An Adventurous Girl

[anadventurousgirl]

Rescuing Loki Part 1 - Meeting Loki

Rescuing Loki Part 1 - Meeting Loki

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

Estonia - Running the Length of a Country - Part 3

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

Estonia - Running the Length of a Country - Part 2

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

The Exciting Kit List for Run Estonia

Run Estonia - Kit List

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

5 Tips to Stay Healthy and Smiling During Covid 19

Staying mentally and physically healthy during the Covid 19 period is going to be important to all of us.  For most of us the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of information and the dawning realisation that life is about to change. With so much news and online chatter it can be hard to focus on ourselves. Here are five top tips to help clear your head and put a smile on your face.

5 Tips to…

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

 I love running and keep it interesting by looking for ways to run for fun. Running doesn’t always have to be about speed and distance. It can be a great way to explore and play. Here are a few of the ways I put a twist on the standard run to turn it into a run for fun!

5 Ways to Run for Fun

1. Runsplore

A great way to run for fun is to stop and do some exploring along the way. Choose a route local to you which takes in some interesting features you’ve never taken time to look at before. Go out dressed for a steady run, with stopping in mind – you might want an extra layer in a pack in winter. There is an old RAF base near where I live, with a footpath across it. Earlier this year I took some time to have nosy at the, now overgrown, parade ground and bunkers. It also prompted me to go away and read about the history of the base – meaning I’ve got lots of useless facts to bore people with over a post-run coffee!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

2. Running Errands

Run out of milk? Need to pick up a parcel? Don’t jump in the car or amble to the shops – pull on your running shoes instead! Even if your trip is just a mile or two, you’ll feel better and get your errands done quicker – winning! Commuter running packs aren’t terribly expensive and are perfect for a comfortable running errands experience. At my local shop you can now refill your washing up liquid, shampoo and washing machine liquids if you take your own container. If I run to do this I am helping the environment in two ways at once! I wouldn’t recommend running errands when buying eggs or fizzy drinks though, unless you’re a very smooth runner.

3. Run Tourism

In a new area? Whether you’re on holiday, visiting friends or away for work, run tourism is perfect for exploring a new place. If you’re not sure where to go some apps and websites like OS Maps and Map My Run have routes other users have added. Personally, I love to plot my own routes and both these apps allow you to do that too. I had a fantastic time in the Czech Republic and Slovakia recently, exploring national parks whilst running but you can do this in cities too. Getting up early and being a run tourist in a big city is a lovely way to see it without all the crowds around. Give yourself plenty of time to take in the sights and don’t forget to take pictures!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

4. Runcaching

A giant treasure hunt all around the country! Sound like fun? It is! The geocaching app allows you to navigate towards hidden caches in thousands of locations. You can read more about how geocaching works here. It’s a brilliant way to make your run for fun more interesting. Be careful though, it’s a bit addictive!

5. Plogging

Us runners love being outdoors but it can be frustrating when we see litter everywhere. Instead of running past the problem we can all help to sort it out. Plogging is a new term for combining jogging with picking litter up. You could set yourself a target of five pieces of litter per run or just go on one run dedicated to litter picking. Get a group of runners together for a plog and you’ll be amazed at the difference you make!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Run for Fun – useful stuff to know!

Wherever you’re doing your run for fun, if you’re going alone, it’s good to let someone know where you’re going. Just to be safe. If you’ve chosen or plotted a route on an app you can even send someone the GPX file of your route.

Don’t forget to charge up your phone if you’re planning on using it for photos and navigation. I take a back up charge pack – I’d hate to miss out on great pics!

A running backpack is far more comfy than a standard one. They come in lots of sizes and you don’t have to spend a fortune. If you’re stopping a lot it’s always good to have an extra layer in your pack, as well as your all important snacks and drinks!

Finally, get out there and have fun! That’s what running is all about after all.

You are following this blog

You are following this blog (manage).

  Run For Fun – 5 New Ways to Love Your Running  I love running and keep it interesting by looking for ways to run for fun. Running doesn't always have to be about speed and distance.

[anadventurousgirl]

Using the outdoors to help with grief

Using the outdoors to help with grief

Grief comes in many different forms. We usually associate grief with the death of a person or animal we loved deeply. But it can also be triggered by other events, such as the end of a relationship or the loss of a job. Grief plays out differently in everyone and there is no way around it. But there are ways we can help ourselves through it.

In 2014 I lost a partner to suicide. A traumatic and…

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

‘One minute to go’ the starter announces. Breathe. Just breathe. ‘Thirty seconds’. I stare down the churning river. Focus. ’10 seconds’. Our paddles raise and poise. They must not touch the water until…’Go!’ Adrenaline surges, hearts pump, muscles strain. Six people, one raft – we swore we came here just for fun but now the competition is on!

How did I end up raft racing in Romania?

If you’d told me a year ago this is where I would be I would have laughed. Since starting work at British Canoeing in 2015 I had done a fair bit of paddling but white water always seemed well beyond my reach. There was always a desire though. I had asked a colleague previously ‘how would I get on the white water course?’ ‘We could find you a way if you like’ he replied.

In the end I found my own way there. With the help of some pretty awesome people. ‘You should try rafting’, another colleague told me. ‘There are starter sessions on a Wednesday night. It’s great fun.’ And so, the next Wednesday I found myself getting slammed in the face with freezing water for the first time…and really quite liking it. Fast forward six months and I’m on the start line of my first race in Romania. A new sport and a new country all in one!

What is white water raft racing?

Lots of us have had a fun time with our mates on the commercial rafting experiences you can purchase in the UK and abroad. I had a great afternoon a few years ago with my best friend and have a lot of pictures to prove it! But raft racing is a little different. Racing in teams of four or six, everyone in the boat has a role to play in ensuring that obstacles are avoided, slalom gates are negotiated, speed and timing is maintained and that sticky situations are got out of without anyone taking a swim!

Over the course of a weekend teams take part in four races; sprint, slalom, head to head and downriver. Each race holds a certain number of points, which add up to your overall score:

Sprint – exactly what it says; get down a section of river as fast as you can.

Slalom – just as in canoeing; negotiate a number of sets of upward and downward slalom poles.

Head to head – (the really exciting one!) set off at the same time as another team and it’s the first to the finish…but…there are obstacles to negotiate along the way.

Downriver – endurance. A longer course which tests you when you’re tired.

That’s the boring explanation stuff out of the way…

I’ve never raced like this before. I’m used to start line nerves at the beginning of a running race, but this is different. There’s an audience, a crowd. Not only the other teams but locals from the town have turned out in force too. Clutching cardboard cut out paddles they ask us to pose for photos and sign autographs. The music is pumping and the atmosphere fantastic.

