Christmas Day Swim

Number 16 on my #40before40 list was to enjoy a Christmas Day swim.

It was something I'd never done, despite the fact I grew up in Falmouth and lived just a stone's throw from the beach from the age of seven to 19.

I was joined in the challenge by Olivia, my mother-in-law (Cathie), brother-in-law (Dan) and the family dog (Sampson).

Luckily it was a sunny Christmas Day this year, so it made the prospect much more palatable.

We headed down to the car park by Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth where we met the family and changed into our wetsuits.

I know we should have done it in just our swimming costumes, but it was on the second time I'd been in the sea in Cornwall this year and I wanted to keep warm.

Gyllyngvase Beach, Christmas Day

Me, Olivia, Dan, Cathie and Sampson pre-swim

Testing the water

Dan thought it was a bit cold

What surprised me was how many people where in the sea, especially the amount without a wetsuit. 

I was impressed with their bravery.

After we'd got out we headed back to the carpark where Cathie's camper van was parked for tea, croissants and smoked salmon sandwiches. 

I could quite happily make it an annual event as it was a good way to start Christmas Day.

New Year's Day Fell Run

Taking part in a fell run was a late addition on to my #40before40 list.

I just happened to switch The One Show on one evening and found former 400m runner Ewan Thomas taking part in one and thought it looked like fun.

Knowing we were going to be spending New Year in Yorkshire, I Googled away.

The results took me to fellrunner.org.uk where I found details for the Captain Cook's Races, which was taking place on New Year's Day in Great Ayton on the North Yorkshire Moors.

There was no pre-registration, so I thought I'd keep it open.

So, we travelled up to Yorkshire on Monday 29 December to stay with Mrs Ps family ready for New Year.

With one eye on the fell run I decide to take it easy on New Year's Eve and stuck to water from 11pm.

Despite going to bed around 2am, I woke up on New Year's Day feeling pretty good.

Although I did decide to make sure I was okay by using one of the breathalysers that you have to have in your car when you drive in France.

I passed the test.

Just making sure I was okay to drive on New Year's Day

So, after scrambled eggs and porridge, I set off from Wetherby on the 50 mile journey north to Great Ayton (it was actually the furthest north I've ever travelled in the UK).

I did feel some trepidation as I got on to the moors driving towards large hills that were covered in mist, or about to be enveloped by cloud. I was also unsure what to expect race wise, and definitely felt like I was going outside my comfort zone.

I parked up, got changed in to my running gear and headed to the Royal Oak pub to pay my £7 entry fee and register.


The Royal Oak at Great Ayton

My race number 

Obligatory pre-race selfie

Waiting to start the race

At the start of the race I did feel like a bit of a southern wimp stood next to hardened northern runners who were wearing just running vests and shorts.

Unsure what to expect weather wise, I was wearing running leggings with shorts over the top; a training vest, long sleeved running top and a short sleeved vest on top; a running jacket; hat; and gloves.

The race set off though the village on the road, before heading on to a farm track and then into the countryside. 

Gradually the 5 mile course became muddier and muddier, and hillier and hillier.

As we headed up to Captain Cook's monument, a climb of 1043ft, it was walking and crawling pace only.

I reached the plateau to be welcomed by an amazing view across the North Yorkshire Moors, as well as being hit by huge gusts of wind.

The view across the moors 

Heading towards Captain Cook's monument 

Once we reached the monument, we started our descent.

To begin with it was on a stone path, which was a bit slippy, but this soon gave way to a mettled track where you could really get some speed up.

However, that didn't last long, and we were soon heading down mudding slopes.

It was at this point in the race where I started to lose ground and was regularly overtaken by fell running experts in trail shoes with spikes. 

While I in my normal running shoes descended like Bambi on ice. Quite how I didn't fall over or lose a trainer in the mud, I'll never know.

We then got back on to the road and I managed to pick up some speed again, as well as avoid posing for the official photographer.

Grrrr!

There was a point here that was brilliant. As we ran down the road, we passed a house where an older and very dapper gentleman, was stood in the road, ringing an old school bell and shouting 'Happy New Year' to all the competitors.

The race then back on to fields and through a wooded area before we reached the finish line.

My unofficial time was 53:32.

When I checked the website I found that I did it in 52:44 and finished in 205th place out of 271 runners.

I was actually a little disappointed when I saw the results and know that if I'd had some trail shoes with spikes, then I could have finished higher.

Also, if I'd checked in my boot a little more closely I would have found these, which would have probably done the trick....

D'oh!

On reflection it was my first attempt and it was one of the best activities that I've done, and I'd recommended it to anyone who wants to try something a little different. 

