YEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!
I'm in for next year's walk...can't wait!!
The one & only personal trainer is also in so she'll be pushing me along once again!! Dons should hopefully also be in with some work colleagues as well.
Watch this space once again.....
xx
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Photos.........................
.JPG)
Tracey & me in the pink tent............
Us girlies getting ready to walk the walk..............JPG)
Walking the walk...........................JPG)
So much emotion as we approach the finish.........JPG)
In sunny Hyde park.............XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Thursday, 22 May 2008
What an experience.....
I can't believe it's Thursday already....just think how we were all feeling this time last week.....I have to say that part of me wishes it WAS last Thursday so that we could experience the walk all over again.......yes, it was that fantastic!!
We left Ipswich on the 3.08pm train & even saw a couple of fellow walkers at the station. Before we knew it, we were stepping off at Liverpool St, being met by Trace's brother Jason. He took us to a lovely cafe where we all had a drink.....very healthy ones though. The toilets were very spacious, so we decided to change into our bras there.......the only thing was, they were communal ones!! Yes, you guessed it...a poor unsuspecting man walked in as we were in the process of changing...luckily, I think he was more embarrassed than us!!
We then set off on the underground for Marble Arch. Can you believe that Tracey even saw someone she knew at the station! At this point, I was really starting to feel nervous....but, very excited too, after all we had been waiting such a long time for this. I could feel the tears even at this point. Then it was just a very short walk to Hyde Park where we joined the huge queue.
I was overwhelmed by the size of Playtex City....the huge pink tent was the size of two football pitches put length to length & with all the people there, it was just amazing. It was a very organised as well, so no panic about anything.
The atmosphere was electric....we were ready......
Nina, the founder of the walk, gave a very moving speech. A friend of hers had sadly lost her battle with breast cancer just two weeks previously....the emotion was starting to get to me.
We were all asked to hold our hands in the air with the person next to us & remember why we were doing this....whether in memory of loved ones, because we had been or were going through the horror of breast cancer or because we wanted to help those who were & to try to ensure that in years to come, the treatment would keep improving & that a cure may even be found.
The minute silence was just so........well, I don't really know how to describe it.....at this point Tracey gave my hand a gentle squeeze......that was it, the tears came then (it makes me feel emotional even as I write this) & then we all hugged. I then received a text from our friend Sarah, such beautiful words....the tears came again.
We all then had a big warm-up which was fun & then it was off to the start. This was it, what all the training had been about. The slight drizzle soon stopped & after a couple of miles, I took off the plastic raincoat & walked proudly in my bra for the whole walk......how liberating it felt!!
Tracey had written my number & "Bella" (best nickname I have ever had, thank you) across my chest & on my back, "survivor, 10 years". As we walked, the marshalls would say "come on , Bella", "morning Bella", "keep going Bella" & other words of encouragement & it felt very personal because they said my name.
Every little bit helped.
I also had a couple of comments from people about my being a survivor. I know others noticed it as they would be talking as I passed them & then as I got in front of them, they would suddenly stop. I even turned round & smiled at some, because, do you know, I think the walk reminded me of how lucky I am & how I really shouldn't be afraid to say that I had breast cancer ten years ago & that I survived. One lady even ran up to me, tapped me on the shoulder & said that she too was a survivor of ten years.....what a wonderful feeling, I really felt like a survivor & felt so lucky to be alive...........
Cherish life, it really is so very precious.
Unfortunately, Dons' hubby couldn't travel to London, but the other three did & were waiting at Chelsea Bridge, Buckingham Palace & at the finish. To see them in 3 places was brilliant as I thought it would only be at the end. It was absolutely wonderful to see them cheering us on & they took some great pictures which I will load on here soon. Thank you boys, you are all wonderful.
I have such wonderful memories of the walk: just everything was amazing, whether it was walking proudly in my bra, the words of encouragement from the fantastic marshalls, the sights of London, the funny walks that some women did (almost pee'd my pants at some of them!), the encouraging texts (even from my daughter Jess at 3am!), the telephone conversation I had with my very drunk boss, Ade, at 1.30am (he wanted to know how the walk was going & that he was thinking of me!!), waving to everyone who was watching or driving past, walking as the sun rose..........it was all just GREAT!!!!