My teammates; Beth, Steph*, Kellie, Debs and SJ have a mix of experience. We are positioned in the boat depending on our strengths. My strength is power: vocal and body – I am middle right. Kellie, positioned in front of me, looks sick with nerves. We get into a routine before each race – she punches me in my buoyancy aid, I punch her in hers. We have to do it…for luck.

We’ve had some practice runs on the river the day before racing. Learning where the bigger rocks are. Where there are hidden obstacles. The best line to take. What we will do if it all goes wrong. We are ready.

*This is the same crazy Steph I attempted to run across Iceland with.

We race!

The sprint race is up first. And it goes well. That’s all I can tell you – I don’t remember much more. It felt smooth, we were happy and my legs were shaking at the end! We wait, watching for movement from the officials tent. Someone emerges and pins paper to board; we rush to look. We won sprint! Wow, just wow. I am amazed. But was this just a fluke? Did we get lucky.

We still have a long day ahead. Head to Head is up next and then slalom. Downriver is tomorrow. The day is roasting hot and there is little relief form the sun. As we watch others race we struggle to find shade. Our kit is hot and heavy and I drink constantly to stay hydrated.

The head to head is truly exhilarating. ‘Don’t worry about where the other boat is’ I scream, ‘let’s just focus on what we’re doing.’ I don’t really need to tell my teammates this. They’re so cool and awesome. We win our first race and just…just…just win our second too. I am pumped!

Here is a video of that second race…

Could we win this?

Coming to Romania we had declared that we were here for the raft racing experience. Winning wasn’t discussed. But now…now we’re sitting in first place. However, slalom and downriver hold more points. It could all change so quickly.

And it does. We do well at slalom. Our first run is the fast but another team are faster on their second run. This puts us second in slalom and therefore drops us into silver medal position overnight.

For now though, it’s time to for the race party. I briefly question the wisdom of multiple carafes of very reasonably priced wine the night before our final race. But my doubts are quickly forgotten as we head to the dance floor.

lost to partying. Strong coffee is chucked down throats as we head to the river for our deciding race.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Downriver

Boats are set off in groups for this race. We’re in a group with the Bulgarian ladies, who are in pole position and a few of the men’s teams. We have seven kilometers of rocky, white water river to negotiate, culminating in a final drop named ‘the washing machine’. If you go into that bit wrong – well the name says it all!

We start strongly but yesterday has fatigued us. The Bulgarian ladies are stronger

and beat us to the finish line. Most importantly for us though – we take the right line on the washing machine and all finish in the boat!

Are we silver raft racing medalists?

Transported back to our hotel, we now have to wait for the other teams to race. We can’t win gold now but will we hold on to silver? The wait seems to go on forever but finally race times are posted. Some swift mental maths, we check and recheck…but it finally sinks in…we’ve done it! My first raft racing competition and we are coming away with silver medals. I am elated!

To add to the joy our men’s team have scooped bronze in their category, against some tough competition.

I decide the best way to celebrate is to drag Steph up a big nearby hill. It had been starting at me for three days and just wanted to be climbed before we left. There was swearing from Steph.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A little extra drama

We were now parting from SJ and the men’s team, while five of us went on to do a few days of touristing in Brasov and Bucharest. We grab a life to Brasov, along winding mountain roads. The scenery is stunning; snow capped mountains, rural villages and storks nesting on every other telegraph post. Spirits are high adn we can’t wait to celebrate in Brasov.

We’re staying in the Evil Clown Hostel; yep, it was as odd as it sounds but perfectly nice. I’m feeling sick. Really sick. Steph helpfully suggests I go for a ‘tactical chunder’ in the hope I will then feel better. Fair enough. I head to the toilets. Throw up. Pass out. Wake up wedged down the side of the toilet with, what appears to be a broken nose. Whoops.

Kellie’s face as I stagger back into the room says it all. Beth makes swift phone calls. One of the Romanian raft racing team is quickly on his way to transport me to hospital. Steph is coming with me too but first takes some pics to send to the rest of the group. Who doesn’t love a good injury picture?

The hospital and beyond

It’s March 31st 2019. We were due to leave the EU two days ago but we didn’t. I’ll never know if this would have made a difference to my treatment but on production of my EHIC card and holiday insurance I was treated promptly and for free.

I was super impressed with the Romanian hospital. In around 2.5 hours I was given an ECG, CAT scan, two bags of IV fluids, some anti sickness medication and discharged. I also slept…a lot…even in the CAT scanner. It seems I was dehydrated and had heat stroke. There was no evidence that the party had anything to do with my condition; so I’m sticking with heat stroke!

The Dr. kindly told me I had raised enzyme levels which indicated I had worked physically hard; something I proudly told my teammates. She also mentioned I was bradycardic and I quote ‘something often seen in athletes’. Boom!!!

I was soon back at the hostel, clutching a CD of my CAT scan and feeling extremely grateful to the wonderful Mihai for being my Romanian savior.

My nose had miraculously popped back into place and was only making the gentlest of crunching sounds. My nausea had also receded. So, it was time to get on with the touristing!

Fancy a go at raft racing?

I would never have dreamed I’d be raft racing down a river in Romania. If I can do it you can too! It’s a fantastic and fun team sport and a good work out. I paddle with Notts Raft Racing and if you’re in the Midlands you can too! Check out their Facebook page for how to get started.

If you’re in a different part of the country get in touch with British Rafting on their Facebook page to discover where you can get started. Or, if you’d like to find out more about competition and where you can watch it pop to the International Rafting Federation website here.

I can’t wait to see you on the water!

You are following this blog

You are following this blog (manage).

White Water Raft Racing In Romania 'One minute to go' the starter announces. Breathe. Just breathe. 'Thirty seconds'. I stare down the churning river.

[anadventurousgirl]

Setting off on a 40 mile run believing you will fail is not a great start. But after a hectic weekend of raft racing and hospital visits in Romania the week before, that’s exactly how I set off on the Four Inns Ultra.

The Four Inns Ultra

The Four Inns is officially a walk, organised by the Scouts for over 60 years. Participants take part in teams of three or four and your team have to stay together throughout. Many teams do still walk the route but there are a lot of running teams too. There are ten checkpoints and at each one each team member must hand in a route card and show their dog tag with their team number. There are a number of trophies up for grabs too. You can tell this race has been run for a long time as the level of organisation is excellent.

