Ouch!

10 days to go! Only 10 days until my last day in a collar and tie, sat at a desk.

As my big day looms I have tried to find some other event in life to compare it to. The nearest I can get is my wedding day - the focus is so much on the day itself that what stretches beyond that day is not given much thought.

But this week I have begun to realise that my big day is just a portal to a whole new life. And with that realisation has come a feeling of excitement and of change.

Yesterday I visited a photographer to have my portrait taken. This was only the second time in my life that I have had a formal photo taken. The first was nearly 30 years ago when I began my current employment. I thought it would be interesting to have another photo or two taken to place alongside the younger me.

As requested I took along a few changes of clothes and these included a pair of trousers that I bought exactly a year ago. I haven't worn them since last summer and when I put them on at the studio I made the alarming discovery that they were too big in the waist by a whole 6 inches! I looked like I was wearing a clown's costume.

Once home I was prompted by my discovery to do two things. Firstly, I went through my wardrobe and promptly threw away half of my clothes. Most of them were a good 8 to 10 years old and suddenly seemed hideous. Secondly, I arranged to have three pairs of trousers taken in.

I am planning a trip to York at the weekend to buy new clothes, something I rarely do but which I am looking forward to. New clothes are symbolic of a new me.

And that's how I feel - new, or at least re-cycled. I do hope I keep the weight off though or I'll have now't to wear.

The other thing I did yesterday was to phone the hotel I am staying at in Montecatini, Italy at the end of next week. I wanted to confirm that my booking was still ok and get directions from the airport at Pisa.

Once I got off the phone the realisation dawned on me - I'm going to Italy next week. The big adventure is about to begin. Wow!

To add to the cycle of change I am going through I did something today that I have been promising myself for a long time and which I think is quite daring - for me at least.

Around my neck and usually hidden from view I wear a very nice Ying and Yang symbol. Years ago I used to wear a crucifix but Ying and Yang more accurately descibes the beliefs that I have - that all life is about balance and this is the nature of all things. Light and dark, positive and negative, good and bad, it all balances out in the end.

I like this simple symbol so much that I envisioned it tattoed on to my upper arm. But I promised myself that I would only get such a tattoo when I was in better shape physically. Well, I reckon I am and today, after a visit to the optician I then popped around the corner to a very modern tattoo parlour. Half an hour later and I walked out with a very raw upper arm and my first tattoo. How cool is that?

I imagine that at 50 years old I am somewhat older than most of the shop's customers and that some people may think I am either mad or stupid. But sod it, I love my tattoo (even if it is a bit red and sore at the moment) and I love the freedom it symbolises.

Slowly but surely a big box is being opened and my spirit is being set free. Rock on!

Live long and prosper.

Father's Day

Last week I was on a train, this morning (for a very brief moment) I was running like a train and this afternoon, despite a long soak in the bath, I feel like I've been run over by a train.

I suspect that Father's Day is supposed to start with a nice, lazy morning in bed. Possibly accompanied by a lovely breakfast and the Sunday paper. I doubt it traditionally includes rising at 5.45am to make some porridge and banana before travelling 60 miles to take part in a gruelling race.

Still, that's what I did and very glad I am about it too. Leeds is the city where I was born so it was great to be able to run around the city centre streets that are so familar to me - the Headrow, Vicar Lane, City Square and Briggate.

When I ran my first 10k, 6 weeks ago I felt emotional at the end. This time I was emotional at the beginning. It was a great experience to take part in such a big event. There were 11,000 runners. The event was called the Jane Tomlinson 10k, after a very courageous and inspirational lady who achieved so much in life despite having terminal cancer.

My planning came to fruition and I was at the start in good time and took part in the warm up. This alone gave the sense of being a part of something.

But despite my plans I did have one difficulty as we were shepherded to the start - I realised I needed to pee! It was case of making a dash for the loo and probably missing the start or hoping for the best. Hope for the best it was.

I obviously I wasn't the only chap to be affected as I saw quite a few nip off the course as the race progressed. But I persevered. I presume the women suffered like I did.

Strangely, when I crossed the finish line the need was not so great. Where did it go?

The course was quite undulating and the most difficult part was the sheer volume of people of all abilities, which made it difficult to make progress at times.