I have now fully recovered from the walk & it has felt really strange not walking this week. I'm going to give it just a few more days & will then go for a good walk! I will keep on walking as it made me feel fantastic &, in the words of Gaz, the 23 year old that I work with.......
"you don't want to stop the walking now as everything will go south, especially at your age"!!!!!!
Nice boy.
Thank you all so much for sponsoring me & giving me much appreciated words of encouragement & support, it all helped me so much.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
ps. I have registered my interest for next year..........who knows if I will do it, but I know I have to give myself that option.
pps. I haven't told lovely hubby yet.........if he says anything, I'll know that he has actually been reading my blog....!!!
We left Ipswich on the 3.08pm train & even saw a couple of fellow walkers at the station. Before we knew it, we were stepping off at Liverpool St, being met by Trace's brother Jason. He took us to a lovely cafe where we all had a drink.....very healthy ones though. The toilets were very spacious, so we decided to change into our bras there.......the only thing was, they were communal ones!! Yes, you guessed it...a poor unsuspecting man walked in as we were in the process of changing...luckily, I think he was more embarrassed than us!!
We then set off on the underground for Marble Arch. Can you believe that Tracey even saw someone she knew at the station! At this point, I was really starting to feel nervous....but, very excited too, after all we had been waiting such a long time for this. I could feel the tears even at this point. Then it was just a very short walk to Hyde Park where we joined the huge queue.
I was overwhelmed by the size of Playtex City....the huge pink tent was the size of two football pitches put length to length & with all the people there, it was just amazing. It was a very organised as well, so no panic about anything.
The atmosphere was electric....we were ready......
Nina, the founder of the walk, gave a very moving speech. A friend of hers had sadly lost her battle with breast cancer just two weeks previously....the emotion was starting to get to me.
We were all asked to hold our hands in the air with the person next to us & remember why we were doing this....whether in memory of loved ones, because we had been or were going through the horror of breast cancer or because we wanted to help those who were & to try to ensure that in years to come, the treatment would keep improving & that a cure may even be found.
The minute silence was just so........well, I don't really know how to describe it.....at this point Tracey gave my hand a gentle squeeze......that was it, the tears came then (it makes me feel emotional even as I write this) & then we all hugged. I then received a text from our friend Sarah, such beautiful words....the tears came again.
We all then had a big warm-up which was fun & then it was off to the start. This was it, what all the training had been about. The slight drizzle soon stopped & after a couple of miles, I took off the plastic raincoat & walked proudly in my bra for the whole walk......how liberating it felt!!
Tracey had written my number & "Bella" (best nickname I have ever had, thank you) across my chest & on my back, "survivor, 10 years". As we walked, the marshalls would say "come on , Bella", "morning Bella", "keep going Bella" & other words of encouragement & it felt very personal because they said my name.
Every little bit helped.
I also had a couple of comments from people about my being a survivor. I know others noticed it as they would be talking as I passed them & then as I got in front of them, they would suddenly stop. I even turned round & smiled at some, because, do you know, I think the walk reminded me of how lucky I am & how I really shouldn't be afraid to say that I had breast cancer ten years ago & that I survived. One lady even ran up to me, tapped me on the shoulder & said that she too was a survivor of ten years.....what a wonderful feeling, I really felt like a survivor & felt so lucky to be alive...........
Cherish life, it really is so very precious.
Unfortunately, Dons' hubby couldn't travel to London, but the other three did & were waiting at Chelsea Bridge, Buckingham Palace & at the finish. To see them in 3 places was brilliant as I thought it would only be at the end. It was absolutely wonderful to see them cheering us on & they took some great pictures which I will load on here soon. Thank you boys, you are all wonderful.