Seemed a good idea at the time…

I ended up signed up in the same way all my adventures start; someone comes up with an idea, I say ‘yes’, then consider it later!  In this case it was my colleagues Craig and Anna who collared me. A 40 mile run, through the Peak District…sounds like a walk in the (National) park. Our smiles at the finish of even the toughest group training runs proved we would make a good team.

My training did not feel smooth however. A foot injury which has plagued me for over a year kept flaring up. As a result I was running on the outside of my foot and creating more injuries. Typically for me, rest didn’t really become an option.

The weekend before the run I flew out to Romania for my first raft racing competition. A truly awesome experience. But, one which took it out of me, not just from the physicality of racing but also from a hospital visit and slightly broken nose due to sun stroke! So, my genuine thought the night before the Four Inns was to set off with the team and get as far as I could. The rules stated that Craig and Anna could then join up with others to form a scratch team.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The start

There is a strict kit list for the Four Inns and kit check is one hour before your allotted start time. That meant we had to be at the village hall in Holmbridge at 5.28 am. Luckily this was just a 30 second walk from our lovely Air BnB, allowing us to scoot back to the cottage for final prep (panic) before going to the start line.

We set off into mist and straight uphill, chatting to other groups as we passed and were passed by them. There was a cheery atmosphere but my head was not in a good place. Such a large part of long distance running is mental. Channeling the ability to cancel out time and distance and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Crossing the bog beyond Black Hill I sank in up to my ankle and ended up sitting in black muck. Usually a laughing matter for me but this time I was deeply unamused.

Murderous thoughts

Craig had a short cut. Insider knowledge. We weren’t going to follow the footpath. We were cutting across Bleaklow. Perfectly allowed in the rules and he swore it would save us time. But short cuts across peat bogs are not easy. The peat splits, leaving ankle breaking chasms and making running impossible. Long, rough grass conceals muddy pools of water and the GPS must be constantly watched to stay on track.

It was at this point I threatened to murder Craig if the short cut did not live up to its name.

And here we are at the checkpoint – where hotdogs (veggie and meat) were on offer. We hurriedly eat, drink and hand in our route cards. As we prepare to leave the checkpoint another team come in who had previously been ahead. They praise us for our sneaky route and Craig’s life is saved.

I got this

A long, downhill run along the Snake Pass takes us to Kinder, which we must cross before descending into Edale. Somewhere around this time, I realise we have passed halfway and my mind set shifts. The ground just keeps passing beneath my feet and suddenly I know I can do this. Our support teams help with moral. Anna’s family and a group of my friends pop up again and again, cheering us on and up.

The check points all have a variety of food on offer. Jam sandwiches are my go to but the two veg pakora at Chapel-en-le-Frith may have been a bad idea. My favourite offering was the whisky being shared by one volunteer at White Hall! I’m not a whisky drinker but after over 30 miles of running I was up for a wee nip.

Although mentally I was feeling good the distance was taking its toll. When I attempted to run across Iceland I purchased some lightweight running poles. This was the time for them to be deployed once more. Going four wheel drive makes a huge difference and the poles help on the up and downhills.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The end is nigh

As the day goes on we chat to various teams going at a similar pace. The camaraderie is lovely and we all encourage each other. Leaving the final checkpoint at the Cat and Fiddle however it’s heads down and just keep running through the pain.

At this point breaking into a run is the hard part. Brain sends message to legs ‘start running’. Legs reply ‘no thank you. Done enough. Hurt.’ Brain: ‘It wasn’t an optional thing. I’m in charge. Run.’ Legs:  ‘Ok, in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…’ Finally you are running again.

We start our descent into Buxton and as we enter the town the odd spectator starts to appear, cheering us on. As always on a big run, I struggle to control my emotions. Tears prick the back of my eyes, relief starts to flood my body. But…not yet! If I let the tears come my throat will close up and I won’t be able to breathe for the final stretch. Keep it together Cadi!

Craig announces we have ten minutes to go to finish within eleven hours. I remind him we actually ahve eight minutes. We speed up. After over 39 miles of running we are suddenly sprinting for the finish. But we can’t see it! People are cheering and we are shouting ‘where is the finish??’. ‘Come back, it’s inside the village hall’ another runner helps us. We dive through the door – ‘Eleven hours’ the volunteer announces. We have made it!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

And then…

We sit. Drained. Friends and family bring hugs and beer. Another colleague, who has completed the run in the past, sent me a photo the previous day. It was of his ‘thousand yard stare’ after he finished. I now understand it completely.

A message from my sister; she has been watching us on live tracking – ‘Well done. The website says you have won a trophy for fastest novice team.’ Wow. A totally unexpected bonus to a fantastic day out.

I can’t praise my team mates enough. My grumpiness at the start was water off a ducks back. We stuck together with no hint of acrimony (if you don’t count the murder threats!). And best of all, we smiled at the end.

I would thoroughly recommend the Four Inns to anyone looking for a challenge. The weather was perfect for us. On another day it could have been twice as tough. But the volunteers would still have manned those check points and handed out jam sandwiches all day long!

If you fancy a go at the Four Inns and want to know more click here.

You are following this blog

You are following this blog (manage).

Four Inns Ultra Run: Review and Reflection Setting off on a 40 mile run believing you will fail is not a great start. But after a hectic weekend of raft racing and hospital visits in Romania the week before, that's exactly how I set off on the Four Inns Ultra.

[anadventurousgirl]

I first visited Merthyr Tydfil in January 2018, when Brew Dog and I did a fabulous walking route from the town. So, when I was invited back to experience more of what the town had to offer I jumped at the chance. What followed was a weekend packed with adventure, laughter and fun. Whether you’re a family, group of friends, a couple or a solo traveler you will be able to find your fun in Merthyr Tydfil. I’ve put together this handy guide to show you how!

Merthyr Tydfil: 10 Steps to an Adventurous Weekend

1. A place to rest your head

We stayed at the fantastic Parkwood Dolygaer Outdoor Centre and couldn’t have been better looked after. This is a great base for explorers of all levels. Choose from large group accommodation, camping or the beautifully refurbished Dolygaer Cottage. You can go self-catering or have food provided. We were so well fed during our stay that we needed lots of activity to burn off those delicious calories! Parkwood have a fab group of friendly, qualified instructors who can take you on loads of activities. Or you can just step out of the door and explore the surrounding hills yourself. I am planning on gathering a group of friends and visiting again soon.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

2. Overground…

Our first activities were at the brand spanking new Rock UK Summit Centre. We only missed Prince Charles opening it by a week! I love a bit of climbing  and after a nice lunch in their cafe, it was great to get kitted up by the instructors and have a play on the vast array of different walls. My usual wimpiness on the bouldering wall came out but I gave it a go! If you aren’t already a climber the centre has a great range of courses, from Climbing Tots to Private Taster Sessions to get you off the ground.

