tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579577179142116772023-11-16T11:58:36.170+00:00Rector's Wife Life ListCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-31720855340830292562021-12-30T19:00:00.023+00:002022-01-01T15:04:10.068+00:00Playing at mermaids<p>While I'm not a speedy swimmer (or speedy anything, for that matter) I've always been quite confident in the water - mostly due to having a mother who was a swimming teacher, and who introduced me to the water when I was far too young to be nervous of it. </p><p>When I spotted some stunning photographs of the lovely Lindy Pieri (a beautiful model of my acquaintance) taken in the unique <a href="https://www.tankspace.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tankspace</a> venue, I commented that I'd love to give it a go. The cost of a directly-booked session was somewhat beyond my budget - a solo two hour shoot costs £350. However, a few weeks after commenting on Lindy's post, she dropped me a line to say that her photographer, the magical <a href="https://www.earlgreyhot.co.uk/underwater" target="_blank">Halo</a>, was booking the tank for the whole day and selling 45 minute slots for £70. Despite being a three-hour drive away in Northants, I decided it was a chance not to be missed.</p><p>I then put up a Facebook shoutout to see if any other friends fancied sharing the journey / petrol / experience, and happily Dawn decided to join in. We shared the most wonderful day, booked adjacent slots, took it in turns to dive / change costumes to make best use of the time, and had an absolute ball.</p><p>The trickiest bit is the buoyancy. I am a natural 'floater' (something to do with large front-mounted waterwings?!) and keeping myself low enough in the tank is quite a feat. The process is to breathe in through the nose, but then exhale through the mouth as you descend - if you keep lungs full of air you just stay bobbing on the surface. Not very photogenic. Trying not to strangle oneself in scarves, drop props, or breathe in a lungful of water on emerging are all interesting challenges. However, by the end of the session, both Dawn and myself loved it and only wanted to have another go. There's no question of <i>if</i> we return to TankSpace - only <i>when</i>!</p><p>I took two costumes - a red evening dress and my (last worn in 1995) wedding dress. As a last-minute thought, I also took my favourite rainbow dungarees, and sneaked in a quick five-minute dive at the end of the session, also using the hoop (last encountered in my '<a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.com/search/label/budgie" target="_blank">budgie-hooping</a>' attempts a few years ago).</p><p>The Tankspace staff and Halo the photographer were delightful, friendly and reassuring; the tank itself was beautifully warm, as were the loos and changing room; the whole experience was empowering, amazing and magical.</p><p>I couldn't have been better pleased with the results. We had to wait for a couple of weeks until Halo had had a chance to sort, choose and edit from a day-long session, but they arrived on 30 December (the shoot was on 16 December), and as my husband put it, I didn't stop smiling for the rest of the evening.</p><p>It's a tough choice, but I think this is my favourite shot:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjyftHi9M_rmHC0niNVY9YwUNNDHt4Mv7wbxdd5KdxiNu_I1A9iQJ5GhNsNNvZBBl0Dod_C4YPsYTP1uKrES2bBU8iemfLOYqImqwcjJqanFBneo5zdYHJZmQtBo3G7aHU5Xe_InRBkBnfL1fxZvmVGhFFBKYYPqUpQUicmJHi_SPcQ-D8gSqRcGYzBw=s5200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3392" data-original-width="5200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjyftHi9M_rmHC0niNVY9YwUNNDHt4Mv7wbxdd5KdxiNu_I1A9iQJ5GhNsNNvZBBl0Dod_C4YPsYTP1uKrES2bBU8iemfLOYqImqwcjJqanFBneo5zdYHJZmQtBo3G7aHU5Xe_InRBkBnfL1fxZvmVGhFFBKYYPqUpQUicmJHi_SPcQ-D8gSqRcGYzBw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>- <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/acMuToPAUR17SuqQ6" target="_blank">the whole set can be seen here</a>.</p><p>What a fantastic end to the year.</p>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-29151218854213133032021-12-24T12:00:00.004+00:002022-01-01T14:31:28.046+00:00LEJOG: did it!<p>Triumphant to have managed the whole 1,083.8 miles with one week to go (final miles achieved on Christmas Eve). This is the last of the 'virtual postcards' that appeared along the way in my inbox!</p><p>Doing some serious walking around / through / across the UK for <i>real</i> would be a truly wonderful thing to do - except that my other [very enjoyable] commitments (theatre / church / decluttering clients / friends / family / husband) would probably go somewhat askew if I did... Any chance of cloning myself?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRtgeSsAamAdqmpXg0tmJaYnx6G9YFHSaCFqcq3OM6UIRvuXvYvn4sZ4lkBgFSIthW86dmBZ_Adn1xZV-C4Tiit5IIfb6AwueQIgDaUg6vvBLseTZJfdThGfTT90zRGQj4x674A5BCi12I2Wzd2mef0oRxL6DUV6KGyyLAShcHN8UOgMWuV4zM2b-Mpg=s575" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="575" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRtgeSsAamAdqmpXg0tmJaYnx6G9YFHSaCFqcq3OM6UIRvuXvYvn4sZ4lkBgFSIthW86dmBZ_Adn1xZV-C4Tiit5IIfb6AwueQIgDaUg6vvBLseTZJfdThGfTT90zRGQj4x674A5BCi12I2Wzd2mef0oRxL6DUV6KGyyLAShcHN8UOgMWuV4zM2b-Mpg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-78248177394744289262021-11-18T22:22:00.005+00:002021-11-18T22:34:07.388+00:00LEJOG: 90% there<p> In <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.com/2021/01/couch-to-5k-and-other-goals.html">January 2021</a>, I knew that I badly need a new target. I'd slipped back on many of my health and fitness goals, and I know from past experience that a specific aim is helpful to my motivation.</p><p>It was Kim who pointed me in the direction of LEJOG: the Land's End to John O'Groats challenge, via the Conqueror Challenge. This is one of a selection of virtual distances all over the world: you clock the real distances you've walked, but they are logged on a map showing where you would be along that route had you been walking in that location for real. I chose LEJOG as being an achievable target based on previous years: this particular route covers 1,083 miles, which across a year equates to just over 90 miles per month. Having managed 80 miles per month consistently for eighteen months back in 2017/2018, I reckoned I could aim a little higher.</p><p>The year started pretty well, and for the first four months of the year I actually exceeded 100 miles per month. The summer months went into decline; as we all struggled with the uncertainties of the lifting of lockdown but the continuing dangers of COVID-19, I suffered like so many others with uncertainty and a lack of motivation, and my weight rose again as my mileage decreased. However, I gave myself a metaphorical shake in August, my monthly mileage exceeded 100 miles again, and now - mid November - I have just over 100 miles to walk in order to 'reach' John O'Groats in the next six weeks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-dYn9ic_ul8VaoldqsHUTWz2RyNGlOTN3psfRqR1tsu4fcB6dUxqQ55vkLkZo8ZZuNhE-mm1cuI0xyrlrJqu4O-C3meBEiYAvHZsM3c62OC5QOlybfVBhLmANR_t5dpFj7x4LHE1tRn8//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-dYn9ic_ul8VaoldqsHUTWz2RyNGlOTN3psfRqR1tsu4fcB6dUxqQ55vkLkZo8ZZuNhE-mm1cuI0xyrlrJqu4O-C3meBEiYAvHZsM3c62OC5QOlybfVBhLmANR_t5dpFj7x4LHE1tRn8//" width="149" /></a></div><br />During 2021 I've enjoyed some wonderful hikes - some (the shorter ones!) with my husband, some with friends, but mostly I have enjoyed solitary excursions, between five and fourteen miles. When we've managed some lovely holidays in the UK, my patient husband has been happy for me to take a day out alone to explore new territory. In April I walked over 14 miles along the Cranborne Loop in Wiltshire, and in September nearly 13 miles between Blanchland and Hexham in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eEDrnduNTqcMmXQ6G-zlhTmO1H622_KrF9cBVWtMwINanPtRH94ty2VTa2fdqsQcIGsLgied42PdcjL1mMz574islT2lhsuGxDNhGjB59tz3oUlJUnUoIPrj2WjQ8inhEd7QyFKsDIc8/s2048/IMG_8278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eEDrnduNTqcMmXQ6G-zlhTmO1H622_KrF9cBVWtMwINanPtRH94ty2VTa2fdqsQcIGsLgied42PdcjL1mMz574islT2lhsuGxDNhGjB59tz3oUlJUnUoIPrj2WjQ8inhEd7QyFKsDIc8/s320/IMG_8278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>On average, I'm investing one hour per day in my walking activities. Time for me and for my health. And as I approach my 59th birthday, it becomes more than ever vital to my wellbeing that I continue to do so.</p>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-8753984801333677172021-11-18T21:54:00.001+00:002021-11-18T21:54:28.560+00:00Running... and not running<p>Reading back over this blog, I see that at New Year 2020 I was five weeks into my umpteenth attempt at Couch25K. I thought it was worth recording that I did, in fact, complete the course in late February 2021. And there I stopped.</p><p>So what happened? There were no ParkRuns at the time (pandemic lockdown) to keep me motivated to continue; and in fact, I started to find that I truly wasn't enjoying the activity as much as before. The recurrence of my old plague, plantar fasciitis, didn't help; my additional injuries incurred with a severe sprain in the right foot (2013) have never really gone away, and with age I'm finding that the lower-impact activity of walking and hiking (even for long distances) causes me much less discomfort, as well as being easier on the back.</p><p>I do miss the time efficiency of running, the occasional exhilaration when the fitness is good enough; but my hiking activities are, I believe, best for me going forward. I'm proud of the few times that I achieved 5K continuous running (OK, plodding), but now - I'm <i>walking</i> onwards.</p><p>More of the 2021 walking achievements elsewhere, especially under the tag #LEJOG.