A few updates
Just thought I'd write a few lines on here to let everyone know what I've been up to of late..I'm sorry I haven't posted any updates on here recently but I've just been really busy, as you're about to find out..
Firstly I'd like to say a big, big thank you to Suzie for hosting an excellent housewarming party/barbeque on the second weekend of June. I think it's fair to say all concerned had a really great time, none more than yours truly who met some great people (mostly Suzie's friends from Uni), was reunited with some old friends, and got to know some current friends a little better. And, needless to add, consumed enough liquor to sink a battleship.
And I think a few people got to know me a little better - it seems I have earned the epithet "Wild Weedon One" in MAN ERF's UTP department (UpTime Principle - no, I don't know much about it either) for my inimitable dance moves at Graeme's wedding (another great day) and my deeds that night. Apparently my ability to clear the scene of a barbeque whilst under the influence is the eighth wonder of the world..
Anyway, moving on, after I'd sobered up I competed in the Lethbridge 10k the following Wednesday. It was a local race and actually on a course I use as a training run. It was also my first mid-week race. It was tough going too - I was never going to get a PB (sub 50 mins is my present goal at that distance) as it was too congested in a lot of places, plus I was tired after a day at work and over-hydrated..I'm sure you can guess what I mean..
There's always something good to come of these events however, in this case it was not only getting a nice t-shirt at the end but making a new friend. On the start line I spotted someone from the gym I recognised but had never spoken to before. It transpired she was running in a 10k for the first time, never having run more than 5k before. I told her to relax and just enjoy it - it may have done the trick because she got round comfortably enough, and when I saw her at the end she said she had really enjoyed it and hopes to compete in more events, possibly the Swindon half marathon in October.
Only a nutter like me would do Swindon as their first half marathon but we will see. But if she gets half as much as me out of her new hobby, then that's a result as well.
Last weekend I spent a very enjoyable weekend watching cricket and drinking beer (and wine). I went to my favourite of grounds, Lord's, on Saturday to watch the first ODI between England and Sri Lanka (great weather, great crowd, great day, shame about the result) and stayed in London for a few beers afterwards. Next time I go to Lord's in July I'll be staying with my Uncle Eddie, at his new accomodation in South London, which I'm looking forward to.
A special thank you also to the girls at the Wolf Blass wine stand at the ground who plied me with wine (never were so many free samples had by one man) and kept me entertained during the lunch break and when the cricket got dull. I like to think "Wild Weedon One" kept them entertained too. I think I might have done..
On the Sunday I went to Bath to watch the annual one day county match, this time between Somerset and Middlesex. An exciting but low-scoring game, the weather was a bit cooler but the beer and the atmosphere was still good. I had one of my favourite things during the break - a Schwartz burger. Trust me, you haven't lived until you've had one. Not enough stamina to stay out after the match unfortunately and I sidled off to catch the train back to Swindon. Why can't there be more weekends like this?
It didn't quite end there - on Tuesday my company laid on the inaugural "midsummer mingle" in our roof garden and it was nice to chat with colleagues in a more relaxed environment. Although, as one of our secretaries and my friend Lizzie pointed out, I am becoming a bit of a fixture at these events. I think that's a really positive thing. In my first couple of years with the company I tended to avoid these events and struggled to mix with people, so it shows how more outgoing I have become.
On that rather upbeat note, there's a lot to look forward to: next weekend I am taking part in the Three Peaks challenge - our company has entered a team and I am one of 8 walkers. Of the others, I already work with Rob and Nat (other members of the Parts Operations department) and have known Tamara for a few years, but don't know any of them that well, and barely know anything about the other four. The Three Peaks is something I've always wanted to do, and I'm looking forward to a great weekend away and hopefully making some lasting friendships to boot.
Some bad news for me I'm afraid - Anthony has left his job at the gym to take up a full time job as the manager of a garage in South Wales. Something to do with the responsibilities of fatherhood..anyway the good news is that he will still be around at weekends to train me, at least until my marathon in September, which he will still run with me. He also promises me that we will run the London marathon next year..what a day that will be..
