Saturday, February 19, 2011

Flippin' 'eck...

It's been great being back in the MK tunnel. There is just something a little Retro about it, it's what I've come to know and love. I guess it's not just the tunnel though it's everyone at the tunnel too. I'm always made to feel so welcome there, I'm not sure if that's just because I take them cake though!

Each week that I fly I feel a little more progression, it may not always be a lot, but every little bit helps. I'm still working on my sit flying, getting stronger each time, which is great. I'm still struggling with using my legs though. I seem to lock them in a position where I'm flying and that is where they stay! 

As it's half term this week we opted for a couple of nice early flight on Tuesday morning, 10am and 11am, OK that doesn't sound too early but when you live 100 miles away that makes for a bright start. Early mornings are nothing new to me so when the alarm went off at 6.30am I was up and out the door! I thought leaving at this time I would hopefully miss alot of the rush hour traffic... WRONG! I caught a little bit getting out of the Forest and into Gloucester but nothing major, it was when I got to Oxford I got stuck! Flippin'eck! I used to think Gloucester was bad for traffic until I saw this. Needless to say I didn't get to Airkix when I was supposed to, I did make it in time for my first flight though... just! Thankfully Paul had the kettle on for a quick cuppa, I was parched!
In the 20 minutes I had in the tunnel, everything seemed to finally becoming together (well making progress anyway!) My back fly is alot more controlled than it has been, even when the wind got turned up. The sit fly is making small progressions each week, carving is coming along, I just need to avoid the doors! Even when I bail onto my back I can now get back into a sit without too much trouble and finally I can do the back to belly, belly to back transitions. These have been causing me jip for far too long now! All in all a good session this week. 
Paul mentioned he was on holiday next week and suggested I just book up some flight night sessions to practice what we've been learning and we'd sort out coaching again the following week. 
I'm booked in for 10 minutes of flight night on Tuesday...

Yesterday I got a phone call, it was Paul, he was ringing with news that I really wasn't expecting, he has himself a new job, closer to his daughter. I had never really thought about what would happen if Paul left and I was shocked by the news. When he rang he had already looked at different coaches and prices for me and let me know all my options. I wish him every bit of luck with his new job and hope he enjoys the additional time he can spend with his daughter. I can't thank him enough for all his help.

Total flight time 5hrs 14minutes

1 comment:

  1. have just found your blog.
    I've done almost 2 hours of flying (mainly at MK).
    I've just started being coached by Paul, so I'm really looking forward to reading through your blog and finding out what to expect.
    Thanks for taking the time to write it!!

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