I guess life itself is epic?

Welcome along guys

Been a while since my last blog.
I've been thinking that there is nothing worth blogging about when all seems so boring and unadventurous, but actually I've been finding life a little challenging recently, especially over the festive period.

This is not a sob story, and I dont want sympathy, I just want you all to know what I think sometimes. I know those who read my tweets will know about my honesty and I want that to remain.

Because of the festive season people lost their will to train, became busy with parties and gatherings and shopping. Too busy to come to keep fit and healthy.
As disappointed as I am about this, I realise that my life is based around exercise and training and I shouldn't judge by my own standards.
The only issue for me is that this is now my living, and not my hobby so it's hard to keep smiling at times.

Being my own boss, paying for a mortgage and general day to day living has been super hard work. There was a time when I was on £30k a year, gone are those days. You seem to live to your means eh?
I dont think I could have survived the last few months without the help of my Mum and another very dear friend.
Not to fear - 2012 I will make my millions!!!!! (yep, too much Only Fools and Horses this year too)

I was really looking forward to Christmas Eve, this was the highlight for me, playing and singing in the pub, The Bay Horse and the finest pub in Totnes.

With having to spend 6 hours transposing music for the occasion it had to be worth it.
2 rehearsals at Bob's pad and we were pretty much ready to go.

I had a couple of practice sessions at home on my own and dug out some more sheet music. You know, I had completely forgotten how much I adore playing.
I used to play with a band back in Surrey and was even known as 'Deb the flute' in one pub in Reigate.
Forgot how much it makes your jaw ache though! (stop it!!!!)

And then we played, and I smiled, and then we laughed and should have been playing, and I really felt like me again. The real me.
This was a part of me that hadn't recovered from the experience I like to call, 'The ex boyfriend' we say we dont change but bloody hell I couldn't have changed much more than I did.
So, I have rediscovered my lovely instrument and in the New Year I will back in at the Bay for random Thursday night music to continue playing. This will make me complete.

Did my usual Christmas Eve, vanished off homewards to be on my own and await Father Christmas...... just kidding! haha

Christmas morning, out with the dogs, through the woods, into the river, gave them an epic walk to run off their super doggy enthusiasm for life and back to get ready for the pub.
To be fair, seemed as though I hadn't long left the pub before returning again. Haha
Nice drink with everyone, down to see the lovely Amy at the Steam Packet and then home for a massive nap before Downton.

I know it seems sad, those of you with families you celebrating, lots of food and festivites, but I live down here on my own so had to make the best of it.

I'm not one for invading other peoples gatherings, I know I turned down a few dinners, but its one of those things I'm just like that. A little proud I guess you could say.

I've been invited out for drinks tonight, but because I have no money I wont go. I know, I'm odd, but I wont change!

Anyway, my life is a little weird at the moment, I always feel sad at this time of year without Dad around and so I go into hibernation.
Come spring all will be well!

I hope that you all had a great Christmas and that you stay focused and positive for the coming year ahead.

In the meanwhile, I will try and find something a little more interesting than my life to blog about! haha

See ya soon :)

A Change for the better

Well hello and welcome back, I'm sorry it's been a while since my last Blog but I haven't really had any epic adventures as I have been working so hard, I then figured that actually, this was the biggest and most Epic adventure of the year so far, even bigger than the 103! So it must be blogged.
I will try and keep it brief and not bore you too much, but a lot has happened!

Timeline - July, made redundant! August, planning, signing on and more planning! September...........

27th September 2011 I became fully self-employed with my own business, 'Fighting Fit Devon' teaching Kickboxing, Boxercise etc and eventually, BounceFit of which I'll talk about a little later.
I launched the Newton Abbot Kickboxing club on this day, students from Totnes came over to support me and a few people came along to try out.
From those few on the first day one has remained and become as star - Ryan Sharples.
From day 1 Ryan showed natural ability, dedication and above all - No Fear!

For 3 weeks I built up adult numbers, with Isla returning to join me again as she was an Ipplepen student. There were still no Juniors though.
Then 3 weeks in Cai turned up with his Dad, Steve and said that they would both like to try classes.
For 2 weeks Cai had 1-1 tuition with me until he finally brought along his cousin, Beth. I now had 3 adults and 2 Juniors. Everything has to start somewhere although I am impatient to build up numbers. I want instant success but I will have to be patient.