In the meantime folks, I have it all to do. Tune in for further updates.
Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, June 2006
Firstly I'd like to say a big, big thank you to Suzie for hosting an excellent housewarming party/barbeque on the second weekend of June. I think it's fair to say all concerned had a really great time, none more than yours truly who met some great people (mostly Suzie's friends from Uni), was reunited with some old friends, and got to know some current friends a little better. And, needless to add, consumed enough liquor to sink a battleship.
And I think a few people got to know me a little better - it seems I have earned the epithet "Wild Weedon One" in MAN ERF's UTP department (UpTime Principle - no, I don't know much about it either) for my inimitable dance moves at Graeme's wedding (another great day) and my deeds that night. Apparently my ability to clear the scene of a barbeque whilst under the influence is the eighth wonder of the world..
Anyway, moving on, after I'd sobered up I competed in the Lethbridge 10k the following Wednesday. It was a local race and actually on a course I use as a training run. It was also my first mid-week race. It was tough going too - I was never going to get a PB (sub 50 mins is my present goal at that distance) as it was too congested in a lot of places, plus I was tired after a day at work and over-hydrated..I'm sure you can guess what I mean..
There's always something good to come of these events however, in this case it was not only getting a nice t-shirt at the end but making a new friend. On the start line I spotted someone from the gym I recognised but had never spoken to before. It transpired she was running in a 10k for the first time, never having run more than 5k before. I told her to relax and just enjoy it - it may have done the trick because she got round comfortably enough, and when I saw her at the end she said she had really enjoyed it and hopes to compete in more events, possibly the Swindon half marathon in October.
Only a nutter like me would do Swindon as their first half marathon but we will see. But if she gets half as much as me out of her new hobby, then that's a result as well.
Last weekend I spent a very enjoyable weekend watching cricket and drinking beer (and wine). I went to my favourite of grounds, Lord's, on Saturday to watch the first ODI between England and Sri Lanka (great weather, great crowd, great day, shame about the result) and stayed in London for a few beers afterwards. Next time I go to Lord's in July I'll be staying with my Uncle Eddie, at his new accomodation in South London, which I'm looking forward to.
A special thank you also to the girls at the Wolf Blass wine stand at the ground who plied me with wine (never were so many free samples had by one man) and kept me entertained during the lunch break and when the cricket got dull. I like to think "Wild Weedon One" kept them entertained too. I think I might have done..
On the Sunday I went to Bath to watch the annual one day county match, this time between Somerset and Middlesex. An exciting but low-scoring game, the weather was a bit cooler but the beer and the atmosphere was still good. I had one of my favourite things during the break - a Schwartz burger. Trust me, you haven't lived until you've had one. Not enough stamina to stay out after the match unfortunately and I sidled off to catch the train back to Swindon. Why can't there be more weekends like this?
It didn't quite end there - on Tuesday my company laid on the inaugural "midsummer mingle" in our roof garden and it was nice to chat with colleagues in a more relaxed environment. Although, as one of our secretaries and my friend Lizzie pointed out, I am becoming a bit of a fixture at these events. I think that's a really positive thing. In my first couple of years with the company I tended to avoid these events and struggled to mix with people, so it shows how more outgoing I have become.
On that rather upbeat note, there's a lot to look forward to: next weekend I am taking part in the Three Peaks challenge - our company has entered a team and I am one of 8 walkers. Of the others, I already work with Rob and Nat (other members of the Parts Operations department) and have known Tamara for a few years, but don't know any of them that well, and barely know anything about the other four. The Three Peaks is something I've always wanted to do, and I'm looking forward to a great weekend away and hopefully making some lasting friendships to boot.
Some bad news for me I'm afraid - Anthony has left his job at the gym to take up a full time job as the manager of a garage in South Wales. Something to do with the responsibilities of fatherhood..anyway the good news is that he will still be around at weekends to train me, at least until my marathon in September, which he will still run with me. He also promises me that we will run the London marathon next year..what a day that will be..
In the meantime folks, I have it all to do. Tune in for further updates.
Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, June 2006
posted by Jon | 11:04 pm
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