3. …Underground

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground or, more precisely, under it then Summit Centre’s man made caving system is the place for you. We had such fun scrambling around and learning about cave systems. One of our group was very nervous of confined spaces and didn’t fancy entering the cave.  Our instructor was so good at putting his fears at ease that he ended up dong the whole tour. Summit Centre run outdoor caving trips too, as well as tons of other activities.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

4. Walk this way

Merthyr Tydfil is nestled right by the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. With boundless miles of footpaths to explore, you will never run out of options. It’s natural to head for the hills to take in the views but did you know the area is also famous for it’s gorgeous waterfalls? The lovely team from Parkwood showed us the Four Falls Trail and we just couldn’t stop taking pictures. You can even walk behind one of the waterfalls – don’t expect to stay dry though!

5. Go paddling

I love being on or by the water and in the Merthyr Tydfil area there are plenty of opportunities for this. The rivers in the area are a mecca for white water kayakers but we had a go at something a little less adrenaline pumping. Despite high winds on the Saturday of our visit the Parkwood gang had us in peels of laughter with some stand up paddleboarding.  We all had a go on a giant SUP together before braving the waves on individual boards.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

6. Re-fuel

All this activity and adventure left us with huge appetites. Luckily Merthyr has plenty of options to re-fuel after a full on day. We ate at Woodfired and Portugalles, both of which catered for our mixed dietary requirements well. Both venues also had live entertainment to accompany our meals. The atmosphere in town on the Saturday night was particularly buoyant due to Wales bringing home the Six Nations Cup!

7. Be entertained

Occasionally you meet someone whose spirit and passion blows you away. Karla Brading, Media and Marketing Manager of the New Crown, Merthyr Tydfil is just one of those people. During our visit to the New Crown they had some brilliant live music on but it was Karla’s tales of future plans for the pub which really excited us. Not only is she busy booking some great bands but she is also putting on fantastic family events at the pub. You can see where Karla’s creativity comes from as, in her spare time, she’s a wonderful children’s author.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

8. Pedal power

I’ve a confession to make: I might be An Adventurous Girl but I’m not always a brave one. I’m ok with that and have learnt to do what I enjoy and park what I don’t. That’s where I was at with mountain biking before my visit to Bike Park Wales. Luckily our lovely instructors at this awesome place knew just how to help with a fear filled rider and soon had me whizzing (well, gently descending) one of the longer runs. With miles of trails for all abilities, bike hire, an uplift service to take you up the mountain and a scrummy cafe there is something for the newest and most hardcore riders to enjoy.

9. Step back in time

When I visit an area I always love to learn a little about its history. On a break from our more active pursuits we were treated to a visit to Cyfartha Castle. Our wonderfully enthusiastic guide talked us through Merthyr’s role in the industrial revolution. The castle itself was built by William Crawshay II, the owner of the town’s Ironworks. The castle grounds are packed with more attractions, such as the miniature railway, splash and play and the recently renovated ice house.

10. Hit the trails

It wouldn’t be right for me to miss out the fantastic trail running you can do in the area. From Parkwood you are on the trails as soon as you step out of the door. On my wild runs I spotted wild Welsh ponies, climbed tough hills, followed sweeping paths through forests and drank in beautiful views. You can even run up the famous Pen Y Fan mountain. Just grab your trainers, choose a route and head out!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

So when are you heading to Wales?

My friend Becky the Traveller (who took loads of these fab pics) and I managed to squeeze in one more walk before we headed back to Notts but there is still so much more of the area for me to explore. I will be heading back to the Merthyr Tydfil area soon…hope to see you there!

For more information on all the area has to offer pop to the Visit Merthyr website.

You are following this blog

You are following this blog (manage).

Merthyr Tydfil: 10 Steps to an Adventurous Weekend I first visited Merthyr Tydfil in January 2018, when Brew Dog and I did a fabulous 

[anadventurousgirl]

How is it February already? It seems only yesterday I was going to sit down and blog about my plans for 2019. And now, suddenly, we are one month in.  All week I have been thinking about this blog piece. What to write…how to put the two things I wanted to write about together. So here are the two things I wanted to write about: 

My plans for 2019

The 5 year anniversary

And here is me trying to write about them together…

On the 4th February it will be five years since life changed completely. Five years since ‘normal’ flew out of the window. Five years since my partner took his own life. When I started the An Adventurous Girl blog it was to move forward. Therefore, although I have referred to this life altering time in this blog, the story of the time itself sits in my old blog Cadi2014: The Journey Back from Grief to Life .

Usually, on the anniversary I take the day off work. Spend some time reflecting with family and friends. But this year a colleague was trying to pin down a meeting. As the words ‘Monday 4th will be fine’ came from my mouth a lightening spike of memory shot across my brain. But the words were out. So on Monday I will be at work. And my Mum will be in Sheffield having radiotherapy on her brain. It’s going to be a strange day.

So how is that relevant to my 2019?

What happened back in 2014 made me who I am today. Not just that of course. My life has been shaped by thousands of experiences and people. But that one really was a biggie. It was a turning point where I had to choose between being consumed by the past or celebrating the future.

And celebrate I do. Each day, each week, each year bring new experiences. Fantastic adventures and challenges with awesome people. And all sparked by the adventurous spirit of someone no longer here.

Last year was a great one in terms of those adventures. Attempting to run across Iceland followed by managing a pretty epic solo run around Malta, taking up a new sport – white water raft racing and finishing the year with an awesome Running Home for Christmas, self-made marathon. So how am I going to top that this year??

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

2019: This is going to be amazing!

Have you got plans for the year? I really hope so. We should all have something to look forward to. If you haven’t got anything then get planning! Life’s too short to let it drift by. I’m super excited for my 2019. Here are a few reasons why:

30th & 31st March – First white water raft racing competition…in Romania!

Wouldn’t want to do things by halves now would I?! I said to a friend recently ‘if you’d told me a year ago I would be going raft racing in Romania in 2019 I’d have laughed’. But I am loving this new sport! Under the great guidance of Beth, I have learnt so much in the last few months. Despite the freezing winter evenings I’ve enjoyed every adrenaline filled punch of cold water in the face! There are 13 of us heading to Romania, including my friends Steph, who was also on Run Iceland and Kellie. It’s gonna be a blast!