Whilst the Kickboxing was going on I also started at Peak Physique in Torquay a couple of hours a week. The plan is to get more women into the gym there so they thought they would let me try and set up some classes there.
I've just launched the BLT class there (Bums, Legs amd Tums) I hope we get a few in this week for it.

As well as that I have been working away, tweeting @fightingfitdvn, updating Facebook groups and pages trying to build up the business!

I sold my motorbike :( to pay for the Van signwriting and it was the best choice. With Michelle's logo design on it, it's the best kind of advertising I could have had. I do now though have to control any road rage issues as they will know who I am!
I'm all sweetness and light when driving now and I let out a lot of people so they can read the van and know who I am.

Boxercise continued in Totnes, numbers are still low, although 12 last week.
I changed the Boxercise day in Marldon to a Wednesday in the little hall and still have the hardcore few who always turn up. It's a great group and we have since been joined by 2 more new Boxers.
Saturday Boxercise continues although still relatively small but great friendly fun sessions.

Then I finally did it - my dreams really became the reality at the launch of BounceFit!

For years I have wanted to do a SpaceHopper fitness class but I was held back with Insurance and also I had no room for 15 hoppers. My van can just cope with them and the rest of the equipment and so far the classes have gone well.
I have one more this year and then hope to do regular classes next year. I just need to spread the word around.

Starting your own business is very stressful, if anyone says different then they are lying!
To add to this I am also doing a qualification at the same time - passing my gym Instructors this week too.
I have to work very very hard to keep paying the bills and food, I will get there and I will make a success of it because I want it so badly.
I have wonderful support from my Mum and my friends and it will be possible for Fighting Fit Devon to be the business I envisage in a matter of months.

The fruition for me was yesterday, just 9 weeks from starting 6 of my students graded in Harberton Parish Hall. 5 white belts and a yellow stripe.
They came away with 2 distinctions, 2 credits and 2 passes. I couldn't be more happy. This is when you get to see the results of your hard work.

I'm looking forwards now, staying positive and most of all, taking this opportunity that I've been given with both it's horns and bouncing on to success.

Mum, BounceFit and stuff!

Thursday 3rd November 2011 :)

Mum arrives at Totnes train Station the usual time and I am there to greet her and take her to the B&B and before you comment, have you seen the size of my house?!

Brief chat and then I'm off, this is unusual and the first time I've had to leave Mum on a Thursday when she arrives, but I now have my new Kickboxing classes in Newton Abbot so left Mum to fend for herself! Gave her a door key and said I would see her later.
Finally made it back to Mum, luckily had pre-sorted food so all was good!

Friday we did the usual things, market etc and then again I dragged Mum off on a work mission! I had to go to Dawlish to pick up my new t shirts and hoodies and we had a lovely toasted sarnie whilst we were there.
Then back home...... to inflate!

So, back home I unpacked the deflated hoppers. We put on tv and a Carry On film was on! Perfect viewing for what I was doing haha :)
An hour and a bit later the little wotsits were all fat and full of air and ready to be ridden!
Mum and I took them out to the van and squeezed them all in. The smell of rubber was amazing when we got into the van.

Got to the hall at Marldon, unpacked the hoppers and waited for the victims, erm.... I mean clients!
The videos and reports back speak for themselves, it was so much fun and very very sweaty, some great Carry On moments and I was happy that my dream worked!
Quick pint after in the Church House Inn and we were happy and hoppy to go home.

No Boxercise on the Saturday meant that we could have the whole day to do exciting stuff!
So, we did :)
We went to the South Devon Railway's Diesel special (*sniggers*)
We got on a special train to Buckfastleigh and went to the Otter and Butterfly place. Not many Butterflies about, guess it's the time of year but we made it there for Otter feeding time (after a pasty) and got to see someone having an 'Otter Experience' (not what you think) he got to feed them and everything! I want to do that now I know I can :)

Back we went on the train, after a quick trip to the giftshop and get a cuppa.

Lovely weather, fantastic company of my Mum and great memories.

Sunday - competition in Plymouth for one of my Kickboxers, Ryan. After just 6 weeks of joining me he did his first.
I made Mum sit about all day and wait, thankfully Keiley was there with Lauren so at least she had company whilst I ran around, panicked about sparring gear and then had to time in one of the rings.
Anyway, Ryan won Gold! Woohoo!

