

Here we are above with Hannah, all suitably hi-viz'd up for the road.

Like Day 1 there were a few sections that both Rob and I didn't remember, but when we got to Ralegh Cross I knew just what we had to do, or at least I thought so, but we did have a slight addition to the route this time taking us round some lovely pretty little lanes and then back on to the main road, where I had to stop for a wee in a field.

Hannah was amazing, she just kept pushing through even when it was raining, then hailing on us, we kept a great pace and we got into the Station at around 4.15pm that day. A great effort taking about 6.5 hours to do the Ultra. Massive round of applause to Hannah please?

Stayed for one train at 4.30pm whilst having a cuppa and some of that epic bread pudding, then, with very stiff legs, we carried on the last mile to the finish point at the new and very snazzy campsite up the road.
Sent Hannah off the the physios and Robin took me back down the station to see the last train in. He had already got the tents up and set up camp for us, what a star!

As we came into the station earlier, Sarah had let me carry the emblem in, I felt so proud to be carrying it in to there and to such a welcome.
The staff at Crowcombe Heathfield Station are so lovely, and they remembered me and my love of steam trains. I also got to go on the footplate when I was there, big smiles for me!

As we waited for the last train to come in, complete with another cuppa and another piece of bread pudding I was given a present by Danny, a little plastic windup steam train and track! Awesome, couldn't wait to get it set up and going back at the campsite. I also had a fridge magnet from the station, one happy girly always at the end of day 2.

Back to camp we went, showered and ate some more chicken and pasta and then Hannah left us, with a promise to see us at the finish on Sunday.

So we had a lovely little gathering outside, Lorraine and Sarah joined us and then Rachael turned up to join the happy family.

This is Sarah being really Rock 'n' Roll with her cider and crocheting!

Then, the rain started and we decided to go into the Games Room just behind where we had camped. We all piled in with our chairs and boxes of wine and settled in for a good giggle, lots of naughty stories and great fun.

Day 3.

Woke up day 3 dry, the new tent was up and Rachael and I shared it rather than using the popup tents. We would have got wet, like night 2 when I got soaked. That was mainly because I left the door open so it rained straight on to me. Lesson learnt.

Rachael was cold, seemed nothing could warm her up, I think it was a touch of nerves and excitement and the unknown, she only started running with me 3 months prior to the event, but I know she could do it, her, Hannah and Donna have it mentally in them to do challenges like this. Really strong women.

We all formed a line and walked down to the start point at the bottom of Crowcombe Hill and as the past 2 years, the school kids came out and sang some slightly dodgy songs before we set off.
Rachael warmed up at this point, can't work out why!

Then, we were off, up Crowcombe hell, erm... I mean hill. Either word works though, it's a bit of a meany!
Rob decided that he wanted to beat his record and so would meet us at the top, although we weren't that far behind, thanks to the buttocks of another Forces Marcher! It was inspirational to follow, before we eventually took over and then we were there at the top. The main hill of the day right at the start, a good way to do things I think, particularly on a day of 30 miles.

Then we started making our way down and down, through villages and then eventually hitting Bridgewater.
Inappropriate timing for us though, because as we got the Town Hall loads of people were applauding, cheering, we thought that they had been laid on for us, sadly this was not the case, and even more sad was that it was a funeral for a local woman, the whole town had come out for it.
Casually we slipped in to the hall for some snacks before moving on to the Somerset levels and more wind and rain.

Rachael was outstanding, with 8 miles to go I know she was in a lot of pain, mentally and physically exhausted, but we kept her going, she knew it would be tough and kept on and on like the tiny trooper she is.
Then, we were there in Langport, running through the finish in town in just 5.5 hours! Amazing work, I'm still gobsmacked, and up to a month ago Rachael was swearing that she wasn't a runner! Have that Rachael, you know you are now, and a damn good one at that.

Back for a cold shower, for some reason they worked for everyone but me! 2 nights running too. Then the most epic meal ever on a Forces March turned up - The Hog Roast!

There was a bun, a fairly decent sized bun, then more meat than I could eat in a week inside the bun, plus apple sauce and stuffing, then the most amazing cracking I've ever tasted. It was amazing and so needed. Lee and Rob went for seconds, and as much as I would have loved to, I knew it would have been a bad mistake.
Then we went off to the pub for a cheeky couple of pints, fololwed by more wine at the campsite finishing with a slightly wibbly woo Rachael, well, she deserved it after her amazing day of running.

Day 4.