6th April – First team ultra run. 

When my colleague, Craig, suggested the Four Inns Ultra I jumped at the idea. A tough 65 km (40 mile) starting at Holmbridge in Yorkshire and finishing in Buxton, Derbyshire. Taking in some of the Peak District’s finest peat bogs and passes! We quickly recruited a third colleague, Anna, to the team. Our first team training run, in snow and bog, proved tough and hilarious in equal measure!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Summer – An awesome cycling adventure.

I can’t say too much about this yet as it’s someone else’s idea. But it involves some wicked Instagram friends, superhero outfits, Scotland and cycling. Oh yeah and it will be tons of fun!

28th September – Ochil Ultra; Stirling to Perth

Well, there’s always more running isn’t there? I’ve agreed to another ultra with my sister in law, Emily, and this will be our longest yet! The Ochil Ultra is 50 miles of stunning running from Stirling University to Central Perth in Scotland. That should keep me training all summer!

And the rest!

The wonderful thing about living a life of adventure is that more fantastic things pop up all the time! I’m lucky to have the freedom in my life to do what I want when I want (if money allows). I treasure that time and freedom more than anything. And it means that when someone else comes up with an epic adventure idea I can always say ‘yes’! Watch this space.

So what’s your point Cadi?

Five years has gone by in a heartbeat. I run. A lot. Some people say I’m running away. And I think ‘maybe, but it’s better than standing still’. Because moving forward is so important to me. You can’t run away from the pain of the past, it’s always going to catch you up. But I have learnt to take the pain along for the ride. To show it that sorrow doesn’t have to stop a life. Turning sorrow into joy is the most perfect thing you can do.

Let’s all have an awesome 2019!!!

Cadi2014: The Journey Back from Grief to Life .

The person who showed me adventure.

You are following this blog

You are following this blog (manage).

2019: 5 Years On – Moving forward, glancing back How is it February already? It seems only yesterday I was going to sit down and blog about my plans for 2019.

[anadventurousgirl]

#RunningHomeForChristmas an update

It's been a while since I posted about the #RunningHomeForChristmas Challenge. With only a week to go until the challenge starts I wanted to give you all an update on my plans.

It’s been a while since I posted about the #RunningHomeForChristmas Challenge. With only a week to go until the challenge starts I wanted to give you all an update on my plans. 

#RunningHomeForChristmas

The #RunningHomeForChristmas Challenge is a personal challenge which I have opened up to anyone who wants to join in. Designed to encourage everyone to leave the stresses which Christmas can…

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

Let me tell you what I am...being self positive

Let me tell you what I am…being self positive

It’s 6.45 am, on a cold autumn morning in Aviemore, Scotland. Snow is on the ground outside and most people at Glenmore Lodge, where I’m staying for the weekend, are still tucked up in bed. I am waiting in the lobby for two women, who I had only met the day before, to hike a mile up to a small loch and go for a swim. As I sit here I wonder ‘How did I get here? Who is this person who overhears a…

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

Running Home for Christmas - Join Me On My Next Challenge

Running Home for Christmas – Join Me On My Next Challenge

Every morning I go for a run around the fields with Brew Dog. It’s a chance to watch stunning sunrises and take 30-40 minutes of wonderful headspace, setting me up for the new day.

One morning this week Christmas popped into my mind. Warm, happy memories flooded through me, quickly followed by the dread of rush and spend which accompanies the event. In the following miles my next challenge was…

View On WordPress

[anadventurousgirl]

For my end of summer holiday I chose to run around the coastline of Malta alone. In Part 2 of my run around the island I deal with fear of dangers both imagined and real. Enjoying stunning scenery and discovering the ups and downs of solo adventures.  For Running Around Malta Part 1 click here.

Day 3: Sat Sept 8th 2018 – Bahrija to Birzebbugia

Back into the furnace

I wake at 6 am having slept unsurprisingly well. The Air BnB I am staying in is a huge house with large rooms and long, marble corridors. I pad downstairs to retrieve chocolate mile from the fridge and fill my drinks containers. Breakfast is the chocolate milk and a square of flapjack. I really hate eating breakfast so have to force down the sugary flapjack.

Having cut my run a little short yesterday (only completing 22 of the 25 miles I had planned) I am a little nervous about today. The forecast is for the temperature to be in the mid-thirties again, with humidity at well over 70%. As much as I didn’t mind cutting my day a little short yesterday I don’t want to do it again. I’m worried that I will fail again and I’m not sure if I can take that after Iceland. It probably doesn’t matter to anyone else but it’s important to me not to fail.

Hitting the road at 6.40 am I take a shortcut back to the coast. Shortcuts will be my friend. The sun starts to rise as I climb away from the village. This is no lazy sun and it soars quickly high into the sky. I want to get as many miles in early as I can, knowing the heat will be unbearable by 9.30.

The day starts well, other than a minor diversion through undergrowth – my mind adds snakes at every footstep! It is not yet 9 am and I have covered quite a few miles. A breeze blows in some cloud cover. If anyone saw me at this point they would definitely think I was mad as I raise my eyes to the sky, smile and mutter incantations to ask the cloud to stay.

Fear is not your friend

My route brings me to a cliff top path, which often edges close to a crumbling drop towards the sea. Rocks and stones add trip hazards to the equation. The only people around are a few cliff top fishermen who nod hello as I pass.

The sea, far below, is the most stunning colour and crystal clear. I am happy to stop and gaze outwards but looking directly down raises my heart rate. One stumble and I will be over the edge; my mind flicks over whether I could shed my backpack as a fell. Having negotiated a particularly treacherous section my path runs out. I look on the map at where I need to be then look at the landscape in front of me with a sinking heart. I am going to have to backtrack and then climb/scramble up some rocks to get back on route.

A slight trip on a rock sends my heart hammering again. ‘Breathe’ I tell myself, ‘fear is not your friend. Keep calm and you will be ok’.

Finally reaching a road I am glad, for once, for smooth tarmac to run on. This doesn’t last long. Soon off road once more and once more my track disappears. This is where being alone has its advantages and disadvantages. There is no-one to blame but myself, no-one to sort this out but myself, no-one to be grumpy at but myself.

I need to go straight up. People do come to Malta to climb but the rock had all looked too crumbly and loose to me. Now I find it is surprisingly grippy for my trainers and has great handholds. Where I can I put my backpack up ahead of me and climb up to it – it’s not helpful having the weight pulling me back.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Getting away with it

At some point in the morning I realise I have made a mistake – I may have blithely announced to people I was running around Malta but I haven’t given my route to anyone. This is not like me at all. Even when going on a long run locally I usually send a GPX to a friend and tell them they’re ‘in charge of finding my body if I don’t turn up’.

