Jay and Lis - Sunday trek training

I am ready to dig nails in Jay's dashboard....

Jay finds a hill she wants to walk down, to admire the view

Time to walk back up the hill

What is this creature thingy??

Love it!..The 2011 Julie Andrews, high on a hill...............

Jay asked if she could join me on one of my Sunday hill training walks.  Apart from the Acorns Hospice charity challenge teams one off social and pre Sahara Desert trek training day last year, I have always walked and trained alone.  It was a welcomed change and lovely day.  I made tuna and sweet corn  sandwiches. Chopped pineapple and melon cubes, to share and enjoy a picnic on the hills.  I never normally do this.  Living alone I can be somewhat lazy when it comes to making meals or packing mini picnics  for trek training.  

Today is the first day Jay is testing out her trekking boots, I insisted she bought during our girly, trekking essential gear retail therapy day.  Looking like pro trekkers, but not necessarily feeling so, we set out to train.  Jay has all the mod cons.   I have my works limited mobile and would not have a clue how to even operate the gadget Jay owns (I don’t even know what it is!?)  She sets this gadget thingy ma jig to record our mileage coverage and the route we take.

It was kind of reassuring for me, and a relief to hear Jay share the path we are walking is fairly challenging.  In my eyes she is a fit cookie (((cuppage)))) (private share between me and my girl).  We walk my usual route.  I ask Jay to pick out little worn in path ways she notices to add a change.  She notices a view she wants to get near to.  A steep way down and one hell of a challenge on the thighs and butt back up.  All good work on the legs and mind attitude.   We take a break to enjoy our picnic, and go over the list of my training and health schedule I want to put together on an excel spread sheet.  I have asked Jay to be my training, check in monitor and mentor.  

Rest over, and mock schedule sheet drafted, we carry on training.  A challenging terrain where Jay does an amazing slope, gravel, downwards hill skate and skid with such grace and no tumble or fall.  This crease's me up.  Such style.  I had no idea I would repeat this act later on during our trek training.  We test out our legs and overall stamina on hills, and investigate tiny little worn away pathways, to see what views we can find.  A great training day, and I really enjoyed sharing a Sunday walk with my mate Jay.  Heading back to Jay’s car she cannot resist chasing the sheep off the hill.  Hilarious, you had to be there!  Back packing Jay, doing the mischievous Julie Andrews "the hills are alive" etc etc etc.  She amused quiet a few onlookers too, although she was unaware of this but I clocked the pleasant amusement she created.  Thanks Jay, I enjoyed our training, chats, putting together my schedule, smiles and laughs. *MWAH*

For Jay.  Good luck with Ramadan, although I know you do not need it!  I will support you with my new training regime and like last year participate in some fasting with you.  Loves xxxx

Mind Control Tips

Mind Control Tips | Mind Control Tricks

A fantastic link to motivate, encourage creativity and meditation practice.  Lifting and inspiring :o)


"Spiritual life doesn't make you a good person, you ARE a good person, you are a holy being when you are born.  What spiritual life does is remind us that this is who we really are." - Jack Kornfield

The Dalai Lama Blog

Dalai Lama blog

Food for thought and for energy

I loved watching this couple.  They seemed like soul mates

Strolling the hills, man and his dog

I was not overly enthusiastic this morning to train.  I felt lethargic from a heavy sleep and early rise.  I had to muster up discipline to train and continue breaking in my new trekking boots for the Himalaya.  I want to complete this charity challenge, for Acorns Children, their parents/carers, my appreciation of sponsors and my own self development.

Today was tough.  I imagined it would be somewhat easier after four Sunday's of hill training, but it was not.  July has been a very unpleasant month for various reasons.  I tried to soldier on against unsettling times. Meditated, worked, trained, helped at the hospice. Until reflection today, I realised how sad and low I felt.   This naturally had an impact on my physical status.  I could not avoid the fact I felt physically weak.  My appetite has been unintentionally suppressed.  Although I made an effort, when sharing company with my lovely friend Jay, enjoying fish and chips during my essential trekking gear required retail therapy day.

