Christmas Eve with a massive difference.........

Well hello everyone (all 3 of you that read my blog!)
I hope that this blog finds you well and not too over-stuffed with mince pies, turkey and Christmas pudding?

As you are probably aware, I am not over-stuffed with food, and in fact took the advantage of having a couple of days off to do some extra training of my own, but also to get some long-overdue sleep!

So, my last blog was all about my sober Christmas, and day 3 in and it's okay I guess. To be honest, being on my own all day yesterday it was better that I was on my own and not drinking, than drowning my lonely sorrows in wine. I can't say I enjoyed Christmas Day, in fact it was the worst in a long time, but alcohol would not have helped it.
There was a very difficult time, when I opened my present from my lovely cousin Nicky in Sussex. She has sent me a beautiful hamper full of goodies to eat, and a lovely bottle of wine! When I do 'go sober' I make sure there is no alcohol in the house, so I stared at that lovely bottle of wine for a very long time! Then I put it back in the hamper, shut the hamper and put the kettle on! See, I do have willpower.
By the way I'm still raising money for St. Catherine's Hospice as my go sober finishes on 1st January!
Go online to virginmoneygiving.com/DebbieDoesDevon and donate there please?

Anyway, I have started this blog completely off topic, or maybe not, because to be alone at Christmas is not a good thing for anyone, but I have a nice safe, cosy house and my pets that keep me company, I have a television and radio, books, music to help relieve boredom. I have a bath and shower, and also a lovely big warm bed in a dry house where eventually I curled up into and slept safe and sound.
Wow eh? Everything I think we all take for granted?

I decided to go and help a local group of people on Christmas Eve, they are called the 'Devon Homeless Action Team' and to be honest, the name doesn't quite do them justice, because, they are in fact a bunch of superheroes in my mind. They are the 'A' Team for homeless people in Devon, and in particular Torbay and Brixham.
It was a friend of mine, Josh that put me on to them, his Uncle, Leroy is the guy, the legend, the superstar that started this Team and I can say now that I have never met such a kind-hearted, strong, respected, funny...well, the list goes on. I am in awe of this guy. Selfless to the core.

I arrived at Paignton train station at 7pm, the time that I would usually be getting to the pub, to drink bubbly, play music and ensure a hearty hangover for Christmas Day.
There I met Esme, Josh's Mum and together we met the rest of the DHAT crew for that evening.
There was another new volunteer there that night and there was a big team of 8 of us.
I jumped into a car and off we went to our first stop.

Now, I am not going to give away detail of where we went or who we saw, I don't think that's fair on those that we helped and also, if you really want to know what goes on, do some volunteering yourself? This happens all year round, it's not just for Christmas and I have pledged to help as much as I can in future.

We gave out sleeping bags, tents, Christmas presents of food and warm clothes, hot meals, tea, coffee and biscuits and I have never seen such grateful people in my life.
They are people, who, for whatever their reason for being in that situation, should not be ignored and cast out. I really don't know what would happen to the people I met that night if Leroy and his Team weren't doing this. He's been doing this for 3 years now and obviously made a massive difference to these people. He's like an every day Santa Claus, and the smiles on the faces of those he helps, when he is there with them, would make even the grumpiest person crack a grin.

We were responsible that night for securing a safe place for a lady in her 50's, who was very scared and in pain, and really could not have stayed out all night on the streets. The generosity of the Team was outstanding and at so many moments that night I had a little tear in my eye, it was a very emotional experience, and I'm a big softie!

I pinched these photos from google! But this is a few of the Team with Leroy in the middle.

In Torquay I was amazed at just how many homeless came down to meet us for help. And I am sure there were more that didn't.
Again, these were lovely people, grateful for help, smiles for us, jokes, and even Christmas cards given.
As Esme said to me as we were stood there....these people don't cause trouble here. The trouble-makers are the ones in the pubs and bars, spending money to get drunk, inevitably to spill out onto the streets to cause trouble and start fights. The people we helped were genuine, with genuine problems that obviously couldn't be sorted out.

As I said, I don't want to give too many details, but the last guy we saw really made me think, and in a selfish way, about my own life.
I had to have a word with myself yesterday when I was feeling lonely and down about everyone being with their families and friends, I had to remind myself what I have, and if I had wanted to really not be on my own at Christmas, I could have invaded my brothers house, probably causing an argument between us! But, again, I put on the kettle, made some tea and headed to my warm bed, in my house and thought to myself, you really are a lucky girl, stop being such an idiot and appreciate what you actually have.

I came back from Paignton on Christmas Eve a completely different person to the one I went out as, and it's taken me until now to process this.
Already this week I was inspired by the generosity of someone who I don't really know that well, who gave to St. Catherine's and that started the ball rolling on the kind of people who are in the world.
I guess you can call them the 'Givers' and 'Takers' I wonder what makes both sorts tick sometimes. I was out running in the mud today contemplating this. You see, I like to think of myself as a giver, a fundraiser for those less fortunate, but I do it to stop myself thinking of me, and what I want, or what troubles me. If I help someone else, I don't have to focus on my issues and the things that worry me on a daily basis, that's not just it, I just love to help, but it does help me feel better about myself.
What I don't understand is those that do nothing, except for themselves, that mentality I don't think I will ever get to be honest.

So, after a thought-provoking few days, this is my honest account of what I've been up to, both physically and mentally. I do think though, that everyone needs to do what I did on Christmas Eve, I didn't really need a wake up call, but I got it, imagine what it may do for other people?

I hope you've has a happy festive time.....let's crack on now with 2016 and maybe more people out there will try and make a difference and think about someone other than themselves for once?
I know I'm going to get the 'haters' for this blog, but the comments will only come from the guilty ones, it's your conscience my lovelies, and only you are in control of it.
*IMPORTANT*
The DHAT are in need of a minibus to help with their work. If the weather gets really cold and dangerous they need to move people to the Church for safety and warmth. It would also help them with the daily food transport around the area. Please could you get your thinking caps on and think about some fundraising ideas for this? Do you know of anyone selling a minibus? Please please please, this would really be a 'godsend' if this could happen.

Have a great start to 2016.......................

her last challenge of 2015!

Long time no blog.....I've been too busy blogging from my 'This Girl Can Campaign' blog weekly so have been focusing on that.

This is only a short blog just to explain about my last challenge of the year. I haven't given it much thought, it was all very last minute but the decision is made, the Charity have been informed and when I say I am going to do something, I do it!