Of course, when I realise this I don’t have a phone signal. I have to wait until I do have one before messaging a friend back in England to put her in charge of progress monitoring and rescue coordination. I’m sure she is very grateful for this responsibility!

‘Visiting’ tourist sites

Emerging form the top of one of my climbs I see people everywhere. It seems I have climbed straight into the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples tourist attraction. Everyone else has paid to be here – I don’t like to tell them they can get in for free if they just climb up the rocks of the hill below. I stand out like a sore thumb as I jog sweatily amongst the tourists. Luckily a tourist site means a drinks stall! Despite occasional cloud cover the heat has soared and there has been little shade on my run. I buy water and the local bittersweet drink; Kinnie. As everyone else gets on their buses to go back to hotels I jog off up the road.

I am having major ups and downs now. It’s amazing what a sugary drink and time in the shade can do for your spirits. But the relief never lasts long. My toes feel squishy as blisters form, grow and occasionally burst. Nothing is gentle here and plants tear at my legs. I tell myself that each step forward is one step closer to the finish.

What are you afraid of?

In my head I consider what I am scared of today – always a fun game on your holiday. As well as the aforementioned chance of tumbling from paths I am also nervous of; dogs and hunters.

The countryside I am crossing is dotted with occasional properties and small villages. This means dogs. I love dogs but not all dogs love a random stranger on their territory. They frequently bark from behind walls and fences and I can only hope they are safely contained. In the end the only one which comes out to me is a chihuahua, yapping and bouncing. ‘Don’t be afraid’ its owner smiles. I wasn’t.

Shotguns are a greater fear. From the very start of the day I have seen shadowy figures lurking around. Shotgun cartridges constantly litter my path. The local delicacy is rabbit meat. I have seen no rabbits on my run; perhaps they’ve all been shot already. The illegal shooting of migrating birds is also rife. A friend of mine works out here for the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS).

When I hear the sound of a gun being ratcheted ahead of me I always cough loudly. I can only hope these guys are aware that I am near.

Battling the afternoon heat

As the morning wears on I slow down and walk more frequently. I meet a Polish hiker going  the other way. We chat for a while. He has been wild camping and having a great time until being stung by a jellyfish while swimming – explaining the large bandage on his arm.

Midday is signaled by the firing of canons around the island. The noise is reminiscent of rumbling thunder and I fantasise about rain!

At some point I hit 17 miles and just as I think I won’t be able to run again that day my legs break into a jog. I’m pretty sure my brain had no part in this decision. If my body says ‘walk’ I walk, I’m in no real hurry.

A shortcut brings me through an industrial estate at 18.6 miles and like a mirage, a snack van appears by the side of the road. Stopping for juice and water I flop into a chair in the shade. The lady serving asks if I am hiking Malta ‘alone?!’ with raised eyebrows. I wonder if I really am a little crazy.

I have around 3 miles left to go today. Normally this would feel like nothing to me but now it feels like a marathon. The juice gives me the strength to run again, motivated by the thought of a shower and a lie down. At times today I feel as if I have summoned cloud cover and a breeze by the power of my thoughts and I try again now.

An evening in Birzebuggia

Tonight I am staying in Birzebuggia, a pretty coastal town loomed over by docks and industry. I eat and drink at a restaurant by the sea and chat to the owner about trail running in Malta. He sponsors some local races.

The town is very busy, it turns out today is Victory Day in Malta. My Air BnB host looks aghast when I tell him I will be leaving at 6 am – he is not planning on getting in until about 4 am from the celebrations.

It is still early (9 pm) but I decide to have one more beer and go to bed. As I go to the bar a local man offers to buy my drink. I smile but decline. He is insistent. So am I. In the end I manage to pay for my own drink but I have upset him. ‘For what?!’ he asks aggressively. I was never going to win in this situation. I feel a little uncomfortable as I finish my drink and head off for an early night.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Day 4: Sun Sept 9th 2018 – Birzebbugia to Valletta

Having done a few trips now where I move on every day I am used to getting organised the night before. I know exactly which possessions go into which dry bags and compartments. So, when the alarm goes off at 5.30 am (who does this on holiday?!) it doesn’t take long to get ready. I slurp a cup of tea and force down final pieces of flapjack before leaving the apartment just after 6 am.

It’s not yet light but straight away I’m running with sweat. The humidity is so high that it may as well be raining. As I climb away from the sea (every day seems to start with a climb) the sun rises. It is a truly stunning sight. I stop and say out loud ‘I love you Malta.’

The pleasure and the pain

Again I’m in hunter territory and as I climb a narrow country lane shots ring out around me. In man made sentry shadowy figures emerge in the growing light. The shots sound so close that my heart jumps wildly. As I stop to take photos another runner comes past me. I am heartened and hope these hunters are used to people taking early morning exercise here.

Last night I taped all my blisters and morning tea washed down a couple of strong painkillers to get me started. My feet have been throbbing all night and I had a vivid dream in which I woke with them swollen and totally purple. They are swollen but not as colourful as my dreams.

As always, the first couple of minutes are most painful. Once I get moving the pain subsides. I hope to cover 10 miles before 9am and the mantra ’10 before 9′ repeats in my head. At 8.45 I find a shop for drinks. I have 9.5 miles in the bag so quickly restock, rehydrate and push on to just hit my target in time.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Cutting corners

Again I choose to cut corners to take today’s distance down from 25 miles to a more bearable 20. As I begin to pass through plush coastal towns a new feeling washes over me – enjoyment. I’m actually enjoying this and don’t want to rush!

Today the breeze has disappeared and I’m glad to find shade on some stone steps. A local lady checks I’m ok; I’m guessing I don’t look too spritely. It’s nearly 10 am and I only have 6.5 miles to go before I reach my finish back at the Triton Fountain in Valletta.

The painkillers are wearing off but I’m happy to reach the outskirts of Valletta. However, the area I’m in feels off. There is not a good atmosphere. I’m running beside a pretty busy road. Three men are walking towards me on the pavement. They move to the side slightly but as I pass the third one he opens his trousers and flashes at me. My mind freezes but my body goes into flight mode and I just keep running. It is 20 seconds or so before my brain kicks back in and starts to process what just happened.

I have to keep moving, just to put more space between me and him. But I wish I could stop and take a moment. I am scared and I am angry. Then I’m angry that I’m scared; that I have been given reason to be scared.