Slightly muddy trainers

Sightly muddy socks

Enjoying a celebratory mince pie and cup of tea

Giving Blood

"I see it's your first time today. What made you decide to give blood?"

A question I was asked twice this afternoon: once during the initial consultation and once as the nurse was preparing to push the needle into my left arm. 

Number 25 on my list was to give blood, and as with signing up to be a donor, it was something I'd never really thought about. 

I signed up to be a donor after being taken through to a webpage after buying my car tax, and I signed up to give blood after a leaflet came through in the donor pack. 

So, just before 3pm I left MPAD HQ and walked through Truro to the Carrick Sports and Recreation Centre near Hendra park. 

As I got closer to the building, I started to feel nervous.

The Give Blood van outside the sports centre

The feeling grew as I stepped inside and handed over my appointment letter. 

I was given two leaflets to read, asked if I'd eaten plenty during the day and was given 500ml of water to drink. 

What surprised me as I walked into the building was, apart from the consultation booths, how open the set up was. You could see people in reclining chairs giving blood. 

As I sat down to read the leaflets, which gave a list of reasons why shouldn't give blood, my nerves grew. 

I was soon called in for the initial consultation where the nurse went through my health questionnaire, took a pin prick of blood from my middle finger, and said I was good to donate. 

I was taken to another area where in front of me there was a table with drinks and a bowl of biscuits.

I delved deep and found a Mint Club, a biscuit that I'd not had for a long time. 

As I was unwrapping the Club, I was called by the nurse to go over to make my donation. 

I was sat into a chair, where donor carer, Clare, checked if she could find a good vein. Test passed my left arm was strapped in and the chair was reclined. 

Clare handed me a leaflet advising me to do some simple exercises while the blood was being taken. As well crossing my legs, I was also advised to clench my legs and buttocks.....

It was time to insert the needle. Clare told me to keep opening and clenching my hand, and that the whole process would take less than 10 minutes. 

The needle was a bit uncomfortable to begin with, but once the blood started to flow, it felt fine. 

She filled three sample tubes to start with before attaching me to a bag. 

While I was being drained of a pint I asked Clare how much blood they expected to take during the session and whe it would go. 

Clare said they are set a target to collect 90 pints, and that they took 99 yesterday, and that blood from the morning session would go to Derriford. Blood from the afternoon and evening slots would go to Bristol, after picking up the morning's blood from Plymouth, where it would be tested. 

And that was it - the blood was taken. 

Clare took me over to the tea table, but I was told that as it was my first time I was unable to have tea (in case the heat made me feel lightheaded), so I stick to water and tucked into a packet of cheese and onion crisps and some digestive biscuits.

My sticker


Stickers for the girls

I did feel slightly emotional at this point, and I couldn't tell if this was to the blood loss, or the fact that all the blood donor team were so grateful and said 'thank you' at every opportunity. 

After 15 minutes I rolled my sleeve down and headed back to the office. 

I gave blood selfie

But not before I signed up to do the whole thing again in March.

All patched up

The girls chuffed with their stickers

Stoptember

I am currently tucking into my first beers (first alcoholic beverages in fact) for over a month.

Man drink beer

I had my last drink on Sunday 31st August.

We were up in Yorkshire for Mrs P's auntie's wedding. which was on Saturday 30th.

I'd enjoy several pints during the celebrations, but somehow on the morning after, I had managed to put my back out when I placed one of youngest daughter's nappies in the bin(!).

So, while everyone was enjoying the post-nuptial celebrations, I sipped on two glasses of red wine in between back spasms and paracetamol.

I didn't have any plans to take part in Stoptober, as its the same month as the Falmouth Beer Festival; Bryher's birthday is in November, so there will be celebrations; Christmas in December; and my 40th in January.

I'm not really sure why I put being dry for a month on the #40before40 list, so it seemed to be a case that September was now or never.

I enjoy beer and wine and I've even brewed my own beer (Beardstroker) as part of this challenge.

Beardstroker

I drink a lot less than I used to in my 20s, especially since having children, and I like to think I am fairly responsible.....

Perhaps it was the test to see if I could do it.

I was slightly aided by my bad back.

As soon as we got back from Yorkshire on Monday 1st September I booked into see the doctor.

He prescribed me with some pretty hardcore painkillers (Codydramol) - well, they were pretty hardcore for me as I rarely take medicine.

The PIL (patient information leaflet) advised me not to drink alcohol with the medicine, so I didn't.

