Towpath Walks

I am starting to really love my long walks, in particular when nobody is around. There are times when I get lost in the music on my MP3 and no distractions from other people. I also love to capture a photo of an advance long route and not a soul in sight.



















The section of canal near to our old Snowhill offices when we worked on St Chads/Snowhill road infrastructure. Brings back some good memories of working with a great team.














Spooky tunnels :o$















AAaaaagggrrrhhhhh - That is me in pain and extremely annoyed with myself *boo hiss - bad Lisa.*

Two weeks ago, when planning my Malvern Hills walk, I thought how I could make the walk more challenging to prepare for the Sahara trek. I think I've tried to push myself over the past months, and certainly have followed the trainning programme provided by a trek expert. However, a heavy concern has been the fact it is impossible to prepare for the heat and sand that awaits. We all know heat and trudging through sand can zap energy levels extremely quickly. I mulled over with humour asking if my Fitness First trainer Adrain, could organise a treadmill in the sauna for me, but we all know what the answer to that one would be!

Anyway, the only way I thought would toughen up the training was to carry 8litres of water filled in 2litre bottles I've saved in my rucksack, and then attempt to find and walk as many steep points as possible. MISSION ACHIEVED!!!! I walked continously for 4hours, it was tough and two weeks later I am still suffering. I've had three visits to my osteopath due to damaging my back. I AM SOOOOOO STOOOOPID!! Why, oh why, I over do things to the point of injury I do not know, and I never seem to learn.

I have had weeks of very disturbed sleep due to pain. I've walked around my flat at early hours crying with it, rolled on my lounge floor trying to get rid of the pain (why I thought this would help I question myself!?). It would not be so bad if it was on and off providing a temporary break and relief from pain, but this pain is constant, runs from my neck, to shoulder, down to my elbow and finger tips. It also can make one feel a little nauseous.

I have missed quiet a few of my week day gym sessions which worries me. Although I have managed to continue my one to one two weekly sessions with my personal trainer, and my long distance weekend walks.

Sunday 8 August, I reduced the ridiculous weight to my backpack and set out on my programmed instructions to complete a 20miles walk in 8hrs. Another tip told was to allow myself some breaks and not think I need to walk non-stop for 8hrs. I set out from Digbeth walking a very unattractive route to Fort Dunlop. When I arrived at the Fort I had a short coffee break and quick review of my Sunday paper before trekking back to Birmingham. At Satley junction I joined the towpath, this canal is not very pleasant infact I find it a little creepy. Eventually I arrived at Fazely Street which takes me to either leave the towpath and join the highway to Digbeth, or continue on the towpath to Gas Street Basin. For a preferred senic route and to extend the journey. I had another quick break and then joined the Worcester and Birmingham Canal route leaving at Bournville and walking from here to St Mary's Hospice to spend some time with my stepmom. I stayed for a while with my stepmom and then walked from the hospice back to Digbeth. Deducting my 3 breaks I had walked for 8hrs 10mins and according to my pedometer had walked 51014 steps, a total of 20.28miles......YAY!!!!!!!!