Sirens, showers and loss of sight.

Start of training, I see plenty of greenery and texture.

Emergency services (ambulance and helicopter) required on the hills.

Fog suddenly restricts vision.

Within minutes fog hides the view.

I changed my hill training routine due to my sister’s invite, to help cook and share a good old fashioned, hearty Sunday roast dinner. Apart from the enjoyment of a rare Sunday feast, I have not teased and laughed with my nieces for some time, or caught up waxing lyrical with my sister and brother in law. My mother and step father also sharing the meal, I have not seen for four months or more, added to my necessity to change my normal Sunday training schedule.

I have no idea why I was surprised to see the hills busy on a Saturday. Enjoyed by loners, couples, families and dog owners walking and slowing down their pace of life. I smiled sweetly witnessing a few people stop to take mini breaks walking challenging terrain. I have not noticed a physical improvement as such. After a continual one day a weekend hill walks routine, over a six week period. However, I have noticed an improvement in mental determination which can be, if not more important at times, than stamina. At least I am not giving in, or taking numerous mini breaks. My breathing technique stills needs to relax, and weak muscles that aggravate need strength development.

The skies seemed clear. The sun warm, and the view stretched out for miles, during my first hour of walking. As always, sometimes I feel I am not physically walking, as my mind drifts away into the tracks on my mp3. I eventually, rather unexpectedly, arrive at my favourite hill, I adopt for personal reflection from time to time. From Sunday space, I notice an increase in visitors and the need for emergency services to assist an unfortunate trekker in need of help. Ambulance sirens echo over the hills. While a helicopter assesses the need to rescue from air. I have no idea who is hurt, how or the extent of their injury. Crowds begin to gather and head to the direction aid is required. My curious side wants to follow, but my respectable side insists I stay away. To let the emergency services carry out requirements, and more importantly, not add any further anxiety or distress, to whom ever is in need. I have no idea who was in need of help, why and if they are okay. I send out mindful best wishes they are safe and recovering.

I walk away from the drama and get back on track. I had become so lost in the beat of music, played at full volume I did not notice for a while sirens trying to alert me they needed me to move. A song I have listened to over and over again, suddenly had a sound affect I had not heard before.  I thought to myself, I have never noticed that affect before. The sound affect doesn’t fit the mood of the music! Something made me turn round, realising the sound affect was actually the sirens of the Fire and Rescue gents trying to get me to move out the way! I gesture my apologies, pointing out my mp3 earplugs delivering music, had prevented me hearing them approach. Embarrassed, I receive smiles and laughter from three firemen.  They give the thumbs up approval of my unintentional notice, of their call out and need to assist somebody vulnerable out on the wide open hills.

Away from the gathering crowds, walking a lone path, within minutes fog hides the views thick and fast. My hot brow is cooled by gentle showers. Very welcomed. I find the rain refreshing and it brings a feeling of contentment, for a while. I shared a previous experience, recalled previously in a blog update, how the weather can be unpredictable,and make training even more challenging, and quiet unsettling. Today is my first experience of cloud falling. Restricting my view, footings, feeling security and eventually having to accept, while continuation of training may appear brave, out alone lacking skills and knowledge would be idiotic. The fog restricted my vision to the extent, I could not see trails man made, or the possibility of walking of edge or into danger. At least 2.5 hours walked. I was not overly pleased with the miles completed but again accepted it was time to call today’s training to a closure.