I have such wonderful memories of the walk: just everything was amazing, whether it was walking proudly in my bra, the words of encouragement from the fantastic marshalls, the sights of London, the funny walks that some women did (almost pee'd my pants at some of them!), the encouraging texts (even from my daughter Jess at 3am!), the telephone conversation I had with my very drunk boss, Ade, at 1.30am (he wanted to know how the walk was going & that he was thinking of me!!), waving to everyone who was watching or driving past, walking as the sun rose..........it was all just GREAT!!!!
I have now fully recovered from the walk & it has felt really strange not walking this week. I'm going to give it just a few more days & will then go for a good walk! I will keep on walking as it made me feel fantastic &, in the words of Gaz, the 23 year old that I work with.......
"you don't want to stop the walking now as everything will go south, especially at your age"!!!!!!
Nice boy.
Thank you all so much for sponsoring me & giving me much appreciated words of encouragement & support, it all helped me so much.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
ps. I have registered my interest for next year..........who knows if I will do it, but I know I have to give myself that option.
pps. I haven't told lovely hubby yet.........if he says anything, I'll know that he has actually been reading my blog....!!!
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Well done girlies....we did it!!
Just a mini blog......more will follow in next couple of days....
Tracey & I crossed that wonderful finishing line at 06.38am, completing the 26.2 miles in about 6 hours 45 minutes........the first 3 miles took about an hour...people everywhere....and as you know, it really is the actual finishing that counts, what an amazing achievement for us all!
Sadly however, we didn't finish with Trace & Dons....
We were separated just about mile 11-12...due to sheer volume of people. We did chat on the phone but were not always sure where each other were. We knew that at about 21-22 miles, they were only a few minutes behind us....so we tried to slow a bit & they tried to increase their pace a bit....very hard for both pairs to do.....you get used to walking at a pace & then it is very hard to change after so many miles...also, just a few minutes difference can mean a long distance walking.
I was also in a real dilemma...because I had slowed my pace, my knees started to seize up.....slowing was probably the worst thing I could have done, maybe it would have been better to keep on going as normal & walk through the problem. But, I really did want to finish with them but I didn't know if by slowing down more, I would actually stop & that would have been the worst thing for me to do. I felt really torn about what to do...
Throughout the training, we had tended to train as pairs mainly due to the times each of us could walk, me with Tracey & Trace & Dons together. So in this respect, I guess it felt almost normal to walk in pairs but, as this was THE walk, maybe we should have kept in touch more & found each other.
At mile 24-ish Trace said (thank goodness for mobiles, when they could be heard above the noise of the walk) that they had not really expected to finish with us & that it was ok...carry on...we'd meet the other side.
So, I tried to up my pace again which helped my knees & Tracey & I walked arm in arm (and yes, I cried) to the finish................
I have said all along that this was such a personal journey & challenge for each of us & you know how much so for me. I found the few miles where I tried to slow down so emotional & hard, but maybe that would have been like that anyway? The most we had walked was 20 miles, so we really didn't know how our bodies & minds would react to the extra 6.2 miles.
It was great to see Trace & Dons' faces as they walked hand in hand over the line shortly after us, they had walked brilliantly. We still managed to have the all important "medal" photo taken together.
Even though we didn't finish together, we will have wonderful memories to cherish forever.
XX
I will blog all of our special day soon......
Tracey & I crossed that wonderful finishing line at 06.38am, completing the 26.2 miles in about 6 hours 45 minutes........the first 3 miles took about an hour...people everywhere....and as you know, it really is the actual finishing that counts, what an amazing achievement for us all!
Sadly however, we didn't finish with Trace & Dons....
We were separated just about mile 11-12...due to sheer volume of people. We did chat on the phone but were not always sure where each other were. We knew that at about 21-22 miles, they were only a few minutes behind us....so we tried to slow a bit & they tried to increase their pace a bit....very hard for both pairs to do.....you get used to walking at a pace & then it is very hard to change after so many miles...also, just a few minutes difference can mean a long distance walking.