Donna arrived at the campsite during breakfast with Ashley looking fit and ready to go. Her hayfever has recently been causing her grief but she looked okay and didn't even look nervous. As I have said before, I know mentally as well as physically Donna has it in her to do well, she puts everything into her training and it's not until she's nearly sick that I know I've pushed her too far because she just doesn't complain!

So we set off, Robin and Ashley meeting us every 4 miles on route. This plan worked well for both Hannah and Rachael, knowing they had completed another 4 and seeing Jessy in the distance. Those little mind games are all so important on an endurance event.

We set out nice and strong, through Somerton we made a point of saying good morning to everyone, well, Rob did anyway and then out onto the open country lanes and a bit of an epic long hill.

Donna as usual kept on going with a smile, knocking off the miles bit by bit.
Day 4 is usually the day that I become incapacitated, but not this year, the reason I think is the awful camber on day 4, it's mental, as are the hills, which Donna took on like they were nothing.
We stopped by at Wyke Farms for some cheese, got attacked by a bunch of cyclists and made our way out of Bruton to the home stretch.

Like Rachael, the last 8 miles for Donna were tough, but at no point was I going to let her stop, we cracked on through playing the alphabet game as needed, and as we neared the end, the RMP guys were hot on our heels.
Now around this point 2 years ago, even in the pain I was in, we decided to have a sprint finish so that the Rifles team didn't get in before us, and this year seemed to be the same.
Rob and I knew the route, so we knew after the last incline it was straight down the hill to the finish, so we paced on, Donna found some fresh legs and feet and off we went ensuring a great emotional finish into the campsite.

Amazing work from Donna on a very difficult, wet, cold day. Not sure whether it's hit her yet or not! What a legend.

Both Donna and Rachael have since discussed that their PT sessions will never be the same again now I know what they are capable of! Poor girls!

A very tired Donna made her way back home with Ashley before we all hit the pub, and the curry!

This photo was taken by Danny, just after we had finished day 4, I think it completely says it all, that's Donna there with me, Rachael was there too, the pride I have in those 3 girls, well, it just brings tears to my eyes I am so happy with what they all achieved.

Night 4 this year was a little more reserved than usual, had a few cheeky vinos, but I was cold right through to the core, I had a little dance to the band and an early night ahead of the last day, just Rob and I out on the open road, and my favourite run of the lot, across Salisbury plains.

Day 5.

The sun was out, Robin had camped us at the top of the field and as we went to the bottom for breakfast we realised why, there was no wind up the top! So I took my breakfast back up there and enjoyed it in the sunshine.
The usual Day 5 briefing and group photo int he field, birthday wishes to huggy and we were ready to go.

We were like dogs let off the leads for the first time, Wwooooooooof! Off we went running down the lanes averaging 6 miles an hour, we know this because every 6 miles we saw Robin and for the first 3 we were on target. We slowed down in the last section because the hills became more insane, Rob had a bit of leg pain but we kept on going and going and going........

I still love day 5 and doing it with seemingly fresh feeling legs we went for a sprint finish! It was great! So all 5 days complete, no time to get sad yet, there was Champers to be drunk, awards to be presented and a BBQ. Happy Days.

Some worthy award recipients as usual, one of them being the lovely Rob, well deserved. Then lots of people left us, just a very few of us to enjoy the delights of the champagne and some giggly times, most memorable moments of the last night include...
Singing Star Trekking at ridiculous o'clock
The Shadows coming from Rocky and Lew's tent when Huggy was in there, I cannot describe it, you had to be there, but it was one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time.
The Streak - yes indeed, we brought it back for night 5 this year, along with 2 first time streakers, Danny Richards (champion Moooo-er) and Duncan one of the University RAF cadets. It was a cheeky little jaunt around the campsite a nice way to finish the march.

As usual, we had the following morning's goodbyes. I never like this bit, Rachael was with me going home but still we were teary. Going from such a high and then having to leave everyone again really gets to me. I'm still on a bit of a low now, but coming home to see everyone's photos appearing on facebook always gives you a lift.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make my holiday special again, you are all truly wonderful and inspirational people, the best kind of person.

See you all next year, with another team of novice Funkanovas!

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! (had to, sorry!)

Paddy's send-off!

Only a short blog today, just to describe to you what happened on Sunday when we sent Paddy off to join his many other dog friends in the ether.

You can read all about Paddy in the other blog, then you will know why he had to have a special send off.

I waited until Mum's next visit before we did it and arranged that he would be scattered into the River Dart just below the Weir by the little beachy bit. He loved that place, he would run off into the water at the ducks and swans and stand there, tongue looking madly back at me waiting for me to throw something into the water.
He never got out of his depth, a little like me, but always loved to cool down in the river.