My breakfast to boost energy levels, a banana and beetroot juice.  Ten minutes into walking my hill route, I felt like heading back to the car.  Knackered, thinking and feeling I can’t do this!!! Food for thought:  No doubt there will be a day or day’s, when I will want to quit the Dalai Lama trek.  I experienced this during the Sahara Desert challenge.  Somehow, some way, I completed that trek and realised I had determination, mental, emotional and physical strength.  Again, somehow, I wanted to find that strength today, but it was very difficult.  I had to push myself and try.  Without realising, until this morning, I have lost ½ stone.  I can really feel that dramatic loss take its toll today.  I had achieved quiet good goals the last four weekends, but the lack of quality food  finally caught up with me.  

I carry on, decide not to over train on steep terrain today.  Just walk, listen to my body for when it is time to rest or head home.  I walk and walk mixed ground, but not the same challenges as the last four weekends.  I know it’s time out when my ankle buckles, falling to the ground twisting my knee and opposite ankle.  I pick myself up and head to the car.  Enough's, enough!.  I loved my Wing Chun Kung Fu training days but they have caused many injuries and problems.  My yoga teacher warned me not to continue Kung Fu practice :o$  

I accept today, I did my best.  Rather than push myself to the usual extreme causing problems with re-occurring injuries, further harm than good, I knew it was time to drive home and rest.  

Everyday, in ever way things are getting better. Pedometer reads 13638 steps.

"Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." 

Dalai Lama XIV

Saturday, sunshine and stroll

Archway to the University of Birmingham

Selly Oak Sailors

My shadow leads

Saturday 23 July 2011.  I rise bright and early, to view the progress of my new food herb garden and vegetables.  Since becoming debt free, apart from the mortgage, I am trying to be more consciously aware of outgoings, to save and prevent wasting food or money.  I never thought I would miss having my own garden. Apart from saving money and food waste, I want to nurture and grow my own food window box garden.  It was a nice sight and rewarding, to see little shoots of beetroot, spinach and chives sprouting.  My coriander , basil, tarragon, green beans and tomatoes are making slow growth.  Fingers crossed, my inexperienced “green fingers” at some point will help them to flourish.


I thought about befriending at Acorns, but had to be honest and listen to my gut.  It had been a tiring week, well month actually.  I needed time out, accepting I would not be the best of company to try to offer quality time, one to one with a child.  I finished jobs off at home, walked into the City to buy fruits and veg from the open market.  I walk back home to store my week supplies.  Feeling organised at home, I was ready to pull on my new trekking boots, start to break them in, walking to and including my towpath route regularly strolled.


A slight change to my usual route, I cut through the University of Birmingham to join the towpath at the Uni train station.  Along the towpath I am distracted by music and noise rising above my MP3 player.  I see ahead a narrow boat navigated by dressed up sailors. "What the?!  I can’t resist and ask if I can take a picture, it’s not very often this will be seen along this route. Questioned why, I explain it's for my Himalaya blog diary.  The captain of the team somewhat impressed by this future charity trek, agrees to a photo calling more of his crew out of shelter to pose. Shot taken. The captain navigates to moor and I am asked to come aboard to share a beer. I politely refuse. They all seem pretty harmless, but climbing onboard with a group of strange gents would not have been a wise move, and not my style. I was very flattered all the same,  a nice little confidence boost appreciated and needed of late.  My feet pick up some speed, leaving them partying behind in the distance to continue enjoyment on their booze cruise.


My new boots have done me proud, blister free! I completed with ease 17670 steps approximately 7 miles.

Scallop Shell

Friday 22 July 2011 - My scallop shell and chain arrived in my morning post from Pilgrims Supplies.  Although this is the symbol for the Way of St James or St James‘ Way Spanish El Camino de Santiago, Galician O Camino de Santiago, I wanted mine to carry with me on trek training days and the Dalai Lama trek experience.