Most people are generally good

Before I came to Malta a female colleague asked if I was bringing a knife. I laughed off her question saying I was only taking hand luggage and that they get really jumpy at security when you pack a knife. She was serious though and told me she wanted me to come back safe. So, I said I would consider buying one before I set off.

I didn’t buy a knife. I truly believe that most people are generally good. We all have flaws but are usually more likely to help than harm.

I had felt secure running alone in that knowledge. Now I felt vulnerable. I wished I had punched him. Or laughed in his face. I decide to change my route and stay on main roads. It’s not a pretty place to run but there are lots of people around. My Garmin has stopped working and I am nervous to keep stopping to check the route on my phone.

Get yourself together

Rounding a corner I run straight into a cycling event. Surrounded by a sea of bikes I am forced to stop. I sit amongst the cyclists on the pavement and calm down. It gives me time to regather, check my route and feel ready to finish my run.

Back on the coast I realise I am entering the city walls of Valletta and my spirits soar once more. To complete the run I need to run all around the city and then back into the centre but I’m sorely tempted by the sign which reads ‘Lift to Valletta’.

I just ran around Malta!

Finally I arrive back at to where I started four days ago. I feel quite emotional and sit beside the fountain smiling to myself for a good 20 minutes. Tourists all around me are taking pictures. I must be in the background of many pictures that day, smiling at nothing.

Limping along the main shopping street I’m aware that I look awful and I stink! I choose a bar to relax in until I can check in at my hostel and soak up that fact that I just ran around a country.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Meeting Tony Soprano

There is one other person in my room when I get to the hostel. I shall name him ‘Tony’. Tony is Italian but speaks English with an American/Italian accent. He tells me he had to come to Malta because someone transferred him £118,000 in a business deal. It was going through a Maltese bank but never made it to his account. He is heading to the bank first thing tomorrow to locate his money. I’m not entirely convinced that Tony is not in the mafia.

Tony tells me he’s going out to ‘grab a salad’ later and asks if I am too. I wait until he is asleep on his bunk and sneak out.

Having existed on sugar and one good meal a day for four days it’s great to find Sesame noodle and dimsum bar that evening for fresh, healthy food. A few wines and I’m ready for another early night. Tony isn’t in the dorm when I get back. He gets in around 1.30 am – must have been a good salad.

Day 5: Mon Sept 10th 2018 – Being a tourist

Waking at 6 am, the heat in the dorm is stifling. So much so that as I lie on my bunk and catch up on social media I pass out! Coming to a couple of minutes later I decide I need to get up and find breakfast.

I don’t fly back until the evening so choose to spend the day strolling the streets of Valletta and swimming. Having breakfasted on strong coffee and qassatat (that’s an awesome cheese filled pastry) I feel a little more human. A little research takes me to an article on a secret swimming spot right by the city centre. I make my way there and spend a few hours doing what tourists are meant to do – relax!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

How was Malta?

Many people have asked if I enjoyed Malta. It’s a hard one to answer. I achieved what I set out to achieve and that is enjoyment in itself. Malta really was a beautiful country and running the coastline gave me the chance to see so much of it. I discovered the joys of solo travel but also the pitfalls. Fear will never stop my adventures but it will certainly influence them.

The other thing people always ask is ‘what’s your next adventure?’ Enter your email address in the box below and you will be one of the first to find out!

[jetpack_subscription_form title=”Never Miss An Adventure!”]

Fear Is Not Your Friend. Running Around Malta – Part 2 For my end of summer holiday I chose to run around the coastline of Malta alone. In Part 2 of my run around the island I deal with fear of dangers both imagined and real.

[anadventurousgirl]

‘You’re going to run around Malta. On your own. Call that a holiday?!’

What is a holiday? A holiday is our time to relax; to do exactly what we want to do. For many it is sitting by a pool or on a beach, leaving only occasionally to stroll around some ancient ruins. For others it is sleeping until midday before rising to eat, drink and party the night away. I have tried both of these and at some point they suited me. Nowadays I like activity and adventure. So for my end of summer holiday I chose to run around Malta on my own.

I was warned about the heat and reminded of the perils of solo female travel. But I don’t respond well to caution. I had four nights on the island and a route plotted; let’s just see how it goes!

Day 1: Thur Sept 6th 2018 – Valletta to Bugibba

Getting there

My alarm calls me from blissful sleep at 3am. Brew Dog gazes at me from his bed, perplexed. He’s not an early riser.

A surprisingly fast passage through security is frustrated by the fact my clear plastic bag is the wrong size. Who knew?! The hideously patronising security lady calls me ‘my darling’ at the end of every sentence as she insists I jam my toiletries into a bag specially designed not to fit them all. In return I deliver world class eye rolls in her direction. I’m pretty sure she was unaffected by their intensity.

In years past I always traveled dressed to the nines, wearing my highest heels. Today I fly in full running gear with my 8kg backpack containing all I need for the next five days. Everywhere I run this pack will be on my back. It needs to be as light as possible.

Instead of having the 6am beer most people are having (time doesn’t count in an airport) I go in search of a bar which will fill my water bottle and pouch for me. Once I get to Valletta I will be running straight away, so I need to be well stocked.

I always imagine that when I fly I may end up beside a deeply interesting person. We will engage in conversation, swap life stories, leave the plane friends, stay in touch and meet again in a far flung place in ten years time. Bless my romantic mind. Instead I am beside a couple whose aroma is booze and fags. She stares desperately out of the window as he complains about:

Having a female pilot

The plane not having taken off yet

Daylight

Being awake (we’re all wishing he weren’t)

There not being a television (despite wanting to be asleep)

The fact his wife wants a drink (I’m not surprised she wants one!)

That he’s flying Jet2 and not EasyJet (what’s the difference?!)

Blissfully he falls asleep quickly (I suspect his wife slipped him something) and man-spreads himself across us for the rest of the flight.

Better get running!

The bus from the airport is cheap and straightforward, depositing me at the Triton Fountain, which just happens to be my start point. After a few pack adjustments I am good to go and off I run. Oooo, downhill, yay! Just around this corner…oh, a shipyard with a security fence. That doesn’t look good. Back up the hill then and my first route diversion. The best laid plans eh!

Back on track and it is every bit as hot as I had imagined and then some. For 6 miles I follow my route fairly easily before it is blocked again…by a shopping centre. They may not have wanted a sweaty runner passing through but I’m grateful for Debenham’s air con. Resisting their Blue Cross Sale I emerge from the underground carpark and continue.

