Hadrian's Wall Challenge - why did I do it?

 

So it all started with a TV show.

One Thursday evening, myself and the husband were chilling in front of the television when we spotted a trailer for an upcoming show about Hadrian's Wall. Brilliant, we had not long visited our first Roman Fort on the Wall as we made our way home from our annual visit to Scotland so this would be right up our street.

Therefore, that Thursday evening, and the following Thursday evenings for the proceeding few weeks, we watched Robson Green (yes, him from Soldier Soldier and one half of the crooning actors Robson and Jerome) walk along the Hadrian's Wall national trail. 

Now, I don't mean to be rude, but I know Robson Green is older than me, so when I watched him traverse along this beautiful landscape, I thought "I could do that". Indeed, what made it worse is that my husband also made noises around walking the wall.

However, by the end of the series, my hubby had decided that he wouldn't mind driving along the wall, but walking was a bit too much.

Unfortunately, by this point I had it stuck in my head that I could do this. I could actually walk the national trail, from one side of the country to the other.

It took a few days to broach the subject with my husband. Essentially I was going to tell him that I was going to go away for the week, alone, and spend money on this fanciful idea. And guess what? The husband thought it was a good idea. Why not try something different? If I was determined to do it, then I should. Damn having such a supportive partner 😁

And so the plan was formed. It would take months of planning; transport, accommodation, etc. but eventually I had a date and the basis for my first ever long distance hike. 

I started to practice my walking. Going out over longer and longer distances. I even joined a 1000 mile challenge to encourage me to continue my walking and keep me motivated. It meant that I was determined to get out in all weathers just to keep my mileage up.

It seemed like such a long way away as I had to book everything quite far in advance. It didn't feel quite real until about a week before I started. Then the nerves began to kick in. The self doubt around whether or not I could actually finish this walk. 

The day of my third wedding anniversary rolled around and the next day, I would be off on my first solo walking adventure.

And that's where the next part of my story begins...

Back to the old routine (or any routine)

We are 8 days into a new year. Most people are already back at work, whatever that might look like in the current Covid environment.

After 2 weeks of sleeping in, eating crap and generally just mooching, it was time to get back to normal (whatever that means to different people).

I admit, I thrive on routine, I like planning my day as I'm not great with spontaneity. The new year and new academic term are good reasons for me to start establishing routines that fell away over the festive period. It has even given me an excuse to try and form some new habits.

So, what have I learned during the first week of 2022?

1) I need goals.

During December, I started to get back into reading regularly and I was loving it. I don't know why I stopped but it's a repeated pattern I've experienced over the last few years. Therefore, to ensure that I make time for recreational reading, I've challenged myself to reading 25 books this year. Because of this challenge, I have dedicated at least 30 minutes every evening to reading and it has been a great way to unwind.

Similarly I've set myself the goal of visiting the cinema 50 times in 2022 (I don't need an excuse normally but thought it would be fun anyway). I'm hoping to set a routine of going to see a movie after work once a week.

I have also set myself a fitness (weight) goal. 100 kettlebell swings a day throughout January. It's nothing strenuous but I figured it would be helpful to gain some consistency if I set a goal (something I was clearly lacking by the end of 2021).

Maybe I'm being a little restrictive by setting all these goals and challenges; reading and watching films should be fun experiences. And they still will be as this means that they become set parts of my routine as I know there's a target to reach (eventually). The challenges are my way of making sure I stick to my routine and my routine means I succeed at the challenges.

2) Dear Diary...

OK, so maybe not the kind of diary writing that I would have done back in school, but a quick 5 minute journal of my day.

I bought an A4 size 2022 diary, the kind where each date has a separate page, and just before I turn out the bedroom lights, I spend a few minutes just getting my thoughts and feelings on the paper. 

It has only been a week but so far I have stayed consistent with filling it in. It has become an integral part of my bedtime routine, and so far 🤞 I've been sleeping much better. 

3) Can't have one without the other.

I've realised that my night time routine and my morning routine are linked (I know, bit slow on the uptake there).

What I have been doing at night as helped me to achieve better sleep so far which in turn means I have been able to wake up early enough to workout and get ready for the day ahead. This morning preparedness has then meant that I don't come home feeling harassed and tired and feeling guilty for skipping exercise.

Normally I would focus on one or the other but the new year has given me the opportunity to try something new and rejig both parts of my day.

So, 8 days down, many more to go.

I do worry that I'll get lazy and start to let things slide: skip a journal entry, lay in one morning or swap reading for mindlessly scrolling some more. I just need to remember that so far, so good.

A New Challenge

I'm one of those annoying people who need a goal to work towards, all the time. It could be physical or mental; work related or personal, but I thrive on having a target. 

Last year I booked a photoshoot for my 40th birthday so I worked my butt off to look good for that.

The year before that was my wedding, so another physical goal.

But I've been aimless for a few months now and I'm not coping well without something to focus on. 

