Day 87 - Miles 50-55

Today, Rebecca and I had planned a walk to Bolton Abbey, as training for the Shine Walk in 3 weeks time. We opened it up to all sorts of people, but due to other commitments, illnesses, the prospect of loosing a hour in bed, meant that just four of us headed out.

Four girls out walking, we must have been a bit of a sight, from rain coats to Bec in her dress and Wellies (Love that girl's style!). Anna, Trina, Bec and I set off about 10.30 so that we would all be able to get home and have a bit of relaxing time before work tomorrow.

It was bright and breezey! A brilliant spring day, even if it did seem earlier as we had lost a hour - why do I plan these things again????? The view after you cross the road and head down to the river is magnificent and beautiful, green as far as the eye can see, with a few spots of colours as other people were out walking and jogging earlier than us.

In no time at all we were at the quarter of the way marker, much to the girls surprises, and everyone was having a good time. Talking and walking are lovely ways to get to know your friends, old and new, because you cover all sorts of random topics and I always end up finding out something remarkable out each person that I never knew before.

We headed up to the the aqueduct bridge - which apparently carries water to Bradford - and back down through the Strid woods. As you'll know by know, I love water, so this walk is really good for me, as you can hear the river the whole of the walk. If I had had £10 for everyone who said to be careful by the river last week, I'd be rich!

I think I prefer Bolton Abbey in the morning, before the crowds set in. As we were leaving the car park was full to bursting and lots of people were still heading out to start their walks as we had finished.

Lunch in a nice Cafe finished of a lovely morning - even if the bookshop next door was closed... oh well.......

Love Iona x

p.s. photos to follow x here

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 86 - Miles 47-49

Visiting 'my long time friend' Chris in Manchester, we had a impromptu walk. I didn't take my camera so Chris had has to email me the photos from his camera which he kindly lent to me for the afternoon.

We were heading into Manchester City centre to meet his girlfriend after she work and to go out for some dinner.

It was such a beautiful afternoon, that we decided to head around the park for a quick jaunt before heading into town. They have moved into a flat just opposite the park and their bedroom looks out over such a lovely view. It was a good job we did, as it was deceptively cold, and this gave Chris a chance to grab a coat before the other miles. It was sunny, but the wind was bitterly cold, and the night was only going to get colder.

So through the streets, across parks and into Manchester we went. It was really good to catch up with Chris and see some parts of Manchester I had never seen before. I was wondering if the Shine Walk that I am doing in 3 weeks would take any of the same route. We passed the Universities and the Aquatics centre which was built for the Commonwealth Games, which drew me as you cam imagine. Unfortunately, like most pools, you can't see in from the outside - a visit will have to be in order soon!

Meeting up with Alexia, walking to various restaurants, and then to the bus on the way home, we probably weren't short of 4 miles, but I can definitely say we conquered 3!

Photos to be uploaded tomorrow, after work...... click here

Love Iona x
www.365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 80 - Miles 44 - 46

If you know me well then you'll know that I am not good without sleep. Which is why when I decided to do a RSPB Dawn Chorus walk at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, starting at 7am, people kept asking me was I sure, or was I crazy.

I set off from the house at 5.50am, coffee in hand, to collect Trina at 6am. The view from her house was lovely as the sun was rising towards the Church. We were up, ready and raring to go. Neither of us are "twitchers", but both like the YSP and the prospect of seeing it from a different point of view spurred us on.

It took no time at all to drive - due to no traffic at 6am on a Sunday morning, and we arrived at the car park without another soul or car to be seen. The only sign that the event was on, was a notice on the car park ticket machine to saw that parking was free to us up til 10 am! Hurrah!

A small group of about 30 people turned up. Paul the RSPB man brought lots of binoculars so everyone could have a good view and get involved. He led us into the woods in the various areas of the park - and into some areas that the General Public are not normally allowed. It was a privilege to see the park from some different area.

From robins, wrens, and rooks, through to nut hatchers, Canada geese and herons, we heard them all. It was hard to see some of them, but Paul's enthusiasm and ability to describe what we were hearing made up for it. I'm not about to become an avid bird watcher, but I love to watch birds fly, and listening to all the different chips, the sun on my back, and the rich morning light made today's walk brilliant! I took loads of pictures, see here...but I have decided that a new zoom lens may have to be on my wish list!

Tired, me? never? by the time we headed back up to the car park, Trina and I headed off from the group to have a look at the deer shelter - one of my friend Juli's favourite places at the YSP. It was so clear and bright by then.

An immensely relaxing morning, but I have to admit I did go home to bed for a couple of hours.

Spring is definitely pushing winter out of view, let hope for some more sunny days to come.

