Parish Walk - 85 miles of agony and joy.....

[Duddles]

I have not posted for a while, and at some stage was going to do my report of my first Half Marathon at Chester late last month. I will save that for the future, but meantime, sitting here tonight being very nervous about setting off tomorrow for an 85 mile Walking Race, hoping for a finish for the sixth time. Known as the Parish Walk, it is a non-stop race around all the Parishes and the hills, dales and mountains of the Isle of Man. The top walkers do it in about 15 hours, my best is just over 20 hours and to get a finish, it has to be completed in under 24 hours. I will have the company of 1620 others and it is a great day out, but walking through the night is anything but great. However in good weather, it can be magical. Walking in good weather at mid-summer in these latitudes, it never really gets dark, and the sun only disappears for about four hours, but always hangs waiting over your left shoulder, just under the horizon as you clockwise the Island. If you are still going, near the finish, as dawn breaks, it is the nearest to perfection I have experienced. Watching the sun rise over the sea as you walk along our beautiful coast makes up for the considerable damage that is done to your body. See avatar. Hope to see you all on the other side.

[Hidden]

Sounds very special. It will be beautiful. Enjoy every moment of it.

[Goforitmama]

Good luck! If I remember right - you had to skip this walk last year. But you are The Six Million Dollar Man, Steve Duddles Austin. You have been rebuilt, you are stronger and you are ready for this! You can do it!

Please post a report after.

[Nikongirl]

Good luck! Hope you manage to keep the skin on your feet this time! 😜 what is your number? I’m not walking but supporting my son number 448.

[Duddles Half Marathon in reply to Nikongirl]

I see he got to Lezayre, which is amazing. Well done, that is a great achievement. Lezayre has been my nemesis a few times, as in recent years my back seems to collapse after about 65 miles. This year though, the back problems started at Dalby, so I sprinted to Peel before it gave up the ghost - got a reasonable time, but there was no point in continuing further. I then spent the night following my niece and her father, who finished together this morning at 6.30am. So when I finally get to bed after 40 plus hours without sleep, I hope deep sleep will over-ride the blister and back pain. Another amazing day in gorgeous weather, and as you know it is such a brilliantly organised event which brings the whole Island together. Were you out supporting your son?

[Nikongirl in reply to Duddles]

Hi well done to you too. To walk any distance in that heat on Saturday is awesome. There were a few people looking ropey on the sloc. Yes I supported from Rushen to just south of Kirk Michael and the my husband took over as I needed to prepare for going away on the morning boat.

I love the spirit of the event and the craic you can have with fellow supporters, walkers and spectators.

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Wow that sounds amazing! Good luck and enjoy!😊xxx

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

My family live on the Isle of Man so I know it well! My grandpa often used to do the Parish walk when I was little in aid of Peel RNLI 😊 It's absolutely beautiful...if it's not raining! Admittedly he had a couple of very miserable, damp years 😂 I hope it's a wonderful day for you!

[Duddles Half Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

I probably know your grandpa - I am of a certain age - and long term Parish Walkers to tend to know each other, and do other racewalking events together.....

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Wow what a challenge! I hope all went well for you, and you're enjoying a well earned rest.