Last training weekend

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July were my last big training days ahead of the Nijmegen 4 Day Marches. Ireland is experiencing a bout of fantastic summer weather - due to the already famous 2013 Azores High - and the spirits are high. So they were on Friday night, the night before I had to go walking... so the start on Saturday was slightly tough (...).

A half day training on Saturday, rest, and then on Sunday morning, I left for what had to become a 50 km walk... and so I did. The day started dull and cloudy, but once the cloud burned off, the views along the sea became just fabulous!

I walked from Delgany to Greystones, took the cliff path to Bray and walked to Killiney Beach along the main road. From Killiney beach onwards, I walked up along the coast, Vico Road, to Dalkey. In Dalkey I met my biggest supporters, with whom I enjoyed a lovely half hour break - bliss! I've found the training days a really great way to spend a bit of time on my own - but at the same time it's tough not to enjoy the precious weekend time with the rest of my little family.

It turned into such a nice day that I was glad that I was walking along the sea and not too far inland. As you can see from the next picture - no wind at all along the East coast, so the open water pool at Salthill was the best place to be!

 

 

As the tide went out, it was lovely to walk on the just dried sand - and I was surprised how many off these little hills I saw around me!

Once I reached Sandymount, I decided it would be best to walk into the city through Ringsend instead of following the coast further to the North.
I always find this building in the Dublin Docklands one of the most beautiful - how many interesting business could you start in those buildings if only I had the money!

I took the Dart from Pearse Station to Bray, so that I could give my legs a little rest. From Bray I walked back to Delgany via the cliff path again. With the sun now lower in the western sky, the colours were really intense. The sounds of birds down at the cliffs and a few seals sticking their head out of the water to catch their breath and enjoy the sun.... and all that in southern France-like temperatures!

The legs seem to be ready for the walk - the head is anyway! So now it is time for a bit of rest, travel over and then start on Tuesday 16 July 2013.

Events can be followed at: Frederique goes Nijmegen

Thanks everyone for the support!!