Blind Dave's Blog (48)

A BUMPY FLIGHT TO BELFAST

13-11-2007

Blind Dave Heeley's epic 777 challenge looms ever closer, and this week he's been to get the once-over at Belfast's world respected Institute of Sport.

Hi Stirrers,

Talk about up with the larks. Well, this morning, I think they were just going to bed!

Up at 4 am, showered, breakfast and in a taxi by 5 am, airport for 6 am, checked in and ready to fly at 7.10 am. Then, you've guessed, the flight was delayed for an hour.

Mind, when Mac told me the plane had propellers they could have delayed it all day. I was not a happy chappy. I don't like flying at the best of times but I thought we had proper jets these days. I had visions of the captain being Biggles, chocs away and all that. No, I was not happy.

We started the journey with a bump - well I did. The lady who was guiding me onto the plane was somewhat distracted, and I hit my head on the top of the door frame, then turned left instead of right.

They weren't too happy at that - it was towards the cockpit. "No sir, Blind Dave ain't flying this plane."

They found me a seat but as I went to sit down they forgot to tell me the bulkhead was a bit low. "Ouch," - there was that bump again, the bulkhead colliding with my head.

We landed at Belfast, and I was glad to say it was time to get off. Up I stood, and yes there was another bump - that bloody bulkhead again - then to top it all Mac got our hand luggage out of the lockers, handed me mine then swung his own out. He had got his trainers hanging on the outside of his bag, and, true to form, bumped them right on my head.

What a start to a day and it wasn't even 9 o'clock yet! Surely it could only get better! So far I don't know about a medical, it's a medic I need!

I never realised the University of Ulster was so big. I'm told it has over 18,000 students and their Institute of Sport is second to none.

We met up with the team of experts over the next few hours and after examining me they would surely tell me I am in perfect physical shape for the challenge next year. Yeah, right, who am I kidding? At least I'll have some idea of what is wrong with me. I know, I know a lot of people keep telling me there's something wrong with my head, but there's nothing in it, just an empty space!

We first of all met up with Des the sports psychologist who had a good chat about how we should focus our thoughts for the challenge ahead. Declan was the sports analyst and my goodness, did he put me through my paces?

He stuck a big needle in me for blood, had me running flat out on the treadmill and in the breaks kept sticking more needles in me for various tests. I now know how a pin-cushion feels now. I was knackered at the end of it I can tell you.

My flexibility is something to be desired; in fact it appears I have none. They all had a good laugh. They have seen some cases in their time but none as in flexible as me. I think I have to work on that bit. I also think a few frowns were made when I mentioned how much alcohol I drank over a week (I told them I need fluid) - that also might have to be addressed.

Dave the sports and fitness lecturer gave us a load of exercises to do for flexibility and general toning. I seriously think I need them. I just hope I can remember what he has shown me.

Dr. Phil Glasgow, is the head physio, renowned throughout the sporting world and he's agreed to come around the world with us as our personal physio for the week of our challenge. He certainly gave us the once over.

He found all the aches and pains, lumps and bumps and gave his good honest opinion ie if I was a horse I'd have been sent to the knackers yard and shot, but he reckons with the right training and nutrition we should be OK for the challenge ahead.

So the nonsense stops here and the real training begins. They say the truth hurts, but in this instance it has only confirmed what lies ahead for us - a gruelling challenge - but with the right planning things look very promising.

Well, that's all the tests over for today, another visit has been planned for around four weeks time to check our progress, but all in all they were very pleased with what they saw and the results from the tests were very positive, I'm glad to say. But as they said, the hard work starts now.

As we left the University, apparently Mac's head resembled the turret of a tank in attack mode - he was eyeing up all the young lady students. Dirty old man. I told him to close one eye as it would make him go blind. Stay with me and the challenge, you've got more chance of conquering that!

So on to the airport we went after a very satisfying day, Belfast is quite a nice city I'm told and I must admit I wasn't aware that the Titanic was built in the shipyards here - you learn something every day.

We were in plenty of time for the plane, so fish and chips was the order of the day; mind a first trip to Ireland and I never got a pint of Guinness. Maybe next time, but what I did get on the way back was a proper plane, no propellers, proper jet engines.

Guess what else I got? That's right, another bump on the head. I missed the door frame this time but hit the bulkhead again. Are all the overhead lockers on planes this low? Next time I'm going to wear a hard hat! 35 minutes later we were back in Birmingham, and was I glad to get off that plane.

The airport assistance was waiting - not that I don't trust Mac. He's great at running, but walking, he's a nightmare and I've told him so, but the young lady led me through the airport and on to the taxi rank.

But wouldn't you credit it, she must be a relation of Mac's. She walked me right into a doorframe, head, shoulder, and knee cap - although I didn't flinch until she was out of sight. I just don't believe today, please let me get home to sanctuary.

Well that's my trip to Ireland over, the medical went well, much better than expected, but why do I feel like I've been 10 rounds with Frank Bruno? Oh my head, my shoulder, my knee. Never mind running a marathon, I need a good lie down

Blind Dave signing off till next time.

Help Dave on his challenge to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents and raise �1million for Guide Dogs. Make a donation at www.justgiving.com/777

And to see a short film about the challenge, click here