Day 18: Lagging behind
Early morning, the alarm goes off. Kate has a 7am train, it's a blow to see her go. An amazing breakfast put together by Gill (who also creates a sumptious packed lunch) and offers us the room for free, we feel privileged and will definitely be back. Land's End to John o'Groats 2008?!
Sit in the van until 10am, changing wheels and bearings. I feel hollow. Even a short 20 mile journey to Telford seems daunting and I have this impending sense of loniliness. We're a day behind schedule already and the responsibity of making it to Land's End in time for May 28th is weighing heavy. It wouldn't be a worry if my foot was right. But it's getting worse. I'm worn out, the rain is falling. It's a low point.
Plod plod plod. 20 miles later, outskirts of Telford. Was hoping to get further than Telford today but the sky opens and a torrent forms on the road. We sit in the van in a layby and fall asleep. An hour later we push on but go for about a mile. A pre-organised B&B is nearby and going further today is out of the question. I don't care. It's time for an early bed.
We settle into the Clairmont Guest House, and my foot swells. Dim and are are sat on the beds about to watch the Champions League Final. I walk to the toilet and it feels like there's a table tennis ball under my skin. "The only option is to not do anything for a day" Dim says.
I'm not sure if that's an option I want to consider yet.
Sit in the van until 10am, changing wheels and bearings. I feel hollow. Even a short 20 mile journey to Telford seems daunting and I have this impending sense of loniliness. We're a day behind schedule already and the responsibity of making it to Land's End in time for May 28th is weighing heavy. It wouldn't be a worry if my foot was right. But it's getting worse. I'm worn out, the rain is falling. It's a low point.
Plod plod plod. 20 miles later, outskirts of Telford. Was hoping to get further than Telford today but the sky opens and a torrent forms on the road. We sit in the van in a layby and fall asleep. An hour later we push on but go for about a mile. A pre-organised B&B is nearby and going further today is out of the question. I don't care. It's time for an early bed.
We settle into the Clairmont Guest House, and my foot swells. Dim and are are sat on the beds about to watch the Champions League Final. I walk to the toilet and it feels like there's a table tennis ball under my skin. "The only option is to not do anything for a day" Dim says.
I'm not sure if that's an option I want to consider yet.
posted by boardfreedave @ 2:20 pm
4 Comments:
At 8:15 am,
Anonymous said…
Apologies if you have already tried these solutions to the swelling in your foot but, just in case: you could try sleeping & resting with your feet higher than your head (pillows under foot-end of mattress?); ice pack when you get to your stopping point each night & maybe at friendly pubs (you can also get chemical "ice" packs that you can use during the day if someone can get to a sports shop/chemist for you) -- I think max 20 mins for an ice pack, but perhaps someone can confirm this? Sadly, though, rest is probably the best option (the swelling is probably your body's way of trying to stop you further injuring yourself). Whatever you decide, look after yourself.
At 8:26 am,
Anonymous said…
Hey mate, sounds pretty tough out there but keep going mate! Got to work yesterday and had a whole bunch of people say, "oh we saw your mate on the longboard on the news last night" so people are watching! Good luck buddy
At 8:38 am,
boardfreebecki said…
baby - i know you dont want to but you should get a doctor to look at your foot. Surely it would be better to be a few days behind than not make it to lands end at all?
chin up baby. thinking bout you lots. cant wait til saturday.
love you.
beccles
xx
At 10:10 am,
Anonymous said…
Dave...Your doing it Mate! Your living the dream, though you might be thinking it a "nightmare" right now...its not, it's the long road home. And it matters. It matters because this is what you set out to do. This is what has consumed you for months....and every pound of your foot on the road is an unquestionable statement of the force, determination, grit and raw spirit that makes human beings so very remarkable. Up with the Lance Armstrongs and Chris Redgraves of this world you are pushing the boundries and finding new heights..fly my friend!
I am currently reading Scotts diary into Antarctic, he describes the same lonliness and frustration you do in your blogs...you are intrepid, and alive and living a dream!! Perhaps, if you listen hard enough, you may hear his spirit calling you to keep going as you pound the roads and feel alone.
The Army method of soaking feet in White spirit hardens the skin to Rhino Arse quality....I share that in case it is becomes an option worth considering!!
My admiration is surpassed only by my Total belief in your ability to complete this Journey Dave, all the way to Lands End, just as you have visualised. I know you can ride all the waves..KooKooKachoo Dude! Love Pip. AV Office.
Post a Comment
<< Home