I'm supposed to be starting my Advanced Teacher Status course this year but there is nothing to work on yet, so I feel stuck and, to be honest, a little bored.

Then, a random Thursday night programme presented by Robson Green changed everything. For 3 weeks, he walked the length of Hadrian's Wall and spoke about its history, why people completed this path, the areas surrounding it, etc. and I was intrigued. I could do that... at least, I think I can. I'd always admired those people I saw in Scotland walking another great trail, The West Highland Way, and had vague feelings of jealousy. The sense of accomplishment you must feel at the end of a multi day hike was something I wanted to experience. 

And like that, I decided I was going to do it (Hadrian's Wall I mean, seeing as it is shorter and easier than TWHW).

I have done my research, joined different Facebook groups, followed certain hashtags and gone down several rabbit holes with various YouTube channels.

Today, I officially booked my first accommodation so now it's starting to feel more real. I am going to walk the wall in the May/June half term. I'm going to do more long walks. In fact, as soon as I've written this post, I'm off to prep for an 8 mile hike tomorrow (with rain forecast all day - yay me).

But I want to do this. I need to do this. I don't know why, I can't explain this need for a target but I do know that when I achieve something, I feel great! 

Besides, what's wrong with getting out of the comfort zone every now and then?

Dress for your age?

Apparently, as we get older, women are supposed to follow certain rules when it comes to fashion. No skirts above the knee after a 'certain age', no sleeveless tops after a 'certain age'. I'm not even sure what that 'certain age' even is but I've decided that these rules are utter nonsense and here is why.

Most of these rules have more than likely been decided by men. Yes, women may write about them in fashion magazines, or share these ideals with their friends, but the ultimate source is probably from what men like or dislike on a woman. So actually these dressing rules are another form of control that men used to keep women in line.

OK, that might be quite heavy for a first point, but allow me to continue. How we dress should be an expression of who we are. Our personalities shine through the clothes that we wear. Even if trends don't bother us, that would still be seen through our choice of garments. Therefore, why should any rules apply at all? Our personalities don't always drastically change as we age (maturing from adolescent to adult aside) so why should our clothing? It's not realistic to assume that a woman goes to bed after a birthday night out in a leopard print mini skirt and awakes the next day needing to buy everything several inches longer just because she reached that magical 'certain age'.

Another thing that I don't understand is how these rules can apply when some people don't look a 'certain age'. There's a lot more help now to keep women looking younger, including creams, pills, lazers and needles. Women are growing older but not necessarily looking it. I'm lucky enough to have been told by a few people that I don't look my age (40 for any enquiring minds) so surely that means I could get away with particular rule breaks? However, do I look like I dress by the rules?  Most of my clothing has either a band or a comic book character on it. Even my work dresses have dinosaurs on them.

Which brings me to the main reason why I started this brain dump to begin with.

I bought a pair of leather like trousers recently. They fit comfortably so I was chuffed with that. But I actually second guessed myself and started to worry about what people would think when I wore them out somewhere. Yep, my brain started to overthink and I wondered if I was too old to wear them 🙄 (insert face palm here). Luckily this was for only a brief moment but it's amazing that I felt like that at all. That ideas like that are ingrained in (mostly) women so they question their fashion choices, not because of aesthetic or trend, but because of age.

As the world opens back up, I look forward to wearing clothes other than PJs or leggings (although I do have a cracking selection of lycra such as the pair above). As I approach that 'certain age' (or have I already reached it?) I hope to continue to dress in the same haphazard, 'looks like it was dark when I changed', manner that suits me. And if that means breaking a few age related rules, then so be it.... I hope you can join me 😁

Film Review - Godzilla Vs Kong

I haven't done one of these in a while so please be gentle.

Director: Adam Wingard

Starring: Rebecca Hall, Kaylee Hottle, Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown.

If you've been following the MonsterVerse, starting with the reintroduction of Godzilla in 2014, you will know that everything has been leading to this showdown.

At the end of Godzilla: King of Monsters (don't read on if you haven't seen it) our favourite giant lizard had defeated Ghidorah and was left as the alpha titan. But, as we all knew, there was one who stayed out of the monster showdown.

And here we are, back on Skull Island where Kong's home is now a Monarch outpost, and essentially a prison. We are introduced to Rebecca Hall's Dr Andrews and young Jia (Kaylee Hottle), who we find out has a bond with our favourite giant primate. The relative calm is interrupted by Alexander Skarsgard's character who wants Kong to lead a team to Hollow Earth.

At the same time, Godzilla attacks the U.S. coast, seemingly without any provication. However, Madison (Millie Bobby Brown returning from King of Monsters) enlists the help of friend Josh (Deadpool 2's Julian Dennison) and conspiracy theorist Bernie (played by Brian Tyree Henry) to find out what is really wrong with Godzilla.