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpHBopMfcraATgl0VwvHtnNFSwD60NprZBgwURp-rBI22gnk4jftsvVHG88SUmOG0EnAXVTLt8ChFSEai8WJMZOUvgU_sAzUVTVZw5cqPtYXdcoc0yKAzA8QtTXjJ8Mnt-PlkOSz5UNzC/s1024/JZZN4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpHBopMfcraATgl0VwvHtnNFSwD60NprZBgwURp-rBI22gnk4jftsvVHG88SUmOG0EnAXVTLt8ChFSEai8WJMZOUvgU_sAzUVTVZw5cqPtYXdcoc0yKAzA8QtTXjJ8Mnt-PlkOSz5UNzC/s320/JZZN4655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-4697983409309357072021-01-03T15:30:00.004+00:002021-01-03T21:02:28.822+00:00Couch to 5K - and other goals<p>Way back in May 2007 I 'ran' (that's rather overstating the case; it took me about 39 minutes) my first 5K - the local Race for Life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs70Ujs0lEpCmGIWQr27_9FUczEqtBG34xSzrEHhEIcaZYKSd1WH0DzpHZwJXjyrNlw_r7W9zLcJYZ1ErQBpfLnu6_1gc2OFVX-5AnbnRL1ZHPTM9zl2XyZ_BLdOXzTQEdwmruQ2j36CPy/s1174/DSCN3297-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="879" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs70Ujs0lEpCmGIWQr27_9FUczEqtBG34xSzrEHhEIcaZYKSd1WH0DzpHZwJXjyrNlw_r7W9zLcJYZ1ErQBpfLnu6_1gc2OFVX-5AnbnRL1ZHPTM9zl2XyZ_BLdOXzTQEdwmruQ2j36CPy/s320/DSCN3297-001.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p>I continued to enjoy modest runs for the next couple of years until a nasty bout of plantar fasciitis put paid to that activity. </p><p>During this 'life list' phase I decided to have a go at Couch to 5K, and blogged here about this in <a href="https://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.com/2018/03/running-again.html">March 2018</a>. Much to my amazement, I managed it, 'graduating' in May of that year. For the next few weeks I ran for three miles two or three times a week, and achieved my first ParkRun on 2 June (at a not-very-blistering speed of 36'17" - pace 11'16" per mile). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA2KfrRdBOlLYov0UyGUE-aw708TE7duLJxNJP_Sl4XVaHebiWHCzc6T_T54iS6AH8sCP0Xlzc7NX2Oy7Ab_pMV4ArtAsYYIpRl_TDrVjDaaY2YrHJeGXBNjJlaXITd4WIpYEAlw2iRYg/s943/IMG_E1381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="706" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA2KfrRdBOlLYov0UyGUE-aw708TE7duLJxNJP_Sl4XVaHebiWHCzc6T_T54iS6AH8sCP0Xlzc7NX2Oy7Ab_pMV4ArtAsYYIpRl_TDrVjDaaY2YrHJeGXBNjJlaXITd4WIpYEAlw2iRYg/s320/IMG_E1381.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p>What happened? Well, we moved into a heatwave. I returned to walking instead of running. And got out of practice. And then we moved house - from Winterton-on-sea to Norwich - in August. </p><p>Once we were settled in our new home, I started C25K again in November - and gave up. And February 2019 - and gave up. And October 2019 - and gave up. Although I was still walking a reasonable amount, I'd lost my impetus and the feeling of being 'a fit person'. I gained between seven and fourteen pounds (this went up and down - although I'm relieved to say that my highest weight in this period has been 11 stone 7 - well under the 13 stone 1 that was my very heaviest in 2014).</p><p>In late 2019, I started C5K yet again, and in February 2020 I 'graduated' for the second time. And on 22 February I took part in my second ParkRun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc42N8MMkq_QdJQvpM2eZIK8yj-ifI_WyHZBmgmAzRqcI8zGo8NbDO0GIPhZtbEN6_FWuiLlePgH87-hx7TDY04QfDBzhlw9ZO-cBascEIFEMmqP47ie-uQ3QychrU_n4tFEkA3EsVUAio/s1440/84035993_814007259091797_2590862772757594112_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc42N8MMkq_QdJQvpM2eZIK8yj-ifI_WyHZBmgmAzRqcI8zGo8NbDO0GIPhZtbEN6_FWuiLlePgH87-hx7TDY04QfDBzhlw9ZO-cBascEIFEMmqP47ie-uQ3QychrU_n4tFEkA3EsVUAio/s320/84035993_814007259091797_2590862772757594112_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojb0gcVUco9dEpSthEbAuMVgBLYXYwwJMJxSv6gE11-qDm3lcm21ir6nAvc8oqhlELrjCC8IgEsDpB7tQ_TZ_ML0qucDOkKxhD7nFw3Fb5zygFWzIJv1I-PknrjDkm22XFXDnaqvmZUud/s2048/IMG_E4594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojb0gcVUco9dEpSthEbAuMVgBLYXYwwJMJxSv6gE11-qDm3lcm21ir6nAvc8oqhlELrjCC8IgEsDpB7tQ_TZ_ML0qucDOkKxhD7nFw3Fb5zygFWzIJv1I-PknrjDkm22XFXDnaqvmZUud/s320/IMG_E4594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>And what happened then? Well, we all know the answer to that. A month after my ParkRun, we went into the first covid-19 lockdown. Walks continued, but not as often or as far as before; life became a struggle, motivation plummeted, fear set in, and although it would have been rational to use activity to keep my mood lighter, I just gave up. My old walking targets of 80 miles per month were seldom met (when they were, it was due to taking long hikes - between 10 and 20 miles - with my good friend James). Lockdown #2 kicked in. We moved from that into Tier 4 - which was tantamount to lockdown anyway. </p><p><b>Monday 16 November</b>. Time to start again. Food is still rather out of control ("it's nearly Christmas and we're halfway through another b****y lockdown") but I start C25K again. And somehow, I've kept going. </p><p>Today - <b>Sunday 3 January</b> - I've reached the end of week 5, and have just succeeded in conquering that startling 20 minutes of non-stop running that they spring on you at the end of that week. Slow, ploddy, hard work, but done - 1.5 miles, and at a pace of just under 13 minutes per mile.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnBo3o-so33ri1IUG8IA-LgMKcxEA8yRS5-FCw8LCVGLBmtrUaxUmY-P5WJP7Q7sc_22sMrjBOx2kFiTmGtg6ZK6KODtsCBmD9lrXQZ4rrJLY6AvqsDzVsveNL4RXzzD8A7hH7Ah_8QDR//" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="702" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnBo3o-so33ri1IUG8IA-LgMKcxEA8yRS5-FCw8LCVGLBmtrUaxUmY-P5WJP7Q7sc_22sMrjBOx2kFiTmGtg6ZK6KODtsCBmD9lrXQZ4rrJLY6AvqsDzVsveNL4RXzzD8A7hH7Ah_8QDR//" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's 2021. During this year I'm determined to <p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>achieve a running/walking distance of <b>80 miles per month</b> (coupled with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/walk1000miles" target="_blank">#walk1000miles</a> group on Facebook)</li><li>to graduate in early February on <b>Couch to 5K</b></li><li>to <b><a href="https://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.com/search/label/walk%20a%20marathon">walk a marathon</a></b> again</li><li>to get my weight back down to my optimum <b>ten-stone-seven and below</b> (I'll be doing weights-and-measures tomorrow, but it will be around 10-12 pounds to lose)</li><li>to <b>rebuild this lifelist</b> and <i>carpe diem</i>.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>In three days' time I'll be 58 years old. I've missed my lifelist challenges, and I miss the feeling of fitness and freedom that I achieved four years ago. </b></p><p><b>The only person that can achieve this... is me.</b></p>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-71919229476752208082020-08-26T21:00:00.005+01:002021-01-03T21:48:44.472+00:00Walking a marathon: training for a moonlight walk<p>My June 2017 <a href="https://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.com/2017/06/walk-marathon.html" target="_blank">marathon walk</a> (actually 28 miles, in the end) - with nine of the splendid <a href="https://www.mothernaturesdiet.com/" target="_blank">Mother Nature's Diet</a> group, along part of The Ridgeway - remains one of my proudest achievements. I worked for it with my friend Kim, using the Norfolk Coastal Path for training, gradually increasing distances from 11.5 miles (Winterton to Happisburgh) to 22.8 miles (Wells to Hunstanton).</p><p>One of the team on the Ridgeway walk, and on one of our coastal training walks, was my great friend James, who was also responsible for me <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.com/2017/10/climbing-mountains.html" target="_blank">climbing my first mountains</a>. A casual conversation about marathon distances revealed that James had previously walked the whole of Marriott's Way - a disused railway route in Norfolk which happens to be a marathon distance - but at night, at midsummer, taking in both the sunset and the sunrise and using a head torch.</p><p>We wanted to achieve this originally around midsummer day, but the onset of the covid-19 circumstances had messed up our original plans for training. By June 2020 we had got our plans sorted, we were allowed to exercise together, and reckoned that we could fit in enough long walks to do the overnight marathon before the summer was out.</p><p>In May I started to do some long solo walks, and in June, James joined me to enjoy a long (15.5 mile) loop around Felthorpe Forest, and we felt we were on our way. Unfortunately, a back injury on my part put a halt to longer walks and I stuck to short routes for the next few weeks. By the time I was back 'in harness', in August, we were running out of summer. However, we managed two excellent long walks in August - 16+ and 18+ miles - and felt we could probably manage the marathon before James (a teacher) returned to school duties.</p><p>On 26 August we aimed to train by walking half of Marriott's Way - out and back from the Aylsham end, lunching and turning back at Whitwell, bringing us to an intended walking total that day of about 22 miles. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbNc2jALrvWrmURLEFZuUf88__ePtbMyyGBqn70p5VVRNScxUtsJlSeL6fEtjK53XHrSHRijryD5lCkH8PAGvGV3G7BSaAcnuCK5PKQ9KvoYPzIguSQXukRkr7eI5IC6TbHmPJmJXWWbh/s1280/IMG_3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbNc2jALrvWrmURLEFZuUf88__ePtbMyyGBqn70p5VVRNScxUtsJlSeL6fEtjK53XHrSHRijryD5lCkH8PAGvGV3G7BSaAcnuCK5PKQ9KvoYPzIguSQXukRkr7eI5IC6TbHmPJmJXWWbh/s320/IMG_3728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>In fact, it turned out to be a total of 24 miles; and while it was a fabulous day, both of us were hobbling rather by the time we finished. My foot was in some agony for several days afterwards, and by the time it had recovered sufficiently (and I'd got back off a short holiday) we'd missed our pre-term-time slot - and the nights were drawing in. </p><p>Annoyingly, we'd walked just two miles short of the marathon distance on that last occasion! However, we know we can do it; and when the summer returns, we'll give it another go. We're determined that 2021 will see our moonlight marathon at last - watch this space!</p>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-53767195948757720332020-07-22T21:00:00.026+01:002021-11-18T21:28:03.003+00:00Kayaking: broads on the Broads<p>I loved my kayaking experience when we were fortunate enough to holiday in <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.com/2019/09/kayaking-in-crystal-waters.html">Croatia in 2019</a>. However, a fabulous July evening in Norfolk was just as enjoyable!