So............
After the success of 'Go Sober October' I raised in total £278 for Macmillan Cancer Care.
I had thought about doing something for The Veterans Charity again, but I thought about Christmas, and what it should really be about, and I will be missing my family this year. I live down here far away from them, and one particular family member has been missing for nearly 15 years, so I thought I would do this challenge for St. Catherine's Hospice in Crawley. This is where my Dad spent his final days, they were absolutely amazing, looking after us, as well as him. I have only done two charity events for them since my Dad died (one of them was running in a homemade furry bikini through Dorking with a massive teddy bear strapped to me!) so my final challenge of 2015 goes to St, Catherine's.
And I am 'Going Sober again for Christmas!'

Starting Christmas Eve and finishing on New Year's Day I  will not be touching a drop of alcohol for the whole period. Not even a teeny tiny tipple!

Go Sober October was good for me, I was productive, positive and felt so good in myself afterwards. Christmas is a bad time for me, work cancelled, nothing to do, people spending time with their families, me bored at home. I found in my Go Sober month that boredom was the trigger for me to drink, and I don't know moderation. So this Christmas I want to get stuff done, get into training more, finish decorating, start work on Belle the wonder van. So much to do and I have the time off to do it in. Without the distraction of drinking I can get stuff done.

I would love your support on this, Christmas is my biggest drinking time of year as a rule, so it won't be as easy as October was. At least this year though I guess without the distraction of The Bay Horse it won't be as bad!

Of course, this is for Charity, and I am going to ask you to dig deep into your pockets for your last Christmas pennies and donate to the most wonderful charity, who looked after the best man in the world for us.
Please go online and put in www.virginmoneygiving.com/DebbieDoesDevon this would be the best present for our family. My Mum is supporting me in this 100% so I want to make her proud of me.

Have a great Christmas and a good start to 2016! xx

The Forever Living C9 programme........

Well hello there!

This should be a short blog as it's only 9 days long....that makes sense to me anyway!

I was recently approached by a lovely couple of chaps, Simon and Andy about Forever Living Products. I had looked into this years ago with Matthew as his Dad was part of it but then we split up and nothing ever came of it.

There was one main product in discussion and it was something that I could possibly promote and sell through my business as a cleansing/fatloss aid for my clients.
This was the C9.

We sat and discussed this and I decided that if I was going to know what it did, and if it had any detrimental effects then I would have to try it myself. So Andy ordered me one and a few days later my shiny box of things arrived all ready for me to start on the Monday.

I weighed and measured myself and spent the first 2 days drinking Aloe Vera juice, it certainly is an acquired taste, but actually after all my moaning on day 1 about it, by day 2 I was already used to it's unique taste and readily downed it as part of the programme.

The first 2 days consist of no meals, just shakes, and I couldn't wait to have that shake, it was the highlight of my day. I was worried about the first 2 days because I have a busy life and burn a lot of energy, but in actual fact, these first 2 days I had the most energy, almost too much!
Come day 3, Wednesday I could have a meal, but I had to have this at lunchtime because of taking Insanity that night, the trouble was though that I had Insanity 7am the next morning too.
Halfway through the 7am class I lost my leg power, I could feel that I was getting some muscle wastage and I was incredibly tired.

The C9 recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise, which is great, this was not what I was doing and I had to actually tweak what I was eating, upping my protein massively to aid recovery of my muscles.

The whole point of me trying the C9 was to what problems people would encounter, and to be honest, I think if you have some weight to lose, then this is the one for you. Someone my size doesn't need it and most probably shouldn't be doing it as it could be detrimental to their health, but I knew this and I also know my body, so I was having more calories than recommended but I wasn't going to damage myself for it. I probably didn't lose as much weight as a lot of people could on it for this reason. Having fat to burn off is to an advantage.

For this reason, I can see that the C9 is a good product, an amazing kickstart to fatloss, the programme is easy to follow, you get to write up your food and exercise notes, all things that I ask my clients to do, so this programme gets you into good healthy habits and a great way of thinking.
However, this product must be followed up straight away with either the FIT2, or a similar plan, like the ones I give to my clients.
The initial weight loss is great, but if left just to get back on as normal after, weight will inevitably go back on almost immediately. It really must be followed up.

I survived the 9 days, but, I did have to tweak it, having my one meal into 2 smaller ones, mainly because I was literally running on empty. And today.......I have had coffee and cake....I don't even eat cake normally, but I could so I did! And this is exactly what I mean about following up the programme, I could easily in a couple of days put back on what I have lost.

My stats are as follows
Weight - total loss 1.4kg - although my last weigh in was today and it's a full moon, so I can't really count it as entirely accurate on account of the massive water retention I have today. Weighing at a different time of the lunar cycle would be better, and maybe this should be taken into account for women in particular, when taking on this.

Chest - total loss 5cm (like I had that to lose) I am guessing this is just a bit of wine-produced back fat!

Biceps - Thankfully no change in the 9 days, this is ont part of my body I could have done without wastage but all is okay.

Waist - 4cm total loss, again it must be wine, or even haribo fat.

Hips - 2cm total loss

Thighs - 2cm total loss - probably a little muscle wastage as it was my legs that felt it the most

Calves - as with biceps, no change, so happy with that

I did cut down my own exercise over the 9 days. I usually do a 5k treadmill run daily before stretching and I cut this, and my resistance work out from my daily routine. I had to save myself for my work and knew I couldn't do it all on so few calories.

I honestly think if you need to lose maybe anything over a stone, this is for you, and it won't harm your health as long as you stick to the guidelines within the programme.
A big thumbs up from me............glad it's over though!

GoSober for October raising money for Macmillan

Another blog! Yay! It's been a while again, well, to be honest nothing much has happened except for work and the usual stuff.

So, earlier in the year I had a couple of weeks, voluntarily, not drinking alcohol. I have no idea why I suddenly decided it, but I did and actually it was all good, until I went away with Mum and I was 'on holiday' and it was acceptable. Now, I knew that it would end my good run of sobriety, I don't think Mum realised that it would end it so abruptly.
I am all or nothing, if I don't drink, I don't, simple as that, it's like when I am training, I train hard, I train a lot, it's all, in fact where that is concerned there is no nothing, it's a silly concept, not training.
But I started drinking again, and that was it really.

So, at Mum's suggestion, I signed up for the 'Go Sober for October' Macmillan Cancer charity campaign. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Some of these things go on in January, and I'm sorry, but if I can't have Champagne on my birthday there is little point in getting up in the morning, so October seemed fair, although Halloween falls on the last day of the challenge. Halloween, my most favourite day of the year ever! So....it went like this............