I have no photos in this blog, none were taken, just a visual memory from those who were there, and a written one for those of you who weren't. After all, you wouldn't take photos at a persons funeral would you?

I have really grieved for Paddy, as have the other two dogs, they have been visibly depressed, I got so run down I made myself ill again. All three of us have been a mess. Lulu, however hasn't appeared to be missing him, but, she is a cat! The send off was needed so we can all make a fresh start and look forward, taking in some of Paddy's positive attributes on the way.

I packed up my rucksack, two bottles of bubbly, some pretty plastic drinking vessels, towel and Paddy's ashes. Mum had some flowers that we would throw in the river after he was scattered. Then I leaded up  Murphy and Finnegan and we made our way over the sportsfield to the Weir and along to the beach.

We stood there in the sunshine for a few moments, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine on our faces. The wind was still a little chilly, but nothing abnormal for March, but the sun was gorgeous and perfect weather for the send-off.
I looked over to my right and saw Rob coming down the path. Rob and Kathy from The Bayhorse pub are amazing, always there to support, and always look out for me. Then a few seconds later Christine, my neighbour turned up with a little bouquet of flowers.

At this point, two swans came gracefully round the corner, I had invited them and their appearance pleased me. It was time to send him off.

I took off my trainers and socks, I had 3/4 length trousers on, prepared for the river, I took Christine's bouquet and put it in my hoodie pocket to carry out. I took the plastic bag of Paddy out of the scatter pouch and set off into the river.
Murphy and Finnegan were in there playing with another dog, the owner was throwing stones in to the river for them to chase.
I then tried to open the plastic bag that Paddy was in, the knot was tight and I struggled, now, I kept a brave face, but honestly the river was so cold I could already feel my feet getting numb, but I smiled and carried on until finally the bag was open.

I called the boys over and gently emptied the ashes into the river in front of me. The wind caught them slightly and then I turned round and a swan was right next to me, it must have thought I had food, it was too close for comfort, I backed off scattering the rest of the ashes, threw in the flowers and made my way back to dry land.
It could have been a recipe for disaster, Mum had also started throwing her flowers in, which Finn and Murph thought was for them, so they leapt towards the swan to collect the flower heads and return them to Mum. Finn decided they were too tasty and started to eat them.
We completely forgot that they would retrieve anything we threw in, it was hilarious!

The swans stayed close by, I like to think as a mark of respect, I opened the bottle of Moet and we toasted to Paddy, sipping the bubbles in the sunshine as his ashes settled into the river.

We could see where they had settled on the river bed, one of the swans went over to the area and started to nibble at the ashes, it continued to nibble and we had to laugh, Paddy was entering his nemesis! What a finish! Paddy had the last laugh, we could only hope that he gave the swan indigestion.

We had some time of contemplation, some happy stories and laughed at the other two leaping about in the river. Christine left us, then I dried off the dogs a bit, put on my shoes and Rob invited us back to the pub for the wake. We hadn't planned anything and so agreed, taking the dogs with us.

The send off couldn't have gone any better, it had all those little elements of Paddy that I adored so much, friendship, companionship, caring, sunny, funny, stupid, and to top it all, as he was scattered his little duck friends came by with a large amount of quacking, as if to say, bye bye Paddy, we did have fun whilst you were alive.

Now he can rest in peace. Goodbye Paddy, legend of the dog world, and ours. xxx

The tale of Paddypants the kindest dog in the world.......

 The story of Paddy starts not long after moving to Devon. I moved in the August of 2004 and by the February 2005 I had decided to go and look in the rescue kennels for a third dog. I already had Blue and General, but Blue was getting quite old and struggling with his hip after his road accident.
I found the name of a rescue kennels just outside of Plymouth, 'Gables Farm' and spent a Saturday afternoon looking round all the dogs.

 One particular dog caught my attention, he was pacing round and round and would occasionally jump up at the fence, then pace round and round again.
He had a happy smiley face like a clown and was excitable as soon as I approached the kennel.
He continued to smile at me as he paced around and I read his information.
He was called 'Paddy' had been there a while after living in a small flat in Plymouth. They didn't realise how big he would get, a collie x lurcher.

 I had a look around at the other dogs but I kept looking over at Paddy as he continued to pace, he didn't want to be there, he looked anxious and desperate for a good run.
I went and asked to take him for a walk and was met with worried glances. It appeared that Paddy was not great on the lead and pulled a great deal.

