My apologies for taking so long to tell you about my penultimate day, but I have been catching up on all our entries, and have to say that I am very moved. And today something happened when I walked into Dublin that you cannot explain, but it just happened.
I was walking past my second bus shelter, and saw a young lady sitting there staring ahead (I refer back to my good, bad and indifferent reference), but it was not in ignorance. I walked past, and whatever made me turn back, I asked “Are you ok?”. The tears welled up in her eyes, and such sorrow. I could not help but just hug her. And when I asked where she is from, she said Poland. And when I asked her what happened – she said her granny had just died.
What can you say? In the words of my “Big Chief” – at the end of the day, we are all one.
That all said – another powerful thing is that of adrenaline. Yesterday was right up there as one of the worst days of my life. I was physically ill with pain, it had seemed that interest in my mission had dwindled, and most importantly, that I might have failed those so near and dear to me.
But alas! Behold – I did a live interview with Ray D’Arcy no more, no less! Some say I should have given him a chance to speak, but God, I was so exhilarated, that no matter how bad the infection in my right heel – pure adrenalin got me to Dublin in one piece! You see, this is not just about creating awareness; this in the end is the single biggest physical challenge I have ever tackled. I’m no athlete, Sherlock!
Although only 14.2km today – that brings my total for a six day traipse across 3 counties to 132.4km! That is more than 3 consecutive marathons in 6 days! Now Sonia O’Sullivan – just move over there, girl.
And poor Kevin has had to live with my ups and downs the past couple of days, whilst battling with the flu as well – fair play to him (although we will discuss you gear change and clutch handling later!) and thank you so very much!
I am about to enter the final straight of this little walkabout of mine. Allow me a couple of moments of soppy sentimentality. To all that I not only call my colleagues, but my friends – thanks for humouring me the past couple of weeks, and most importantly – for your belief. To my darling son Helmut, Dave, Ras and Frodo – I will get all the washing done the moment I return – so sorry about the delay, but at least there are now enough black socks to go around.
As for the rest – I look forward to having the “lads” join me tomorrow. Martin is racing up form New Ross to beat me to St Stephen’s Green in record time (on a bicycle), and then we are going to have a nice little picnic in the Park. Thereafter, Davy Byrne’s here we come!
I’m not running out of words – just out of repetition – I am just SO happy!
With all those chicken references – I must now be Flamin’ Hot! I smell the end of Kentucky as we know it.
Hi Bette,
What a Woman!!!!!
Well done me darling!!
No woman – merely a chicken!