BLIND DAVE'S BLOG

NEW YORK, NEW TRAINERS

02-11-2006

Today, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg is heading for New York to makea film about local runner Blind DaveHeeley, currently preparing for Sunday's Big Apple marathon. Here's Blind Dave's final blog before the big race.

It's beenan interesting week. Thekids were off school and they had plans - yes,at three and five respectively they definitely had plans. The beginning of the week they joined the library, we walked up the town, very grown up they were, and the question every step was “Dad how far now?”

“Not far now” I replied. Funny,that was always the answer from my parents too, but we got there, and had their forms filled in.

“You can have two books each today” the lady said and with their library cards at the ready they strode on proudly to choose. Thousands of books to select from, but only a couple to take away, not an easy task for kids. Everybook they selectedwas replaced by the next one they picked up, but with a little help from Mom, I think we came away with the right sort of books. And guesswhat, on the way home we had to take it in turns, or should I say they did,by going on Dad's shoulders. Hold on a minute, with New York on the way,I'm supposed to be resting my legs.

The good weather stayed with us the next day, so off we went to Dudley Zoo. I'd forgotten how many steep inclines, hills, steps and more steps therewere there,but we were pleasantly surprised how the zoo had changed, for the better I might add.

It was quite surprising how much I remembered from when I was a kid. Asyou went in, there where the flamingos, then the owls, up to the bears and round to the giraffes. Nowthere some new animals and it was comforting to know that these days their cages are much roomier and in some areas we entered,the animals were allowed to run free within.It was great that the kids could see them running around, rather than viewing them through glass or bars - mind, I'm glad they hadn't done that with the lions or tigers, or elseI might have been a little concerned.

Doctor Dudley made his announcements over the PA system, which was surprisingly clear for a change and there seemed plenty of interesting things going on and interaction between animals, zookeepers and children that seemed very educational and obviously made to be fun - all in all great for the kids.

The castle area was still virtually the same, I can remember going up the steps in the castle a lot quicker and nimbler when I wasyounger, although to be fairI had some sight then. Me and the white stick didn't like the coming down bit at all.

If I had been an archer in the 12th century, I'd have had to have invented a lift, plus glass, plus the gas fire and of course talking arrows, insert, pull and release! I'm sure we'd have won every battle, as the opposition would have been in hysterics. On a nice day we would recommend a visit, very enjoyable, the only disappointment for me was the elephants had been sent to another zoo. Luckythings, it was in the South of France.

The rest of the week the kids invited themselves to Nan's, aunties, etc -"coming, ready or not" was their motto. TheOak House just up the road from where we live in West Brom is always a favourite, too. Overthe past couple of years they have put on some very interesting and entertaining events for kids. Over the week, the little 'unscertainly enjoyed their week off school and every night their heads hit the pillow and they were out for the count, proof of a satisfying day.

On top of all that, I had to attend the 2nd AGM of the Sandwell Visually Impaired group. They'dhave been a bit miffedif I hadn't, as Iwasthe guest speaker. The Mayor made an appearance, too, and guess what? Mytalk was on running. Anyonewould think that's allI do. I can assure you I have many other interests, but they chose the topic.

We had our results from the Great South, I was pleasantly surprised to find out we came in 483 and 484 respectively, out of 18,000 runners. I'll be happy with that position in New York.

This week the training has been greatly reduced in miles, but for some reason the legs feel heavier, Mac says the come down in training is a shock for the legs and it seems harder to run less than more. I hope that is the case in the marathon, where I'm aiming for a personal best of less than three and a half hours.

With training in tick over mode, I only hope my guide runner Mac has got his commentary voice in order 'cos I want to know what sites we are passing.

Have fun and hopefully I'll give you a good report when I'm back. This isBlind Dave signing off.