Allan Crow’s training blog #1

In truth, the training is simple. Get up. Walk. Repeat.
But I’m a fairweather chap – if I see a muckle big black cloud, I usually find something else to do. Something indoors.

But you can’t really wing it if you are planning to walk from the Kelpies to Ninewells as part of Bob’s Walk to raise funds for Maggie’s Fife – 117 miles in nine days means you have to be capable, if not fit. It’s all very well going for a marathon walk, but you got to be able to get up the next morning – not the easiest task if you’ve seized up overnight – and do it again.
And again. And then again.

So, as winter melted away I knew I need to get back into the routine of walking, and getting some decent distances under my belt in preparation for Bob’s Walk 2015. This year I’ve been back on the coastal path, doing the two parts most familiar to me – in fact I’ve done Kirkcaldy to Kinghorn and then on to Burntisland so often I could possibly do it blindfold. The first walk of the year was meant to end at Kinghorn; a gentle 45 minutes from Kirkcaldy. In fact it took me and my other half to Burntisland. I must admit the slight detour at Seafield Tower down on to the beach and rocks to see the seals out sunbathing was rather special. I could have watched them all day.

As always the walk along the Esplanade in Kirkcaldy was a joy – we really MUST start making more of this as one our natural assets. It’s hugely popular with visitors and locals, walkers, joggers and ordinary strollers – with some imagination it could be an even bigger draw.

Along to Kinghorn and a wee stop at Nicola’s Cupcake cafe on the High Street for a wee treat and then back down to the beach and along the front where folk were out enjoying the beach and the scenery. The bit between Kinghorn and Burntisland is perhaps my second least enjoyable part of the coastal path – the routed out of St Andrews is noisy, gritty and tough going – simply because it’s on a main road where the roaring traffic throws up grit and dirt, and makes conversation impossible. And yet, glance across to your left and you are still left in awe of the views over the Forth and up the river to the bridges.

The magic of the coastal path never fails to dazzle or delight. I get to do almost the entire path this June as part of Bob’s Walk.

Before then,there are a few hundred miles to get under the soles of by walking boots. Come to think of it, better get a spare pair. Just in case …

There will be a daily blog during Bob’s walk in June at www.fifetoday.co.uk and www.bobswalk.co.uk – plus several updates leading up to the fundraiser for Maggie’s Fife

Allan Crow is joining Bob’s Walk 2015, June 13-21, from The Kelpies round Fife Coastal Path to Maggie’s in Dundee, raising funds for Maggie’s Fife.

You can donate online at www.justgiving.com/bobswalk2015

You can also donate by text message, just text  DOCB99 £5 to 70070