Sara Killey Fireman's Walk

Some good craic along the Sara Killey way on this longish haul. Personally I find it one of the hardest. Congratulations to Michael and fellow blogger Richard on a good tussle at the front, probably had no time to chat those two, but further down the field there were some pretty good stints being put in by us also-rans. I dont include RobbieC in that description but it was fun to be ahead of him up to entering Bride parish. Trouble is he was sort of dawdling along! It seemed at that point to be down to who was having the longest tee-breaks as we (he and Phillip Vermulen)or me passed and repassed each other! Sadly the wheels came off a bit at that point - probably demoralised at failing to stay ahead - but after a really bad patch when I felt as if I really didn't need to be doing it, the energy levels kicked in again and I retook a number of people who had left me 400 metres behind. It does happen on these long walks. I learned from it though. At that distance in the PW you have to have back up and this does means this is less likely to happen. However you feel, make sure you dont ignore the importance of the supplements. Also on the walk yesterday, I was along time with a guy whom I recognised as a good long distance walker. I made the mistake of asking him if he was entering the PW again this. "No way" he replied, "once you've done it no need to repeat the experience." Half way round the Fireman's, I knew what he meant, so I didn't dare tell him I had done it more than once, he'd have thought me a complete idiot! Perhaps I am - along with all the other repeat finishers. One thing I would say though, you never forget the feeling of finishing that first time or the next!

How to do the Parish Walk (1)

The Armchair method.

There are many different ways to do the Parish Walk and maybe you didn't think this might be one of them.  The armchair  method.  Stick with this a bit longer if you're not just sure where this is going.

It's otherwise the approach of those people who know it all.  Who can live without doing it or anything physical and tell you endurance really is all in the mind.   We all know them.  Do 'they' know it all? Maybe.  They certainly have the advantage over the other guy, the one who doesn't believe the PW is all in the mind, who maybe recognises the sheer physical effort and time required even to do the training necessary just to reach an intermediate finish point.

I have learned one thing.  It isn't all a mind game.  If you can convince yourself it is, all well and good to you, you will save yourself a lot of anguish, pain, time and effort and maybe even grief at home and from friends whose friendship is truly tested if they agree to do the back up drive (through the night) (at four miles an hour) (or less!) for hours eh hm, non-stop, (actually probably the only thing that really is worse than the walking!)

For Mr Mind Guy and you if the armchair method works for you, dear reader look not further at this blog, it isn't going to help.   On the other hand, if you believe there really is no gain without pain and you're prepared for slight agonies, then come back soon for How to do the Parish Walk (2)...Well it is All fools Day...1st April.

Start training now and some almost serious tips to come.

John