I had a good start though and felt I was running very well about a third into the race. All the pasta I ate the night before and my morning porridge fuelling me nicely. The last 400 metres were the toughest as my tank seemed to be empty and there was a small hill just before the final downhill run towards the finish. Hooray!

My time was 56 minutes and 9 seconds, my best time so far.

I would love to get my time below 56 minutes and even down to 55 minutes if I can. Clearly, it is the course and the conditions that play a major part. Maybe a catheter will shave off a few seconds. I could hand it in at the water station.

My next race is not for another 6 weeks, in York this time. That is followed by what is described as a very level race at Elloughton just one week later. This is the race where youngest son takes on Dad and shows him how it's done. Or will he?

Live long and prosper.

The perfect day

Wainwright getting settled into his seat in First Class Dining

Wainwright conquers Carlisle Castle



Hang on, who's that driving the train?

Wainwright certainly enjoyed his trip from Whitby to Carlisle yesterday, courtesy of West Coast Railways. In fact I would go as far as saying he has become quite a celebrity. His appearance is greeted with smiles and laughter and people are only too willing to make a fuss of him and allow him to do things that most of us would be denied.

There's even talk of him moving into the Big Brother house. I hope not. For while I am more than happy to be Wainwright's minder, PA and publicity agent all rolled into one, I would have to draw the line at keeping an eye on him in the midst of a bunch of attention-seeking wannabees. I doubt he would survive.

Our journey began at Whitby station at 7.14 am precisely. Initially we shared our First Class Dining carriage with a nice couple who were celebrating a birthday. As the train made its way gently along the route so we were joined by other passengers until the whole train was alive and full of excited people.

Wainwright and I were joined at our table by Anne, Mark and Clive, who were also celebrating a birthday. Sitting in close proximity to someone for the length of rail journey can be a hit and miss affair with the potential to make or marr the pleasure. My companions definately added to the whole experience with their good humour and extensive knowledge of trains, the route, history and just about everything else of interest.

The staff on the train were attentive and the food was excellent. I especially enjoyed the four course meal on the return leg. As experiences go I cannot imagine a better one than travelling through beautiful countryside bathed in evening sunlight whilst enjoying fine food and wine in the midst of fine company. Bliss!

Our outward route took us through the Esk valley to Middlesbrough (the Riverside Stadium was wearing a black arm-band. I didn't approve of Wainwright singing: 'Down with the Geordies, you've gone down with the Geordies', as we passed it), then down to York and through the Aire valley and along the famous Settle to Carlisle route. We had over three hours to explore Carlisle before returning via the Tyne valley, the Tees valley and back along the Esk valley. That's a lot of valleys and some stunning scenery.

Our journey ended back at Whitby at 10.24pm. Just enough time for Wainwright and I to stroll out along the harbour wall and take the evening air before making our way to our accomodation for the night.

In a mixture of serendipity and kindness, Anne provided me with the Travel section of The Telegraph, which contained very useful information on opportunities for volunteer work abroad for gappers of all ages. Clearly, further research is required and will no doubt be commented upon in a later blog entry.

On the news front I must report that on Friday I committed myself (and Wainwright) to a trip along the length of Vietnam, from north to south. I have been following a tour on the Exodus website and the limit is 16 persons. I saw that only 3 spaces were left and so a decision was required. Well, you know what I did.

The tour has very good feedback from past participants. One common comment is that the trip isn't long enough. To overcome this my intention is to extend my stay by an extra week so I can enjoy a bit more of South Vietnam and take some time out on Phu Quoc, which is a beautiful, tropical island that is as yet unspoiled by tourism.

Vietnam remains a socialist republic and although the regime has softened in recent years I can't help but wonder how Wainwright will be greeted. Will his charm bring a smile to the hard face of communism or will he get me into a whole load of trouble? Only one way to find out. Best put John Rambo on standby for another rescue mission.

Yesterday was a fantastic day but all that good food and drink has left a mark on my conscience, particularly as it is only a week until my next 10k, which is in Leeds. Time for me to sign of and change into my running gear I think.

Live long and prosper.

Apologies for my poor publishing technique!

The trouble with a busy and exciting life is that it leaves very little time to write about it.

As you can see from my picture, Wainwright thoroughly enjoyed his trip to London. Although he did get me into a spot of bother.