After four days, despite the drugs feeling great when they were working, I was still getting painful spasms in my back. Being woken up at 5.30am by three spasms is not a good experience people.

So, I went back to the doctors and got some more pills. I was also recommended to take ibuprofen.
I'd always avoided them as technically I have asthma.

But due to doing loads of running and exercise I've not had to take an inhaler for several years, so the doctor said to give them a try.

The drug taking carried on for another week.


The drugs do work

By the time I was finished the course of drugs, it was halfway through the month, so I thought I might as well carry on being dry.

Due to our hectic work and family life, the last two weeks of September flew by and I didn't miss having a drink.

One possible issue was that we were due to go to a fancy dress party in Penzance last weekend, but Liv was poorly, so we gave it a miss. I'd also decided to drive to help me in this quest.

However, I'm not sure if not drinking has made a massive difference.

There are days when I have felt really good for going a few weeks without imbibing in booze, but there are days when I feel absolutely shattered. This is mainly due to parenthood and having two little girls who like to wake up before 6am, as well as having to work late to catch up on my to do list.

What I have noticed is that, as the time went on, the smell of alcohol seemed to get stronger.

If Mrs P had a glass or two of wine I could really notice the aroma, or if I was near a drink, it smelt really strong.

On Wednesday 1st October, after completing 30 days off drink, I went to the Bottle Bank (a most excellent establishment) in Falmouth (following an event at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall) and treated myself to four beers.

Beer from the Bottle Bank

I was planning on drinking one, some or all of them in the evening, but I'd been on a team building event with a client, and by the time I got home at 10pm, I was tired and had a headache (not aided by the fact Liv and Bryher had both woken up at 5.15am that morning).

In fact I was feeling quite tired tonight, but with Mrs P out at a meeting and the girls fast asleep in bed, I decided to crack open one of the beers - The Mayan produced by Ilkley Brewey - a very dark chocolate, chipotle stout, and enjoy it while I wrote this blog.

This was quickly followed by another stout - produced by The Kernel and coming in at 7.1%.

So, would I do another month off? Well, yes. It was fairly easy. There was only the odd occasion, when the girls were in meltdown, that I thought I really could do with a drink, but other than that, the last month and a day have been fairly straight forward.

But, after coming back to beer, I think I may sleep well tonight!

Zzzzz.....

Sign up for a Donor Card

Number 24 on my list, and a new addition since I started the challenge back in January, was to sign up for a Donor Card.

Being a donor was one of those things that I had half thought about, but never got round to doing.

It didn't really seem that important to me when I was younger - there were always other people on the list, so it doesn't matter if I didn't do it.

I guess my thoughts about this, and other medical issues, have changed since becoming a parent. You always wonder what would happen if one of your children needed medical support, such as a new organ.

But it was only when I was buying my car tax online that it really crossed my mind.

After I'd finished to process of obtaining my new tax disc, a screen on the DVLA website popped up asking if I'd like to sign up as a donor.

"Why not?" I thought.

And on a spur of a moment I entered my details and was added to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

I then told Mrs P and my parents my decision (I know my Dad and Rachel have both had cards for years).

A couple of weeks later I had a letter from the NHS Blood and Transplant department containing my Donor Card.

Now, while I think this a great thing to do, I didn't get a warm, fuzzy feeling after reading the opening sentence in the letter:

"Thank you for joining the NHS Organ Donor Register and making the commitment to help other live after your death."

There you go, straight in at the end of the first sentence - "your death".

I understand what the card is for, and what will happen if you die, and how your organs can be used to save other people. I'm just not so sure I want to read it in the first sentence of a thank you letter, especially as the essence of this blog, and the challenges within, are about celebrating life.

Maybe I'm just being a little squeamish about the thought.

Anyway, as a result of my spur of the moment decision after buying my tax disc, someone somewhere in the future might end up with a part or parts of me.

And if that's you, I hope you look after them, they've been very good to me - so far!

Boing Boing

Number 13 on my #40before40 list was to take Liv (4) to her experience her first West Bromwich Albion match, preferably at the Hawthorns.

If I'm not playing football on a Saturday, I'll try to find a dodgy stream over the net to watch West Brom's games, or go to my parents house to catch them on Sky Sports, if we're on the telly.

Liv will often watch with me and seems to enjoy it (although I do remember her crying several times as my Dad and I cheered loudly as we demolished Wolves 5-1 in 2012, although she was not quite 2 then!).

I was 11 when my Dad took me to see my first Albion game: a 1-0 win against Huddersfield. We'd just been relegated into the old Division Two, and despite only winning four games that relegation season, I think I remember us been tipped as one of the teams to go up.

