It's been a while and I do apologise to the reader for my lack of contribution over the last couple of months. Mr Chris Caine (nearly called him my editor but I think that might be overstating my professionalism and I'm not actually sure he really is,) the gentleman responsible for asking me to produce this column, bumped into me in Shoprite carpark and came as close as he would do to bollocking me for my lack of effort.

The excuse, poor as it may be, is that I've been busy training and if you haven't already started yours, it really is time you dusted off the shoes and hit the road if you are having a serious attempt at the Parish Walk.

Of course there are people out there who maintain that they don't need to do any preparation. After all it's only walking, how tough can it be? Anything of course is possible, particularly if you are reasonably fit in the first place but I think you'll find that the lists of Parish retirements and injuries from taking their bodies past their capabilities are littered with the utterers of those sentiments.

The first organised serious test of your walking progress can be made on 22nd April with a 50k event organised by the IOM Fire Brigade. It is a memorial to Sara Killey who used to work for the  Service and was taken from the World at a tragically young age.

It starts at Peel Fire Station and generally follows the route of the Parish Walk from there to Ramsey with one or two parts added in to make up the Olympic Race distance. Don't be put off by that though because unlike the big day itself, there are no judges and it is a great opportunity to practise your feeding, clothing, support methods etc.

To aid the recovery of your blisters and leave you with a glowing sense of your own worth, the entry fee goes to the 'Fire Fighters Charity.'

Therefore, click the link and enter now! (closing date 16th April 12.00pm)

http://www.iomfire.com/News.htm

Author: Michael George