Brathay Takes to TV

Paddington Takes to TV

The whole blooming day. Not just a couple of hours, almost the whole waking day in front of the TV. I am so hungry. Did I mention the whole day in front of the TV? Although, I've watched this episode before, let's rewind and watch it again. Oh, that's correct, I've fallen asleep again, in front of the TV.

After the 10th marathon, physio and awards, there was a mad dash to the kennels to pick up Echo and try to get back in time for the final dinner with all the team, students, friends and family. Just made it in time, well sort of, I missed canapes. Luckily Matt didn't notice me arrive, otherwise he would have told me very punctually, you're late again.

Awards, recognition, speeches and a job well done. I absolutely love my time at Brathay. Why keep going back? Because, it is simply special. You've perhaps heard the expression the people make the place, it's true but there's also something you can't quite put your finger on about being here. Many runners at the end of the tenth day, say, never again, then promptly sign up a year or two later. Sounds silly but it's only ten marathons, ten days of first class support, ten days of being part of something, not anything crazy like trying to run a year of marathons or 100 days straight, or more for some amazing people. We have our potential pampered, there are moments when you have to dig deep, you have to realise that this awkward, difficult, strength-sapping, calorie-consumption-contest, recovery-rush but ultimately enjoyable episode of our lives will help us find more about ourselves, or perhaps almost as much about ourselves, as 12 months of therapy. The event can't promise answers but it does pose questions and for the average joe or jane on the street, just like anyone of us who've just finished it, you have to find the solution.

A few moments with Gary, Stuart and Izzy again, at dinner. These individuals are remarkable, as is everyone involved. I'm drifting off trying to remember the conversations of the evening before. Anyhow, back to the TV, another episode of Citadel, oops, I've watched this one too, must have fallen asleep again.

I'd decided to stick around for the celebration dinner, another chance to rub shoulders with the great and the good; the people who have now become friends. After dinner, a few games of 'magnetic chess' and mancala, it was time to retire, after all I had to get back in the morning for the heating engineer who was due to service the boiler. Waking up at 4:50am, I decided to leave immediately so that I could enjoy a Hobbit breakfast at 7am.

Grandad blanket warming me, legs up, wood burner on and the cat nestled on my lap, waiting patiently for the heating engineer and again nodding off again, I must have watched episode 3 of Citadel 5 times now. Still no boiler man. Let's see what's in the fridge and cupboards whilst I wait a little longer. I'm hungry. Time for Hobbit's 2nd breakfast, after all it is 9am.

There's talk of tattoos to recognise the 10in10 achievement, as Courtney mentioned earlier in the week, loosely quoting one of the Kardashians, you don't put a bumper sticker on a Bentley. When you're as knackered as I am, I don't think anyone would notice, or care if there was a decoration on my fragile old frame, nor do I think it's worth adorning this old wreck with titification. Ah, elevenses, cake, tea, biscuits, crisps and another nap.

Back to work this week too, need to focus on 'normal' life again. It is so easy to daydream about this experience. There is usually a 'bump', a feeling of longing, of something missing, a wistfulness. Everyone is different, some have injuries to nurse, some need 'something' to look forward to, some just need a wake-up a 'normal life' shock to the system. Think I fall into the latter category. Lunchtime, what's left in the cupboards?

Now where was I? That's correct, episode 3 and what's for Hobbit's tea? And, where is the boiler engineer? I can feel a complaining email or phone call coming on? Now, that's real life, how humdrum!

Back to the TV, well, sleeping actually, I've missed dinner, but by gum, I'm hungry. Cannot be bothered to cook so lets get a delivery in and enjoy supper, or two? Maybe another nap, another episode and ponder next year?

If I can do it, you can? It's time to express your interest for next year...

Brathay 10in10 - Brathay Challenges