</p><p>Kim suggested it and (mercifully) shared my vessel (I think I'd get seriously left behind if I did it alone). We went with the lovely folks of <a href="https://www.norfolkoutdooradventures.co.uk/" target="_blank">Norfolk Outdoor Adventures</a> on Hickling Broad, who we'd highly recommend for friendly and encouraging professionalism. It was a 'sundowner' outing, and we were fortunate enough to have excellent weather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrrhoGDQ5tMbuKiMjeG7VB7ZRBsaAcPsYz7tgTrGwxCpu9cy1ISiIkVRt4NfsAmUL9lSo4SlI5VYwYN9rVCP81AtR_Ad-w-tlDn8UvimBZFzOGs6aptvRWObHkeZqR3hp-0amlCeMNJq4/s4160/DSCF0316-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="4160" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrrhoGDQ5tMbuKiMjeG7VB7ZRBsaAcPsYz7tgTrGwxCpu9cy1ISiIkVRt4NfsAmUL9lSo4SlI5VYwYN9rVCP81AtR_Ad-w-tlDn8UvimBZFzOGs6aptvRWObHkeZqR3hp-0amlCeMNJq4/s320/DSCF0316-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After moving across open water and through jungle-like reed beds...<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuqcOyJlwDXuu6ofgVVq3YmW-hictWC9ID98HfIF25hYMnqo608ll40XNr-WkoG2PPGURq7IRz6udI-Ue-Y1GUbCmXB1HLHiNBAvWdaIyx4q-AlZ5goL_ifKxUWM8NbHmngFdYp6q-txM/s4608/DSCF0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuqcOyJlwDXuu6ofgVVq3YmW-hictWC9ID98HfIF25hYMnqo608ll40XNr-WkoG2PPGURq7IRz6udI-Ue-Y1GUbCmXB1HLHiNBAvWdaIyx4q-AlZ5goL_ifKxUWM8NbHmngFdYp6q-txM/s320/DSCF0309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div>...we paused for a rest and a chat (and a beer!) before returning to base. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf4LTbl5WIbuuPaNOgpUESGQFUHI2funZ7LWMKR-TFr8mWX9VkgwMU-1gPK-psevQetzhzFagn_6kMoFPyY6-HcxDqQogTd40OB4P3f9nLnmOn2psj6oRQ1KToimdwMumyhCDC_ehBXqx/s729/116123439_671435416778928_899344547974894843_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="729" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf4LTbl5WIbuuPaNOgpUESGQFUHI2funZ7LWMKR-TFr8mWX9VkgwMU-1gPK-psevQetzhzFagn_6kMoFPyY6-HcxDqQogTd40OB4P3f9nLnmOn2psj6oRQ1KToimdwMumyhCDC_ehBXqx/s320/116123439_671435416778928_899344547974894843_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It was an exhilarating and fabulous experience, and one I'd love to repeat.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/oKPCcuA5n8ASFa7s9" target="_blank">Full album can be found on Google Photos here</a>.</div><div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-33169135097936706532019-09-27T17:54:00.000+01:002019-12-25T18:10:35.314+00:00Kayaking in crystal watersWe were fortunate enough to experience a wonderful holiday in Croatia in September 2019. Our first week was spent in Dubrovnik, in an apartment about a mile outside the city centre; our second week on the tranquil island of Mljet. During the second week I was thrilled to find the opportunity for a trip to incorporate two of my "life list" ambitions: snorkelling (which I'd last tried on the Isles of Scilly in September 2016) and kayaking (much longer ago on a visit to Florida in 2002).<br />
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The fabulous Luksa lives with his wife, his little daughter and their gorgeous daft dog in a a lovely house on a lake, from which he operates his kayaking tours (<a href="http://www.idadventures.hr/" target="_blank">ID Adventures</a>) around the nearby lakes. How's this for a view to wake up to?<br />
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I left my non-swimming husband very happy with the dog on the waterfront, equipped with a supply of coffee and apfelstrudel, and set off on a magical morning with Luksa and another customer, Rich.<br />
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(Caveat: I was very relieved that Luksa offered to share a kayak with me; after a couple of miles it was clear they'd have been towing me back if I'd needed to, as it were, 'paddle my own canoe'!)<br />
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We first paused at a rockface where we took time to snorkel - finding sea anemones (Rich shows off his find)...<br />
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and then continued through the amazingly clear waters, taking it gently and chatting all the way, taking in the utter tranquillity of our surroundings. We then stopped at a small jetty (which Luksa had constructed to facilitate the stop for his clients), secured the kayaks, and climbed up the small hill to a seat (again a Luksa construction) to enjoy the perfect view. We sat and ate pomegranates (leaving the shells to be enjoyed by the local lizard and goat population) before scrambling back down the hill.<br />
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We stopped again for some more shallow-water snorkelling, and my little underwater camera was put to great use!<br />
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Returning to the lake by the house, Selwyn took photos as we came in...<br />
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Tired but happy, we then enjoyed a sensational smorgasbord (all provided as part of the very reasonable package).<br />
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This was a real highlight of our holiday, in an idyllic setting with a delightful man and his family, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-26524089108754852542019-05-04T18:00:00.001+01:002021-01-03T18:19:45.154+00:00Helicopter flight<p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/n5XBA3n36NMxfSFeA" target="_blank">Full album available here.</a></p><p>My wonderful husband knew that this was one of my 'life list' wishes, so he bought me a voucher for Christmas 2017 to experience it.</p><p>I tried to take it up in July 2018, incorporating a visit to our good friends Neville & Sarah in Oxfordshire. Unfortunately the weather on the appointed day which ghastly, with heavy rain and high winds, meaning of course the flight couldn't take place. However, a second attempt made in May 2019 was a great success.</p><p>My husband deliberately bought a voucher for one, as this isn't his thing at all! However, he did take photographs from the ground. The 'chopper' is a wonderful and exciting machine, and the views across the glorious spires of Oxford (which, we have to be honest, is more attractive from above than from ground level) were fabulous.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMGoO9TAIaaT8pbAu27K-dv9GLxYh6dvYOyXZ99LZPSvOKteucacPkKvDRkdqezg4N-vrNygaAi9Fq63mdTMztTC5Cs1b4sU4ILRMcsMNajtG-CQfnqvAVr4VR7XZiXq0SkcpSQd7ErC4/s1280/IMG_9855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMGoO9TAIaaT8pbAu27K-dv9GLxYh6dvYOyXZ99LZPSvOKteucacPkKvDRkdqezg4N-vrNygaAi9Fq63mdTMztTC5Cs1b4sU4ILRMcsMNajtG-CQfnqvAVr4VR7XZiXq0SkcpSQd7ErC4/s320/IMG_9855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj_K2R0OcV_8DThx8fB4B14_JJ5p-1vstyGI-fRQbOSI-nRLSZ4N6zjbXGXx0G5Zcp4mjcP2OSgXPFFo0HyToqtSGsyTUwQNWn6Wfi-bsVjxK1dnKLvesRN9RSw22Jkql_S_MZh_BeyB4/s4512/DSC_3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj_K2R0OcV_8DThx8fB4B14_JJ5p-1vstyGI-fRQbOSI-nRLSZ4N6zjbXGXx0G5Zcp4mjcP2OSgXPFFo0HyToqtSGsyTUwQNWn6Wfi-bsVjxK1dnKLvesRN9RSw22Jkql_S_MZh_BeyB4/s320/DSC_3109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D49zx_tQAjW4y792302giJYCT8_t5XjyrXf244LgzkwVz7SawMESXDPg0uFSEdGKobsBiSniVB6VG58Gw8TSV6lViSNl5GjvbUkxmmfz511OFSYGhbnm-FomGx-RY-AvSuedQGeyoPQQ/s1584/img058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D49zx_tQAjW4y792302giJYCT8_t5XjyrXf244LgzkwVz7SawMESXDPg0uFSEdGKobsBiSniVB6VG58Gw8TSV6lViSNl5GjvbUkxmmfz511OFSYGhbnm-FomGx-RY-AvSuedQGeyoPQQ/s320/img058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A very special experience!</div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-19198919953248900362018-05-20T19:00:00.049+01:002021-01-02T18:54:39.956+00:00Nuclear Rush: a muddy 10K<p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/LQ7zx4Fs1K53o6zU9" target="_blank">Full album here</a></p><p>This was a killer.</p><p>On a happily glorious day in May 2018, I joined four of my colleagues from Mother Nature's Diet (all considerably fitter than me) for a ten-kilometre 'muddy run'. Not only was 10k a major stretch for me (then and at any time) but the 'assault course' element pushed me further out of my comfort zone than I would have believed possible.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6iq4FUXNOsMn50CFOoT1CGGpJS6qt5YQteJQRzmLNTreS5IE3JSAlyCzTRUq_4xv2fNaA5-fJYK16Ss4LP4K4uwW_b2p-mDar9wbklAkV6aaLOvfm2APaggYyVCZtCiMoAR5XaXHUG-5/s1280/IMG_6665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6iq4FUXNOsMn50CFOoT1CGGpJS6qt5YQteJQRzmLNTreS5IE3JSAlyCzTRUq_4xv2fNaA5-fJYK16Ss4LP4K4uwW_b2p-mDar9wbklAkV6aaLOvfm2APaggYyVCZtCiMoAR5XaXHUG-5/s320/IMG_6665.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All clean before we started! L to R: Karl, Jane, Jason, Cassie, Kim.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We not only ran but shimmied under cargo nets (through mud), scrambled up slopes, splashed through streams, jumped off high platforms into a lake, and much more. Some hilarious, some deeply uncomfortable, some terrifying, some exhilarating. </p><p>I found there was just one area where I was further into my comfort zone than most of my colleagues: the swimming. I'm slow but reasonably confident, having been thrown into a swimming pool when I was just months old and having no fear of water. So diving under a float to come up the other side posed no problems; it was scary coming down the 'death slide', but that came under the 'exilarating' heading; and jumping off a tower into deep water was a challenge but manageable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKqifjSmxPAMYE7rGegyxRDAe4fTZdgxVxJrrBQ589lZo3eGJp6oKGhwDxgaLZbAkftVFaAyhxJbK9nmzLNxfXjkLq5fYyHIfGH89vlvtBAVbU3HhvczPXdNSiuYH79djv52IaZw4byzw/s1224/2292840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKqifjSmxPAMYE7rGegyxRDAe4fTZdgxVxJrrBQ589lZo3eGJp6oKGhwDxgaLZbAkftVFaAyhxJbK9nmzLNxfXjkLq5fYyHIfGH89vlvtBAVbU3HhvczPXdNSiuYH79djv52IaZw4byzw/s320/2292840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I ducked out of some of the challenges - especially the later ones as I tired - but was still pretty proud to have managed quite a number of them, and - even though I was tail-end Charlie throughout, to have finished the thing at all.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikwRMtm6X6mE7ZERxuPnvIARI_NvUYkDWqLErBZwKrhraneqOJf1u5qZRTuvzVTtwLDox_l3Y3YOzRydagUqBnXEzHswf0EDiIdxwQ7oSEU1pZ_hSbyEI0JY8rmhYrPZnWxu_aDljT7S8/s1224/2232511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikwRMtm6X6mE7ZERxuPnvIARI_NvUYkDWqLErBZwKrhraneqOJf1u5qZRTuvzVTtwLDox_l3Y3YOzRydagUqBnXEzHswf0EDiIdxwQ7oSEU1pZ_hSbyEI0JY8rmhYrPZnWxu_aDljT7S8/s320/2232511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Was I glad I did it? For challenge, cameraderie and personal boundary pushing - yes. Would I do it again? Probably not!! </div></div>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-48071459740765769422018-03-28T11:09:00.000+01:002018-03-28T11:09:15.659+01:00Running againIt's a very long time since I did any running. I got into it, in a very modest way, back in 2007/2008 (<a href="http://rectorswiferevamp.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">I used to blog about it here</a>), and loved it: adrenalin rush, economy of time, great cardio - what's not to like?<br />