Sometimes  with films like these, the major showdown is teased throughout but nothing happens until the final act. However, with Godzilla Vs Kong, it delivers on its promise of a gigantic fight, not once but twice. The effects are amazing, and both Monsters look spectacular (anyone who thinks otherwise is welcome to revisit the original 1962 version and then tell me how CGI has ruined films 🙄).

The human cast in Monster movies can sometimes be surplus to requirement, but most of the actors here are well cast (and are an improvement on the previous outings cast in terms of likeability) . Top mention for Hottle who is wonderful as Kong's young friend Jia. 

This film might be headlined by Godzilla but this is Kong's movie. We've focused on the king of the monsters twice now so it is nice to see how Kong has grown and changed since Skull Island. Don't let that put you off. I'm one of Godzilla's biggest fans but even I knew we had to see this from Kong's perspective to keep the audience's interest (worked for me).

I read some 'reviewers' comments before I watched the movie myself and I have to wonder what these people have actually been watching. If you are confused about the plot, or unclear regarding why these two titans throwdown at all, may I suggest you rewatch the previous installments. Everything has clearly led to this moment. If you don't understand how, it's probably because you weren't paying attention (or haven't seen the previous films, in which case, what the hell are you doing reading this 🤔?)

My only regret is my first viewing wasn't on a bigger screen (not to brag but my telly is pretty big, just not cinema big). It deserves to be seen as large as possible. I will definitely be watching it again once my local Cineworld reopens.

For anyone who doesn't mind seeing it first on TV, to quote someone I know, 4K is the way. This movie needs to be seen in the highest definition possible so the colours really stand out (you'll know what I mean when you see it).

The Perils of being an Early Bird

Today is Mother's Day, a time when mums up and down the U.K. are being spoiled by their children of all ages, including the traditional cuppa in bed. Last night my daughter told me that I was not to get up before her so she could bring me a cup of tea. To most mums, this sounds great; being able to laze around and be served with a hot cuppa by their doting child. However, I find this instruction difficult because I am one of those horrid freaks - a natural early riser 😱

I've not always been this way. Years ago I was partial to a weekend lie in until the clock showed double figures. But when I started teaching, I knew that I was going to find it difficult to fit in exercise with my new working hours and extra responsibilities. I had always been active with riding my bike to and from work, and swimming regularly, but now I would have to find a new way of staying in shape. And thus, I trained myself to wake up earlier. It wasn't an easy transition but eventually I would get up at 5am, get my workout done and then get ready for the working day.

I like the way this sets up my day. It really is true that the only workout you regret is the one you don't do. If I don't exercise before work, I know it won't get done later, and I feel sluggish and slow all day. Working out for 30 minutes each morning gives me the start I need. Unfortunately, this has also impacted my weekend.

Sunday is the one day of the week where I refuse to set an alarm. I double check on Saturday night that my watch and phone are both silenced so I can try to enjoy a lie in. But my body disagrees. Take this morning for example. My daughter had warned me not to get up early but at 6.30am my body (or more accurately, my bladder) had other ideas. When I got back in bed, I tried hard to go back to sleep but once I'm awake, that's it, I'm not nodding off again. Sometimes it's OK. I'll just camp out in the front room with tea and a book, enjoying the silence until the rest of the clan emerge. But this morning, I was not disappointing my daughter. Two hours later 😧 she finally emerged and the day could begin. I should be grateful, it's probably the earliest she has woken on a weekend in months.

I know I sound ungrateful. It's not that. I've trained myself to wake up early and I forget sometimes that it isn't normal to everyone. If I'm planning on going anywhere, I want to be there when it opens, mostly to avoid it being too 'peopley'. It does make spontaneous trips more difficult and it must frustrate the hell out of my not as early to rise daughter (although she still indulges me every so often with morning trips out).

Being an early riser also means being an early to bed-der. Whilst my husband and daughter are settling down for the evening, I'm cleansing and toning for the night. It's not that I can't stay up, but if my alarm is set for 5am, what's the point? If I don't try to get my 8 hours (which in reality ends up being more like 6 hours) of sleep, I'll more likely snooze too many times, not do my workout and just be a miserable batch all day... all for the sake of staying up a little later, not doing much. At least my early wake up gets me active.

I like routine and 5am wake up calls are part of that. I thrive on having a plan but it does sometime mean that my life doesn't quite align with those I love. 

But this morning, my daughter made me a cup of tea in bed... that was worth staying in bed for.

International Women's Day - what does it mean to be a 'strong' woman?

I thought I would take a break from my blog challenge to address International Women's Day.

I've heard all the comments that surface on this day:

"What do you need to celebrate for?"

"What about men's day?"

Etc. Etc. Etc.

International Women's Day is a day for ALL women. Those in countries without equal rights. Those who struggle to raise a family, hold down a job, continue their education, support loved ones, and so on. Those who smile on the outside whilst struggling internally. Those who suffer at the hands of those who should love them unconditionally. All women should be supported and celebrated - that's what today is for. Not necessarily for ourselves, but for women everywhere.