So, he was leaded up and I was pulled around the enclosure at a great pace, my arm slowly leaving my shoulder the longer we were out, but there were a few quiet moments, where I made him sit and have a cuddle.

 I decided then that he needed to meet Blue and General and a day later I took them down to meet him.
They were let out together in a small enclosure and appeared to just ignore each other! I guess that was better than a full on dog fight, but to be honest, all my dogs have always got on with other dogs so it was all good.

A week later I made the journey to Gables Farm with Blue and Gen in the car too. I have a Toyota Rav 4 at the time so plenty of room for all 3 of them in the back.
As I got there I was told, very apologetically that they had not had time to bath him for me, but if I wanted to wait they could do it within the hour. I declined and said that I could do it when I got him home. He did though smell like a kennel and even the other two looked at him in disgust as I packed him into the back of the car with them.

I made my way towards home with a slight detour to South Milton Sands. It was just down the road from where I lived and it's still one of my favourite beaches.
Blue and Gen ran off lead and I kept Paddy on a strong lead and walked him down to the sea to try and get a little of the smell off him.
After an hour we headed back up home.

 The first thing I did was to bath Paddy, he was not at all impressed, jumped out the bath covered in foam, ran around the kitchen and pee'd and poo'd on the floor! That was the last time he did that, he didn't like getting told off.
I got him back in the bath, rinsed and dried him, gave him a big cuddle then gave them all their tea.
I was exhausted! I put on the tv and laid out on one of the sofas, drifting slowly off to sleep.

I awoke about an hour later and was aware of a weight on me, I looked over my shoulder to find Paddy spooning me! He had crept up onto the sofa, laid down behind me and was cuddling me with his big Paddy long legs. As I looked at him he gave me a look, like, 'what? I thought you needed a hug'
I've never forgotten that moment, it wasn't that Paddy needed the love after months in kennels, but he felt like giving me some love back. He's always been a cuddler ever since.

Amongst our friends there were a few who couldn't quite deal with Paddy's excitable nature. Paddy was a force to be sure, jumping up on people's laps, running around in circles, just being a hyperactive hound, but because of his size he was very evident!
Steve, was not Paddy's fan, let's hope he would have liked him as he matured, not that Paddy really did mature in his time with me. Even to his last day I swear he still thought he was 2 years old.

About a month after bringing Paddy home I moved out to the farm at Hutcherleigh. Plenty of space for the dogs to run around, but Paddy was a little awkward, he was scared of cows and loved to chase the little birds as they flew from the barn outside and back in again.

Then, there was the chicken incident, he got in to were the free rangers were and bit the bum feathers off one of them, wounding it and making it fly off.
I spent an hour chasing through the field and hedges trying to find the chicken, it lived for a little longer but the others started pecking at it's bum so it had to go.
I knew then that the relationship between Paddy and birds was going to be an interesting one.

We had a good summer at the farm, lots of fun was had, Paddy helped to plant the whips with me and chased the wheels on the land rover, he also got to play with the Raleigh grounds Team who had great fun at break times kicking a football about for the dogs.

 Then September came and I bought my little pixie house in Totnes. Not far from the river, the park and school fields close by, great places for the dogs to exercise, so it didn't really matter how small the house was.

Blue was on his last legs by the time we moved, and like last Saturday I called the vet to the house as I couldn't bear to take him in to the vets, it was too much.
Timmy was with me and helped to carry Blue out to the vet's car. It was heart breaking. Paddy though, un-phased kept me smiling with his funny little clown face. It was just General and Blue now.

And the bird saga continued.....
Swifts in the roof.
Little birds nesting in the eaves.
Ducks on the river......and finally, Paddy's Nemesis - Swans!!!

I lost count as to how many times Paddy tried his luck with those swans and I occasionally feared for his life as a wing swung close by his neck, but still he persisted.
Paddy was no swimmer, he would go into the water and loved it, but would never go out of his depth, a little like me really, but he did love it, especially to cool down in the summer, he also liked to do that in large muddy puddles!
Time moved on, Timmy moved on, and out and to fill the void I got a puppy, little Murphy, soon to be Paddy's best friend.

As much as Matthew was an arse, he did an amazing job at training little Murph, and he was soon to show up Paddy, but Paddy was Paddy, never to be changed.

Then, General started on the slippery slope of ill health and the decision was made, I took him down to the vets and stayed with him whilst he drifted off into doggy heaven. I was so upset, I left the vets, threw Paddy and Murphy into the car and drove to Haytor for a very windy and dark walk across the moor. Nothing prepares you for the passing of a beloved pet, and it doesn't matter how many times you do it, it never gets any better.
Paddy kept things happy with his beloved clown face and silly antics.