September 27th 2015 - 4 year anniversary of Fighting Fit Devon celebrations at The Rugby Club.
Not many people showed up, very disappointing, but the best people were there and there was wine there, and by the time I left, there was a significant amount less than when I got there.
I guess part of me wanted to drink and get wibbly so that come the next day I would regret drinking and make the start of Go Sober easier?

Day 1 Go Sober - 28th September......
Walked the dogs 6am, went back to bed until 10.30am! That was a wake-up call in itself, what a waste of those hours just because I had a hangover. I guess I only celebrate my business anniversary once a year, but how many other things do I have the excuse to celebrate once a year?
Day one was a breeze, herbal tea was stocked up, in particular of the night time variety.

In fact, the whole of the first week was okay, I amused myself at night chatting on a certain dating site, it filled the time anyway, distraction was the way forward.
The first weekend was productive, I cleaned my whole house from top to bottom (although you wouldn't believe it now) and then prepared to go to the Rugby Club for the England game.
I had 3 cups of tea, was gutted at the result, but very pleased with myself for getting through it. Funny though, as the evening progressed the more I noticed the downward slope of the people around me, from the coherent conversation that was there at 8pm, by 10pm there was slurring, repetition and general bollocks coming out of people's mouths. Now, that is usually me, but I had little to say on this occasion, said my goodbyes and went off home to some herbal tea and my bed.

Now, I mentioned distraction and I probably will a lot, because it seems it's key. Especially to me, everyone knows how short an attention span I have, I need to be constantly entertained and amused.
On the Sunday I was looking through some dating site messages and got one from someone who seemed like the most awesome man ever, on paper anyway.
I replied, I had this little excitable knot in my stomach as I typed, I couldn't wait to get a reply, I felt like a 13 year old girl writing a love letter, it was strange and I had clarity of mind, something that has been lacking for many years, if I'm honest.
I went to bed, read, and wondered what tomorrow would bring.

Week 2 of sobriety.
I awoke and logged on to my emails, I had some 'This Girl Can' things to sort and whilst I was up there I decided that this was fate, an email reply from seemingly the greatest man in the world (for me anyway) asking to meet up at lunch. I didn't need to be asked twice, so I did what work I needed to and headed over to a country pub to meet him.
I just want to add at this point that this blog will probably end up sounding more like some kind of Mills and Boon story rather than a Go Sober campaign, but it seems the two paired up at the right time......
A pint of grapefruit and soda, lunch and great company. I had a couple of longing looks at other people's wine glasses, but I was driving anyway and never drink and drive, not since I moved from Surrey, so it was okay. I told my date about the Go Sober campaign whilst we were chatting, and all went really well.

Tuesday of week 2 I had another date with him, in a pub again, I was driving so all good, more grapefruit and soda, fantastic company, it actually didn't matter that I wasn't drinking alcohol, the conversation and company were way better than any glass of wine I could have had. Maybe this was the way forward? Actually having a life and not just staying in my pixie house thinking that being single and living with just my pets forever may be just what I need. Was this sober clarity kicking in again? Or was he just the best date I could have had?

I had an easy week, the week days have been easy, finish work, drink herbal tea, go to bed, read, sleep really well. The trouble started on Saturday, I had nothing planned, I lit the woodburner for the first time as it had got chilly and as I sat and watched the first flickers of fire start to warm the house I felt a sudden urge to have a glass of red wine as I sat there.
I obviously didn't, I had got rid of all the alcohol from the house at the start of the challenge but I had a sulk and went to bed at 9pm, missing going to the rugby club. I didn't want to be around anyone, certainly not anyone drinking alcohol, this day was the first day I struggled.
The Sunday wasn't much better, I pretty much trained and sulked my way through that day too.

Week 3 and more distraction.
Monday night was date night again for me and I had dinner made for me, drank herbal tea, chatted and spent a wonderful evening in superb company again. It's going to sound weird, but I felt like an actual proper person, one with a life. I had left my house, Totnes, work, everything, to indulge in someone else's world for a few hours and it was utter bliss. I realised at this point, or possibly sooner that I drink when I'm bored or fed up. If I have a distraction or company, then it doesn't matter. I drove home back down the M5 feeling alive again, some random lost part of Debbie had been found, oiled and fitted back into place making me function properly again.

I had more to look forward to that week as another date was set, I was so focused on that, the whole Go Sober thing was just a way of life now, I had things to get excited about again. Another date happened and it was great, no details as this blog isn't about that, but again, I didn't need to drink anything except tea that night (I did make him bring his own beer because I didn't want to get caught in the supermarket buying alcohol, even if it wasn't for me!)

The rest of the week flew by, Saturday I went to the pub for a non-alcoholic beer with Fanny, I couldn't have drank them all night, but just the one and the company was great, I went home, watched shit tv, had an early night so I could get up and train in the morning.

Sunday was awesome, walking on Dartmoor, cream tea at the pub, a meal out and at no point did I feel the need to drink wine, good company is the best thing in the world, I guess I have been on my own and set in my ways for way too long, that includes my relationship with alcohol. Things will be changing once the challenge is over, someone wisely said to me at one of my classes, 'best stay sober for ever then!' meaning that I was having my most successful dates, probably ever and I shouldn't ruin it!

Week 4 and the final stretch.....
My focus at this point is well and truly there, I wrote 5,000 words of my new book, work is picking up, went on another date, last one for a while due to both of us having visitors stay but it seemed like someone was watching over me, pushing me in the right direction.
Wednesday I came down with a head cold, which ran into Thursday and Friday. Anthony came to paint my stairway walls on Friday and by the time he had gone I was on a mission sanding down the woodwork as it looked awful.
I spent Saturday painting, popped out for another non-alcoholic beer with Fanny whilst she drank some amazing smelling Sauvignon Blanc, it was tough, it's my favourite wine! Then back home for some non-alcoholic wine and crap tv.
Sunday I spent painting again and in the evening I picked up Deni and Fanny and we went to the cinema to see the Last Witch Hunter, a very bizarre film. This was a great distraction and awesome company and I went home for some tea and an early night.

The final countdown........
You can just hear Joey Tempest and his lycra-clad, permed- haired friends from Europe playing in the background as I type this (I may actually be playing it at home, you will never know)
I am typing this on Tuesday of the final week, the rest of the blog has been typed up already because Mum is here the weekend and I want to spend time with her, not writing another blog, so I have prepared!
Monday night was easy, I just finished work, showered, drank tea and read, although I am missing my dates with Mr Special, but soon I hope.
Tonight brings a late finish again, it makes it so much easier and tomorrow is possibly, very possibly a very late date night.
Mum arrives Thursday and then it's just days left, the thing is I don't know what to do about Saturday.

