Karen Darke | Athlete | Speaker | Author

This week is the last date of the ‘If You Fall…’ tour I’ve been doing – ending in Caernarfon. Touring some of Britain’s arts centres and theatres has been a great way to see family and friends around the country (a special hello to Luisa and Joel who I sadly haven’t managed to see), but I’ve definitely had enough of the UK’s trains, planes, motorways and dodgy hotels. It’s been very rewarding hearing from people who’ve got something from listening to my tales, though it’s pretty strange talking about yourself for a few hours at a time. By the way, on the topic of latest adventures, the BBC Scotland programme about Andy Kirkpatrick and I sea kayaking in Patagonia is on air the evening of Sunday 24th May…at least that’s when its scheduled for just now. Not sure if it will be on BBC i-player or make English TV yet.

Back to the tour, the things I’ve enjoyed about it have been re-connecting with old friends, meeting some lovely and inspiring people, getting nice emails from people, and seeing some hidden corners (and cafes) of Britain.

Not so good things? Dull hotel rooms, lumpy mattresses (there’s nothing like your own bed hey), listening to a Sat Nav for hours each day, and the pre-show nerves. Oh and there was being ill and losing my voice in Poole and London, then having to cancel Kinlochewe. Serious stamina is needed by those bands that go on year long tours.

So after trying to squeeze in some training on the back alleys behind theatres, its back home now, and training as much as my little arms will let me, for the first hand-bike race of the summer series – June 7th in Lancaster. Better get off to the gym…