We would go off at the weekend around Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge for lovely long walks, the boys loved it and every opportunity to go somewhere new, we did it. Those dogs got a lot of adventures.

Then, Matthew went (thankfully) and I started to go on a lot more road trips and adventures myself! The start was going to see my cousin John in Gweek, Cornwall.
We went off in my mini down there and met him at his boat, where he lives. This was a new thing for both dogs, and they got to meet Jelly, John's dog, who was most certainly the boss!

We did some coastal walks with them all and made our way to John's Mum and Dad's place, near Lizard. Paddy and Murphy ran around the garden there exploring, and then we heard the noise! *splash* we all looked at each other, Murphy and Jelly were there next to us, it was Paddy, we ran over to where the noise came from and there he was, in the weed-covered abandoned swimming pool, in a blind panic!
We called him over and John leant in and managed to grab his collar and pulled him out, it was so funny! I believe they have since filled it in! But of all the dogs to fall in, it had to be him!

Back on the boat Paddy and Murphy settled in, but after a time we noticed Paddy staggering about as though he'd been drinking.
Paddy was no sailor that's for sure, his long legs were not sea legs and he was very unsettled. As soon as the tide went back out he was ok again.
Murphy was completely unaffected!

Paddy and Murphy had a very good friend, Alfie too. Alfie was also a bird chaser and he came to stay with us whilst Keiley was on holiday. We had a great week and I was sad to see Alfie go.
Alfie sadly left us last year, so he and Paddy can run and play with the birds in doggy heaven together again. R.I.P. Alfie.

Then, the terror arrives on the scene, Finnegan the nutty springer spaniel!

Paddy was not impressed at first, this was something I hadn't seen in him before. He was starting to show age, but not for long. Soon him and Finn were both hassling Murphy  together, the 2 dogs with the naughty spot on their heads.

Soon all 3 became great friends, a trio in crime, all very different in character, but you would never find better friends.

Last March Paddy became lame on his right side. It was a worrying time for all of us and after great expense and X-rays I had to deal with the fact that Paddy had severe arthritis in his hips and was to be medicated for the rest of his life. In hindsight I am so glad I didn't opt for the hip replacement bearing in mind the diagnosis last week.

Paddy's quality of life changed, he was to have lead walks only, could only go out for short walks, 4 times a day instead of a long run. It was awful for him and certainly didn't suit his explosive personality.
I eventually let him off at Welcombe Mouth Bay on a visit to North Devon and for a few months he was off the lead for short walks.

Just before Christmas Paddy was on and off lame again on the other leg. We tried increasing his pain relief, treated him for a possible infection, but he was getting more and more lame. Last Wednesday he went in for X-rays and I was told the awful news...Paddy had a fast growing bone tumour that was to be very painful for him, he would probably never weight bear again and so all the pressure was on his arthritic hip.
The future looked awful for him, no chasing the ducks or swans, no runs in the park or through the woods, all the things that made a Paddy were not on the agenda, he would suffer more pain and his life would be awful.

Last Saturday I made the call, the vet was to come out to home, I let the other 2 in the garden and shut the curtain so that they couldn't see.
The vet was surprisingly young (or I'm getting surprisingly old?) but had the most natural manner, not only with Paddy but with me, the owner. He put me at ease, letting me know I had made the right decision and as I cuddled Paddy, he gently slipped off to sleep.
I felt a weight lift, he was no longer in pain.

The vet suggested that the other 2 come in and see what's happened so they can move on, so I let them in, and after a bit of bouncing from Finny, he went up to Paddy's head, licked him on the nose and then got into the bed to join Murphy.
We wrapped Paddy up and carried him out to the vet's car.
As he shut the door he turned to me and said, 'if I were you, I'd go out straight away with your other 2 and get some fresh air'
That's exactly what I did. It's still empty feeling in the house, Paddy was not only a big presence in size, but also in personality, it's a big gap to fill after so long, but we are getting there, and the other 2 come running with me now. Time will heal I guess?

Rest In Peace Paddy, you absolute legend of a dog.

'Jaunting'

So, 'Jaunting' today. Usually I would say that I would be going for a 'run' on the coast path. This, however would be the wrong word for today. 'Jaunting' has a great amount of poke when it comes to what happened today. Other words and phrases could be used today...
Sliding
Falling
Skipping
Fairy-stepping
Mud-surfing
Face-planting
Slipping
and finally, falling over rocks!
But today was amazing!
I set off from a dry and blustery Beesands, kitted up to the max as usual. Getting kitted up makes me run better for some reason.
I started slow, still a little phlegmy after the recent illness so it was all about steady today.

