Distance trained so far (32.1 miles)
I'm sure that bit is so chomped waiting for the second installment of the 'R' story (whaddaya mean, 'what story?'!!?). As I told you previously, 'R' had three terrific boys and they formed quite a tight knit unit. Certainly a challenge for a fella to become part of that family! I did my best to integrate, and flattering myself I did quite a good job (for the record, I hate the word 'integrate'; sounds so cold. I just spent some time with them and got to know them......so pretty much the same as I do with most people!). My relationship with the youngest - who we will call 'L' - was particularly successful. I guess it was down to the fact that he was still living at home while the eldest two had moved out, so was more reliant on adults for support; that and the fact that we had so much in common (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, badminton, Playstation, football.......Playstation football....). Yes, I freely admit it; I - a 38 year old - share much common ground with someone 24 years my junior. I think it is less 'being in touch with my inner child' and more 'a total child who his hanging by his nails to the edge of adulthood'.........it is the ONLY way to fly!.........
He was a great lad, and now by all accounts, he is a great man. Not only was it a chance to let the kid in me run free, it also afforded me a glimpse of what it would be like to be a Dad; and I have to say for the most part it was pretty cool! In addition to the Star Wars, badminton etc. shared interests; 'L' re-introduced me to the sport of ice hockey (and no, before you get excited this was in a spectative (?!) capacity, not particpppttaive). The last time I had been to an ice hockey match was to watch the Altrincham Aces at about twelve years old; my sister was dating the goal-minder (long story), and after their victory he gave me the match puck!.............but I digest......
Sunday night was always ice hockey night, and the two of us would troop down to the Skydome to watch the Coventry Blaze. As night-outs go you are pretty much guaranteed some action........wait.....I'll rephrase that........it is an action-packed sport. It just so happened that the time we started to go coincided with a real purple patch in 'The Blaze's history. In one season we won the league, the challenge cup, and all that was left to complete a nigh-on impossible triple was the play-off trophy. We made it to the semi-finals, which meant a trip to Nottingham ice rink (the Wembley of the UK ice hockey world) for play-off weekend. Caught up in the excitement, not only 'L' but 'R' wanted to go. So we booked our tickets, booked our hotel and waited for the day to arrive.
Now, something about me - in case you haven't already twigged it yet - which sounds a bit cheesy, but no less true for it's fromageyness, is that I really want the best for the people I really care about. I am far from a do-gooder; but the happiness of anyone who gets into my heart is very important to me. I knew we would have a lovely time in Nottingham whatever the result, but if we won?..............how good would that be??
The semi-finals take place on the Saturday, with the final on the Sunday. The semi is more nerve- wracking, as if you lose that, you're out; what's worse is that you have committed yourself (as you have to do) to a ticket for the final, when your team isn't going to be playing in it.....wonderful eh? Mercifully we won through, and all our talk in the pizza restaurant that night was the following days final; could we win the triple? A few hours of sight-seeing later on the Sunday morning and we were firmly ensconced in our seats at the Nottingham Ice Arena. I'm telling you folks, it was lovely. One of those stealth moments when a shared experience brings people closer together. In the noise and excitement, it is easily missed; but if you aware; you can feel it happening. We felt like a family, and it was just fantastic.
The game against Nottingham Panthers was sooooo tight. One goal each by the end of normal time. Overtime beckoned (one less player on the ice for each team, and next goal wins). One thing I distinctly remember was - with exception of our own block of fans - the entire stadium cheering for Nottingham. Nothing against us as people, they just didn't want to see us make a clean sweep of all the seasons trophies. It was so tense, so nervous, so exciting, and could have gone either way. If Nottingham had scored and we lost, it would not really have dampened what was a lovely weekend for all of us, but Coventry's captain had other ideas.......
This was one of those slow motion moments that you can replay exactly in your mind, moment by moment. Ashley Tait got hold of the puck and broke forward down the right. With no support and a tight angle you just couldn't see him scoring past a minder who virtually filled the net. He pulled back the stick to take the slapshot which we all thought was coming, but it was a feint which the minder did not read. Committed to make the save of the shot that never came, he left a big gap on the right of the net, and Tait just slid the puck home, right in front of the Coventry fans. Victory.......
Madness, celebration, cheering, jumping, yelling; and an unforgettable group hug. A perfect moment, and a perfect way to end a perfect weekend. The Blaze had won the triple, and as a result had brought the three of us closer than ever. I do distinctly remember walking through the middle of Market St singing Nillson's (spelling?) 'I can't live, if living is without you'. I swear, not one glass of alcohol had passed my lips, but we felt drunk. It may have been childish, and in the grand scheme of things, a victory in an ice hockey match may not be a lot; but it meant so much more than that.
'R' and I were together for about eight years. I know it would be the perfect ending to the story to say that we lived happily ever after, but unfortunately things didn't work out for us; we did give it a good try though. Relationships ending are rarely a good thing, and this one certainly didn't qualify; however I am still able to remember the good stuff about being together. How something ends - or even the fact that it ends at all - should not cast a shadow over all the good memories don't you think? Anyway, it didn't for me, and I still think fondly of her, of 'L' and of all the many, many good times we shared; of which you have only heard about two! I hope that they feel the same way.....
.....by the way.....a happy Easter to you all! xxx
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