I started early because I wanted to have a drink on Halloween, I have even been bought a Golden Ticket by  Nigel, which allows me to have a drink on 31st, but I still feel that the challenge was for the whole of October and so I shouldn't drink until Sunday, it's a massive struggle! I am guessing that I won't actually know what I'm going to do until I actually get to Saturday!

Whilst I'm here blogging though, I thought I would share a few interesting facts with you that I have discovered on my 'almost month-long journey'

1. Since starting the Go Sober on 28th September until now I have lost over 2kg in weight from just cutting out alcohol.
2. I struggle to get up in the morning because the quality of sleep has improved so much.
3. I don't need to nap in the afternoon because my quality of sleep at night has improved.
4. My skin is glowing, and a red imperfection that was on my left cheek for around 8 years has vanished within the month.
5. My focus and clarity of thought has improved.
6. I have changed work, put off gym work in favour of going on dates.....I have made time for a life.

Not sure if all the above is related to the month of Go Sober, but it seems like a strange coincidence.
I would encourage all of you who even have a glass of wine or beer a night just to do this for a month to see what benefits it has for you. If nothing else, you can save a few pennies in the process.

I shall continue my update on Sunday 1st November...be right back..........

I'm back, it's 1st November and I am sat on the sofa with a coffee after going to the gym and shopping! Last night at around 6pm I had my first glass of wine in a month. Mum was with me, then Rachael turned up and we had more, I think in total between the 3 of us we must have got through 5 bottles at home and the rugby club, and yet I still made it up at 6am!

So, here's an interesting thing, I was tired yesterday evening and as I drank more, I had more energy. I do believe that the sugar content in wine, as well as being fatty, also gives me the energy I was lacking during the month. This morning I woke up with a spring in my step ready to face the world, and not turn over in bed and go back to sleep, which has been happening.

I think that along with being sensitive to caffeine, I am also sensitive to sugars, they make me hyper!

Today though, on reflection, the last month has been a great experiment and experience, and to be honest, I enjoyed my time sober, I've learnt so much about myself and I don't want to ruin the rest of my life going back to my old, bad, unhealthy habits. Moderation is key, and certainly, unless I am going out for a meal, or have company then I won't be drinking, it's as simple as that. Watch this space.....I like the new Debbie, or should I say....Debbie revisited, because, let's face it, I didn't always drink.

Last thought for you........when did you last have a month off the booze? I can thoroughly recommend it. Go on, November awaits, why not try it this month?

Long awaited healthy blog!

Good Morning, or afternooon, or whatever time of day or night it is with you when you are reading it! (all bases covered?)

So, been plotting this blog since last year, but I knew it would take me until around now to be able to write it with conviction, or not write it at all. Thankfully, I can write with truth and conviction, not forgetting positivity!

So.......November 26th last year, I was sat on my toilet for a few hours with yet another stomach bug. (too much information?) anyway, as one does with a long time on the 'loo' I had my phone with me, checking through Twitter to see what was going on. Then, a direct message came through for me on Facebook from Janine Eaglestone.
Obviously, I was stuck on the loo so I went into Facebook and opened up the message and started to read. I had previously posted that morning that I was, 'yet again' suffering another illness and unable to work that day, not great for someone who is self-employed.
I have known Janine for years, since the days of rock nights at The Castle and Crocks, and as with a lot of my Surrey friends I keep in touch via social media (that's why I love social media so much) anyway, I'm waffling, Janine was expressing concern for me that I seemed to always be ill or tired in my Facebook posts, she suggested that she may have a way of helping me.

Once off the toilet I had a chat with Janine, she was telling me all about this amazing product called Juice Plus, I had seen her posting about it all the time, raving about it's benefits but not really taking a lot more notice as I was busy with my own work and training.
I listened to Janine tell me about the product - that being just fruit and veg! I eat fruit and veg, I love my veggies (after all I was veggie for 18 years I should do!) but, with the time demands on me, the lack of time to cook and eat in between classes and sessions, some days I wasn't getting my 5 a day and it would explain my constant fatigue and illness.

F.I.F. (aka Fitness Instructor Fatigue)
Janine and I continued to chat and I explained a little more about my lifestyle. F.I.F. explains it all. I know many of us Instructors out there suffer the same. We work hard, burn 1000's of calories but have very little time to get the proper nutrition into our bodies during the day to allow us to recover properly. Top this with 20-30 people in a room, some carrying lovely germs, spreading them through the air, sweating them out into the room, you can see why we all get ill more than anyone else (except maybe school teachers?)
To add to this further, I know I am guilty of 'quick fixes' to get you through sessions, such as Mars Bars, caffeine, Haribo, bad things....but ultimately they keep you going through an hours class looking like you are the height of energy and fitness, even though you are slowly ruining your body from the inside, out. I appeared healthy, in reality, I was far from it.

On 27th November 2014, after watching some amazing videos on how they extract the fruit from fruit and pack it into tiny capsules, watching leading doctors tell you how it actually does improve your health, but most importantly for me, was what Janine was worried about....my IMMUNE system that was constantly failing me, I ordered all 3 types of Juice Plus for a 4 month trial period. I, at that point had nothing else to lose and it seemed that if the facts were true, I had an epic amount to gain. I was fed up with losing money from not working and fed up with being tired all the time, sometimes too tired for my own training, which is so vitally important to me.

The capsules arrived and I started taking them in December......before you stop reading because you think I'm on a selling streak to you, keep reading, all this blog is about is telling you what they did for me, after that it's up to you to make your mind up, but I have always said that I would blog about it if it made the difference it was meant to!....moving on.........

A few people commented that I was lazy, that I should be juicing, that would benefit me more than taking capsules. Have I mentioned before how I am very busy and don't have time to prepare and consume that much fruit and veg? Juicing is great, if you are making it for more than one person, and you have someone in the house to wash up the pain in the arse juicer parts! I tried it, didn't have time and the idea of popping 6 capsules a day that would provide me with way more than my 5 a day was amazing, I wouldn't say lazy, I would say productive, saving time for more important things, such as getting other people fit and healthy.

Going to give you some 'Debbie Facts' now...not medical Juice Plus info, but 'me' stuff!