Sorry.. be right back, wind chucking the smoke back down my chimney and I can't see!

So, I'm back... my eyes are stinging from the smoke, but I can still type...just.

Anyway, today is just a short blog so that you know that I have, yet again re-affirmed my love for the coast path. It's been too long.
There was hardly any mud out there when I started running, I am guessing the recent lack of rain over 48 hours and hard sea winds the ground will dry up fairly fast.
I met some friendly smiley ramblers on the first part of my run, but by the time I got to Lannacombe, I saw no one from there until back at Beesands! Some say most people are sensible!

I though that I would run for an hour and turn back, but I felt amazing, I was on it, I highly recommend chicken and pearl barley casserole as running fuel in future, but not kippers for breakkie, as I had indigestion for half the jaunt!

As I approached Lannacombe some rain started, and continued, and got heavier, turned to hail and I ended up fighting back wind blown hail biting my eyes. It was mental.

If you do that bit of coast a lot you know it's harsh as soon as you get to Start Point, and round the corner, and again towards Prawle Point. I was pretty much soaked! But happy :)

I ran past a property I have never seen before, even though I've done the coast loads, it's called 'Maelcombe House' and looks like it's getting demolished. A beautiful Edwardian building right on the coast, I would love to live there, not now though. Although, it has inspired a other story, maybe a short story this time? I love how creative my brain gets out there on the wet and windy coast!

The rain was getting worse, but I didn't care, I was now about an hour and a half in and just beyond Prawle Point, time to turn back, the weather was turning for the worse and not another person in sight.

I found a big grassy area to circle in (never like to run just there and back) and back I went. But the path had changed.... no longer the dry sticky mud, the rain was forming puddles and the path was so slippery, I face planted on the way to Start Point.

Then, the wind at Start Point was so severe I got blown off the path, down the bank and into a gorse bush. I grabbed it, cutting my hand and arm and climbed back up.
The lighthouse was shining it's light out to sea, I took a brief video once stable and the whirring of the light moving round sounded spookily like a giant running their fingers around a giant pint glass.

Not much further, more mud, more puddles, more fun and lots of energy without the aid of haribo!

Today has been a good day, a happy day, I am now warming by the slightly smokey fire, cooking some lamb and about to have a long hot bath before a Poirot-fest!

Happy Sunday everyone

2013 the calendar year!

I'm back! *waves*

I know it's been a while, but I don't want to blog for the sake of blogging if you know what I mean, I have to have something slightly interesting to say.

So, I thought I would look back at 2013 and the highs and lows, mostly highs to be honest as I like to leave the negative stuff in the past these days.

January 2013...

Along with the usual recovery from Christmas I had a lovely busy month with work, better than this year looks to be honest. And then the build up to my birthday.
Rob and I were meant to be running the Gloucester Marathon on my birthday, sadly last minute it was cancelled due to poor weather conditions. I was gutted to be honest, it was one way I thought I could really enjoy my birthday as it's usually an anti-climax.

So I was left on my own and did pretty much nothing instead. Then I had a visit from Rob, the lovely Bay Horse landlord, he turned up with a bottle of bubbly and started the celebrations! He also treated me to a takeaway before drinking my weight in Proseco at the pub with my friends.

The next big January event was collecting the lovely loopy Lulu, I collected her on 25th January when my Mum was visiting, and I've never looked back, she is adorable, loving and cuddly just when you want her to be, and a great source of warmth on cold nights as she likes to lay right on you!

As usual I spent 28th in deep thought, my Dad's anniversary. I like to think of ways in the coming year that I can make him proud of me.

February 2013...

I started February celebrating 3 years of Boxercise in Marldon, sadly also in 2013 I had to stop Saturday sessions due to lack of interest, but Wednesdays are still going strong.

Then, Rob arrived for the Beesands Ultra, a really tough coastal ultra marathon that almost broke us, but we got through it together as Team Funkanova, as we always do. The day was finished off with lots of funky dancing in the pub!

The 15th of this month saw the arrival of Wolfy in Devon. I can still remember waiting on the platform at Totnes Station, watching his train come in, I was so nervous and excited. And now Wolfy is going to be coming to Totnes for good, my lovely friend, so close by, it's brilliant.

And then the sad news, Paddy had to go to the vets, after x-rays and tests it came out that he has severe arthritis in both hips, the news hit hard and he was on lead exercise from then on with a warning that he may need a hip replacement operation. The medication though seems to be keeping him mobile, I'd do anything to help him, he's such a beautiful dog.

