Steve Monaghan musings

 Democracy and Capitalism have been top of the tree all of my life. Either stop moaning about it or do something you haven't done before about it? So stop voting, you only encourage them. Stop signing petitions - waste of time. Try giving up hope in whoever you think politically represents you - they don't.  I know many of you will struggle with this idea and will rush to protect the system as it's what you know - security, safety, etc. You fear the unknown. The Unknown is dangerous, it challenges the system, yes the system can imprison, or worse, at will but not everyone?  Many have protested, and not peacefully including me, during my life most lost their ultimate goal because the system prevailed tacitly supported by us not challenging it. The many support The few every day. The few know it. Do you? What have you done about it?  The Risk is high, even with safety in numbers. But continuing as we are will NOT DELIVER your aims.

 Gosh feels like less than 5 weeks since I wrote last blog. Training properly is kicking in, with injuries hopefully subsiding.  Events have taken place and I slowly build routine to include running, walking, tai chi, nutrition, hydration. As part of the Last of the Summer Wine crew we have completed five stages of The Peak District Boundary walk, there are twenty. See Facebook posts for updates. Cheers to Greg and Jak for making this a weekly fun activity. Rasselbock continue to support my road to BYU. Thanks to Eric, Jonathan and family for finish photos, cake and jokes (if you know you know). I did not target Shipley event but turned up and managed 16k, three laps in 2 hours and a bit. This was after impromptu 11k warm up for Monsal Trail Parkrun which also doubled as my club, North Derbyshire RC monthly Parkrun Social. Happy with under 27 min parkrun. Also took a sneaky walk round Clumber in preparation for next event. The BYU format and similar events negate the need for ...

 The past month has been challenging with injury, weather and illness (the annual virus). However on the plus side first two Rasselbock events completed. Mudfest at Rosliston Forest and it was, preceded by me ripping the side of our motorhome whilst crossing a bridge. Never a dull moment in my world. Just one of life's downs. As for the 4 hour 4.3k loop it start and finished on nice trail with a off trail claggy mud path in the middle.  Aim 6 laps at 28 min pace initially changed to slower lap 4 and 5 and walking lap 6. Changed socks after 2, changed upper layers after 4. Very happy to adapt and learn. Then 9 days later Day 1 Hardwick Hobble. This is very local to me and host for BYU in September. The 6.3k lap included a hill. I received lap back in September. I forgot about the mud due to lots of rain. Leading up to event I stupidly increased my aim to 7 laps (marathon). On the day I aimed for 6 which after lap 2 was a distant hope. Met friend Andy Waind, did first lap togeth...