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What wasn't to like was injury. I had a couple of painful calf muscle episodes, but they were sorted with the help of <a href="http://www.jameswitham-therapies.co.uk/" target="_blank">a lovely sports masseur</a>. However, after attempting a 10K run (rather than my usual 5K maximum) without enough training, I ended up with a nasty bout of plantar fasciitis, which started in the autumn of 2008 and continued for a full two years. Anyone who's suffered it will know why I'm terrified of its return: even a walk round the shops was painful, and simple sightseeing was agony, never mind running.<br />
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Additionally, a really serious sprain on a walk in 2013 left me with a right ankle that will probably never again be quite right - and the nerves about ever doing it again.<br />
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I went to walking, and once I'd cracked my weight problems and fitness routine in 2014/2015, this became my staple exercise. Now I achieve a regular 80 miles each month and it keeps me sane and fit.<br />
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However, in expanding my routines and aiming to build up the cardio, I have decided to try again. I probably won't ever want to go for the long-distance, high-impact stuff again. But I feel it's important to get just a bit of speed in; to be ready for my <a href="http://nuclear-races.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nuclear Rush</a> (muddy run) challenge, with my <a href="https://www.mothernaturesdiet.com/" target="_blank">Mother Nature's Diet</a> buddies, in May, and to be able to run comfortably between obstacles; to bring in another level.<br />
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I've just completed the first week of <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx" target="_blank">Couch to 5K</a>, and so far so good. Gently does it. I should reach the 5K distance exactly in time for Nuclear Rush, and all being well I'd love to run the Wroxham 5K (<a href="http://rectorswiferevamp.blogspot.co.uk/2008/08/pb-with-style.html" target="_blank">last time was in August 2008</a>... oh, my).<br />
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Watch this space.<br />
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-33282155285881283022018-02-28T20:00:00.000+00:002018-03-07T22:13:20.258+00:00A walk in the snow with an inspirationI don't write about many of my walks these days; it's become such an integral part of my life that it would get pretty boring for the reader (especially those which are regularly around the same local routes). However, there are some special times that are worth recording - such as my marathon walk, or the different sections of the Norfolk Coastal Path - that mean something special to me.<br />
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I'm writing this on a fairly warm, drizzly day in early March. It's hard to realise that just a week ago we were facing several inches of snow coupled with 50 mph winds: the media called it 'The Beast from the East'.<br />
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It so happened that two days before it hit severely, I'd spotted on social media a posting about a young lass called <b>Frances Mills</b>, who was walking the whole coast of these islands. Having started in October 2017 at Bristol, she was at this point making her way up from Suffolk. <a href="https://www.asiwandered.co.uk/" target="_blank">Check out her website here</a>.<br />
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The lady making the posting mentioned that Frances was happy to meet and walk with people, and although she was camping most of the time, was always happy to be offered a bed for the night. Living just half-a-mile from the beach, and happily having a couple of days free, I got in touch. She replied with enthusiasm, and I arranged to pick her up from our coastline on Tuesday evening, to give her a meal and a bed for the night, and to walk with her the following day to her next planned stop, just beyond Happisburgh - about 15 miles north of here.<br />
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In the event, I was lucky to get home. I'd been working with a client in Thetford that day, and mercifully got back before the snow became too deep. My husband picked Frances up from near Hemsby, and I arrived back shortly afterwards. We shared a meal and chat, and planned the following day. We realised that the snow (by now falling thickly) and (more importantly) the increasing winds meant that camping on Wednesday night, as she'd planned to do, would be more than 'wild camping' - so we insisted that she spend that night with us, too. Selwyn would pick us up from Happisburgh and bring us back.<br />
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We set off in reasonable conditions from the Rectory the following morning:<br />
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- but within a very short time it turned into a blizzard along the beach as we headed north towards Hemsby...<br />
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The wind was behind us, which helped! And as we continued, the weather did improve, with even some sun coming through. After a couple of hours we paused for a snack, sheltering in the dunes from the still strong wind.<br />
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However, at this point my husband sent me a text explaining that he'd tried to get out of the village in the car, only to find roads blocked in all directions; so we had no option but to make the route a circular one. We walked the 7.5 miles to Sea Palling, mostly along the beach, and stopped for a very agreeable lunch in the pub next to the lifeboat station. We then retraced our steps on the other side of the dunes to minimise the windchill (now in our faces). We met drifts of snow of impressive depth:<br />
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We arrived back after 15.5 miles of walking in a bit over 5.5 hours. We'd had a brilliant day, chatting most of the way, seeing the seals at Horsey, pointing out birdlife, and getting to know each other.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_XVOhY3rggAwWULMHck---8hFzk2yNzB" target="_blank">Click here to see our route</a>.<br />
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The following day (Thursday) proved to be so awful, with such high winds, ice and snow, that Frances decided to take the day off and to chill out with us. We went out for a very short two-mile walk up to the beach and back, but otherwise stayed in the warm.<br />
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As she'd lost a couple of days' progress, and was aiming to reach Hunstanton (the end of this phase of her walk) on Sunday, we knew she had to reach Sheringham by the end of Friday. We were planning which roads would be best to get her there, when she calmly announced that she'd leave Winterton at 6am on Friday and <i>walk </i>it. That's thirty miles. And, of course, she made it with no trouble.<br />
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This young lass is a true inspiration and a delight. She's cheerful, delightful company, intelligent, determined and undaunted. I am completely awed by her and honoured to have shared that couple of days with her. I'll be watching her progress over the next two winters, as she works towards completing the whole 4,500 mile circuit (this bit was 1,300 miles or thereabouts).<br />
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Dream the dream and make it happen.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-56633960709025020252018-02-02T22:00:00.000+00:002018-02-03T22:05:44.703+00:00On the nursery slopesOne of the main purposes of this lifelist exercise is to try things that I'm no good at, and probably never will be - but have a lot of fun doing it, and push the boundaries of what I <i>think </i>I can do. This activity definitely came into that category.<br />
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Lovely friend Kim booked this 'taster session' on the Norwich dry ski slope for me as a birthday gift. I knew I was nervous, but until I saw the slopes I didn't realise quite how nervous. Watching people coming down the 'real' pistes (as opposed to the 'nursery' version that we were using) was alarming and exciting.<br />
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Once again, my inner control freak looked at the speed of descent and panicked... much to Kim's amusement, as she's used to me normally being pretty confident in most circumstances.<br />
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However, we had an excellent tutor (Toby) for our little group, and once I'd tried one (very brief) descent without mishap, I realised just how much fun it could be. We had several goes down the slope - mainly using the slowing 'snow plough' position. I couldn't manage the 'bunny hops' - testing the balance - at all, but Kim did them beautifully. I only fell over once, which in something like 8 descents or so wasn't too bad.</div>
