Absolute Shambles

'Gratitude is the sign of noble souls'- Aesop A strange world known as the 'Isle of Wight' is one of rolling fields perched on cliffs of chalk and clay, with waves crashing ferociously against these geographical wonders. For those who dwell upon the Isle of Wight, they saw something else on this bizarre rock bobbing a short distance away from the likes of Portsmouth and Southampton. Odd structures had once more been erected over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, and they were always a beacon for mainlanders to travel to the island. These marvels of architecture were not like the Needles, or Osborne House where Queen Victoria once presided. They were inflatable, and flags that bore the words 'Ultra Challenge' fluttered in the breeze. It was that time of year again. Thousands crossed on the ferries, all seeking to 'Walk, Jog, Run' around the entirety of the Isle of Wight. Some were cautious and chose a smaller distance of 25 km, with the more adventu...

'Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say 'My tooth is aching' than to say 'My heart is broken'.'- C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain , 1940 The human body is one sturdy bastard. Bone is five times stronger than steel if both commodities weigh the exact same, and these bones make sure our organs are protected from any potential injuries whilst also giving us some sort of structure. Our muscles give us the movement we need to move about like a maniac, with muscles like the heart working constantly to keep the body kicking. All of this is wrapped up in the biggest organ of them all, skin, which covers an area of 2 square metres for the average person. Golly, so many fun facts! Problem is, bones can be broken, muscles can be torn and skin can be scarred. The human body may be a marvel of nature, but that doesn't stop i...

When you're basically unemployed (I work some shifts at my local pub so there is some income), time becomes a plentiful commodity. You can get all your shit done and do it all in your PJs or underwear- maybe even naked if you're that way inclined. All that free time means you are left alone with your thoughts, and sometimes your mind does begin to wonder. It turns out that my brain landed on one hell of a conclusion. My trusty thinking organ decided that it would be a grand idea to do some sort of challenge. A 100 km walking challenge to be exact. From London to Brighton. Thanks brain. You said it, mate Now I like a good physical challenge; I do class myself as a fitness freak, and I'm proud of it of course! After spending the last four or five years losing weight and building muscle, I have fallen in love with my new healthy lifestyle, whether that's through sweating my balls off or cooking up a lovely healthy meal. Salmon and eggs are a beautiful combo I...