I used to nap every day at least 20 minutes, some days up to an hour in any spare time because I was so tired.
Now I don't nap (unless I've had a heavy or late night out)

My hair has got thicker and grows faster. This year it got bleach bathed and it recovered within 12 weeks!

My complexion has improved.

And here's the big one..........my illness stats from 2013 and 2014.
September 5th 2013 - Had a cold
October 27th 2013 - Stomach bug
February 4th 2014 - Had a cold
April 11th 2014 - Had a cold
June 7th 2014 - Stomach bug
July 13th 2014 - Had a cold
August 26th 2014 - Stomach bug
October 1st 2014 - Had a cold
November 26th 2014 - Stomach bug

Compare that to this year.......
January 21st - Had a cold which pretty much lasted until February 7th, mainly brought on by the stress of what happened on my Birthday and the fact that I got lost for ages in the ice with hardly any clothes on!
February 3rd - Stomach bug - during this time my Juice Plus order had been delayed by a week so I hadn't had any for nearly 10 days, that was when the bug hit me!
And recently in September I had what I would call a 'slight cold' that lasted 3 days and vanished just as soon as it had come along.

Now tell me that doesn't seem like a significant health difference, add to that, this year has been my busiest in 4 years, with 5 Insanity classes a week, as opposed to just 2 from last August to June this year.

The other thing that I have discovered is the JP shakes, they are an amazing tummy filler in between classes to keep my energy levels up, complete nutrition and energy. I first was getting them for clients as a meal replacement as they work well for fat-loss when used in that way. So, instead of a dodgy Mars Bar or energy drink, I have a shake and a piece of fruit and I'm buzzing for another couple of hours.

Now can you see why I have written this blog now? I am currently on the Go Sober October challenge, and my energy levels have increased even further, I'm bouncing off the walls more than normal.

So.......there it is, my  Juice Plus journey. You don't have to do it, no one is going to make you, but I can honestly say, without a doubt, if you said to me that I only have enough funds for wine or Juice Plus, it means that much to me that I would give up wine right now, I am never going without my fruit and veg capsules...ever!

Now, here's the sell! Haha, no seriously, if you like what you read (and who wouldn't?) and you are interested in knowing more, send me an email or text and I can send you video links to learn more about the product, then you can make up your own mind. There is a 4 month sign up, and it does take around that time to really give you maximum benefit as it has to heal all those inner wounds that we create through bad diet and excess, but I noticed an increase in energy on just over 2 weeks. Now I feel that I am getting maximum benefit nearly 10 months on.
Happy Days!
debbie@fightingfitdevon.co.uk

Ode to Jessy......

The moment I set eyes on her
I knew she was for me
The 'beacon' had to go though
So she could be set free

No longer a maintenance van
She was my pride and joy
I'd part-exchanged dear 'Henry'
My Mini Cooper boy

Driving over Dartmoor
Our first adventure began
Over hills and cattle grids
I love my Jessy van

We drove over to the seaside
To give her a different style
Swiftprint did some magic
Then after a little while......

Jessy was signwritten
Showing off my wares
A boxing glove adorned her paint
For all to stop and stare

Soon Jessy was 'Support Van'
For my first 'VC' event
She came in very handy
I didn't need my tent

Time passed by and miles too
She needed an MOT
A deal with a mechanic
And a trade for some PT's

Jessy did break down once
On the way to see Meschee
She came back on a loader
And home in time for tea

The fun and games continued
She helped my business well
'Where's Jessy?' competition
Was an easy game to sell

Her second Forces March event
And Stephen in command
Her charity work speaks for itself
So very rare to find

She did a third with Robin
And gave him cosy sleeps
Just writing this and thinking back
It gives me tears and weeps

She had a friend called 'Kermi'
A little speedy green
Soon to be replaced with 'Vagy'
They made the perfect team

Another friend then came along
And 'Cecil' is his name
A caravan for writing in
So Debbie gets some 'fame'

The trips to Appledore we had
So many memories
And now she's gone forever
When will this pain ease?

You could say she was just a van
And yes,  I could agree
But all she did in four years
Made her special to me

Rest In Peace Dear Jessy
Or maybe used for spare?
Whatever happens to you
I'm just glad that you've been there

R.I.P. BT07 JSY - My wheels and support for over 4 years. You will be missed.

well, tries sobriety......

This should end up being a short blog, you will be pleased to know, and probably more pictures than words, some words are inferred through the pictures mind you.

It's currently 20.50 hrs and I have just sat down to write this. Tomorrow I am running the Torbay Half Marathon and so getting an early night.

For the past 10 days I have not been drinking alcohol. For someone who has had a drink most nights since the age of 16, give or take the odd 2 week detox here and there, it's been quite a journey. Anyway enough of that for now, I am sure it will warrant a longer blog in the future if I continue this way.

I knew that this weekend would be difficult, as I had no work planned for Saturday evening and the sun was shining, would have been good to sit in a pub garden, or my own garden with a chilled glass of wine. I had a grumpy fit and didn't know what to do.

I went out to the van, drove up to The Box Room, emptied out all my boxing gear, including big rubber 'Bob' and drove back home again, chucked the hounds in the van and headed out onto the main road out of Totters.

Just up the road a couple of young lads were hitching a lift, I pulled over into the bus stop and they got in, I guess they were around 19 or 20, going to Buckfastleigh. The second guy that got in was pissed and his friend was obviously embarrassed by this.
We chatted about beer, drinking, not drinking, told them about my new adventure off the booze and the pissed guy says that he did 2 months in a proper rehab facility. He said how amazing he felt afterwards, I then asked him if he felt so amazing today, he didn't.
I think it must have been fate that I had picked them up, it was a massive smack in the face to me, sometimes I would be a bit wibbly that time on a Saturday, it was so so wrong. Today, I was sober and about to hit Dartmoor for an adventure with the dogs. I smiled to myself, and at the same time felt sorry for this young lad and his struggle, a bigger struggle than I've had, at such a young age. I can only hope that with the support of his kind friend he can get sorted and on the straight and narrow for good.

I dropped them off at the Indian Restaurant by the A38, they waved and I drove off towards Ashburton and onto the moor towards Haytor.
The evening was beautiful, the clouds showing pictures and drama.
I told myself, if I had have stayed at home sipping wine in the garden, I would not have got to experience this beauty in front of me. What a waste of a life I've given myself, too many times spent in non-productivity, what an absolute bloody waste.
And then, the thought crossed my mind....'Life begins at 40!'
And so it has..........