My Dad arranged for us to go to watch the team training a couple of days before the game, and the then club captain, Martyn Bennett, took my Panini 85 sticker album to get it signed by the squad, including Steve Bull and future England international, Carlton Palmer.

Watching from the old Rainbow Stand at the Hawthorns, I became completely hooked as Bennett duly scored the winner with a diving header.

It was an interesting time to start watching football: there were still strong elements of hooliganism, and the cages were still in place, as was terracing pre-Hillsborough. I think it cost me £3 to get in, but fans were certainly not treated as 'consumers' back then, especially by the authorities.

And so, I decided it was time that Liv followed the rite of passage, albeit seven years younger than I did.

The decision was helped by the fact that she'd enjoyed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and said she'd be keen to go to a game.

I was pleased when the fixtures came out to find that Albion had been given a home game for the first match of the season against Sunderland.

Having sat through many terrible, dire matches in freezing cold and wet weather over the numerous winters of watching, I was thinking that a game at the start of the season, when there's a better chance of it being warmer, would be the ideal option.

I contacted our family friend Ray, who had been my Dad's best man and also looked after MPAD's accounts when I first started the business, who popped up to the ground to pick up tickets for us.

Once we'd got tickets I thought it would be a good idea to make a bit of a road trip of it and catch up with some relatives, as well as show Liv some of the sights in the town of my birth - Dudley!

We set off early on Friday (15th August) to beat the summer traffic leaving Cornwall and headed to Merry Hill.

First stop was the West Brom club shop to pick up a t-shirt for Liv (and a Baggy Bird for Bryher).

Liv had wanted to get the new football shirt with 'Picken' and '4' on the back, but at £54.95 I said no! She seemed to be much happier with the t-shirt with the club crest in pink anyway.

Liv with her bag of swag at the West Bromwich Albion club shop in Merry Hill

We had a quick stop at the Disney Store (where we found the much sought after Elsa teddy from Frozen), followed by lunch at Nando's, before heading off to see my Dad's cousin for a cuppa, and then heading up to our other cousins - Kate and Mark - to stay the night.

Daddy / Daughter road trip - lunch at Nando's Merry Hill

Saturday arrived and Liv put on her t-shirt and we ventured off to Ray's for lunch, one of his world famous ham sandwiches, before setting off for West Bromwich.

At this point Liv fell asleep in the car, and I was having some slight concerns that it may all be a bit too much for her.

I had explained to her that going to the game was a bit like going to a panto: you cheer the heroes (West Brom) and boo the baddies (Sunderland and the referee), as well as cheer and clap a lot (hopefully....)

But a quick 25 power nap seemed to do the trick and she awoke excited and raring to go.

As we walked up Halfords Lane towards the ground the crowds started to build, and we stopped to get a flag and a programme before heading through the turnstiles.

Outside the Shrine

We took our seats in the Birmingham Road End and Liv started to wave her flag around, almost hitting the people sat in front and behind us (apologies if you're reading this!).

In our seats in the Birmingham Road End

Then, the best moment of the afternoon as far as Liv was concerned. As the players warmed up, Liv spotted Albion's mascot, Baggy Bird, at the front of the stand. She wanted to meet him / her.

So I rushed down the steps and took her behind the goal for a photo opportunity.

A very excited Liv with Baggy Bird

I had to keep an eye on her as there were a few wayward shots coming over from the players, and the steward was not entirely happy with her standing on the electronic advertising hoarding to be next to Baggy Bird.

West Brom players warming up: Graham Dorrans about to take a shot at Boaz Myhill while Dean Kiely watches on

Players warming up before kick-off

The game kicked off and Liv carried on waving her flag and shouting 'Come on West Brom!'.

But, after five minutes Sunderland took the lead after a 'worldy' from Lee Cattermole.

Silence.

That only lasted momentarily, as on nine minutes a picture of the late Albion legend, Jeff Astle, came up on the big screens and the whole ground broke into applause for the #JusticeforJeff campaign (Jeff's family are trying to get recognition from the FA about the issues of sport-related head injuries after he died from a degenerative brain disease). Despite being too young to see him play, my Dad has told me that heading was one of strengths and he scored a lot of goals from them).

Albion came back into the game and started to create chances. Long range efforts from Chris Brunt and Sebastien Pocognoli went wide, while a similar effort from Craig Gardner was well saved.

We got back into the game five minutes before half-time when Victor Anichebe was adjudged to have been fouled and the ref, who'd been having shocker, awarded us a soft penalty.

We all stood up and I held Liv in my arms to watch the spot kick.