I was also in a real dilemma...because I had slowed my pace, my knees started to seize up.....slowing was probably the worst thing I could have done, maybe it would have been better to keep on going as normal & walk through the problem. But, I really did want to finish with them but I didn't know if by slowing down more, I would actually stop & that would have been the worst thing for me to do. I felt really torn about what to do...
Throughout the training, we had tended to train as pairs mainly due to the times each of us could walk, me with Tracey & Trace & Dons together. So in this respect, I guess it felt almost normal to walk in pairs but, as this was THE walk, maybe we should have kept in touch more & found each other.
At mile 24-ish Trace said (thank goodness for mobiles, when they could be heard above the noise of the walk) that they had not really expected to finish with us & that it was ok...carry on...we'd meet the other side.
So, I tried to up my pace again which helped my knees & Tracey & I walked arm in arm (and yes, I cried) to the finish................
I have said all along that this was such a personal journey & challenge for each of us & you know how much so for me. I found the few miles where I tried to slow down so emotional & hard, but maybe that would have been like that anyway? The most we had walked was 20 miles, so we really didn't know how our bodies & minds would react to the extra 6.2 miles.
It was great to see Trace & Dons' faces as they walked hand in hand over the line shortly after us, they had walked brilliantly. We still managed to have the all important "medal" photo taken together.
Even though we didn't finish together, we will have wonderful memories to cherish forever.
XX
I will blog all of our special day soon......
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Good morning.......
Yes, it's almost 6.30am & I am up & wide awake.........
I guess I had about 7 hours sleep, about normal for me really, but once I was awake, that was it today. No point just laying in bed.
I know Tracey will be awake now as gorgeous George normally toddles into her room about 6am. Dons & Trace are hoping to sleep in until about 10 so hope they are still sound asleep.
I have just seen the weather on the BBC & although it's going to rain quite heavily throughout the day, the forecast for overnight when you will all be sleeping & us girlies will be doing the hard bit, is pretty good! It's going to be dry.......keep those fingers crossed.....about 9 degrees.....bit chilly, but have walked in zero degrees & snow........& then bright about 6am....that's great, hopefully a beautiful sunrise (5.04 am I think!) over London to help us with those final hard miles!
I am feeling surprisingly calm...so far....but am going to try to keep busy this morning to keep those nerves under control...can't wait to do the ironing (!) & watch Saturday Kitchen .....James Martin, what can I say.... and he can cook............
XX
I guess I had about 7 hours sleep, about normal for me really, but once I was awake, that was it today. No point just laying in bed.
I know Tracey will be awake now as gorgeous George normally toddles into her room about 6am. Dons & Trace are hoping to sleep in until about 10 so hope they are still sound asleep.
I have just seen the weather on the BBC & although it's going to rain quite heavily throughout the day, the forecast for overnight when you will all be sleeping & us girlies will be doing the hard bit, is pretty good! It's going to be dry.......keep those fingers crossed.....about 9 degrees.....bit chilly, but have walked in zero degrees & snow........& then bright about 6am....that's great, hopefully a beautiful sunrise (5.04 am I think!) over London to help us with those final hard miles!
I am feeling surprisingly calm...so far....but am going to try to keep busy this morning to keep those nerves under control...can't wait to do the ironing (!) & watch Saturday Kitchen .....James Martin, what can I say.... and he can cook............
XX
Friday, 16 May 2008
Only about 29 hours to go....!!
Well, it's official, we have finally made page 3.......of the Evening Star...not the other Star!! Have a look at http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/ as well, where we are the "editor's choice"!! They have only made a couple if mistakes.....one of which is getting the names of the two Traces the wrong way round under the photo...ooops! Don't worry my lovelies...we know who you are!
I'm glad that work is over as I have felt a bit weird (not much change there, I know) all day, just full of emotions, nerves & maybe a little PANIC as well! I did wear my bra for the afternoon, though with my zippy top, so not on full view, just a sneak preview.....was very funny.
I have been hearing the Moonwalk mentioned on the radio all day & each time have felt the butterflies kick in as I'm sure the other thousands taking part have done as well.