The heat is starting to take its toll and I’m briefly revived by a lemon Fanta from a street stand. A rub has started on my back from the shorts I am wearing. Wearing a backpack creates a fun new opportunity for pain when running. Any seams on your clothing are gently ground into your skin and I had made a mistake with the shorts I was wearing today. Luckily me reserve shorts had less seams and therefore less pain. But there was no where to change now, so it was a case of out up and shut up.

I am an idiot

My way is blocked again. Signs tell me my path crosses a military zone. You can cross it but not if red flags are flying. In the distance I can see one building with a red flag fluttering. It seems odd to only have one flying and I consider crossing anyway. Then I think about how stupid I would look if I got shot or blown up. Sigh. I divert again and have to run along a busy road. The views are lovely but the close proximity to cars is not. That evening, as I tuck into beer and pizza, I spot the Maltese flag flying from a nearby building and do a huge mental face palm. That was what I had seen in the distance, not a warning flag.

Cooling off in the sea at last

Other than my stupidity the only thing slowing me down is the heat. I stop for juice and water but this causes me stomach cramps. After 12.5 miles I spot a small bay with just one couple swimming. It’s time for a dip in the crystal waters. There is nowhere to change so I just swim in my shorts and sports bra. It feels perfect.

It is just a couple more miles to my Air BnB accommodation in Qawra, near Bugibba bay. Having showered I head out for the evening. Feeling strangely un-hungry but thirsty for beer. My host for the evening has told me where to go to enjoy the sunset and I do so before the beer awakens my hunger and I inhale a pizza.

The day has been eventful but little do I know how easy it will feel looking back. As I walk back in the darkness I decide to rise early and be on the road by 7am to try to beat the heat.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Day 2: Fri Sept 7th 2018 – Bugibba to Bahrija, Rabat

Let’s go

Despite the sweltering heat and lack of air con I slept well. Rising at 6am, breakfast is a cup of tea and slice of flapjack. I leave the apartment by 7am, into the dawning day. Malta is already hot but bearable. For the first hour I happily jog along. Attempts to run in the shade are thwarted by others trying to walk there also – selfish. By 9am the heat is oppressive once more.

As I track the undulating coastline I lose my path once again. I regain it by dropping down barely used paths through allotment type areas. I look at my bare, scratched ankles and wonder idly about snakes. Losing my path had meant losing time and I am feeling low on fuel. Wherever I can I stop to take on sugary drinks but the heat stops me from wanting to eat a thing.

I am walking all of the uphills but more and more I am walking other sections too. The path is rocky and I have a slight propensity for falling over when running. Despite the fact I am getting better at falling without injuring myself I still prefer not to do it. With the backpack on my feet are not light on the ground. If I do go down the extra weight of the pack will take me down hard.

At the times I drop down to meet the sea I stop and pour water over my head. At some point I remove my trainers and let my feet soak in the salty water. My toes are getting pretty battered and sore. It’s trainer change time. After my experiences in Iceland I have chosen to bring a second pair of trainers. Pair two are lighter and more comfortable but have less grip; something which will make for some nervous moments later on!

Finally the fall comes, not on rocky ground but a concrete step. Only my pride is bruised my my GPS takes a slam as I hit the ground. This may explain why it keeps freezing during the rest of the trip.

The heat has me feeling lightheaded now. I force down a tiny bit of homemade energy food (plumpy nut!). It is a reminder once again of how far the human body can go on a small amount of energy…and a lot of stubborness.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

My holiday, my choices

It has been a while since I saw a town or village and my water is running out. Sitting under a low tree for some small amount of shade I make a deal with myself. I have covered 16 miles; if I want I can stop at 20. Once I have made this deal I am able to carry on. At the end of the day, this is my holiday. Being alone is not always great but at least I can make my own choices.

After another mile I come to a small beach area. I don’t know it at the time but I’m just above Popeye Village. A ramshackle fishing village built especially for one of my childhood favourite films. Now anyone who knows me knows I don’t sit still enough to watch films. The very fact that I watched Popeye many times (I even had the video!) means it’s a real tragedy that I didn’t know I was at this set!

I buy 2 litres of water and a coke from a stall holder and he gives me his chair to sit on in the shade. He can’t know how wonderful this felt.

Feeling much better for a drink and a rest I strike out again. As soon as I get going the punishing heat gets to me again. I am stopping every mile or two now but shade is hard to find with the sun so high in the sky. A dead lizard at the side of the road looks how I feel.

Coming to another beach area at 20 miles I push on. Suddenly there is a scarily steep climb on unstable ground. My trainers aren’t coping well but I make it up and wedge myself between two rocks for a rest in some shade.

As I prepare to move down the other side of the climb a Maltese man comes up to join me. We pass comment about the heat. He then asks if I’m alone and would I like to go swimming with him. I decline and explain I need to move on but am unerved to hear him close behind me as I move on.

Now it is perilously steep and slippery going down. At times I have to sit and slide down on my bum to get down safely. I want to get away from my companion but have to stay calm and not rush. Finally his footsteps subside and he turns back.

Spotting the next bay, Gnejna, I gratefully (not gracefully) make my way down. I have covered 22 miles on foot, it is another 4 miles to my accomodation. Enough. I have an ice cream, go for a swim and call a cab. This is a holiday after all!

Tonight I stay in a small country village, Bahrija. There are a few restaurants, all specialising in the local delicacies; rabbit and horse meat. As a vegetarian these don’t especially appeal so I stick to one of my freeze dried meals with snacks from a local shop. Strangely in four days of running I don’t see any rabbits or horses…perhaps they’ve eaten them all already?!

My fingers are hugely swollen in the heat and my toes look as if they have had a good fight amongst themselves; always prone to blisters, they are starting to bubble now. I empty a sachet of rehydration salts into my overnight water and set my alarm for 6am. As I fall asleep my legs twitch and jump over imaginary rocky paths.

Want to know how I get on with the second part of my run? I really hope so! So that you don’t miss out on my suffering pop your email address into the box below and you will be notified when Part 2 is published.

[jetpack_subscription_form title=”Never Miss An Adventure!”]

Call that a holiday?! Running around Malta – Part 1 'You're going to run around Malta. On your own. Call that a holiday?!' What is a holiday?

[anadventurousgirl]

I'm off for a run - around Malta!

I’m off for a run – around Malta!

A few weeks ago I had a nice weekend. To be honest I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have a nice weekend. And that was the problem. Nice weekends just aren’t enough for me. I needed something to look forward to. A little holiday. So I booked flights to Malta. Blue seas and beaches, what more could someone want from a holiday? Well, with me I also want action! So I’m not going to sit on the…

View On WordPress