Symbolism
Extract from Wikipedia
Shell of Saint James
The scallop shell is the traditional emblem of James, son of Zebedee and is popular with pilgrims on the Way of St James to the apostle's shrine at Santiago de Compostela in  Spain. Medieval Christians making the pilgrimage to his shrine often wore a scallop shell symbol on their hat or clothes. The pilgrim also carried a scallop shell with him, and would present himself at churches, castles, abbeys etc., where he could expect to be given as much sustenance as he could pick up with one scoop. Probably he would be given oats, barley, and perhaps beer or wine. Thus even the poorest household could give charity without being overburdened. The association of Saint James with the scallop can most likely be traced to the legend that the apostle once rescued a knight covered in scallops. An alternative version of the legend holds that while St. James' remains were being transported to Spain from Jerusalem, the horse of a knight fell into the water, and emerged covered in the shells.

Thinking.....Gratitude

Today is a good day, PAY DAY!  Bills are paid for another month.  No debts, well apart from the mortgage.  Healthy and well.   Hills to walk and enjoy training for the charity trek challenge, another mini adventure and learning curve.

EAT"PLAY"LOVE, the girly day of essential trekking gear retail therapy




We like this directional finger post

 


Breakfast a no carbs or calorie concern day

  

The trekking jacket, so cheap!

Dinner time: still no carbs or calorie concern

Jay looking for new jeans

Cheeky "peek a boo" from the dressing room

Some weird video thingy when shopping for Jay's Goddaughter

In order: Ess, Lis and Jay 



Oh my God these trekking boots are so comfortable and affordable!




I LOVE these boots.  Glove boots 



Over the past two weeks it had been a testing time at work, with family or generally socially for quiet a few of us.  For a few good friends and myself we experienced the full deal of all categories.  It was decided by Jay annual leave opening the way for some girls time would be the perfect remedy.  A trip to Cheshire  was agreed for a carbs and calorie count free day, and essential trekking gear retail therapy.  Bright and early Monday morning, Jay picks me up from home.  With nails prepared to be dug into her dashboard, I face another fear and survive, Jay’s driving!  A journey estimated 2hours with normal traffic flow, I think we flew there in 1hr 30.  I only yelped out loud with fear twice!  We stop at a service station and begin the no carb or calorie concern with luxuries from Starbucks.  I order the works.   

Cheshire Oaks outlet guaranteed I would find the trekking items needed at affordable prices.  Well at least I hoped as the budget was rather limited.  Things required:- new trekking boots, not too happy about this but unfortunately my magic boots that ventured the Sahara Desert, and many towpath and Malvern walks, are not suitable for the Dalai Lama trek.  Other items needed: rucksack, warm jacket, trekking poles to replace broken ones and not essential but would be nice if the budget can meet, trekking trousers and waterproofs.  We look in every sports or camping shop to weigh up products and prices before any purchase’s are made.  I’m dreading trying on boots, it’s so difficult to know which are suitable, I still have so much to learn about selecting appropriate equipment.  

Jay stays fast refusing to look in any fashion girly shops until I have everything I need on my Charity Challenge trek list.  After an hour or two of testing equipment, undoing every zip, strap, attachment and hidden pocket  of rucksacks or winter jackets I claim my purchase.  Wanting to have a little glam when roughing it this November I cannot resist the pink trekking poles.  Well a woman has to have a couple of luxuries and feminine items.  Mine will be my sparkly pink trekking poles and mascara.  It's time for lunch and credit card break.   I ask Jay to pick where she wants to eat and let me pay.  My treat and way of thanking  Jay for driving and helping me choose trek gear.  Plenty of restaurants from Café Rouge to Pizza Express, but Jay is excited with good old fish and chips from Harry Ramsdens.  Sticking to the full on carb theme, a large meal each of full fat cod and chips, stinging our eyes from the fumes of vinegar is savoured and enjoyed.

