Sunrise Over the A19

I've done some bloody stupid things in my life but today has to take the proverbial biscuit. For some unfathomable reason I decided to walk to the train station this morning, which sounds perfectly reasonable until you factor in one tiny detail: I live nearly 8 miles away - in the middle of the effing country.

I left the house bright and early at 5:30am, completely failing to realise that it would be pitch black outside and all that snow might prove to be a tiny bit hazardous, but when you plan on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro suddenly anything seems possible. Any sane person would have changed their mind and called for a cab, but not me. I'm like Rocky Balboa on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What was I thinking? It was bad enough that I had to navigate country lanes with no lights and no footpath to speak of, but the oncoming traffic (which by the second hour was truly terrifying) shaved 10 years off me. Six people beeped at me. Annoyance or sympathy? I'll never know.

There was one amazing moment though - when I saw the sun rise over the A19 flyover. Granted, it's not quite as romantic or epic as Kily (damn, I just called it Kily) but you've got to start somewhere, and the last time I was still conscious for a sunrise was probably 20 years ago.

Anyway, I felt great when I arrived at work in time for my 9am class. I even had enough time for a lovely breakfast. In retrospect I probably should have eaten before I started the walk. Several staff members said I'd never looked so cheerful at such an ungodly hour, and I felt quite giddy and overly pleased with myself all day. Endorphins, eh?

The bad news is that my other ankle is now killing me and I'm writing this with an ice pack on. Either the boots are faulty or I have incredibly weak ankles (I could have been a classic Doctor Who companion!). Either way, it doesn't look good.

Oh, and Palma's husband, Joe, seems to think that I walked two miles when I told him about my escapades this morning. TWO MILES??? In two hours??? Just how unfit does he think I am? Strewth!

Neil

Comments

[Philip]

If walking eight miles is the stupidest thing you have ever done you are much, much more sensible than me!!!!

[Joe C.]

ok Neil, so I checked google maps and my estimate of 2 miles was a little on the low side - you have indeed mananaged over 7 miles before work. I am impressed. But what about .... walking to work? According to Google a mere 23 miles from your house to your office, estimated walking time 7 hours 30 minutes. I'll even give you a lift home after work if you want ....