Judgement Day - Totnes in Bloom 2011

As I said at the start of my Epic Adventures blog, it's not always all about the sport and extreme challenges.
My epic adventures will come in all shapes and sizes, from one extreme to the other.

This week, on my Mum's birthday we had the judging of the Totnes in Bloom local gardens competition.

The categories were

Best Front Garden
Best Commercial Premises
Best Communal Project
Best Container/Patio garden
Best Licensed Premises

We put the forms into the paper well in advance this year and we had 38 properties within all categories to go and judge.

The 3 judges this year were our current Mayor of Totnes, Judy Westacott, South Hams representative Rob Harkness, and myself. We were going for a Radio Devon celebrity but we had to suffer me, the Chairman of Totnes in Bloom instead!
This was my 5th year of judging the competition, I think we only had about 5 gardens to look at in that first year so you can see how much our competition has bloomed! *hangs head in shame for that one*

We got on 'Bob the Bus' the town bus (very different from the Town Bike! No further comments please) and off we went hitting Bridgetown first.
Epic parts of Bridgetown, the Edible Planters at Steamer Quay. They looked so much better than the neglected planters that used to be there. The Edible Gardens in Totnes have really taken off this year and it's the perfect town for it.
Totnes in Bloom isnt about floral displays and neatly trimmed bushes but it's getting deeper!

Looking back at the photos from the judging you can see what a real effort was made prior to the judging. The whole town is improving and it can only continue to get better.

There were some funny highlights, particularly when we were in Parklands, looking at a slightly weedy, shabby little patch of garden, thinking it a little odd that the really well maintained floral display round the corner hadn't entered! Luckily the owner of the lovely garden came out to water as we walked past and we realised that we got the wrong address! Oh How we laughed! *had to be there*

David, the last Town Clerk drove the bus for us and did a spectacular job, in particular taking out a massive chunk of bank with the bus step that hadn't retracted! He drove through some pretty tiny lanes but it all went very well, oh, and the lady who was going to set her dogs on us as she had forgotten that we would be judging that day. She looked out to find 6 people wandering around her garden, must have been a shock! haha

Diana, Ann and Tony came along too for the ride and Diana caused great amusement as usual!

All in all it was a very good 'epic' experience, we judged quickly, thoroughly and it was a fair competition.

The results are now out and can be found on www.totnesinbloom.co.uk we will have a presentation evening later in the year for the winners and I'm sure that will be epic too!

Thank you for reading!

D :)

New Beginnings Part Two - Preparation!

Hi Blog Followers! This is officially my most boring blog ever! But for me in my own girly *I cant do DIY to save my life* kind of way it was an epic adventure, so therefore had to be blogged! There are opportunities within for you to giggle at innuendo so it may make it more tolerable!

So, new beginning for me, I need a desk to study and also use for my 'Fighting Fit Devon' planning and preparation. To me having a desk made it 'proper' rather than sitting on the sofa doing paperwork.
It made it real!

Desk hunting wasn't going well, even desks in Totnes market and charity shops were expensive, so I did the bad thing and went and got an Argos value range desk and chair set! Very cheap but will do for now.

A very nice guy out with his family in Newton Abbot offered to help carry it to my van, I obviously declined being the stubborn cow that I am, even though it was awkward and I'd parked in the very corner of the car park!
Anyway, got it home, left it in the van overnight and decided to face it after my run on the Coast Path when I would be more chilled and focused.

So I faced the box of doom! After a brief struggle with the box itself I finally got all the bits laid out and stared at the instructions as though in some kind of Mexican stand-off!

All the parts were numbered and lettered, what joy! They knew it was me.
Bad part, my screwdriver battery was flat, I would have to manually screw together the whole thing!*innuendo opp #1*

So I actually read the instructions, insert this into that and screw! *innuendo opp #2*

A couple of times I had bits the wrong way round and had to re-do it! Typical girl, didn't read the instructions properly heehee :)

Anyway, by the end my hands were throbbing #3 and I was tired after nearly an hour of screwing #4 but I did it!

I finally had a solid upstanding erection in my bedroom! *Innuendo opp #5 and the best I think you will agree*

And I am now sat typing this blog at said erection, my new desk!

The End

New Beginnings Part One - Old Favourites!

Well hellllooooo there again!

It seems that my epic adventures are not as regular as my 103 training runs used to be :(
But here I am again!

It was my last day of employment on Friday, picture of me in the van for the last treck off to Ipplepen.

So what better way to spend a weekend than celebrating my new life and new start eh?

Thanks to Keiley Dennis for the gym training session and then the cake and wine celebration after, which went very well and the tweeting was hilarious. Only we can sit next to each other in the same room and tweet to each other haha

Anyway, nice classes Saturday morning and then a chilled out afternoon with the dogs, followed by a dog bathing session!

Early night Saturday, very odd indeed and up early to..... yep...... you guessed it, thinking the photos may have given it away, but I ran some Coast Path! Woohooo!