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I still find it pretty difficult to imagine being swift and confident on real slopes... but I can completely understand the appeal, and especially that of skiing on real snow among glorious scenery. I might just give it a try some day - and if I do, I'll be back to visit the lovely guys at the <a href="https://www.norfolksnowsports.com/" target="_blank">Norfolk Snowsports Club</a> for training. Watch this space.</div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/eEi2bf9plprO4HuB2" target="_blank">Full album of photographs here</a>.</div>
Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-68542551265555519012018-01-07T21:00:00.000+00:002018-02-03T21:45:15.334+00:00Getting my skates onI had somehow managed to get through my entire childhood (and life so far) without trying either form of skating - ice or roller. I suspect that my 'control-freak' tendencies have a lot to do with this; any kind of skating involves a lot of trust and not a little 'gung-ho' attitude.<br />
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However, when I saw that the regular 'pop-up' rink was visiting Norwich again across the Christmas-New Year period, I reckoned it was time to try it out. I put a call out on Facebook, and as a result was joined by my lovely friends Kim (regular buddy for most of my fitness activites, especially walking, for the last decade); Christine (a happy meeting through the Mother Nature's Diet group), and Andree (lovely colleague from local small business networks). Andree being the most experienced, she showed us the basics and helped us out beautifully. We were watched and photographed by two husbands (mine and Christine's).<br />
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Kim had skated before too - many years ago, but it didn't stop her showing loads of confidence and as a result doing a great job. She's definitely got the gung-ho attitude. (It also meant she fell over more often!)<br />
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Christine managed to strike out on her own very competently after a few circuits. I kept hanging on to the side for a lot longer...<br />
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Although I left the side eventually, I didn't manage to strike out on my own at all on this occasion - the thing I couldn't get the hang of was the movement to push off and hence travel under my own steam, rather than using the side of the rink to pull along, or using the propulsion of my friends holding my hands. I think if (when) I give it another go, I'll probably get over that mental block and manage a bit better. I think, however, I did display a style all of my own... :D<br />
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(<a href="https://youtu.be/J3hWZo7XqdQ" target="_blank">Click here for the ten-second video of the above moment</a>...)<br />
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It was a wonderful moment when we (briefly) moved out together - although as it was a small rink, we were quickly told not to keep a row of four, as we took up too much space! Made a great photo, though, and sums up a wonderful occasion.<br />
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Meantime, however, this was an enormously enjoyable evening, spent with some fabulous and patient friends (and ending with an excellent Thai meal as a day-late birthday celebration for me).<br />
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I'm so glad I gave it a try, and we've promised a return visit when the rink returns to the Castle Gardens next winter. Watch this space.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ew1VyEzM5dlBuyUb2" target="_blank">Full album of photographs here</a>.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-75324917501895560822017-12-01T19:55:00.002+00:002017-12-01T19:55:46.222+00:00Walk 1000 miles: my medalAs my monthly mileage targets have increased (60 miles from March 2015, 70 from March 2016 and 80 from March 2017) so, of course, has my twelve-month total. I was especially pleased recently to realise that this meant that in the twelve months starting on 1 December 2016, I'd finally exceeded 1,000 miles in 12 months.<br />
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I'm a member of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/walk1000miles/" target="_blank">the Facebook group</a> that exists to celebrate and encourage exactly this goal. I have to say, when I started, I couldn't imagine myself managing 1,000 miles in a year!<br />
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So when I published this achievement to the group, it was lovely to have this posted to the comments...<br />
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Thank you to <a href="https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk/" target="_blank">Walk 1000 Miles</a> and <a href="https://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/countrywalking" target="_blank">Country Walking Magazine</a> for such a fabulous initiative. Changing the world, and our health and well-being, one step at a time.<br />
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<i>Ambulo ergo sum</i>, indeed.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-38474118953243851962017-10-27T22:00:00.000+01:002017-11-28T16:48:03.253+00:00Climbing mountainsTwo mountains in two days. An extraordinarily kind period of weather in late October. A group of eight of us (plus the adorable Max-the-dog) climbed Blencathra and Skiddaw, near Keswick in the Lake District. An experience I never dreamed of, and views that literally made me weep at times.<br />
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I was invited by my good friend James, a fellow member of the local theatrical fraternity and in particular the <a href="http://www.sewellbarn.org/" target="_blank">Sewell Barn Theatre</a>, and we were joined by several of his friends across two days. The first day involved six of us (two of whom split from the main group to climb a more challenging route!) climbing Blencathra; and a further two people joined us for Skiddaw on day two.<br />
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I was the oldest (by a couple of years) and one of the least experienced. The members of the group were wonderful, keeping an eye out for everybody, taking it at a pace that we could all manage, sharing resources and encouragement. Oh, and of course, Max the dog (a beautifully behaved, nine-month-old, JRTxStaffie), who belongs to Ed but soon decided that it was his job to supervise the whole team.<br />
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Both days were blessed with wonderful weather. In both cases, the summit was shrouded in cloud, but we didn't miss much in the way of views, as we had clear and beautiful views within a very short time in both directions.<br />
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Click on the links below to view photographs and route for each of the two days.<br />
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<b>Blencathra - Thursday 26 October</b></div>
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868 metres / 2847 feet</div>
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<b>Skiddaw - Friday 27 October</b></div>
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931 metres / 3054 feet</div>
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-59375972411249199552017-09-30T22:00:00.000+01:002017-10-06T21:51:27.647+01:00Upside-down in a hamster wheelThis was quite a special and unusual experience. It didn't figure on my original list, for the simple reason I'd never heard of it. Through my connections with the world of circus aerial hooping, I came across this extraordinary activity, and was fascinated to know more: German Wheel.<br />
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The basic kit is a construction of two parallel wheels, linked with metal handles and foot straps in various places. The trick is to control the wheel in various ways, from a simple cartwheel to vaulting over the wheel to two-person activities to sitting on the crossbars to one-handed spins... and so on. <a href="https://youtu.be/b7e9ql4t5mA" target="_blank">This video gives you a general flavour</a>.<br />
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As far as I can work out, there's only the one group in the UK that offers training in this exciting activity; so I was fortunate that it was at least in East Anglia, at the Kesgrave Sports Centre in Ipswich (albeit almost 2 hours away from me). I'm told that people travel to the weekly sessions from all over the country - one lass was known to drive from Barnsley to Ipswich for a two-hour session and then drive back again...<br />
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I was excited to attend a half-day introduction to the activity. The tutors - Anna, James, John and Konrad - were friendly, professional and passionate: a winning combination. They take great care and lots of time with each member of the group, whether total beginner or seasoned acrobat.<br />
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It requires a fair level of fitness, and there's an intensive warm up to start with. It's challenging and sometimes painful - the weight on the feet in the straps as one turns upside-down, tightly attached (obviously), results in some bruising; and the use of the arms throughout tests the biceps and triceps to the max. The control of the wheel when you're constantly changing direction takes a lot of concentration - and the potential speed of movement can be scary to the point of nausea.<br />
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However, on getting accustomed to all this unusual use of the body, the sense of achievement when one manages a solo cartwheel for the first time - two revolutions down the hall - is pretty extraordinary.<br />
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I met some other fabulous people on the day, too - a couple of familiar faces from my 'budgie-hooping' sessions, and others who ranged from beginners like myself to experienced and intrepid wheelers. I made friends with Daniele,whose yoga background made her a natural, and we tried out some joint moves...</div>