I'm now off to cook the very reliable tuna hash as this is what I ate the night before doing the big 20 miles & I'm sure it helped.......
Fingers crossed for a good night's sleep..........
XX
I'm glad that work is over as I have felt a bit weird (not much change there, I know) all day, just full of emotions, nerves & maybe a little PANIC as well! I did wear my bra for the afternoon, though with my zippy top, so not on full view, just a sneak preview.....was very funny.
I have been hearing the Moonwalk mentioned on the radio all day & each time have felt the butterflies kick in as I'm sure the other thousands taking part have done as well.
I'm now off to cook the very reliable tuna hash as this is what I ate the night before doing the big 20 miles & I'm sure it helped.......
Fingers crossed for a good night's sleep..........
XX
Thursday, 15 May 2008
48 hours to go.....................
My goodness, I am soooo tired. I'm sitting here like a nodding dog, so it's only going to be a short blog tonight....
Tracey & I walked the final 4 miles of our training tonight....the weather was much cooler than Tuesday but we still walked in our bras, although we had to keep our jackets on a bit until we had warmed up. It does feel strange now that the training is complete & having walked over 350 miles, we are ready!!!
Oh.......yes.......we.......are!!
Positive mental attitude.
We are putting the final plans in place for the big day.....from ensuring correct knickers (see blog of February 18th!) are worn, to Green & Black choc for me!
I am hoping to have a bit of a bumper sponsorship day tomorrow & am hoping that wearing my bra for while in the office (yes, crazy I know) will help...that is if I can pluck up the courage to!! The article also goes in the local paper tomorrow on PAGE 3...how appropriate is that.......we DID have our t-shirts on for the photos though!!
XX
Tracey & I walked the final 4 miles of our training tonight....the weather was much cooler than Tuesday but we still walked in our bras, although we had to keep our jackets on a bit until we had warmed up. It does feel strange now that the training is complete & having walked over 350 miles, we are ready!!!
Oh.......yes.......we.......are!!
Positive mental attitude.
We are putting the final plans in place for the big day.....from ensuring correct knickers (see blog of February 18th!) are worn, to Green & Black choc for me!
I am hoping to have a bit of a bumper sponsorship day tomorrow & am hoping that wearing my bra for while in the office (yes, crazy I know) will help...that is if I can pluck up the courage to!! The article also goes in the local paper tomorrow on PAGE 3...how appropriate is that.......we DID have our t-shirts on for the photos though!!
XX
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
No walk, I know but.....
I know, no walk tonight & I guess it's a bit unusual for me to do a blog but.....
I am just feeling so many emotions at the moment......the excitement is really starting to build up along with the butterflies...and then there is the whole emotional side of it...I know I am going to shed a few tears at some point, just so many thoughts going through my head, the ten year thing is foremost in my mind as well at the moment.
I have been receiving messages of support from family, friends & people I deal with through work. These are really lovely & are helping me to keep feeling positive. I do know I can do this as I have trained so hard (thanks, personal trainer, for everything) & am ready for the challenge but I would be lying if I said that I wasn't scared as well! Guess it's only natural.
I know that a few people will be texting me late on Saturday evening & if anyone else that knows me would like to, please leave a comment on my blog & I'll be in touch with my mobile number.
Tomorrow night sees the last training walk & in a way, I feel a bit sad about that. I have really enjoyed walking with Tracey & will miss her company & our chats......she has been a real star.
XX
I am just feeling so many emotions at the moment......the excitement is really starting to build up along with the butterflies...and then there is the whole emotional side of it...I know I am going to shed a few tears at some point, just so many thoughts going through my head, the ten year thing is foremost in my mind as well at the moment.
I have been receiving messages of support from family, friends & people I deal with through work. These are really lovely & are helping me to keep feeling positive. I do know I can do this as I have trained so hard (thanks, personal trainer, for everything) & am ready for the challenge but I would be lying if I said that I wasn't scared as well! Guess it's only natural.