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 78 - Mile 43

So, after one day of feeling totally well and a bit euphoric because of that, I have discovered that I have an ear infection. It makes my neck hurt and I feel completely weird if I bend over to pick anything up. But I was determined to swim as spring has sprung, and I needed to get back in the water.

Tonight was not the best night to find out that I have lost my ear plugs - which I religiously wear when I swim since my last ear infection. Where I lost them...... who knows, but I suppose that it part of them being lost isn't it. To the shops I shall have to go before my next plunge!

Mandi was swimming later tonight as there is only "dry" training for the divers at the moment. Their fancy pool is broken, so they have to do what they can. I headed off from work, singing and dancing to Radio 2's All Request Friday, all the lights were green, no traffic (on a Friday?!!? weird) and I got to the pool in record time.

Needless to say, this meant that there was a 'different' set of swimmers in the pool. More 'dry' hair swimmers than I like and more slow people in the way. Oh well, you just have to get on with it. I didn't realise how much Mandi and I push each other to go faster, until I realised that I was happily bobbing along with the crowd! Eek....... I made a mad dash for it and stepped up my game, hearing Mandi in my head saying "Why bother coming if you aren't going to push yourself!".

It was soon time to get out and the last 4 lengths were a pleasure as the pool was emptying. I must remember this the next time I decide to swim early.

Home now, and it definitely feels more like the summer is on it's way!
Odd photos here!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 72, Miles 40-42

Down in Hertfordshire for Jemini's 30th Birthday! Obviously, due to keeping school and Uni friends, there are a lot of us that turn 30 this year, so there are many of these events coming up.
We are having a relaxing weekend, as Jemini and her husband Anam are renovating their whole house - the massive skip in the drive is testament to their DIY skills, and devotion.

Jemini, Anam, Trina, Angela and I set off for a morning stroll to find the Scratchwood Open Space, which is a short walk from their house. They had never been there before - due to the DIY - and we discovered a great wooded area with several paths for adventures!

Spring is starting to appear, with catkins, and the first few buds coming out on the trees. As you probably know by now, I love trees - hence all the pictures that will be uploaded when I get back. See here!

Back home before I tired them out, and so far I have baked 5 mini chocolate goo pots, one birthday cake and a Pavlova! Well we couldn't very well have let Jem make her own birthday cake!

Hope you are having fun, and possibly eating cake!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 66 - still 39 Miles

So, I bet you're wondering why I am writing, not having done any walking, jogging or swimming.

Well, I am ill - again..... I had a bad cough after coming back from the Shetlands and Scotland in January, which lasted about 3 weeks, and just as I was getting over that I have caught the office cold! I don't think they are the same germs that I apparently gave to them, as this is completely different.

So, today was a rest day, and to be honest with you, I have slept for most of the day. On and off between have hot lemon and honey.

I am hoping that resting will make my week at work ok and that I can get back totting up some miles soon, otherwise I'll have to have a big push over the next few months!

Hope you are all warm, happy and germ free!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 61 - Mile 39

As I drove home from work, I was looking forward to the nights that I would be able to jog in the light, but tonight was not to be one of those nights.

Helena arrived at my house around 8.30pm to set out on our jog for this week. There was a smattering of snow on the ground this morning and there was still icy remnants around so we had to be careful. Even so we up the "lamppost" jogs to 3 jogs, and 1 walk.

It was hard tonight, but mainly because of the cold it is harder to breathe, and the fact that we hadn't seen each other for a few days so we were trying to talk and jog - something I can't do well yet!

Up the road, around the park and back the other side, took us to our mile tonight. We have been discussing upping the distance but I think I need to concentrate on actually jogging constantly first! Even though I find it hard - much harder than swimming, I do always want to go out again the next day, so it can't be that bad, can it?

Thank you to those who have donated today,

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Give if you can......

So here I am, after 2 months of miles, the weather is getting better and I am getting fitter. I'm enjoying the planning and getting friends together to enjoy the journey toward the 365 miles.

But..... so far I have only had 2 donations, and they have been from the same person. Our lovely receptionist Joan at work, has vowed to donate a bit each month, which she won't miss, but will give the charities a lot by the end of the year. I am really grateful to her for her support.

So here is a quick reminder of the charities that I am embarking on this endurance challenge for.

Firstly Macmillan, who supported and helped my friend at a time when she really needed it. So we are giving back to them, for helping one of the most wonderful people in the world get back to the happy loving person she always was.

Secondly, to Dexter's Wish. A charity started by friends, in memory of their beautiful son who only lived for month having been born with a very rare genetic disorder called Zellweger Syndrome. They were well supported and aim to give back to Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, St. Mary’s Hospital Special Care Baby Unit in Manchester and families that they feel could benefit from the support that they received.

I hope that you will find it in your heart and your pockets to donate whatever and whenever possible.

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com