Up stepped Saido Berahino to dispatch the ball into the back of the net.

Loads cheers and a quick Boing Boing followed as Liv held her hands over her ears, saying that it was too loud!

The half-time whistle blew and Liv asked if it was time to go home!

Despite eating two of Ray's world famous ham sandwiches during the first half, she wanted a packet of crisps and a bottle of water. So we joined the massive queue in the concourse and waiting for 15 minutes before being served.

As a result we missed the start of the second half and an Albion 'goal' that was ruled out for a supposed foul on the keeper.

Albion were more dominant, with Sunderland's best chances coming from set pieces.

Liv was starting to get a bit fidgety at this point, so I sat her on my lap, but she still kept shouting 'Come on West Brom'.

Graham Dorrans then had a shot that was parried by the Sunderland keeper, and the loose ball was picked up by Gardner on the left hand side of the box.

We all stood up, me holding Liv again, as he crossed for Berahino to get his, and Albion's second. Cue more loud cheers and Boinging. Liv put her hands on her ears again to block the noise.

"What happened Daddy?" she asked. "We scored. You saw a goal" I replied. "Does that mean we're winning?" she asked. "Yes it does" I said. "Hooray! Come on West Brom!" cheered Liv.

With five minutes to goal, poor marking from a dodgy free kick let Sunderland in to equalise.

2-2.

As the game was drawing to a close, the fourth official held up the board showing five minutes added time. At this point Liv announced that she needed the toilet immediately.

The queues of people leaving the ground were starting to build and while we were waiting to make our exit the final whistle blew.

Liv turned to me, gave me a kiss and said thank you for taking her to the game. I was very chuffed (although I would have been more chuffed had we won).

We made it to the toilet in time, before dropping Ray at the metro station and making our way to the motorway to head back home to Truro.

By the time we got home Liv was fast asleep and went to bed in her new West Brom t-shirt.

It was a brilliant trip and I enjoyed the time together with Liv. 

Now just have to see if Bryher wants to do it all in a couple of years time......

Boing Boing!

Coffee

Number 14 on my list was to have a coffee. 

Probably a strange one for most people who frequent Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero or any number of independent coffee shops that have grown over the last few years and taken over the high street. 

But it's been about 10 years since I had my last coffee. 

I can't remember when exactly, but Mrs P and I have been together for over nine years and she has never seen me drink one. 

So, the reason for not drinking coffee. 

About 10 years ago I went to the doctors for a bit of a health check.

I was not in the best shape: I hardly did any exercise, drank a bit too much and didn't eat as well as I should. 

I also drank a lot of tea and coffee everyday, in excess of 10 cups, with sugar in. 

At the health check I weighed in at 16st 7lbs - the heaviest I had ever been. 

The doctor told me to make some changes. 

So I cut down on booze, started to eat better foods, began running and cut sugar out of my tea and coffee. 

I found I didn't like tea and coffee without added sweetness, so I stopped drinking them both and turned to green tea (which I now drink in great quantities). 

I remember going to a Cornwall Chamber of Commerce breakfast event about three months later and had a coffee. 

My head completely span out from the caffeine and that was the last one I drank in a decade. 

There have been times when I have missed it: I used to enjoy an espresso after a meal, particularly when in France. 

However, with 40 approaching I thought I'd give it a shot. 

In my head I'd planned to make it a ceremonial event, similar to brewing my beer, but it didn't work out like that. 

It just sort of happened. 

We'd arrived in Brittany for our family holiday with Mrs P, Olivia, Bryher and the in-laws (mother in law - Cathie, father in law - John and brother in law - Dan).

As we were unable to checked into our accommodation in Fouesnant until 3pm we stopped off at a creperie in Beg Meil for lunch.

A combination of tiredness from the overnight crossing from Plymouth to Roscoff and our Franglais not being up to speed the post-lunch coffee order for Cathie, John and Mrs P slightly confused our waitress, who ended up bringing out four coffees.

So what to do with the extra petit cafe?

The extra petit cafe

On the spur of the moment, and thinking about this list, I said  I'd have it.

Drinking the petit cafe 

Mmm, this is quite nice

The finished petit cafe

And I really enjoyed it, although I could feel the caffeine in my head over the next few minutes.

So, when Mrs P and I went back to the creperie for a date night, I decided I'd have another.

Date night crepes

Another petit cafe

Since we got home I've had one more coffee, from Costa, when we were in Yorkshire to watch the Tour de France. And again, I really enjoyed.

I think I will start drinking coffee again, but I'm not going to go down the Gold Blend or Nescafe route like I used to.