I know that a few people will be texting me late on Saturday evening & if anyone else that knows me would like to, please leave a comment on my blog & I'll be in touch with my mobile number.
Tomorrow night sees the last training walk & in a way, I feel a bit sad about that. I have really enjoyed walking with Tracey & will miss her company & our chats......she has been a real star.
XX
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Bra-tastic.............
The four of us (plus a friend's sister who will be doing the half moon & travelling to London with us) walked in our bras for 4 miles around Felixstowe this evening...........
I think we were all a little embarrassed to begin with..I know I was & giggled like a girl!! After all, how often do you walk around your home town in the early evening with your bra on full display for all to see??!!
Once we got over the initial shock though (& how cold we were up top!) I think we all really enjoyed it. We certainly got some looks...I don't think some people could quite believe what they were seeing! What a laugh! We also saw more police cars than usual, perhaps they had received reports of 5 mad women who'd seemed to have forgotten to put their tops on!! Before we knew it, Dons was even swinging her t-shirt around in the air....
We walked 4 miles in the speedy time of 45 minutes, good job as it helped us warm up.
Wednesday is almost here.........my eating plan is going well & I seem to have eaten like a horse today.....also drinking loads of water so am also peeing like one too!! I have resisted the temptation to open one of the 7 cans of Guinness that are in my fridge...yes that's SEVEN..well they were on special offer & I do love my Guinness but am beginning to wish that I had put them in the shed or somewhere out of view! I have been a good girl though.
One thing though...weather forecast is not looking so good for Saturday so far....we don't want it too warm just DRY!!
Just the one final training walk on Thursday before the big one...
XX
Ps. Our local paper are doing an article on my "story" & we had our very own "photo shoot" before tonight's walk....in our t-shirts though!! We had a right giggle as he made us walk along the road together & then pose as he took photos...he wouldn't let us choose which ones will go in the paper & as we were really laughing, who knows what we will all look like.......!!
XX
I think we were all a little embarrassed to begin with..I know I was & giggled like a girl!! After all, how often do you walk around your home town in the early evening with your bra on full display for all to see??!!
Once we got over the initial shock though (& how cold we were up top!) I think we all really enjoyed it. We certainly got some looks...I don't think some people could quite believe what they were seeing! What a laugh! We also saw more police cars than usual, perhaps they had received reports of 5 mad women who'd seemed to have forgotten to put their tops on!! Before we knew it, Dons was even swinging her t-shirt around in the air....
We walked 4 miles in the speedy time of 45 minutes, good job as it helped us warm up.
Wednesday is almost here.........my eating plan is going well & I seem to have eaten like a horse today.....also drinking loads of water so am also peeing like one too!! I have resisted the temptation to open one of the 7 cans of Guinness that are in my fridge...yes that's SEVEN..well they were on special offer & I do love my Guinness but am beginning to wish that I had put them in the shed or somewhere out of view! I have been a good girl though.
One thing though...weather forecast is not looking so good for Saturday so far....we don't want it too warm just DRY!!
Just the one final training walk on Thursday before the big one...
XX
Ps. Our local paper are doing an article on my "story" & we had our very own "photo shoot" before tonight's walk....in our t-shirts though!! We had a right giggle as he made us walk along the road together & then pose as he took photos...he wouldn't let us choose which ones will go in the paper & as we were really laughing, who knows what we will all look like.......!!
XX
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Butterflies.......
As we had an evening out last night celebrating Mrs G's 40th birthday, we decided to forego the usual early morning walk & so set off this evening for the final 6 miler as Tuesday & Thursday's walks are just 4 miles each. It was a very warm 20 degrees, even at 7.30! We stepped it out nicely, even though it was so warm. We certainly had lots to talk about with the big night only being 6 days away!
I still can't quite believe that it is so close now & that this time next week it will all be over. I have to say that the butterflies are beginning...
Last night also marked the final alcohol to pass my lips until after the big night. I will not even have a Guinness.....but to be honest, I have found that I have naturally cut down on my alcohol intake (not that it was excessive, honest!) since we have been walking further distances, so I am sure that it will be easy not to have any this week. We have taken our training seriously after all, as 26.2 miles is certainly no walk in the park as I know only too well.