I ran Salcombe to Hope Cove and back again. It must have been a special rambling day as there were loads of them, but all very friendly, all got out of my way, and all made me feel very special indeed with their lovely comments. Thanks ramblers, you are ace!

Big test of the achilles today, and yes, it really hurt on the big inclines, but I ran on my toes a bit more and managed to deal with it.
To be honest I didn't care as it was just so so lovely to be back out there again loaded up and back with my pole! (ooer)

So running back to Salcombe there were no waves to speak of, and none at Bantham from what I could see from Hope Cove so I had a brainwave! (rare, I know)
I would paddle in the cold sea and help heal my ankle straight from the run, and if I go in thigh deep I can sort my legs with some cool water to prevent muscle ache!

So I did it, and all the holiday makers in their bikinis and trunks chilling out on the beach were suddenly confronted with me in my running gear pegging it into the water! I didn't care and after 10 mins I waded out and my ankle did feel better, or numb, or both!

So, part one, done, part 2 really wont interest you at all, it will be my most boring so far, dare you to read it haha ;)

Black Belt presentation weekend

Got the frock, got the van loaded, started on my way to Thurlestone......

Got to Kingsbridge Hill and picked up 'Rainbow' aka Debbie and her boyfriend making their way home to Kingsbridge after some sort of hippy, I dont want to wash at all weekend festival!

The open window worked and they were very nice folk!

Dropped them off in Kingsbridge and drove to Thurlestone. Unfortunately the sea-side car parks are locked at night so I parked near the hedge in the hotel back-up car park! (pee-coverage!)

Laid out my bed, opened a beer and got ready for the night.

Very very Agatha Christie to start with, Pimms and croquet on the lawn, absolutely rubbish at croquet, dont have the patience for it,need an Agatha role, probably murderer! haha

Anyway, buffet and then presentation of new belts! I can honestly say I've not been so proud of myself for a while. New belt, special trophy and a fantastic evening!

Everyone left, quick pint in the local and then off to sleep in the van!


Woke up 8am, off I went to Bigbury, parked up, got on running gear and off on the coast path!

I managed about 6 miles, there is one hill I've put the pic on for you, achilles damaged I cant run, but will do London 10k for alopecia charity as it's flat! Anyway, no morbid here!

Got back to the van, had a cupppa and met Ian and the nephews and the lovely Sophie.

Got wetsuited up, waxed and off we went into the may as well be flat sea!
Again, another Agatha moment as we were right by Burgh Island!

Stayed in the sea got about 3 waves, the last smashing my shin on a rock and then BBQ and sunburn time!

When Ian gets back from Turkey and gets his photos uploaded from his special waterproof cam I will update this blog!

Great weekend, it's good to get out of Totters sometimes, and dress up, and have a little me time and forget all your horrible worries!

See you soon................

Fathers Day Half Marathon

Well, Welcome along to the very special Father's Day Blog, aka The Torbay Half Marathon.

My lovely friend Keiley Dennis asked me the other day f I knew anyone who would want her place as she would be on holiday in Turkey so wouldn't be able to run.
I thought of someone who fancied it, yep little me! Well, why not.

I've had ankle issues since the 103 and not sure if it would hold out but thought I'd give it a go.

This was my first run since the 103, just 3 weeks ago.

Early night, up for a lift with good friend Neil at 7! Yep we were about 1.5 hrs too early! Haha, cold out, chilly wind but beautiful early morning sun over the beach.

People arrived, we lined up and then we were off!

It's odd running again after a break, plus I'm used to plodding for hours at a time, today was a sprint in comparison, quite hard for me!

First lap went ok I guess, I was bored though at this stage, my knee and ankle hurt too from the road. I've been spoilt with the coastpath, I love the trail runs now and I think that may have been my last road run. It's too much on my 'motorbike knee' and the scenery is pants!
Although do fancy New York Marathon! haha ;)

Some poor lady had KO'd at the side of the road, which distracted a few runners, we kept passing by the elite runners, they were awesome, nothing of them, how they kept going I have no idea! I was hungry by the second lap haha ;)

Although I was bored I still had the challenge in me, at 10 miles and 1 hr 20 mins my friend Neil passed me, so annoying!

At 11 miles I suddenly kicked into Ultra Mode! My body had said to me, ok, warm up over lets plod and run all night. Shame I couldnt :(

12 miles and that was it, my Dad was right by my side in my head, and also a little bit my new running buddy Timmy, I wish he could have run with me again today.
I went for it, I needed to not be beaten by Neil too much haha :)

I saw my friend Martin on route too, well didnt see him but heard his voice shouting at me!
I also saw Maria, one of our Kickboxers and a great friend too, she looked very comfortable both times I saw her and did an epic time!

So, there I am legging it to the finish line, Andy a TKD instructor called out my name just before the finish and I went for the sprint, 1.48.58 just behind Neil who was just seconds in front!

Today was all about my Dad for me.

I've written a few words for him, it made me cry writing them! I am such a soppy git!

The Man I call My Hero, let me run
He let me run beside him.
He gave me his knowledge
Not of skill, or nutrition
Not of trainers, or clothing
He gave me the greatest gift.

