In my school days I met a girl at Solihull Ice rink who lived in Hinkley. She was a frequent skater so I used to see her twice a week. One weekend I paid her a visit by cycling over to her house. I hadn't considered the return trip so after spending the day there I agreed to leave my bike in the garden shed and she she kindly lent me 50p so I could catch the train back to Marston Green, which was a reasonably short walk from home. A few weeks later I agreed to meet her again in the Easter holiday. The intention was to catch the train and then cycle back. Unfortunately I spent all the money I had on going to the cinema with my mates the night before. As a last resort I asked my Dad if he would lend me the train fare and he replied rather sarcastically, 'No, why don't you walk". I got really annoyed and felt that I had to make a point. Being a cross country runner I got up at 6am the following morning, dressed and put a track suit over my clothes and start started running. Three and a half hours later I had reached Nuneaton Bus station and used what little money I had to phone my girlfriend to tell her I would be arriving later than expected. Her parents took pity on me and picked me up in their car. Later that evening I cycled back home. I dread to think how my clothes must have smelled with all the sweat from running and cycling - a 17 mile run from Sheldon and a 17 mile cycle ride back. I don't know if the strength came from enthusiasm, or anger with my Dad but wish I was that fit now!