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This was one of the greatest challenges I've taken on so far. There have been moments during my Life List where a real stomach-churning fear has floored me initially - but I've usually managed to overcome it. There was the first time I tried <a href="https://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/snorkelling-with-seals.html" target="_blank">breathing through the tube of a snorkel</a>, and through the <a href="https://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/scuba-try-dive.html" target="_blank">scuba rig</a>; there was <a href="https://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/climbing-through-trees-go-ape.html" target="_blank">the first leap off a high tree-mounted platform into a cargo net or along a zip wire</a>. The first time I turned upside-down in the German Wheel was one of those - but it was amazing how quickly I got accustomed to it. With practice and experience, I might bring at least a tiny bit more poise and confidence to the activity - although I doubt I'd ever reach the extraordinary heights achieved by experts like the four tutors. (Look up <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/konradkantorowski" target="_blank">Konrad</a> on YouTube to see what I mean.)</div>
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It's a long way for me to travel, but I don't eliminate the possibility of doing it again. The charges for the regular classes are exceptionally reasonable, the people friendly and professional, and the feeling of achievement amazing. Meantime, this was a fabulous and memorable experience that I wouldn't have missed for the world.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/vili0xEY58Suzkrz2" target="_blank">Click here for a few photographs of the day</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLamxS2-ORrit6a-t69fUuYsJqqF5-KL40" target="_blank">Click here for the full playlist of my short videos</a>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-62080168521716044402017-06-03T20:00:00.000+01:002017-11-28T17:20:13.871+00:00Walk a marathon: we did itI did it. <i>I walked a marathon </i>- or, as it turned out, 28 miles - with nine amazing people (and two support drivers).<br />
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It all started last August, when my good friend and mentor Karl Whitfield, of <a href="https://www.mothernaturesdiet.com/" target="_blank">Mother Nature's Diet</a>, spotted my ambition on this life list to 'walk a marathon'. Basically, he called my bluff. He sent me a choice of routes, a choice of dates, a training schedule, and made sure it happened. And I'm so glad he did.<br />
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I started gradually increasing my walking mileage, and was proud of a <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/long-walk-london-bridges-trek.html" target="_blank">fifteen-mile walk across the bridges of London</a> in September 2016. However, in late February 2017, training began in earnest, with my good friend and fitness partner of many years, Kim. <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/walk-marathon-norfolk-coastal-path.html" target="_blank">Click here to see details of our training along the Norfolk Coastal Path</a>.<br />
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Having spent the four months from the end of February to the end of May following Karl's schedule of walks, from 11.5 miles to just under 23 miles, we felt ready and confident for our 'marathon plus'.<br />
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We met up the night before to share supper in Wendover, spent the night in an agreeable AirBNB a few miles away, and then gathered for a 6.30am start on the Saturday morning. Our two drivers, Joe and Selwyn, bid us farewell, and we set off on a mild, initially cloudy, warm morning (the sun came out very soon, and remained with us right until the final half-mile).<br />
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As Karl had predicted, there were some moderate hills in the first few miles. It was well worth it when, after just 1.5 miles, we arrived at the Coombe Hill monument, with its sensational views across the countryside - I believe at least three counties were visible.<br />
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I was excited to see large numbers of red kites - brought back from the brink of extinction in just the last few decades - above us for much of the walk.<br />
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Earlier I mentioned a 'marathon plus' ... Karl didn't want to run the risk of us coming in just under the 26.2 mile marathon target ("another quarter of a mile! Round the block!") - so in planning the route, he aimed for 27 miles. However, at the last minute we also agreed to add a short diversion (about six miles into the walk) half-a-mile each way off the path down into Princes Risborough, where there was our final chance for a shop, a cafe and a public loo - as opposed to the dodging-behind-trees we did for the rest of the day. Which brought it up to 28 miles. (Or 28.8, or 29, or 29.5, depending on which walker's GPS you choose to believe! Mine was 28.07, so that's what I'm going with.)<br />
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Our planned lunch stop was (somewhat unromantically) just after walking through a sub-M40 underpass. This, in fact, was well over halfway, being at just under 16 miles in. Our drivers met up with us - Selwyn having got there some time before decided to walk out a mile or two to meet us and then accompany us to the cars - and we restocked with sock changes, extra water and food. Before setting off again. we took what's probably my favourite group photograph of the day.<br />
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As we moved into the final five miles, the dogged determination is evident.<br />
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As Jason pointed out, at least when you're coming down a mountain you have a clear idea of where the finish line is! But we kept going...<br />
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Finally, we reached the bridge over the river at Wallingford, where family and friends were waiting for us in the riverside pub.<br />
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This was a completely remarkable day and an amazing achievement for all concerned. Five men, five women, ranging in age from 30 to 65, all levels of fitness but one level of determination, and we all made it. We arrived about 12.5 hours after setting off, although around 10 hours of that was actual walking time. Many of us knew each other already, but new friendships were forged. Once again, the lovely Karl had initiated, bullied, planned and encouraged, and we managed an extraordinary feat.<br />
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For Chris, Jane, John, Jason, Karl, Cristina, James, Kim and Rebecca - my heartfelt thanks and love for joining and supporting me in this endeavour. It's a day I will never forget and an achievement of which I will always be deeply proud.<br />
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If you're interested, you'll find the <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/4i55Schnn3vgRhVX8" target="_blank">full album of photographs here</a>, including some provided by my fellow walkers.<br />
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Update: the wonders of technology allow me to add <a href="https://youtu.be/sVHvMOvF-Xo" target="_blank">the route in 3D</a> using the geek-heaven Relive.<br />
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***<br />
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One final comment. I initially took on this challenge for myself personally. However, as various folks asked me if I was accepting sponsorship, I decided to donate any monies raised to Clare's Legacy Fund (<a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/walk-marathon-making-difference.html" target="_blank">details in this posting</a>). At the time of writing (mid June), <b>£520 has been raised online plus a further £98 in local cash donations</b>. I know that Clare's indomitable spirit was with us, and she would have loved the day - being, as it was, fairly close to her own home near her beloved Cotswolds.<br />
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For friends, for challenges, for fitness, for love and for nature, I give grateful thanks.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-82612333058235450522017-05-20T20:00:00.000+01:002017-06-14T17:33:32.691+01:00Walk a marathon: the Norfolk Coastal PathWhen I committed to training to 'walk a marathon', I was already walking a minimum of 70 miles each month by that time, usually around 3-4 miles per walk, with the occasional 5 miler, and a couple of 13 milers to train for the 15 mile sponsored <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/long-walk-london-bridges-trek.html" target="_blank">London Bridges</a> walk in September 2016.<br />
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Starting in February, work began in earnest when my fitness buddy Kim joined me. We decided that we would train by walking the whole of the Norfolk Coastal Path (around 85 miles, Hopton to Hunstanton) in sections, which we achieved in six chunks. We were joined on one of these by James and on two others by Rebecca - both of whom completed <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/walk-marathon.html" target="_blank">the final marathon walk</a> with us.<br />
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Click on the links to see photographs of each of the walks, and on the map to view at larger size.<br />
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Sunday 26 February: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/R9ym6tGDeLSUcMrx6" target="_blank">Winterton-Happisburgh</a> (11.5 miles)</div>
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Sunday 12 March: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/y9KHQTfigmM188Bz6" target="_blank">Winterton-Hopton</a> (14.5 miles)</div>
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Sunday 26 March: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/L6Wf2ziantAWGgmP9" target="_blank">Happisburgh-West Runton</a> (16.1 miles)</div>
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Sunday 9 April: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/n63tneP5WeQDGHWz7" target="_blank">Stiffkey-Cromer</a> (19.4 miles)</div>