Back we went home had a roast dinner (wasn't happy with my cooking of it) and watched the final Downton Abbey together! We Watched the first together and the last, the ones in between we text each other all the way through!

So, BounceFit, trains, TKD and Kickboxing and my Mum visits - all wrapped up in one very happy weekend :)

Thanks for reading :)

Pedal Mad MBO on Dartmoor

Well, another Epic that is Non-coast-related!!!

After receiving many awful comments on facebook about me attempting this (after the Totnes collection fail) I was still prepared to go ahead!

Got an early night and up and ready to go. Good hearty brekkie of porridge and banana sorted out my camelbak and off I went.

I then turned the van round at Dartington and went back for my mountain bike!

Drove to South Brent, asked 3 people where the village hall was and finally made it there.
The big brother duo were there, after the getting lost teasing but hey, I took it and logged in, got my map (that was absolutely alien to me) and off I went.
Firstly the wrong way down a one-way street, off down 2 driveways, turned round and back to the village hall.
I then went the right way and headed towards point #1.

When I got back I found out something about contours and points, I had headed the hilly way to the higher point scorers! Yep, I had no idea!

I actually found #1 woohoo first celebration, then it looked pretty simple off to the next one, bumpy, skiddy,new front tyre amazing, rear one not so good but I did it!

Got to #2 and passed by another MBO contender, I didnt care....much! (I am competitive!)
So the choice as I saw it was, erm straight where it looked like people went! Straight up and not right, along the easy track by the wall where everyone else went!

So off I went straight up, kept going, kept going, still going, encountered some cows, massive big black huffers (not heffers) and I knew I was in trouble!
I had heard (herd) about cows doing nasty trampling things to ramblers in the past, these cows were not scared of me they did in fact approach me in a menacing manner! One came right up, looked me in the eye and gave the biggest MOOOOOOOOO ever! I got off my bike and kept it to the side of me, for protection! Haha :)
His mates decided it would be good to come over too, I was uphill, somehow the track I had been following was gone and I was knee high in grass and bumps and rocks, surrounded by cows! (usual Sunday for me)

I carried on, over the hill, and through the bushy groups of wet grasses and boggy bits! I then had to cross some kind of rivery thing, carried the bike over, then over another one and had already decided that I was lost! Funny that!
I had though kept my bearings and decided to head back over the hill towards the direction of the track I should have gone on. Another rivery thing cross and I was back heading towards the 'danger' section, very slippy and rocky, wheeled the bike through as did some youngun who passed me!

I did catch him up at the checkpoint and at the next!

There was no time for another, my 2 hours was nearly up! Back up and down the road to the village hall.

Just 2 mins over time, Kris and Lesley looked shocked to see me, I can't imagine why! haha

I loved it, I was crap, but I wasnt last, no, the awesome duo who decided to be mean to me on facebook joking about me getting lost, came behind me as they were late getting back! I got 78 points on my little own!

Great stuff, and a fantastic morning on the most beautiful Dartmoor.

Thanks Kris and PedalMad :)

Back to training on the Coast

Hi again,

No blog for ages, then 2 in 2 days. Must mean I'm finding some time in my new schedule.

I was planning a run today again, don't get much time to run anymore really now. I wanted to do at least 6 miles ish, ended up doing about 10.

I parked up just outside East Portlemouth as I wasn't sure where I could park.

Warm up jog along the road and down towards the passenger ferry entrance. Eventually I got to Mill Bay where Tim and I had met Kris on the 103 at about 4am. Looks very different in gentle sunlight, rather than darkness!

Again, this run now, as probably all my future Coastpath runs, at least in the South Devon area will remind me of that epic time, happy memories of the most challenging thing I have ever done. (except maybe launching my own business haha)

I ran through the woods, Autumn really hits the coast areas first, leaf cover was thick and the end of my hiking pole was stacked up with them. It was like running through a thick wash of dry water, sounds odd, but it's the only way I can describe it.

I ran out on the upper path, the one that Tim and I had come along, through the sheep field of 'many eyes' there were none in there today, but evidence that they had been. Maybe we scared them off running through with our head torches at 3am!

I then moved on to the lower path and on to Gammon Head, a very impressive rock formation here, quite dramatic in it's form.

