Some words of advice.....

In a world that is increasingly becoming, or at least being described as, a "nanny state", it is possibly not particularly sensible to include a blog that tells people what not to do with their lives.

However, as members of my family will attest, the imparting of life lessons have always been well intended, if not always similarly well received.

My offerings today, which may have a lot to do with personal experiences over the last 36 hours, are as follows: -

• HOW TO DO IT (1) - Sunday morning walks are fine. Sunday morning 13 mile walks require planning. Sunday morning 13 mile walks should be preceded by stretching, undertaken with appropriate levels of fluids and energy foods, whilst wearing appropriate clothing, with money for any emergency situations.
• HOW NOT TO DO IT (1) - Lying in bed at 9.30am on Sunday morning and asking 'nearest and dearest' if we could be out of the house by 10.00am for our (briefly mentioned) Sunday walk. Rushing out of the house at 10.00am (for no particular reason other than that was the most recently mentioned "time"), with no food, drink or money.

• HOW TO DO IT (2) - Before and after any long walk ensure that appropriate stretching takes place to avoid unnecessary injury, pain, death etc. When/if pain or blisters start, ease off or where possible shorten route to avoid worsening situation.
• HOW NOT TO DO IT (2) - Set off at a fast pace, cover the full distance irrespective of pain, and when the going gets tough...jog!!

• HOW TO DO IT (3) - When walking on sections of road make sure that car drivers can see you and where possible walk facing oncoming traffic.
• HOW NOT TO DO IT (3) - When walking on sections of road make sure that young BMW drivers get the opportunity to drench you as they drive past you at speed through deep, expansive puddles!!

• HOW TO DO IT (4) - Ensure you give your body time to recover after the walk!
• HOW NOT TO DO IT (4) - Play (or attempt to play) 6 games of squash a few hours after the walk

• HOW TO DO IT (5) - Try to avoid sitting down for long periods on the day after a long walk.
  
• HOW NOT TO DO IT (5) - Spend 9 hours driving to North Wales and back the day after a long walk

I would like to point out that wherever possible I am keen to do things the right way....although I'm afraid to report that I scored 0/5 on the above list. Must try harder next time.