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Sunday 14 May: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/dW6R5KpnouefnMtX8" target="_blank">Wells-Hunstanton</a> (22.8 miles)</div>
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Saturday 20 May: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/PBXzS1fWJGTMHe579" target="_blank">Wells-Blakeney plus Blakeney Point</a> (19.6 miles)</div>
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Each time we'd completed a walk, we said "we can't imagine walking any further..." - but we always did. Interestingly, the final five miles of the 'real thing' were the toughest - from mile 23 to 28 - and that was unknown territory at that point, as 22.8 was our furthest until then.<br />
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The coastal path is an extraordinary and wonderful landscape. Each section that we walked had its own remarkable character and atmosphere - and level of difficulty. The shingle beaches were the hardest, especially Blakeney Point - three miles in each direction mostly on heavy shingle. There's the uninspiring Great Yarmouth town centre, which then gives way to the rather lovely path alongside the industrial boatyards and down to glorious Gorleston. There's the fabulous marshes to the western end of the walk, around the Stiffkey-Wells stretch. There are hills (yes, really, in Norfolk!) in the Sheringham area, and Beeston Bump. There's the only bit of coastline in Norfolk where one can see a sunset directly across the sea: Hunstanton. There's the alarming coastal erosion around Happisburgh and west of there. There are walks across beaches, on dunes and inland, on shingle and on hard sand and on soft sand.<br />
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This was a pilgrimage of nature, enjoying and appreciating our beautiful county, pushing our physical boundaries further than we believed possible, and learning all the while. I am so delighted to have shared this remarkable experience with my lovely friend Kim, every step of the way, and look forward to new challenges together.<br />
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-4865823073110956612017-04-06T00:23:00.000+01:002017-04-26T11:30:15.612+01:00Walk a marathon: making a differenceMy #walkamarathon training is going well. I've walked three sections of the Norfolk coastal path (11.5 miles, 14.5 miles and 16 miles), so far covering from Hopton on the eastern Suffolk border round to West Runton in the north. Next up is around 18 miles from Cromer to Stiffkey, this coming Sunday. All being well, I'll be all set for the full 26+ miles on 3 June.<br />
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I've always said I'd choose a charity for this event, and the inspiration has come from my dear friend Clare,who passed away on 30 December. You'll find her elsewhere on this blog, <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/an-amazing-weekend.html" target="_blank">sharing a walk on a glorious day in Wiltshire</a>, and when I <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/reasons-for-clare.html" target="_blank">attended her memorial service in February</a>.<br />
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During the final weeks of her life, she worked hard with her family to set up <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/ClaresLegacyFund" target="_blank">Clare's Legacy Fund</a>, which will offer opportunities for "eight places on an annual 3-day “Clarify Retreat” for people who face some kind of radical transformation in their life". Clare changed her own life, moving from journalism to home staging and decluttering in her fifties.She has asked for a 'living memorial', and this is entirely in tune with the generous and innovative way she lived her life. For more details of the Fund, <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9EnfGiPjp5sdEI3VE1FdjBFVWc" target="_blank">please read this document</a>.<br />
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When I walk my marathon on 3 June, supported and accompanied by my dear friend Karl Whitfield and others from the wonderful <a href="https://www.mothernaturesdiet.com/" target="_blank">Mother Nature's Diet</a> group, I'm doing it first and foremost for my own challenge. However, <b>if anyone would like to recognise my attempt by sponsoring me, please <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/marathonforclare" target="_blank">visit my GoFundMe page</a>.</b><br />
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My walk takes place on The Ridgeway, starting at Wendover and finishing at Wallingford. I know that Clare would have been up for the challenge if she'd been able, and I know she'll be with us in spirit.<br />
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In celebration of a dear friend and colleague, and a life supremely well lived.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograph: Matt Mulligan (Clare's son)</td></tr>
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-7757614513384007432017-02-02T18:00:00.000+00:002017-02-10T22:23:56.692+00:00Reasons: for ClareIn May 2016 <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/an-amazing-weekend.html" target="_blank">I spent a superb weekend with friends</a>. We took a fairly long (12 mile) walk through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside; spent the night under canvas; shared chat and laughter and information and life stories.<br />
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I shared this experience with a particularly good friend who lived nearby. Clare and I had been planning to get together for months (she was in Oxfordshire, I in Norfolk), and this seemed a great opportunity. We took a full weekend for me to share not only the above walk, but also a magical day in the wonderful city of Bath with Trudy, fellow founder of <a href="https://www.apdo.co.uk/" target="_blank">APDO</a>, of which Clare was a highly active and vital member. Such happy days.<br />
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I couldn't have known that this was the last time I was to see Clare. She was troubled by illness across that summer, and had several stays in hospital and an operation. Her positive attitude throughout reassured her many friends and professional colleagues that she was on the road to recovery. However, in early November, I received a devastating message from her, letting me know that she had been diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer, and that she might have "as little as six months". (In the event, it was less than two months.) Just at that time, I was on a course with the <a href="https://www.mothernaturesdiet.com/" target="_blank">Mother Nature's Diet</a> group, many of whom had met Clare on that wonderful May weekend.<br />
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Clare continued to be in touch with many friends, sharing and creating experiences with her loved ones, never once showing fear or anger or self-pity. Her glowing personality continued to shine through as she shared love with us all.<br />
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I planned to visit her in mid December, and was saddened to hear a few days beforehand from her lovely son, saying that visits were no longer possible from any but immediate family. I consoled myself with the memory of that beautiful few days in the May sunshine, enjoying the open air and friends and exercise and food and companionship, and knowing that this would remain with me.<br />
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Clare passed away on the penultimate day of 2016. In just over 59 years, she had achieved more and given more love and happiness than many do in a further two or three decades.<br />
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On Thursday 2 February, I met with many of Clare's friends and family, including five other members of APDO, to celebrate her life.<br />
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Her End of Life Celebrations Fund - which sadly she had too little time to make much use of - has been reinvented, as per her wishes, as <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/ClaresLegacyFund" target="_blank">Clare's Legacy Fund</a>, intended to help people at a crossroads in their life.<br />
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There is no greater reason for continuing my Life List activities - and, indeed, all my life activities - than the pursuit of love. As Clare said in her message to me about her diagnosis, "It's all so simple really when it comes down to it, love really is the only thing that matters. And living life to the full, which I intend to do for whatever time I have left."<br />
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I turned 54 years old just a week after Clare's death at the age of 59. I may reach her age, or not; I may surpass it by weeks or years or decades. None of that matters. What matters is what I do with each minute, each hour, each day that I am granted.<br />
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Rest in peace, beloved Clare. Your friendship was the greatest gift, and your example the finest inspiration. Thank you.<br />
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-40110181462531119882017-02-01T23:00:00.000+00:002017-02-11T09:38:03.944+00:00As nature intendedOne of my more challenging items on this list was 'to pose for a life drawing class'. Having become at least somewhat more comfortable with my body - in its clothed state, at least - I wanted to see how I managed with the idea of nakedness (in front of a specific and appropriate audience, of course).<br />
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My good friend Sian spotted this item on the list when she was surveying this blog looking for inspiration to <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/to-see-ourselves-as-other-see-us.html" target="_blank">create her portrait of me</a> last autumn. Being an artist, and having other friends with similar interests, she promised to set up the opportunity for me to have this experience; and was as good as her word. In her living room, I posed for Sian and two fellow artists (plus another friend who came along to make the tea!), otherwise only observed by her cat - who happily refrained from jumping on the model...<br />