I met many others out there today, enjoying the sunshine to start with, then the clouds came in and the wind picked up. There were proper hikers and others on a day out. As usual, one miserable woman out with her family, all thanked me for waiting except her, she must have heard my comment as I went on my way. 'No problem, anytime, rude woman!' Funny thing is I saw them again on my return journey and she couldn't look me in the face. Some people have no manners!

Anyway, I made my way to Prawle Point, I was going to continue to Lannacombe but the rain had kicked in and the wind was epic! Between Prawle Point and Gammon Head the wind was so strong it knocked me over! Luckily it was blowing away from the sea and blew me into a rock. I'm glad I made the decision to head back after that haha.

I took a few shots just for Tim again today as we were seriously dicing with death on the rock section of path. Literally one foot out of place and we would have gone over the edge. I made Tim follow me on these sections and stick to the right, tight to the rock, so thankful we got through it ok, particularly as we were in rain then too!

As I ran back the wind caught the sea in it's path and I got to feel the salty breeze on my face. I love to smell and taste the sea, it puts everything into perspective, makes it real. It's a genuine feeling of nature and what really goes on and at this time of year, my absolute favourite time, today was genuine therapy for any stress I may be feeling from my new business.
Yes, I am officially sorted, at least until tomorrow! haha

So back to my van I ran :)

As I got back I did my usual strip off into a dry top, only to have a car of about 5 people drive round the corner! Comedy timing! Thank goodness for sports bras! :)

Take care and I'll be back very very soon.

Paris with my lovely Mum

Thursday 8th September 4pm
I made my way from home to Totnes Train Station, train was due so I had to make sure I made the 5 minute walk down in good time to catch my train! Haha, something that I have picked up from my Mum the early thing.

Anyway, I waited at the Station for my train to get in, at the wrong end! I hadn't looked at my ticket and my lovely Mum had got me a First Class ticket! I legged it down to the other end when the train got in and settled in to my lovely spacious, air conditioned seat.
I studied and finished some bits for my Gym Instructors assessment and got a bottle of water off the trolley as it came round. I also didn't realise that I could have coffee/biscuits etc for nothing being in First Class! (I made up for it on the return journey!)

Changed trains at Reading after a call to Mum to make sure I was on the right platform! Its so much easier to drive for someone with a brain like mine!

J How did I know I was going to get a call checking on this, I was just on the verge of sending her a text to let her know which platform!


Got to Redhill and was met by Mum and my big brother, who I haven't seen since April 2010 at the time of the London Marathon. He's certainly changed since I last saw him, am sure he thought the same about me too!
We went over to look at his new house in Charlwood. It's MASSIVE! I could fit my house nearly 3 times over in it haha but there we go, it's all relative (scuse the pun) I get to live in Devon! Anyway, really pleased for him, I'm glad that his boss looks after him and he finally gets the reward he has worked so hard for.

J This was the start of our adventure.


I wont bore you too much, me and Ma went for a pint at The Old Oak, I had to! haha and then bed ready for our early start! (Mum had to blow up the bed first for me)

J made quite a mess!


Early Friday morning, taxi to Reigate Station and we met the feeder coach to Dover.

Mum's friend from other trips, I had gone to Belgium with them both was at Dover too. We all got on our coach with driver, Dave and the hilarious tour guide, Eric.

J Eric was Dutch, he spoke 9 languages and his sense of humour was so dry that it went over most people's heads.


Nice, easy ferry crossing, the Beer made it easier and we three sat and people-watched for the journey! There was a funny moment with a man and a baby that turned into a small boy but I think it was one of those, 'you had to be there' moments!

And then we were there! Bonjour France!
There was the inevitable story from Mum, about when I wet myself in Calais when I was small because I wouldnt use the French toilet and she had to spend a fortune on a new pair of knickers! I fortunately was too young to remember this and have since found bladder control!

J She has also found a lot of toilets!


Eventually after a little break we were in the outskirts of Paris at our Hotel - Mum help me out here with where we stayed?

J We stayed at the Campionale Hotel in Argentueill (spelling not great, sorry). Quite a way out from Paris but it served its purpose.


We had a lovely meal at the Hotel that night, very young waiter with a nice bum served us!
A few drinks with other people from the coach, Mr Woodhouse, we will never forget him. A man keen on Egyptology, hands tattooed with the Eye of Horus and always in a leather jacket. He had really long hair and a beard to match but one legend of a man and so very genuine.