March 2013...

Mum was staying around the time of Mothering Sunday, and I treated her to a lovely morning, watching me do my 3rd dan Kickboxing pre-grading.
My own students were there to watch also and I threw my all into that grading. My Mum thought I was brilliant, as did my students, sadly, my Instructor was not happy with what I did on the day and told me later that I had failed the pre-grading.
I later found out though from another source that the examiner at the time had not failed me, but had given some advisory points for when I did grade. As you can imagine, I am livid about this, I kept this knowledge quiet up to now, but I feel that as I am honest about things, then people need to know.
For whatever reason my Instructor at the time had to do this to me I don't know, but it lead me to a decision that I make in April of 2013 and it was the best thing I ever did, so maybe it had a purpose?

Also in March I spent a large amount of time in the pub garden - turfing! I got it laid just at the right time and now we have a lush new lawn out the back there.

April 2013...

We launched The Winkle Club in the pub at the start of April, just to raise some money for charity, seems to be going well, although I think Rachel has put more money in the pot than anyone else.

On the 4th of April I made the decision to leave South Hams Martial Arts and notified my Instructor on 7th of the month. On the 12th I went down to Plymouth to train in my first session at Tora Martial Arts. Best thing I did all year, Sensei, Simon Hengle is an inspiration and really puts me through my paces, it was just what I needed, to finally be pushed and tested.

Funny month April was, I built a dog kennel, missed the Exmoor Ultra marathon because I couldn't find the start and Nancy the ferret moved to her new home on Dartmoor.

May 2013...

The month of hair extensions! I spent 7 hours in the hairdressers and came out with hair like a princess! Sadly they were not to stay, mainly due to how much I have to shower each day, they kept dropping out, but they were fun while they lasted.

So, May, the month of my annual busman's holiday - The Forces March!

Team Funkanova did it in true funky style, there were foot problems and hip problems and the usual fun and frolics. I met some more new friends again this year, and was reunited with last years Forces March family. I cannot imagine May, without this event, I look forward to it for the whole year, it's just so special.
And of course, night 4 streak was great fun! Can't wait for the next one.

June 2013...

I moved out of the damp garage in into 'The Box Room' my tiny little Boxing gym in The Ark gallery. Great move, even if it is currently flooded, but I've made great use of the tiny space and it's been brilliant.

16th was Finnegan's first birthday, we had a little party for him, he's such a little sweetie.

And, I ran the Torbay half Marathon with my friend Sarah, she did really well, even if she did pass out about 2 miles from the end, but she got up and kept going and beat me on the sprint finish over the line.
Running with someone, not competing against my time or others was a great experience, and this lead to me running other races with clients just for support. It brought back my enjoyment of running.

July 2013...

I had my first event for the Veterans Charity - The Military weekend at the South Devon Railway.
Little Jo came and helped me, were seemed to be the only people there not in camo gear!
We met some lovely people there, and it was really hot, hard to think of right now as I look out at the rain, but we managed to raise £79.80 in just the few hours we were there, we were battlomg with the Wimbledon final too!

July saw little Murphy go to the vets, he was proper poorly, really sick and hunched over, he was in there for days, they still dont know what was wrong with him. He finally came home in the evening of my Mum's birthday..... speaking of which, this has to be one of my happiest days of 2013.

I packed up a hamper of lunch for us, including a chilled bottle of bubbly and we set off on the Greenway Ferry down the river Dart in the beautiful sunshine. What an adventure!

We got there and found a lovely little seat in the rock at the Battery, with a view of the river, it was perfect. We laid out the picnic, popped open the bubbly and ate whilst watching the boats go past. there were a few envious faces from other visitors, it was an epic picnic and an amazing day.

A week later and I was at my favourite place ever, Longmarsh for the canoe festival. A few ciders were had and it was really really hot! I went home and took the dogs down to the river, and encouraged by my neighbours who were down there drinking Gin and tonic I decided to go and swim in the river with my dogs, and the seal! It was an odd decision, but fun at the time, swimming around with little Finnegan.

And a week later, another afternoon of cider at the Totnes Show with my friend Sarah, it was hilarious!

August 2013...

August started with a hilarious night with Vicky after watching Wolverine at the cinema, I can't divulge too much about the night, but needless to say, it was great fun and a lot of drink was consumed! However, the next day I was still slightly drunk and had to run the Totnes 10k with Claire. She had to endure alcohol fumes from me the whole way round, but we got through it and she did a great time.
This was the first of my 'ghost run' races of the year! Why pay if you dont have to?!

