Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Adrian Phelan

Post 30

Working class

I did my first full week of work for a while after the events of the last few weeks. My sister has described normal life as a parallel universe now my dad is no longer with us and I know exactly what she means. However, in my mind I’m rich in that parallel universe, making reality that little bit harsher :).

But even though they say kindness costs nothing, it is still very much appreciated when it comes. And everyone has been very kind and for that I am grateful.

Run for your life

My body is also showing a bit of kindness currently and I’m back running after my rib incident a month ago.

It’s a real tonic I have to say. I did a couple of miles around St Albans on Thursday, and I trundled around the Parkrun on Saturday. It was my first one in about five weeks, so I was happy. I was lapped by a couple of the faster runners which gives you an indication of my pace but just taking part was what it was all about. 5K was about as much as I had energy for but big trees from little acorns grow and I’m looking forward to getting the miles in during the upcoming nicer months. The local Poundland has sold out of Bourbon Creams so that will help the campaign as well.

Blue Saturday

Something I wasn’t running from was the bluebells which we went to see last Saturday. We go every April and once again they didn’t disappoint. We got some great pictures and the weather was stunning. We’re spoiled for bluebells in this area with three big woods and a couple of small ones dotted about the place. The area is more famous for its lavender (search Hitchin Lavender on Instagram) but for this small window in April, the bluebells take over.

They’re a real shot of happy I have to say.

Wife matters

Talking of beautiful things, a big happy birthday to my wife who turned ‘I dare not say’ at the weekend. She has been a rock since I left work in June and the engineer of the quality of life we are trying to maintain. This blog tends to be a family-free zone, but I want to break protocol to wish her a happy birthday and to thank her for all she does.

20 years since…

Because I have a significant birthday this year, I’m reminded of some great times I have had in years ending with a ‘6’. In 2016 I was treated to a trip to New York by my wife. In 2006 I went to Barcelona and ran The Dublin Marathon and in 1997 (the year of my 21st so cheating slightly) I spent the summer in New York and took in a trip to Canada to visit family. 1986 I don’t remember too much but hitting double figures is special for every child.

This year who knows but at some point, over the next twelve months I’d like to visit the Champagne region of France. If anyone has any recommendations, do send them on.

Oil of what?

One thing that’s unavoidable through these milestone ages is ageing itself. Because I went grey before I was conceived, like my dad, my ageing is all in the face. I have developed a pouch under my chin which is useful only for storing fish, and all signs of youth are fading away. I’m also learning that weight that takes months to lose can go back on in a matter of days. So if you’re wondering what you can get me for my 50^th, think products that will make me look ten years younger.

Do Good Well

It’s British Red Cross Week which is an annual celebration of the movement’s work across the world. The Red Cross needs no introduction as the world’s emergency responder. Check out the campaign pages to see how you can support their work during the week and other fundraising opportunities like Shake that bucket.

Football addendum

This blog is largely a sports-free zone but it has been a week of comings together for football play-offs and I wouldn’t be reflecting the week accurately if I didn’t give a nod to the couple we went to.

First up was Hitchin (our hometown team) v Thame in the playoff semi-final to get out of the 7th tier of English football. It was won 1-0 by Hitchin in the second period of extra time so right down to the wire. I must commend both teams for the quality of the football and with well over 1,000 supporters in attendance it was a great occasion. It seems few were drawn away by the Arsenal Atletico Madrid Game. The play-off final is on 4 May. I’ll let you know how it goes. At the time of writing the game is sold out.

The second what I’m calling ‘play-off’ was Stevenage v Wigan in the final game of the EFL League 1 season. Stevenage needed a win of any type to secure 6^th place and get into the playoffs. Throughout the game they moved in and out of the play-off spot as goals went in, in other games, but in dramatic fashion they clinched a 91^st winner so secured 6^th. There were amazing scenes at the end of the game which is included in the Sky Sports’ coverage on YouTube.

So Biggleswade up next for Hitchin and Stockport up next for Stevenage. I’ll let you know next week how they get on.

Goodbye and thanks

So that’s it for now. Sorry for being a bit late but thanks for sticking with me. Take a look at my CV and then you are dismissed. 🙂

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Past posts

26 April

12 April

5 April

29 March

22 March

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian Phelan

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Adrian Phelan

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