The one thing a runner needs,

The will to go on, the will to win,
To achieve your goals and go further,
To exceed your own expectations,
And those of others.

The Man I call My Hero, let me run
He shaped my future,
He was half of my development.
I run and challenge myself,
Because of him.

The Man I call My Hero, let me run
The Angel that supports me, is My Mum!

New challenge awaits! Watch this space another epic adventure soon........

Black belt grading and road trip!

Hi all, great 'Epic' one for you today. There will be less blogs on this one I think as Epic adventures cant happen any more than once per week, sometimes not even that, but I will try my best ;)

Friday night grading preparation, off to the lovely Keileys house for Cider and Whiskey. I have always said I train better after a drink, sounds odd but the times I have actually behaved myself before something sporty I have been pants!

Up early, aired my smelly sparring gear, sorted out 'Road Trip' CD's ate a massive omelette and I was ready to go.

Ma'am (aka Lesley Mc Ghie my awesome Instructor) turned up, into the van and off we went to pick up Mr Wood!

As I have a new future ahead of me in terms of training Lesley and I had a great chat about ideas of how we can work together, expand South Hams Martial Arts and also get me earning some money. We will discuss further, its an epic in itself!

Picked up Mr Wood at Exeter Park and Ride (not sure yet if to Blog the dropping off at Park and Ride yet!)

So off we go, happy little Road Trip to Salisbury! :)

3 hours later, we arrive at the Boxing gym, Joanna, Debbie and Sam, Mr Wood's students were already there, beautiful sunshine we went through all we had to do outside on the grass.

As usual I was fired up on Coke and Haribo! Hand Wraps on, belt on, hairband on and off we go! Bring on the grading :)

Inside the gym is a beautiful Boxing Ring, something I've never been in before, it's always been mat sparring, even when I did American style Kickboxing. Soooo excited!!!

Warm up, line work, ankle holding up due to immense adrenalin rushes! haha

Onto the padwork, one of 'Sirs' Instructors held pads for me, he is a kickboxer, and a good one at that, held pads beautifully, I loved it. I could give it my all, he could take a good punch so I went all out and smacked them as hard as I could!
Then the other students change over pads, and I get my second session! Fantastic! I was so so hot and tired, out of breath, it happens so rarely I love it when it happens. Got me grinning like a Cheshire Cat, I love the pressure and pain!

Padwork over! Phew *deep intake of breath* I was absolutely cream cracker'd!

Sparring Gear on!

Back in, floor work sparring, felt good, wired and tired all at the same time!

Then in we go! Hands up who want to go into the ring first, guess what? Me and Jo my lovely Thursday night training partner, we were so excited in we went and held the centre of the ring! haha, we are so used to sparring with each other on the balcony in a tiny space between the bin and the railing it was commented that we could have had a fight in a phone box!

Had a good session with the Instructor there, Jo said I didnt kick enough, fair enough but I had my punching head on and got him on the ropes so that made me happy :)

Sparring kit off, Debbie dug herself into a bit of a last minute 'I want to do more padwork' hole, at which we all watched and then we were done!
The Road trip back was ace, lots of 'sing-along-a-Whitesnake' much to Mr Wood's annoyance, but it was a happy trip home, I wont comment about Mr Wood's car and the park and ride, but he got home ok!

I am now a 2nd degree Kickboxer and I am the happiest person in the world!

New epic coming soon, maybe even next weekend??? Watch this Blogspace :)

Thanks for reading :)

First Bike ride in a long time!

Well Hello there!

I must say it's good to be blogging something again, I was having withdrawal symptoms!

So, as it stands I hurt my achilles on the 103 and it's really painful to run on so finally I decided it was time to moss-kill and brush the cobwebs off the green bike!

Odd handlebars, tyres only fit for the cyclepath to Dartington and the most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat on. Still, it has 2 wheels and gears that work so off I went.

Oh, the joy of having a van! So goes the bike and off we go to Dartmoor, not far from Douseland near Princetown and parked up in the Pony car park. (No not Pony as in rubbish there are always Ponies there waiting to say hello to visitors to the moor)

I put on my Dad's old cycle helmet, cant believe how old that probably is now, a lemon may have provided better protection but I made the effort!

A few lessons learnt from this today
1. I need a mountain bike for off-road adventures on Dartmoor
2. I need a bike with a better seat
3. I am much better at running but actually not too hideous on the bike!

I came off only 3 times, which was good, landed in the tufty grass every time too so all good.

I got the Cyclemeter Ap. on my phone this morning so tracked my progress over the moor, I cant believe how crap I am, just under 10k in longer time than it takes me to run! Pathetic! But I guess I have to start somewhere.

I've decided most of my bike adventures have to be on Dartmoor and my runs on the coastpath. Get to appreciate the best of Devon that way. Dartmoor was beautiful out there today.

So there you go, my first biking adventure! Now I need to get a decent bike so I can do stuff properly :)

Chat soon

x Me :)