The next event in August has it's own blog, so read back, it was my 24 hour silence! Never again.

At the Bay Horse Beer festival I met 3 guys, we all got on great, good banter, fun times, so much so that I offered to take  Mark and Steve for a trip to Dartmoor with the dogs and we ended up at Wistmans Wood, in the stream having a little picnic, it was great fun. New friends are brilliant eh?

The same weekend was the Steam Railway Beer festival and I took Little Jo on her first steam train trip! Always good fun.

September 2013...

I got a new sofa!

And then there was the Colour Rush Run - Nicci's first 5k race.
Wearing all white, I met Nicci and Liesa at the start. Mum and little Jo were there to watch and take photos and we were off!
There's always something that will mentally keep someone going and evetually I found out how to motivate Nicci and make it easier. We got absolutely covered in the multi-coloured paint and I made it onto the video getting my bum spanked with orange paint! Great fun and Nicci was epic.

Another run in the same month, the Dornafield Ladies 10k with Claire, my second Ghost run of the year! Again, she did an amazing time getting her 10k pb and I managed to dove off up the stairs instead of crossing the finish line!

And then........ Fighting Fit Devon's 2nd Anniversary!

I had arranged a 5k and a 10k run for my clients and the night before I was stressing about getting up early to mark the route. A few drinks in the pub with Mr Starbuck and I decided that I would mark it up that night, i the dark, and the rain, on my mountain bike! Well, it was fun I have to say, I could barely see in front of me but sprayed up the starts and finishes and tagged tape onto trees. I must have looked like a right loony in the pissing rain doing that, but it's all about the adventure, living for the moment!

The run went to plan and we finished off in the Boating Association clubhouse with some funky dancing and hoovering! A great way to celebrate, thanks to all who helped me.

October 2013...

War Horse in Plymouth was an experience I will never forget. Mum and I went down with Dusty and I pretty much cried my way through it. Those puppets are amazing.

Then, the third ghost run of the year, the Dart Vale Half Marathon with Claire again. Again as before, I dived off just before the finish line to watch Claire finish!
I am certainly getting a buzz off of not paying for races!

And the biggest event and my most favourite time of year - New Year, known to most of you as halloween or Samhain.
Spent at the Bay Horse, dressed as a witch (I know, I do that every day) and I saw the New Year in, in style, all ready for my upcoming trip to North Devon.

November 2013...

What a month, new year, new starts and some very big decisions made to make my life more healthy, from a mental perspective.

You see, I like a bad boy, but I had to ditch them, all of them! No more going to see them when they want to see me because they are at a lose end, none of them were happy to be seen in public with me, or even admit to seeing me! Losers, the lot of them, in particular that martial arts instructor from the Paignton area! He was the worst, so they got deleted, blocked and removed not only from my phone and facebook, but from my life.
Best decision ever, a clean new start, and the only people I want are the ones who are proud to say they are with me, and it's not just about them, it's about us. I broke free from years of ridiculous men and their petty lives.

And this all happened in Appledore, the place that inspires me so much to write. And what an amazing weekend I had there, I made some new friends in the pub, got asked out on a date and started to believe in myself properly again.
On the way home I found a lovely beach called Welcombe Mouth, and Paddy went off the lead for the first time in months, it was a happy time.

I joined Forces Penpals in November too, and by the end of November, following a stream of emails and then later, phone calls, I had an amazing weekend with a very lovely fella, who made me properly laugh for the first time in ages. A weekend to remember for sure.

December 2013...

Not long ago, but still poignant!

I started off in Appledore again, but this time I had a very disappointing writing experience, sometimes it just doesn't happen, but the dogs and I had a great weekend, and I ended up joining in at the jam night in my Appledore local, The Champ.

I decided that because I can't afford presents for people, I didn't want to have any presents and asked for people to donate to the veterans Charity for my Christmas Presents appeal. I managed to raise £130 and got hampers out to Veterans in Dartmouth, which made me happy, however, at the same time I managed to upset my Mum, which I would never want to do. Sometimes when you are wrapped up in your own things, you forget what is causing other people grief too.
But, all is sorted and I will do my best never to upset Mum again, it upset me too.

21st, the Solstice I welcomed back my forces penpals chappy, I spent most of Christmas with him and anamazing Christmas dinner with him and his Mum, she's a legend! It was amazing, but as with all good things, he had to go back home. Have happy memories of it though.

And then to see Mum in Surrey, and we saw 2014 in proper style, Mum jiving, me shaking my hips about, what a perfect end to what appears to be an interesting year!

Let's see what 2014 brings eh?