I parked up on the left, there were a few other cars there and an assortment of sheep, cows and ponies. I leaded up the hounds and we crossed the road.
Straight away I let them off the lead, there was no livestock around and they were in need of  a good run, so was I!

We leapt and bounded about the rocks, stood and looked at the wonderful scenery, took in gulps of fresh Dartmoor air, gazed at the clouds and watched the climbers up the sheer side of Haytor for a bit. I miss climbing, I used to go several times a week when I lived in Surrey, even got quite good at one point. What happened? Why did I stop? So many things have gone by the wayside because I was wasting my life in the pub. Another reality hit for me, still, I smiled as I watched all 3 dogs clambering up Haytor, I soon followed and checked out the view from the top, it was beautiful.

How can I live just 25 minutes away from Dartmoor and not get out there much? That was going to change. Moor time was needed and I don't think the hounds will argue with me about that, they loved it, leaping about, randomly eating sheep and horse poo! Lovely!

We walked out for a bit, but encountered some sheep, I didn't want to have to lead up the boys so we headed back, there were spits of rain in the air, so seemed like good timing.

As we approached Haytor again we started down the long grass slope towards the car park. From the top I could hear a strange animal noise, Finny heard it too, he looked at me curiously. We continued to walk down and the noise and related animal became clear. It was a small foal at the edge of the road, it had obviously got away from it's Mummy and was scared.

Then, all of a sudden it hoofed it across the road and straight up to me and the chaps, they were luckily on leads, but the foal didn't seem to mind them, or they him.
He stood there wildly whinnying at me, I had no idea what to do so I spoke to him, as you do!
I told him he was a lost foal talking to a lost soul, we were both on a voyage of discovery and trying to find something but we didn't know where it was, although I said to him that he was certain to find his mother before I found my true self.
He seemed to understand, (humour me) and followed us back down towards the road and over the other side to the car park where other mares and foals were.

Again, he began to whinny, he looked at me with a worried expression (horses can do this, right?)
I told him all would be okay, to keep following us and we would find his Mummy. The other people who were in the car park must have thought I was barking but I didn't care. The dogs were so well behaved, there was a great calm within them as we lead the foal along the path.
He stopped in front of my van, then wandered around and sniffed the back doors as if he wanted to get in and come home with us. I told him he couldn't and he was to carry on following us. He did, and I lead him over to 2 mares and another slightly smaller foal.
He skipped over to the other foal, and they gladly washed each others backs, happily back in comfort.

I waved farewell to him, let the chaps into the van and we drove off across the moor and the rain started to come down.
And we all lived happily ever after......well, I'm staying positive about that one...because I do believe all things are possible.

The Forces March 2015

The Fourth year of the FM, it had to be special.......

So, another dynamic change as for the first time, my lovely VW Transporter van, aka 'Jessy' would not be with me as support/sleeping.
I put out  post on the Forces March 2015 Facebook group for a lift up and back for me and my lovely friend Fanny aka Rachael.
Luckily Steve, who was a support driver last year was coming up from Cornwall and offered us a lift with him and his best friend Simon.
Not as much luxury as having the van, but hey, it's not a glamping experience, it's The Forces March, the best weeks of my life!

There was one funny thing, the Devon/Cornwall divide, I had Devon flags, Steve had a Cornish flag, but it was all in jest and good spirit and we were glad for the lift....sort of.

So, we got picked up by Steve, headed back to Cornwall, met Simon and loaded up the car.
As you can see from this photo, there really wasn't much room for us in there, but we squeezed in amongst the luggage and it was a fun journey. You can just about see Fanny, looks like she's in a bag (save that one for later)

Soon enough after what seemed like an epic detour we arrived safely in Ilfracombe at the Larkstone Cafe, the chaps dropped us off and went on to their comfy B&B for the night, leaving us with a pile of kit and a tent to put up.

No sooner had we got there but we saw the most beautiful awesome Sally. I picked her up and swung her about as she is so tiny and was so good to see her again for a third year. We all keep in touch via Facebook, but actually seeing and catching up again is the best.

So, it seems every year there is an epic sunset in Ilfracombe ahead of the start and this year was no different, looking out over the sea, looking at the sun setting, preparing us for the next day ahead, it was beautiful.
Me and Fanny hooked up with Sally for dinner at the cafe, which mostly consisted of cheese!
The new owners, only 4 weeks in had started to do it up and had done an amazing job for us considering what it looked like the last few years. Also caught up with the legend that is Danny Richards, amazing guy!
We had a few ciders and some fat and carbs and Sally decided to get some sleep ahead of the big day. Sensible I think, I've never been that sensible! Oh, forgot to say that the tent was up, I was a girl guide, all was cool!

Then......people turn up, not just any people, but the very lovely William Holland aka Dutch and his new crew, Oz, Lee, Tom and Dusty.
Would have been rude to just turn in to bed, I hadn't seen Dutch since my first FM 3 years ago. There was a bit of an incident whereby after I was injured I sort of encouraged the awesome foursome to sprint finish with me so that Dutch's Rifles team didn't get to the paddling pool before us!
Water under the bridge haha so to speak,anyway, nice to see Lee again too and met his son and Dusty their support, then realised that I had heard of Oz before from my good friend Mr Starbuck. Anyway, let's bypass that (don't forget your trainers next year!) we had a few more drinks, some jaeger shots and then off to bed - Dutch and Oz were ruffing it in bashas, they slept under the new decking on my recommendation - nice!

Morning at Larkstone, tent down, brekkie in, running kit on, pack up and then Dutch and team were lovely enough to transport me and Fanny down to the start.

In Ilfracombe it was a Forces March family fest!
Waiting in the car park in Dutch's team van I saw Sarah coming down the road, I raced across the carpark and she dashed through a hedge for the best cuddle this year, nothing beats a Sarah cuddle! A year ago I had a goodbye hug, here was the best welcome ever.
Then more and more familiar faces appeared...Rita, Gill, Holly, Phil, Stephen, Geoff, Steve, then I met some new FM friends who previously I had only met via Facebook, Andy, Jane, Lorraine, Anne-Marie.
We had Danny's speeches, but there was someone missing, Mr Rob Starbuck, who through work commitments was unable to start with us. It was weird, my Funky partner in running crime was AWOL!
Today was about getting aFnny through day 1 though, after months of illness and no training we were hoping that she would run one of the days and I was dedicating day 1 to her and getting her to Westermill Farm later that day.