Upon arrival in London it was raining, so we decided to head for the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. En route we discovered that the Trooping of the Colour ceremony was taking place in Horseguard's Parade and I decided that this would be a chance to enjoy British pagentry at its best. Making my way to the viewing area I had to negotiate my way through Police security and my bag was searched. Imagine the look on the face of the policewoman who reached into my bag and pulled out a heavy object, wrapped up inside my coat. She unwrapped the object suspiciously and revealed a Hull City Garden Gnome! What a picture. Sadly though I didn't have the gumption to photograph her reaction. Lesson learned there.

Despite the weather, Trooping of the Colour was a splendid occasion. I must admit though to being foolishly disappointed not to see the Queen. As I discovered about half way though, having strained throughout to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty, the event I attended was a rehearsal. I wish HM better weather when she attends the real deal next week. I bet the guardsmen do too. It can't be much fun having a soggy bearskin on your noggin.

I must depart now to pack my bag yet again. My journey this weekend takes me first to Whitby - will I resist the fish and chips? Then, on Saturday morning I have an early start and embark upon the longest, and most scenic, rail journey I have ever undertaken. Our journey takes us across North Yorkshire and then onto the famous Settle to Carlisle railway. After a brief sojourn in Carlisle we return via Teeside.

I have treated myself to the First Class Dining experience, so I might put on a few naughty ounces while chugging through the glorious scenery.

Wainwright will be coming too and thanks to my friend and fellow blogger, Rare Lesser Spotted, I now know what he eats and have ordered his breakfast and supper accordingly.

I'll let you know how we get on - if time permits!

Live long and prosper.

London (Again)

Between you and me, Wainwright is a bit of a whinger. He was fine last week when it was warm and sunny. He was quite happy to spend his time sunbathing on the lawn. He even hit it off with Terry, who has been fishing in my very small fish pond for about 5 years and never caught a thing.

But now the weather has turned he has begun to moan and whenever I go out to feed the fish or tend to the garden all I hear is 'Go south, go south' in his high pitched, reedy voice.

In the end I got fed up with it and so it is that Wainwright are setting off on our first journey together and once more I will be boarding the early train to London in the morning.

There isn't a plan as such. My thinking is we'll take the tube to Westminster and then stick to the river from there. Always plenty to amuse in that area in my experience. I'm taking my camera so I'll publish a shot of Wainwright on location on here.

Other news - this is essentially a blog about my last few weeks at work and my first year of freedom, so I think it is appropriate to bring you up to date with my thoughts and deliberations.

The main item is that I have decided not to purchase a round-the-world ticket and backpack for two months or so in early 2010. The reason for this decision is that I don't feel it is very good of me to leave my youngest son at home on his own for such a length of time (although he could travel with me if he didn't want the money for driving lessons or whatever he's going to spend it on). I'm still intending to travel to New Zealand though. I just won't spend two months on the journey.

As I have considered my plans for a gap year I have realised that I am in danger of wanting to do everything all at once on the assumption that at some point I will have to take up some form of employment and lengthy periods of time off will become a problem. This is a faulty conclusion and I have begun to think in terms of how much money I actually need and the fact that I probably don't have to work all year round to get earn it. My gap year may well be an experiment that sets the course for a whole new way of living for me. I hope so.

The downside to this epiphany is that I am already looking for sources of part time work - opportunities to work for anything from 2 weeks to about 3 months. Ideally I would like to spend as much time each year travelling or doing my own thing as I do working. And, for the first year at least, this feels like a bit of a cop-out somehow. I've lured you onto here with my desire to step off the treadmill for a while and here I am saying that I might hop back on it now and again. All I can say is that I will try to keep such interruptions to a minimum for the next 12 months. It's all part of the metaphoric journey.

Fortunately I have discovered that there are ways to travel and experience other parts of the world that don't cost very much or are entirely free, so I may not have to earn as much money as I think. I am looking into these possibilities and I will share them with you in a future blog.

I also need some help in setting my performance objectives for the future so I hope we can have a chat about those too at some point.

For now though I've got to find something soft and comfortable to wrap around Wainwright for his journey tomorrow. I definately don't want him whinging all the way to London.

Live long and prosper.