Saturday brought to us an adventure into Paris, a trip round, mainly based around Eric's obsession with toilets! We saw the Opera House several times, Eiffel Tower and eventually we were dropped off at the Place de Concorde (Mum will correct me) we did however cheekily get back on the coach and got dropped off by Dave at the Eiffel Tower as I had a little word with them! Helps being female sometimes! Dont tell the others though!

J Quite right where we were dropped off but Deborah worked her usual magic and got us the lift back to the Eiffel Tower.


Sadly we couldnt get a beer there this time so we had a strange sausage and chips carton and chatted to some very friendly Americans who gave us the usual 'Oh Jeez we could listen to you guys speaking forever, we love your accent' line! haha but they were very nice.

J love the way they joined "the line".


We snapped a few pictures and decided on a hot, sunny, slow walk back to the coach area, me map reading! I know, I know what some of you are thinking but I did it, I got us back on little local streets where we could soak up the French atmosphere properly!

J It was very hot walking back so very glad we didn't walk there as well.

We saw some of the others from the coach waiting and we sat with them in the shade for a bit, this was a moment so amazing for me I will never ever forget it. I told the funniest joke I have ever told! It's going to get lost in translation but I will attempt to tell you.

J Eileen and I had the most peculiar ice cream, don't quite know what it was made of!


We were sat down, some people snacking so there were the inevitable birds flocking around us trying for a bite to eat. Most of them Pigeons! There was one hopping about there, he was deformed, he had a bad foot that was turned in and one big fat toe. We watched him hobbling about and then...... wait for it....... I said, 'He's pigeon toed!'
*tumbleweed rolls along the screen*
Anyway, oh how we laughed! And I continued to laugh for a lot longer than anyone else!

J You know what they say about people who laugh at their own jokes.


We got on the coach, back to the Hotel to prepare for our nightime excursion to Montmartre! My favourite place in Paris.

Last time I went to Paris with Mum we went there in the daytime so I was excited at the prospect of seeing Montmartre in a new light.

We followed Eric to the restaurant where we eat an epic amount of food before going into the area of artists and all things very 'Totnesian'
I couldn't actually eat all my dinner and we also had loads of wine to get through! How awful eh? haha

J Both meals out that we had were very substantial, unlimited amounts of wine and beer and very good value.

Then into Montmartre, we walked up some steep steps towards the Sacre Coeur , I've spelt it wrong I know!

Then into the buzzing street full of people eating, drinking, painting and being drawn.

J So nice to be there at night time, even more buzzing than during the day.


We were accosted by an artist who seemingly conned us in price for our portraits. We had the drawn last time we were there so wanted to do it again. 60 Euros later! Anyway, I am more than impressed with mine, but as I was standing there being drawn I was being watched by a legitimate artist just to the side of the square.
A young, fairly attractive man who beckoned me over to him! Yeah, I know, happens to me all the time! haha
Anyway, here is the exciting bit! He says that he wants to draw me. I told him that we had already been drawn, ripped off and we had no money for any more pertraits. He said that he didnt want me to pay, he just wanted to draw me!
He gave me his card and I went to order a drink with mum and Eileen.
He was offended that I had turned him down and I eventually agreed to sit for him! My days of life-modelling have held me in good stead for this kind of thing and it was great to see the people passing by watching what he was doing and giving me little smiles and 'thumbs up' in appreciation of what was going on.
I had a lovely chat with Namo as I was sat there and he asked me to come back to Paris to model properly for him. Although he does portraits in Montmartre he also paints full nudes etc and when he found out I like taking my clothes off for the sake of art he was over the moon!
At this point Mum was frantically trying to get my attention as we were going to be late to get back to the coach!
Namo hated being rushed and I promised to return to Paris and model for him! (I do things like that after wine)

J Never had such an expensive cup of coffee (8 Euros!). Most people who saw the sketches preferred the one that we paid for but they are both very good.


Off we ran, I left him half a glass of wine and back to the coach we went.

J Expensive wine too 12 Euros!


Dave took us past The Moulin Rouge twice! And Eric was hilarious on the way back, I think he had been on the Vino too! haha
J The "line" was horrendously long to go in, always so very popular.


Off to bed ready for another early start.