So, speeches over we were ready to take on the beast that is day 1, the 'uphill' day!
We were off, I wanted to high 5 all the school kids, which I did!
Round the harbour, past Verity, love that statue and back up towards Larkstone and where we had camped....onwards and upwards, I mean, really upwards.
The FM Day 1 is not easy, none of the days are easy, but for me, it helps if I know the route, Fanny doesnt like t know, but I gave her a few warning shots.
We walked, ran, walked, ran as best as and Fanny was doing really well with me giving her little landmarks to get to based on my previous years.

So....this was a landmark, Fanny had seen this photo from 2 years before, I still find it funny.
Inch by inch, mile by mile, one foot, then the other foot, Fanny cracked on and didn't moan half as much as I thought she would - that's a compliment Fanny!

She is hardcore, we plodded on, although it was obvious that I was missing Rob, I would say, things like, 'Me and Rob started the alphabet game here' 'This is where Rob usually does this' 'Rob normally says this here' haha so funny, but after a few years of running the same route with the same person, you get to know things.

So, this photo we were just over half way, I was carrying 'The Emblem' it has the word 'Endeavour' on it, one of my favourites, it was the 'house' I was in at school and also my very favourite, Captain Cook's Ship! I sang Fanny the song about it as I was carrying the Emblem.

The emblem proved to be amazing over Exmoor, some of you know how cold I get and it was just the perfect size to wrap around behind me as we ran to keep me warm.
I think I did around 5 miles with it, until Simonsbath.

We played the alphabet game a lot, pop groups, vegetables, girls names, and it seemed to work, plus I had forewarned Fanny of the endless road of Beech hedges.

We would soon enter Westermill campsite, home of my first holiday with my boyfriend Phil when I was about 17! Still makes me laugh now.

From the start to finish of day 1 Fanny was epic, just cracked on, got the job done and as you can see from this photo she just got on with the hills, faced them, rocked up them and got on with it.

I have to say at this point that this year she has made me feel so proud, I've not known her that long, but she takes on everything I say, learns and does it, she doesn't need me as a trainer anymore because she is now a runner in her own right. She is amazing.

Got back to camp, Fanny got in the paddling pool, I was okay, pitched the tent, got showered and enjoyed a lovely pot of pasta.

Met up with Jane and Anne-Marie, realised that it was on last years Dartmoor Ultra that I had met her and told her about the FM and that was why she signed up, happy with that, the more word gets around, the more money we can raise.

Picture on the right is Sarah, Sally, Lorraine and Wendy, beautiful women!

Day 2 - Go it alone day.

Now I have to say, for very selfish reasons I told Fanny that I wanted to run on my own, and yes, I felt bad and thought about how she was doing the whole time, but I needed this one on my own.

Day 2 ends at a Steam Railway - need I say more?

I shot off and kept up with the 3 stooges, I had managed recently to keep up with Stephen and Geoff in the Salcombe coastal marathon for half of it anyway and that was the best I've done for years, so running with them again was hilarious.
They are...erm....well, you know my innuendo humour x that by 5 and you get it!

Holly was in front that day (as usual) legs the length of me, reckon it's cheating! (no offence Holly you beautiful legend) so I took the opportunity when she had a little wee stop to crack on, kept on going and then got on form. I was in Gump mode!

Here on the left is me with the hardcore massive! These guys are machines, smashing out marathons like a walk in the park. Love you guys, you are amazing!

So, got to Raleigh Cross pub, the chaps carried on, I went in for a well deserved poo in a proper toilet! Ate a banana and then saw Holly appear, I was on borrowed time and yes, thanks to my lovely Dad I am competitive.
I have never run on my own for me on the FM and this was my chance, the hardcore Holly was not going to catch little old me!

I cracked on down that bloody 1:6 but didn't complain, because I had no one to complain to, at that point I thought, maybe Fanny will be doing better on her own not moaning at me?

Did the loop, the new loop that is very annoying, saw a dead bunny, almost put a jelly tot on it so Fanny knew I had gone that way, but realised it was just weird and wanted to see as many steam trains as possible, so I ran on, back on to the main road and then I saw another runner.

He didn't like me being on his tail, I could tell, then I overtook him, then he overtook me, but it was home straight, through the station, told them I would be back and then off to the finish.

Now....'said man runner' asked how far til the finish, I should have lied, but I said, just round the next corner and off he went...the forces march isn't a race! I didn't mind, I was racing the train.....

Then back to camp.

Sat in the paddling pool, cooling my legs, I saw the lovely Holly come in, I was sat in the pool, drinking tea and she said to me, 'wow you were flying those hills' and then laid down for a sleep, which turned out not to be a sleep but a little heat exhaustion, anyway, she took advice for the next few days and she is still epic!

Put the tent up, organised kit, showered and got a lift back to the station for *coughs* 3 bits of bread pudding and 2 cups of tea.

So, back at Crowcombe Heathfield Station, they are amazing every year.
They welcome us in, make tea and cakes and applaud every runner and walker that passes, this event would not be the same without them, the are special.

I was at the station for quite a while this year, that was why I ran so fast, I know I know, I am a geek, but proud of it too!

Fanny came in to the station, amazing timing, didn't want to stop for trains just wanted to get back.
Fanny is a runner!

I stayed for a couple more trains, accompanied by Dutch and team, Oz thought it was funny to take the piss out of my geekeness, even though he has a history of steam in the family!

I don't care, I love that station, it makes day 2 what it is!

Back at camp the RAF team had set up camp just opposite us and I got to meet Tracy, she asked me if I was Debbie, she had read my last years FM blog and was friends with Mr Starbuck. Glad to have them camp with us.
Then, met up with Dutch and Oz and we were suddenly being whisked away to the local pub!

Good company, I had some chips, already eaten pasta at camp and we returned to a very quiet camp!
On our return I was given a very special surprise...............Rob had arrived! I almost knocked him over jumping at him in excitement!

That night was cold..........too much snoring...................

Day 3 - The long one!

Hannah, seen here to the right with the best smile ever was with me last year for her one day of the FM, this year she was back for all 5 with her brother, also in shot.
Last year was the first anniversary of Lee Rigby's death and Danny read out a letter from Lee's Mum which had us all in tears.
I still remember when we heard the news on the march about his death, we were all so shocked and angry, reckon it fuelled a few of us on route.

We marked  Lee's anniversary with a 2 minute silence then marched in single file to the base of Crowcombe hill.

Suddenly, Rob shot off, yep, the master of the hill (previous to this year anyway) was off. I didn't even have time to say good luck and I love you to Fanny, I followed on up behind, and you know what? It wasn't that bad.
4th year of that hill, training in Devon and on coastal trails sets you up for bad boys like that and it was okay.