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I undressed before the other artists arrived and put on a robe until we were ready to start. The house was warm, we had tea and hot apple juice, I knew three out of the four people present personally, and all was very relaxed and cheerful.<br />
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When we were ready, I felt quite un-stressed removing my robe and taking up a comfortable position on the sofa. Sian told me to make myself as comfortable as I could, and that they'd start with a couple of five minute poses so I could get used to it. (Dawn, who was on tea-making duty, timed the poses on her phone.) As we went on, we made the poses longer - 10 or 15 minutes - and I would often remain in pose beyond the allotted time to allow the artists to finish.<br />
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Seeing the first images was curious. All artists had (logically) focused on the body and left the face blank, which gave an odd sense of freedom in its anonymity - even though I was happy for them to be published later and identified as me. The body is neither perfect nor particularly toned - although it's a lot healthier than it was - and the most difficult area for me (the breasts) is shown in its unsupported, middle-aged glory. Accepting that as part of the way I am was one of the most important lessons of the process.<br />
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There was no sense of shame or fear in the event; I was surrounded by friendly and accepting people, who appreciated my curves, my skin and my femininity in all its imperfections. As I managed to keep still (most of the poses were very comfortable) for the duration, I was told that I was a good model. I was proud for that to be so.<br />
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The erotic element to this was interesting. There was no feeling of being cheapened or at risk in any way; but that doesn't mean to say that it was without its sensual side. There is an extraordinary feeling of empowerment when feeling comfortable with a safely exposed body, and when feeling appreciated rather than objectified.<br />
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We continued with the session for some three hours in the end, including a break for warm drinks (and for me to cover up for comfort!); by the end I was surprised that time had gone so fast. As I said above, to relax and feel appreciated without fear or threat was amazingly empowering and surprisingly positive in its emotions.<br />
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The artists put their favourite works out for me to photograph afterwards. They all showed sensitivity and skill, and it was a privilege to be the subject of their creativity.<br />
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Sean's simple line drawing was wonderful:<br />
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I especially liked Julia's final study in blue and gold, which captured the relaxed quality of the whole evening:<br />
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and I simply loved the whole range of 'Cassie's Rainbow', created by Sian by using coloured pastels on appropriate coloured paper:<br />
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This is a challenge that I know I will be more than happy to repeat. It's also brought me to a slightly shifted perspective in how I view my body, my imperfections and my good points, and how I feel about its health and happiness rather than that difficult and self-critical barrage of "I must" that is normally so disruptive of true self-acceptance. Thank you to all my friends, and especially to Sian,for helping me to open that door.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-32913386903527139042016-10-24T13:00:00.000+01:002016-10-24T13:05:40.902+01:00To see ourselves as other see us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's this really talented, quirky, creative artist who lives in Norwich. (I met her at the <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/budgie" target="_blank">'budgie-hooping' classes</a>.) I'd seen her work and portraits of some of my friends, and loved them. So I decided to ask her to create one for me.<br />
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She used my Life List as her inspiration.<br />
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I absolutely love it. It's helping me with my new view of myself as somebody active, fit and healthy, and full of life. (It hasn't always been that way.)<br />
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Her name is Sian Rhys, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/glitterandtentacles" target="_blank">you can find her on Facebook here</a>. She's building her website at present.<br />
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This is an example of some of her other work:<br />
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When somebody sees the new life in you, it's a huge inspiration and a real motivation to continue.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-38949170313791604452016-10-01T22:46:00.000+01:002016-11-01T17:01:12.403+00:00The life list so far: 7 months in<a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/the-life-list-so-far.html" target="_blank">Original photo collage was here</a>. I've added a few experiences since. Exactly seven months today: March 1 to October 1.<br />
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Click on the image for a closer look. Clockwise from top left (months are first encounters, but not necessarily last):<br />
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<ul>
<li>budgie-hooping (circus aerial hooping) (March)</li>
<li>Go Ape circuit (April)</li>
<li>scuba try-dive (April)</li>
<li>indoor climbing (March)</li>
<li>snorkelling with seals (September)</li>
<li>cycling (April)</li>
<li>Nordic walking (September)</li>
<li>spend a night under canvas (May)</li>
<li>walk 15 miles (September)</li>
<li>open water swimming (May)</li>
</ul>
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Plenty more to come...Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-657957717914211677.post-9733118865188834202016-09-24T15:00:00.000+01:002016-10-01T18:34:23.595+01:00Walking: the Nordic wayWhen I was on my <a href="http://rectorswifelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/long-walk-london-bridges-trek.html" target="_blank">sponsored Bridges walk</a>, I saw quite a number of folks - of all ages - walking (usually much faster than me) with lightweight poles. I'd come across references to the technique several times recently, and having discovered that the lovely Barbara Ives occasionally leads walks and runs training sessions, I resolved to give it a go, booking myself in to one of those sessions for just after our return from holiday.<br />
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So, having arrived back in Norfolk on the Friday afternoon, I found myself setting out on the Saturday morning for the recreation ground near Catton Park, just to the north of Norwich. We were lucky to have a beautiful day for it, just a touch of autumnal cool and wonderful sunshine. Including Barbara, six of us were there.<br />
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Barbara started by passing out the lightweight poles and explaining how to adjust the length to suit our height. We warmed up with a few stretches (using the poles for balance), then moved on the walking technique.<br />
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The key words to remember were 'soldiers and lemons'... the 'soldier' reference being to keeping the arms as straight as possible in a marching action (while moving the poles and managing not to drag them on the ground); and the 'lemons' being ensuring that the front of the foot pushes fully down (as though squeezing a lemon under the sole), using the whole length of the foot. We all found quickly that these guidelines resulted in a much more upright posture and unusually rapid pace - and arms & shoulders that were unaccustomed to so much activity!<br />
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We then moved across the road into Catton Park for a circuit of around two miles. I found it quite difficult to keep the arms straight and the rhythm of the poles going at first, but this had improved by the end of the walk.<br />
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Here's the group pausing for breath and consultation - and selfies! - partway round.<br />
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It was easy to see why some of my walking colleagues on the Bridges Walk had kept up such a punishing pace. I think if I tried that I'd need to get some of the little rubber 'feet' to stop to clunking of the sticks on hard pavement! It would be interesting to see how differently the technique works if I try it on our beaches - always a challenge at the best of times, especially if the tide is high and the walking therefore on soft sand.<br />
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Finally, we returned to the car park after a very enjoyable couple of hours. I would definitely love to get some poles for myself - although they're not cheap (<a href="http://nordicwalking.co.uk/product/leki_supreme_shark_titanium_2016_pair/" target="_blank">the version we were using are around £70</a>). However, they'd be a great investment and would last for ages. Let's see how the post-holiday client bookings go...<br />
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This was another highly enjoyable new 'lifelist' experience - well worth trying for a new approach to a commonplace fitness activity, and one which may well become a more regular part of my life. Meantime, it was a lovely group, a great instructor and a beautiful day. What's not to like?<br />
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<i><a href="http://nordicwalking.co.uk/" target="_blank">Click here for information on Nordic Walking</a>, and <a href="http://www.nordicwalkingnorwich.co.uk/" target="_blank">click here for Barbara Ives' website</a>.</i>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531093715654362821noreply@blogger.com0