Sunday - Rain!
Trip to the Palace of Versailles, it rained last time we went but hey, we had lovely weather on the Saturday so it wasn't all bad.
Coach trip was quite uneventful until got quite near to the town itself.
We were stuck in traffic and I happened to glance over to my right out of the window towards some bushes.
There was a rather tubby man stood there in the trees dressed in shorts and a t shirt, I thought maybe he was waiting to cross, then I thought maybe he was looking for somewhere to pee, I said to Mum, look there's a man in the bushes there! As I said it, I glanced at the man again, who took great delight in being watched and did just what I thought he would! Yup! I'd made my Mum look at that too! haha, I had promised myself I would point and laugh when it happened but I was in shock and he seemed to be enjoying the experience way too much!
No one else saw it, not even Eileen, but our telling of it gave the man sat in front of mum a laugh! He kept mentioning it after that haha
So twice in France that's happened to me now! Do I have that kind of face? haha

J I think they hang around just in case she appears, he probably makes a habit(!) of hanging around there waiting for the lights to go red so he can enjoy himself!


Versailles was great, the rain wasn't too heavy and we got to see the fountains in full flow whilst we were in the gardens.
There are hundreds of naked statues around the gardens, I have taken many photos for 'Tits out Tuesday' 'Willies out Wednesday' (even though we had already had it on the sunday!) and one Monday shot!
I had a lovely pint and off we went back to the hotel.
Ooh forgot to say, there was some music playing in the gardens there, the speakers hidden in the hedge, it was really cool.

J Although it was raining the beauty of the Palace and the gardens was not spoilt. The fountains were really beautiful, nothing much when not working but with the music etc., a lovely morning. What I liked was when we were walking back up the gardens to the Palace there was a group of 6/8 people (probably American) with raincoats, hoods and strange hats in a long line with hands joined dancing back up in time to the music.

Our last excursion! A meal out and the Montparnasse tower.
We walked to a little restaurant, that Mum had actually been to before on a previous trip.
We sat with different people from the coach this time, I was sat opposite a man, who I can only describe as Larry Lamb. I couldn't stop staring at him! When I eventually brought up the fact that he looked like him no one else had thought of it. They all did after! He even spoke like him!

J Another great evening, meal, wine and company.


There was a great accordian/guitar combo. Much better than the crap, sweaty magician on the previous night. we all had a good sing-along it was really nice.
I had been topping up Mum and Eileens glasses with wine all night, Eileen was hilarious, she hadn't realise how much she had drank as her glass was always full! Oh how we laughed!
The hilarity continued up the tower, although it was very very weird going up such a tower on 9/11 10th anniversary!

J It was a bit unnerving going up the tower on that particular day, and it brought back the memory of when I went up the Twin Towers with Deborah's dad. The lobby and lifts were all very familiar.


We went back to the hotel and continued to drink with our fellow coach-mates and discuss Agatha Christie.
A lovely end to our stay there.

Off on the coach back to Calais to discover that the high winds and the tail end of the hurricane was going to stop us going back on the ferry to Dover. After going throught eh passport thing there we then went off to the train area and went through Passport control for a second time!

They had to take the very old Indian lady off the coach the first time, which was a tense moment, lessened by Erics jokes!

Onto the train to Folkestone. I stayed on the coach to try and finish the book I had been reading. I was reading Poirots last book, Curtain and wanted to finish it. I didnt! haha

We said our goodbyes and back on the feeder coach back to Reigate. I will stop here, it's only appropriate as we had a brilliant time away.

J It's always a little sad when a good time ends but you know there is always another time and another adventure to experience.

So, Sunday I was meant to be going to a celebration of Claire and Jen's wonderful new married life together, but I couldn't afford it. I decided, after 2.5 weeks of being ill that I needed to do a little run, so I did a little more than little! Slapton to Prawle Point on the Coast Path. After running 5k with Claire Sunday morning I went straight over to Slapton and parked up. I saw someone I recognised there, about to run too, but couldn't remember where from! Off I went, over taken by the guy I recognised and his running buddy we had a brief chat as we passed and he had come to one of my Boxercise classes. Anyway, off they went, really good runners as I saw them go off into the distance! I then bumped into Carla, one of my Kickboxers, it was her birthday and she was at Beesands for a meal. Then, back to the running. I have to say, that after being ill and only a small bowl of porridge the whole thing was hard going. It was hot, so much that I got sunburnt and I really struggled. I did, however do what I set out to do, and that was to take some photos for Timmy so he could see just how close to death we were on the 103, the photos I've added are of the drops, right next to the path we ran on at night! He may not want to look at them, but it just goes to show what we put ourselves through in the night time section of the run. On the return journey I was passed again by the 2 guys I had met at the start, they had gone in land for a bit but took off up the steps of ridiculous inclie, back to Slapton. I met them in the car park afterwards, they have just set up a company called 'Wild Running' in Totnes, Monday and Thursday nights. Then I saw another Kickboxer, Maria! Funny how you meet people :) Anyway, I dragged myself off back to the van and off homewards. The End :)