After lunch it’s time to make up my mind which boots to buy.  The only pair I had seen that looked suitable cost £100.  I really didn’t want to spend that much.  We re-visit Regatta and ask the helpful sales man what he would recommend for a Himalaya trek.  Shaking his head at the boot I was holding, removing it from my hand and putting back on the shelf, he replaces it with "THE BOOTS!"  I try  them on.   They feel like slippers, foot gloves, absolute heaven.  Regatta Isotex, waterproof, breathable and lightweight comfy boots at an amazing £29.  He said, if I wanted the funky trendy colour they would be £20 extra.  Not a chance! these will do, Love them.  I insist Jay tries a pair on.  I have never tried on such a comfortable pair of trekking boots.  She tries on a five and agrees this is a must purchase for her too.  Thanks Jay for a fabulous girls day of EAT, "PLAY" and LOVE the retail trekking gear therapy.  I will think of you when I train breaking in my new boots.

EAT PRAY LOVE - another favourite film in my collection.  I am sure Elizabeth Gilbert stole some of my life story scary the similarities, hopes and dreams.O

Almost, gone with the wind

Trying to capture the storm/wind

I booked Friday off as annual leave. It had been a strange, unsettling week.  Wednesday my boss man asked me to attend a works ceremony award held in the Museum of London.  I rush home to change, back to site where four of us head out to London at 4pm.  A lovely ceremony and beautiful venue but I really needed an early night.  We arrive back at the Selly Oak site at 2pm.  Driving home I am exhausted but know I am going to struggle to switch off and sleep.  I think the most on and off sleep I had was three hours, before it was time to get up early and start another working day.  I needed time out and to catch up on some home work. One of my “to do” was visit a storage unit I have rented for six months, to sort through  clutter and see what I really needed. I realised I had only visited the unit once since hiring, which made me ask myself, do I really need what I am paying to box away and not make use of? An hour later.  I cancel my lease, and with a car full of magazines, spare bed linen, cushions, craft items and knick knacks I drive to Acorns Children’s Hospice handing everything over for them to benefit from by selling in their charity shop.

Saturday I return to Acorns to offer befriending time. I meet a new little girl aged 14. She has good mobility but finds communication in speech and concentration a little difficult. The little girl is sitting clutching three of her favourite noisy toys. Nervous as always I sit beside her and think how to make contact and a connection. Two visitors arrive to play guitar and sing for the children. We both join the gathering in the main reception. I can only assume the little girl enjoyed herself from the continual giggling, and using my one hand to clap her hand on in time to the music. A very touching moment was when she turned to me, gently pressed her finger on the tip of my nose, then leaned towards me pushing her forehead onto mine while squeezing my hand. She did this three times. Each time I had to stop myself from either running out in bits or shedding a tear in front of everyone. Reflecting on another difficult mixed week, I feel gratitude for this special moment.


Sunday is trek training day which means a visit back to the Malvern Hills.  Normally I would alternate towpath walking and hills, but due to letting things take over and getting behind on my training schedule I decide extra hill walks are essential.  I avoid as much as possible flat surface, I have to challenge and train.  Taking two short breaks for hydration and look over notes for the Dalai Lama trek.  It's very windy.   I had no idea how strong and ferocious the wind would become.  I start to climb steep terrain, with no shelter from trees or shrubs.  As I climb the wind picks up pushing strongly, making each step tiring and difficult.  I refuse to give in and stubbornly venture on, not thinking of safety.  As I write this it is comical thinking back.  At the time, when I reached the top and without exaggeration almost got blown off the hill I was not amused.  I was petrified, absolutely bricking it!  I sat on the top of the hill, waiting for the wind to calm. My day pack shoulder strap almost ripped of the left side, due to the direction of the storm.  The sound of the wind overpowered music from my earphones. It showed no signs of calming.  I have no choice but to re-trace footsteps and get to an even level ASAP!  I meet another trekker, who had travelled the same route making his journey to safer ground.  Re-leaved to feel safe again I say to him laughing  "That frightened the life out of me! I had no idea when climbing that hill the wind would become so strong.  I almost got blown off the side, gone with the wind."   Smiling back, gesturing pulling at imaginary strings he replies “Next time bring a kite.”


