Everything Awesome

Just as we where about to leave, after a great SUP session i decided it was time to try something new. Another leap of faith.

SUP, the one sport i do, where falling does not leave bruises.

Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute while you are at rest, typically when sitting or lying down calmly, and is a measure of how efficiently your heart is working. A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. 

Mine has recently raised, for the past decade it has been reliable 48bpm.
I had my 60th birthday in 2024 and even though i exercise daily, its now 51bpm.

There are some very interesting articles about RHR, its a great indicator of general fitness.

Starting in Glossop i lead a group of friends for a full day hike, from Mossy lea farm up to Higher Shelf and then to the Castles in the Sky. WE visited the B29 remains. this a climb of 400m over 3k, the group found it hard going and where very happy to get to the top for the views. from there, although i knew my route i took a bearing for consolidation and headed to the start of the reentrant for Hern Clough. Here the trail is not visible and this is the start of River Alport, leading to Alport Valley the the Alport Castles, crossing the swamp, and grains in the water we traversed along a contour, crossing multiple small fords before stopping at Gathering Clough for lunch.
The friends wanted to scramble up The Castle, this was a fun thing to do, and looking over the valley, as RCI i could see lots of trad oportunities.
from there down to the Alport farm and picking up the footpath at harridge farm.
this follows the route of an old roman road, through the trees to the A57, where it crosses into Lady Clough.
we where disgusted by the state of this, litter and discarded tents and bbq’s where scattered around.
Picking up the road we followed the tarmac path up to the crossing for the pennine way at SK 08801 92907 when the weather changed dramatically, torrential rail started and everyone’s mood changed. they all decided they wanted a rest, pointing out we where on a very exposed location with no where to take repite, my friends where no longer happy.
we spend the next hour in a my rescue shelter, 5 people, squeezed into a 4 person shelter. it was tight, but dry and the mood lighened.
i carry 2 head torches in my bag, and 1 friend had one as well, so with ample light we set off down Dr’s Gate back to Glossop. realising the last few km where all down hill made everyone a lot happier and an hour later we where sitting in a pub in Glossop.
personal reflection,
we averaged 25m per km, i had anticipated quicker, so the walk had taken much longer than i expected.
in future, do not over estimate other peoples speed over rough ground, and resilience to poor weather.
total distance was over 30k, we where out from 9am until 8pm. far too long.

Always looking for ways to enhance the lives and interests of the wonderful people i get to share time with.
This young person was involved in an RTA many years ago, struggles to engage, struggles to find enthusiasm in life and has many long term physical restrictions, major and minor motor skills and more.

Today we set up a safe location for knife throwing. Yes, throwing knives.
Instantly most people imagine this to be dangerous, the knives are blunt, they stick due to weight.
So its taking something blunt and safe. And then throwing it away from you.
The risks are to others around, so choosing a safe location and managing this is the challenge.

He loved it, engaged in conversation for the first time in a long time, asking, is this like axe throwing? is it like archery?
He smiled while asking, maybe the first time i have seen him smile this year.

Today, i feel, in a small way, i made a positive impact on someones life.
That to me made today a winner.

After the gruelling hike from Edale, up Jacobs ladder i was on the Kinder Plateau.
The intention was to practice Micro Nav skills.
using Pacing, Timing, i set out to find points where a contour line crossed a stream, a number of long forgotten sheep folds, a couple of spot points in ring contours.
I had a blast. consolidating skills is a great use of time.

My weekend in Stockport was nothing short of exceptional, a pivotal moment in my archery journey as I embarked on the Archery GB instructor qualification. The very air in Stockport seemed to hum with a quiet anticipation, a fitting backdrop for this significant step towards sharing my passion for archery with others. The course itself, held in a well-equipped facility, unfolded with a refreshing clarity. The objectives were laid out with precision, each step in the learning process meticulously defined. Our trainer possessed an innate ability to convey complex information in an easily digestible manner, ensuring that we understood not only what was required but also the underlying principles behind each technique and safety protocol.

However, the true highlight of the weekend, the element that elevated this training from a mere qualification to an inspiring experience, was the presence and guidance of our trainer, Tom Williamson. To say we were fortunate would be a profound understatement. Tom’s journey in the world of archery began in the distant year of 1971, a testament to his enduring dedication to the sport. Over the decades, he has not just participated but has actively shaped the landscape of archery in the United Kingdom. He has ascended through the coaching ranks, his expertise honed through countless hours spent on the range, nurturing talent, and fostering a deep understanding of the art and science of archery.

Tom’s reputation precedes him. He is widely recognized as one of the top coaches in the country, a figure who has played a crucial role in the development of our nation’s elite archers, including those who have represented Great Britain on the grandest stage – the Olympic Games. His tenure as the head of the Junior Archery GB Olympic team spanned many years, a period marked by extensive international travel, accompanying and mentoring young athletes as they competed on the world stage. Imagine the wealth of knowledge and experience he accumulated during those years, navigating different cultures, adapting to varying competition environments, and understanding the unique pressures faced by aspiring Olympians.

His involvement with high-level archery extends beyond the Olympics. Tom also served as one of the esteemed coaches for the English Commonwealth team when they travelled to Delhi in 2010. This particular trip proved to be a resounding success, with the team returning home laden with a remarkable collection of gold and silver medals. To learn from someone who had been so intimately involved in such a triumphant chapter in English archery history was truly inspiring. He didn’t just teach the technical aspects of coaching; he shared insights gleaned from years of working with athletes at the pinnacle of their sport.

What truly sets Tom apart is not just his impressive resume but his genuine and unwavering passion for archery. This isn’t just a job for him; it’s a lifelong love affair with the bow and arrow. He exudes an infectious enthusiasm that makes you want to pick up a bow and experience the satisfying thud of an arrow hitting the target. He is particularly delighted to introduce the sport to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never even held a bow before; Tom possesses the remarkable ability to break down the fundamentals into easily understandable steps. He patiently guides beginners through the basics, from stance and draw to release and follow-through, ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident. His clear and encouraging instruction quickly instills a sense of accomplishment as even novice archers find themselves hitting the target.

The weekend in Stockport, under Tom Williamson’s tutelage, was more than just an instructor qualification course; it was an immersion into the world of archery guided by a true master of the craft. His experience, his passion, and his dedication have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my own archery journey, and I feel incredibly privileged to have learned from such an accomplished and inspiring individual. I left Stockport not just qualified, but also deeply motivated to share the joy and precision of archery with others, carrying forward the knowledge and enthusiasm instilled by Tom.

We here at Everything awesome can offer instruction to your clients. drop us a message.

A wonderful morning on a 1 2 1 session with an enthusiastic gent who wanted to build confidence, here he is working on his drops.

If you are nervous about getting off the ground, get in touch, we can help, this was at the start of a 3 hr quite intensive session, we worked in confidence, control, and mostly body management.