A Weekend in the Sun

Sun, Sailing and trouble with Public Transport

It was a fabulous weekend of sailing on Zanzara out of the Hamble for the Sigma 38 training day and the final Spring Series race. There was sun, more wind than was forecast and we sailed well and I loved it!

The evening entertainment was brilliant in the King & Queen in Hamble and we were serenaded by Nigel's band, who were awesome! Hangover and working the bow in a race was maybe not the best decision I have ever made, but I did enjoy the race, the conditions were spot on and loved doing bow.

This is not the end to my story- unfortunately. Simply put, I was to get on the train back to Bournemouth and get home in time for a roast dinner. But this was not to be for me. The train from Hamble to Southampton went smoothly and getting off at Southampton Central it was apparent that something was going on. Apparently the bright sparks at South West rail had decided to do major engineering work on the lines and bridges and so many of the train were not running. This also meant there was very little passenger information. Asking an official looking type man in uniform and those paddles to direct the train I politely asked where the train he was standing on was going to. Being informed it was the one I wanted I didn't think twice and got on. I am far too trusting and judgement was clouded by lingering Mount Gay. To cut a long story short I was on the train going to Manchester, not a good move. Getting off at Basingstoke, I then got on a coach to Southampton and then train to Bournemouth. Some five hours later I got home to be too tired to eat my roast dinner, boo.

A great weekend, which ended in me hating public transport even more than I thought I could.

Growing Up

Bouncy Castles, Party Rings & Screaming Kids!

This is pretty much how I spent a beautiful Sunday lunchtime. The bouncy castle and party rings part was particularly brilliant. Who said that bouncy castles were only for kids, I had a great time and it has to be an awesome workout, bouncing all over the place trying not to land on a little kid in the process. the I ruined the half hour of bouncy castle action by eating a gargantuan amount of party rings. I forgot how great they are and should not just come out at parties!

However, being at a three year old birthday party had the down side of a lot of screaming. What I did notice was that when one of them starts the others join in. Not screaming for any reason, no injury, no pain or discomfort, just for the pure hell of screaming at the top of their lungs. And the little blighters think its funny. Imagine the scene- Megan starts screaming because I scared her on the bouncy castle (my bad), then the other 12 kids start running around joining in with the screaming, smiling. As if to taunt us! It is a noise that goes right through me and one that I am sure only dogs should be able to hear.

Having said that, the kids all had a really good time, ate most of the food and Megan seemed to enjoy herself. There was a moment went she threw an Oscar winning performance of 'its my party and I'll cry if I want to' when she couldn't open her presents. But then she is only three and was more concerned with if everyone had brought a present not that all her mates had turned up. Oh how fickle!

The scary thing is she is now three years old and growing into a proper little girl. Especially as she stands, with hands on her hips looking at me telling me to tidy up the mess I (she) made.

So until next year.....

A Punting Good Time!

Q. How much fun can you have on a river in Oxford?
A. More than I could ever have imagined.

On my way up to Hungerford, to the back end of a country field, past the running rabbit and beyond the extra long grass fields, there is a pub called the Pheasant! And this is where my friend Hannah has gone to work for a very nice man, who happens to be Will Young's dad.

The weekend was planned, changed and planned again and then it was decided that the most important thing on Saturday was to put a bet on the Grand National and get some grub. Being in a picturesque country village with beautifully decorated canals sat in the river, sun shining and everyone outside we decided to forgo that and sit in a car park and have a drink. Don’t ask me why, we just did.
The weekend continued with increasing hilarity as we moved on from Hungerford and the town to Oxford city centre. It then started to play out like the episode when Friends went to London for Ross's wedding. We got lost, asked for directions and still got lost, ate some food, ate some more food, talked a lot of s*$t, hit the town and then there was four in a bed!

The weather was brilliant and as the true tourists that we are we googled, sat naved and made our way to Cherwell Boat House on the river to go punting. No need for life jackets, disclaimers or inquiring of whether everyone can at least swim, we hired our punt from the lovely people at Cherwell Boathouse Punt Hire and headed off upstream to the pub. After a quick beverage stop we then went forth and explored the river in the direction of Oxford Botanical Gardens.
With every one of us having a go and trying to master the fine-art of punting I don’t think I have laughed so hard in all my life. There were real tears. And I am convinced that laughing is one of the best ab workouts I have ever done.
Running aground was a small issue and we became very familiar with the rivers banks and trees on both side of the river as we zigzagged our way back and forth. There was a near overboard, some travelling backwards and stationary moments on our journey but all in all I think the four people from Dorset mastered the skill of punting and entertained half of Oxford in the process.

Thanks Hannah, Rob and Kara for an unreal weekend!

The running training is going well and the lighter, clear nights are really helping.

Last night could not have been a better evening to go for a long run around St.Ives in Ringwood with my sister and running partner, Lucy. Mild, sunny and very little wind meant that we could run for an hour along the roads towards Moors Valley Country Park and back down the old, abandoned Ashley Heath railway line.

Along with training and running with Lucy I have added a new partner to my programme to get ready for the 10 mile Great South Run later this year. The lovely David Thomas at MRI UK have supplied my with their ionically charged electrolyte sports hydration drink product. Elete is a pure electrolyte add-in. A few drops of Elete can be added to any food or drink to help replace salts and essential minerals lost during exercise, helps maintain hydration, prevents muscle cramps, sustain energy and endurance and enhance mental focus.

The greatest part about this product is that it is 100% natural, there is absolutely no calories, no sugars or additives and has been recommended by professional athletes and competitors in all sports from cycling and swimming to yoga and mountain biking.

For more information on Elete and how it can benefit everyone whether taking part in sports or curing a hangover go to http://www.eletewater.co.uk/