Apart from the mind going into over time during the “wind from the skies is going to kill me!” moment, I thought about the pilgrims trek “The Way of St James.”  I pondered over ideas to book this and do as much of the trek as possible during my Christmas annual leave.  I want to escape the commercial Christmas.  My spontaneous Goa Christmas vacation alone was an amazing experience.  Although I have travelled on short stays to many wonderful places, Goa was the first trip that ignited curiosity to travel, taste and learn from various cultures.  The Way of St James pilgrimage fascinates me.  I don’t want to do the trek for religious reasons, merely as part of my own self development and life experience.  I fell in love with the film “The Way,” written by Emilio Estefan, starring his father Martin Sheen.  A very touching and inspiring film which has got me on path to learn more and at some point in my life embrace "The Way" experience.

Pedometer reading 11468..I think that is 4.5 - 5 miles approximately 3 hours - Not bad weather permitting 

Learning from friends, the Pretty Little Girl in Pinks and the Malvern Hills

My adopted hill, just for one hour 

Magic Trekking Boots 

Still alive and kicking.  I knew I would be, but felt it such a difficult week I wanted to quickly end and did not like much of it at all.  Extremely unsettling with obvious lessons to be learnt. I think a few good friends also had this feeling.  Friends experiencing their own fair (or is it unfair!?) share, testing moments surface with great force this week. We have all prayed for that “magic wand” to wave for each other to make things peaceful, harmonious and feel grounded. I offer love and best wishes to those friends who have showed great care and thoughtfulness. A positive to a difficult week is becoming aware of some precious, true friends. Thank you! I hope things settle for us all soon (((BIG HUGS))) One lesson learnt was to discover the amazing  kindness shared together.  Golden, when you need a little faith restored.

This week I felt overwhelmed by diverse, various issues and concerns, niggles, thoughts and feelings. As though bombarded by water bombs being hurled from all angles, heights, different sizes and forces thrown. Trying to avoid them and prevent them from hitting me. The impact and turbulance wouldn’t kill me. I knew I would eventually get through and past whatever this week was teaching.   This realisation didn’t take away the wish to prevent what each hitting bomb released. Feeling stung, smarting, drenched and drained. Various quotes by the Dalai Lama came to mind to try to create some calm again:

Dalai Lama XIV

"When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways--either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength."

"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." 

I thought about his teachings and my November trek, and found inspiration to offer befriending services at Acorns. It had been a while since working one to one with a child at Acorns. Last year due to training for the Sahara Desert trek and visiting my step-mother fighting cancer, which sadly she lost life to, I could not find time to assist at the hospice. I felt a little nervous.  This soon passed after saying hello when introduced to a lovely little girl aged 15. The little girls mobility and speech was very limited. I did my usual panic "What can I do to make sure this little girl has quality time?"  At befriending meetings we all shared we can over try.  We can try to do too much, bringing out too many toys, putting on too many stimulating attractions in the sensory room for sight, sound and touch. My gut told me to simply sit along side her on the water bed, with her favourite Princess film for her to watch.  Sensory room soft lights glowing from the bubble columns, she seemed at ease. Grooming her hair and massaging her hands, this made her smile.  She starred into my eyes for ages, as I stroked her hair, until the eyes slowly close resting in a sleepy trance. The pretty little girl in pinks, gave me the gift of putting some unease I had into perspective. 

Sunday gave me energy, to get up early and drive to my favoured Malvern Hills.  Still feeling a little heavy and  a mind overloaded with chatter. Meditation music helped to encourage thoughts to drift in and out. Let go of them without over analysing or predicting. I found I focused on my efforts walking steep areas to help release tension built up over the week. Although my appetite had been suppressed all week, I surprisingly had lots of energy.  After a few hours it was time to take a break.  A little hill caught my eye.  I decided to adopt it and make it my own just for one hour. Listening to music, capturing the view, letting things drift to mind and out, my mind had calmed. I reflected on the Sahara and gently imagined with curiosity what my next trek will bring.  It felt good to have an appetite back to train with enthusiasm, get fit and healthy for the Himalayas challenge.  Thanks to friends, the pretty little girl in pinks and the hills for the lessons and helping me to clear and find some head space.