A week away in Bristol

Hi All (all 5 of you! haha)

Back again after an epic adventure in Bristol last week.

I went there to do my 5 day Gym Instructors course with Lifetime, it would have been easier to do it in Exeter but that isn't for a while and I wanted to do it soon.
I decided that I would go up in the van and stay in the van as it would save on costs for accommodation.

I packed up the van with a weeks worth of tinned food and cereal bars and found five sets of lycra for the week! I decided I would find a gym there where I could train in the evening and also get a shower at!

Made it to Bristol and then spent an hour driving around Clifton to find a suitable place to park up for the week. Finally, I have no idea how I did it but I found a space in Victoria Square, I think the poshest part of Bristol, I had only an inch in front of me and behind between the 2 cars! Amazing :)

Anyway, I wont waffle on too much but I met the rest of my class, and our tutor, Katie. I can honestly say that woman is a legend, a legend in pixie form as she is so so tiny!
Katie kept us interested in what we were studying and kept us laughing. I have never known so many people in one room to have a Carry On sense of humour before. The innuendo just kept flowing all week :)

Met Pru, on the course and she managed to get me a cheap pass to Fitness First for the week, which was ace, and a fantastic gym with air conditioning (dont get jealous Totnesians) this was great so every morning a quick session then shower before class, and again in the evening.

I found a lovely pub just up the road, The Albion! Lots of money in that place, good job they didn't know I was sleeping in my van haha :)

Wednesday evening I went for a short exploratory run around Clifton and on Clifton Downs. Did about 6 miles in total and went back to do my homework.

Everyone on the course was fantastic, I've made some great friends and the whole week was hard for my brain after so long, but rewarding and the knowledge has gone in!

Thursday night was hilarious! I drove over to the house of my twitter friend Fairy Fluffkins and prepared for a road trip to see Meschee (another twitter friend) it took us an hour and 20 mins to get there thanks to the lovely Aussie sat nav man. Odly it only took us 40 mins to get home again haha

Met Meschee and her hounds and her massive pussy!Sorry, had to be done!

I think you should check out the Youtube footage of exactly what happened that night, I have not laughed so much in a long time.
Thanks chicks, very entertaining :)

So Friday came, after a perfect sleep on Fairy's sofa, so comfy after sleeping in the van. Drove back to Clifton for my final day.

Cooldown, core/abs and static stretches.

We all exchanged facebook details! Haha, gone are the days of getting someones address or phone number!

Sad to leave, but left with happy memories and the dark gaps of my brain now filled with my new future.

Speak soon

:)

Marldon Apple Pie Fair Boxercise Demo!

Oh yes, today was epic!

The Marldon Apple Pie Fair Boxercise Demonstration! (imagine that being read out in an American Movie Style voice!!!)
I arrived! I met a few Bay Horse friends watching the 'Red Sparrows' what I can only describe as a bunch of people carrying small wooden planes walking in formation! It was perfect for a 'Midsomer Murders' style village occasion!

Amy arrived,then Shaun and to my surprise, the lovely Chris from the Pavilions!

Amy was there with her German friend who was very very sweet and handed out leaflets whilst we demonstrated! Lovely :)

So we watched a very off-her-face lady joining in with 'moves to music' another class from the village hall demonstrating on the main arena! And hoped she would do the same with us as she was very funny!

Then, our time was here! I took up the mike and gave us a good bigging up and invited everyone to come and join in the Boxercise aerobics!
Lots of kids and a local Martial Arts group joined in, it was really nice.