For some reason, although Rob has done hte route more than anyone else, he can't remember it!

We would be running along and I would say, 'Oh, remember this that happened here?' and Rob would just not know at all, I almost remember every inch of that route now after 4 times doing it, yet Rob seems to have a very selective memory of it!

All was good into Bridgewater, and then our usual stop at the town hall - no funeral this year, probably best!

So.....in the town hall, Jamie the hardcore turns up and I was discussing the fact that in the heat I lick my forearms to get the salt my salt back into my body, and then this gives me my favourite quote of the week.......

Jamie to me.....'Fancy a suck on this?'

Okay, he was showing me his armpit sweat but you know me, I couldn't stop laughing about it for miles (poor Rob)

Then, we leave Bridgewater (thankfully) and off onto the Somerset levels to Westonzoyland and my favourite butchers!

 Sean, pictured here on the right , is the legend of all butchers. Every year he plays music outside his shop as we run past, every year it brings a smile to my face and this year I said to Rob, 'we need a selfie with that legend of a man' and so we did!

And swiftly on around the new -ish loop around yet another bit Rob doesn't remember, except a random chimney in someone's garden and up into Langport.

Just before then we met up with hardcore Jamie again, I gave him some Jelly Tots, he looked like he needed them and then we were all back into the finish.

I have to say, I took Jamie's pack off him at the finish and carried it back to camp he had done enough with it, it was hefty, made me realise just how much he had taken on! What a guy.

Back at camp, tent up, UBAS chaps were attentive to conversation, love them, and then Fanny comes in, sore ankle, went the wrong way and added on and extra 3 miles with Ginge!
The showers at this point were not hooked up as no on from the council could be found.

The mighty and mystical Oz suggested getting a hotel room for showers, Rob and I implemented it and the Langport Arms let us have 2 showers at £1 a go and then gave us back half the profits for VC! Amazing!

So, clean we enjoyed a mighty Hog Roast again.

Meat! That is all I can say, it was amazing!

Then, Team Funkanova and Team Dutch went to the pub for a lovely quiet drink and found out a little more about Fanny's past!

Then we discussed sleeping outdoors and then I ended up in Dutch's survival bag for the night, you know me, stuff happens!

~Getinthebag!

In the night, however there were random people in the park trying to cause trouble and leapt over me in the bag, good job for them I didn't sit up!

Day 4 - Hot, hot, hot!

Fanny was injured..swollen ankle so she was going to be supporting with Dutch's lovely Dusty (King of the G&T) and we were set for the day as Team Funkanova..

Into Somerton (which is never downhill, no matter how much you think it is) and the cycle race bastards had removed some of our signs - again!
Rob, still had no idea where we were or where we were going..maybe one of the reasons I run with him, he has selective memory (like my dogs)
Interesting chat though at this point about how Rob needs food to fuel his running and I can seemingly go on empty for hours, put it down t previously having an eating disorder and my body can crack on regardless of fuel.
Well, that's one thought about it anyway that we discussed on route.

The heat of the day was taking it's toll, I had trained in the heat and on hills, the joy of living in Devon, but not all had, even though I had posted on FB to do so after 3 years ago and the heatwave we had.

I was okay, Rob was overheating because he has been working so hard recently inside the elements got him.
then, we were coming in to Castle Cary!

The 'usual' pasty was brought to us, makes me smile every year... then down to the town hall.

Quick respite... then we saw Dutch, he got in the loo before me.....made up for that sprint finish 3 years ago?

So, we kept on going, then Team Dutch caught us up, Oz, Lee and Dutch, Oz was suffering with his knees but kept trooping on... Lee shot off and Dutch joined me and Rob for the last few miles, singing as we went about our merry way!

We passed the point where I took him on the sprint and even offered him a finish before me, but we finished arm in arm, like all good friends should.

Tent up, then to the showers......

They were great, but we had to change in the pub carpark, hey, did it matter?

Curry - forgot to tell Danny about my coconut allergy....

Into the pub we went to have fun and frolics!

Great night, lots of fun, Champagne, and a fairly early night from me for night 4!
Back to camp, told off Fanny and Dutch for talking too loud and off into the land of nod......









Day 5 - The final day

The usual team photo, funny every time, the people you see in this are the best kind of people, real, kind people. My Forces March family.

Then....to the village hall....exciting!

This man is amazing!

The chicks!

Fanny was back in the game, ankle dressed and ready to go...... Day 5 here weeee cooooome!

Running along, remembering previous years hangovers, Huggy and his vomit at the garage (and the rest of the route) Rob's heat stroke, memories and Rob maybe remembered a little of the route too!

Sadly, Fanny had to pullout after around 7 miles as her ankle was too damaged, she's a legend for trying though.
On Salisbury Plain I had my idea for next years March!
Me and Rob kept going...and going........... and to Salisbury plain, but just before the lovely RAF support team gave me a little lollipop, meant a lot!
Again, Rob remembered nothing......

Rob, in Larkhill!
Those who know, know!
Few miles left.........







And on to Bulford and the finish...

Back in, tent up for the last night and in to support the finishers.

Hannah, who did one day with me last year, managed the whole 5 days walking with her brother, she is amazing and the support say that she did not stop smiling the whole time!

She and Fanny have made me so proud, this was am amazing Forces March.....then there were the awards.

We had an amazing BBQ and then the awards and accolades. I, and I am seriously still in shock after this, received the Lee Rigby award for Community Spirit, pictured here in disbelief.

All those that received awards this year were more than worthy, amazing people.

Then......the goodbyes.

There were few of us that stayed the final night, so a very sad farewell to all out new friends, and most probably, friends for life.

We sang, danced, streaked, just the very few of us that emained but I was ever aware that a tank may go across my tent in the morning, and little did I know how close it would be!

Bulford - sunrise!

Cuppa - courtesy of these chaps!

And then, the last goodbyes, I hate this bit every year, this year at least I was going back as far as Devon with others.

And the final journey home.

Have you ever had an ant crawl over you?
Have you ever had a few?
Have you ever had a whole flipping army of them crawling over you for a hundred miles whilst cramped into a small space with luggage unable  to move?
That was our journey home.....it was hilarious.

So, next year, I am NOT running, I am taking in new folks for each day, and I shall be driving! Hard task for me

Still chance to donate to this year text NOVA93 £5 to 70070
or Justgiving.com/team-funkanova2015