Then, the padwork! We all punched, I would say like Demons, but we didn't as we had to show that we cater for all levels of fitness, the Team were amazing and at the sidelines Wendy took these amazing photos, thanks Wendy :)

Then off for a pint! We then realised why the off-her-face lady was so drunk, as they has run out of cider! Haha, but a beer later we said our goodbyes and ended a brilliant afternoon.
I love my supportive friends, they are the best, thanks to the A Team!


xD

P.S. There was no Apple Pie there at all!

Kickboxing Quickie!

Hi all

No pictures on this one, just wanted to give a few words on tonight as I'm still wired from it and my feet have the most epic carpet burns!

6.10 the lovely Cy - Famous for Dartington Village Stores and being a Red Belt Kickboxer, picked me up, he already had our newest Kickboxer, Matt in his massive vehicle and off we went to Plymouth!

Down the A38, off on the 386 (oh yeah baby, I know my road numbers!) to Derriford and The Devonshire! Oh my life what a massive sorted place of exercise that is!

Anyway, we went in and I saw my most favourite sparring partner ever, Joanna (I cant spell or pronounce her surname as yet, but I will) and I knew all was gooooooooood :)

So in we went into a sort of 'rough-veloured' area (I dont know how to spell the fabric name sorry! Or even what it is) and got hot and sweaty!

It was a Kickboxing Seminar to be reckoned with the lovely Sir, Mr Houston is a man that I like a lot. He does a lot of punching, lots and lots, that's what I loved about my grading, he let me punch a lot! And we did that tonight and it was so so so so good I am excited, can you tell?

Anyway, the finish was a brilliant CV circuit, me and Joanna went head to head (without cheating .... unlike others!) and sweated or wotsits off!

Anyway, the main point of this blog is that I had another epic adventure! And the best bit was Cy's Amy Winehouse joke on the way back that had no punchline, that I still laughed at!

Night all, had a fantastic night and lost a whole kilo in water :)

My Mummy's visit

I wanted to give this blog justice and I've been busy!

My lovely Mummy visited me this weekend as she does every 2 months (more than I go to see her and I feel bad) but due to my recent job loss I was able to actually meet her at the station again and take her to the B&B (I have a tiny tiny house)

Thursday night consisted of a Totnes in Bloom meeting, a 'Tweetup' in the New Walk Brasserie (very nice) and then a bit of a session in 'The Albert' on the dark side of Totnes in Bridgetown. We met Albert the Springer Spaniel, a customer got an apple thrown at his head and I woke up the next morning with a bit of a headache!

Friday, I've already blogged our Zoo adventure! We came home and had Fish and Chips and a sober one!

Saturday morning, Boxercise out on the field, it was fantastic out there in the sun, and then back to change for our next adventure!

We went over to Tavistock. I used to go there with my best friend Sarah so I know Tavistock very well indeed but have never actually been there with my Mum.

We parked in my favourite carpark (I am sad) by the river and Meadowlands leisure pool! Walked into Town and to the Pannier Market. It was lovely walking round there with Mum but soon I was needing a wee (haha) a pint and some food!
We went to the Tavistock Inn, a pub I used to go in with Sarah and her Mum and Dad. We used to go in there and put songs on the jukebox, we had Kirsty McColl Days and always put on 'The Walk of Life' for Sarah's Mum!
The old jukebox is still there but no longer working, in fact the whole pub hadn't changed at all since we used to go there over 20 years ago! That's probably not a good thing haha :)

We had cheesy chips and then hit the town! Or should I say, the shops, which to be fair I dont think you go to Tavistock for.
Anyway, I decided to confront another viaduct whilst we were there! I made it near it anyway, it was a big one!

We had a BBQ that night and a lush walk back after a few Ginn Fizzes before bedtime (Waltons)

Sunday, I went for a cycle, run and my place of worship, the Gym whilst Mum went to sing hymns and see her Totnes Church friends.
Then we went to the Dragon Boat races at Longmarsh.

A beautiful afternoon by the river, we took the dogs (Murphy with his bandaged paw) and spent all afternoon there. My lovely friend Amy was there for the Steam Packet for their first race but then had to go to work, so we did have a brief visit to the Steam Packet to say hi, then back to see Britannia Royal Naval College just about beat the Rugby club team, erm, I mean Nelsons Waterman.

Then home for a Chinese takeaway and some wine! Perfect!

I miss my Mum and love and cherish her visits to Devon. I hope one day she will visit and never have to go back on that train back to Surrey again.

This one's for you Mrs Wright :) xx