However, having said that, I am looking forward to that first cold pint........
I have also started the final week's eating plan....lots of carbohydrates, eating every 2-3 hours & drinking lots of water. I am going to try to get some extra sleep as well (says she, sitting typing at 11.15pm) as I think I will have trouble sleeping on Friday night...nerves, excitement & PANIC!!!!!
Tuesday's walk will see us walking those 4 miles in our decorated bras to make sure that they are completely comfortable. I am a bit nervous about that which is a bit silly I know. It's one thing to be among 15,000 others walking just in bras, but a completely different thing to be two women walking round Felixstowe in bras...
Maybe I am just a shy girl at heart really (!) but I should remember that when my bra arrived, I did say I would be loud & proud....no going back on that now...so.....bring it on!!
XX
ps. It is estimated that there are approximately 172,000 women alive today who were first diagnosed with breast cancer at least ten years ago...that's me included... So do please try to pass this on to get people to sponsor me so that we can keep that figure rising through improved research & treatment of this terrible disease.
XX
I still can't quite believe that it is so close now & that this time next week it will all be over. I have to say that the butterflies are beginning...
Last night also marked the final alcohol to pass my lips until after the big night. I will not even have a Guinness.....but to be honest, I have found that I have naturally cut down on my alcohol intake (not that it was excessive, honest!) since we have been walking further distances, so I am sure that it will be easy not to have any this week. We have taken our training seriously after all, as 26.2 miles is certainly no walk in the park as I know only too well.
However, having said that, I am looking forward to that first cold pint........
I have also started the final week's eating plan....lots of carbohydrates, eating every 2-3 hours & drinking lots of water. I am going to try to get some extra sleep as well (says she, sitting typing at 11.15pm) as I think I will have trouble sleeping on Friday night...nerves, excitement & PANIC!!!!!
Tuesday's walk will see us walking those 4 miles in our decorated bras to make sure that they are completely comfortable. I am a bit nervous about that which is a bit silly I know. It's one thing to be among 15,000 others walking just in bras, but a completely different thing to be two women walking round Felixstowe in bras...
Maybe I am just a shy girl at heart really (!) but I should remember that when my bra arrived, I did say I would be loud & proud....no going back on that now...so.....bring it on!!
XX
ps. It is estimated that there are approximately 172,000 women alive today who were first diagnosed with breast cancer at least ten years ago...that's me included... So do please try to pass this on to get people to sponsor me so that we can keep that figure rising through improved research & treatment of this terrible disease.
XX
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Nine days & counting......
Don't know what's wrong with me.....I really have got that spring in my step.....
Tracey & I walked the same 6 miles again tonight in 1 hour 6 minutes & I felt like I was walking on air....it was really fantastic!
We set off an hour later than normal & I think this was a really good idea as the weather was a bit cooler although still pleasant & we must remember that we will be walking overnight when the temperature will be very different.
I am looking forward to the walk soooo much but do have a few worries apart from the fact that it's 26.2 miles......
A previous moonwalker has told us that one of her biggest problems was lack of sleep & that it was in the middle of the night that her body hit the "lack of sleep" wall & felt like it would just stop......do you know, I hadn't even thought about that. Fingers crossed then, guess it's just another challenge to get through. I'm not going to stay up all night in preparation though! Perhaps remembering the fantastic nights I have had in Prague where I haven't got to bed until 7am (YES, it's true!!) will help! I survived my last 3 night visit to Prague with just over 14 hours sleep (one of which was an afternoon nap!) but of course alcohol played a part in that & not walking 26.2 miles!!
Tracey's brother has run the London marathon before & says that no amount of training can prepare you for the last 6.2 miles & that these can feel like another 20 miles.....oh!! We know that the last few miles will be probably be the biggest hurdle as we just don't know how our bodies will react, a very scary thought. That will be when we will need the biggest support & hopefully when there will be lots of people to cheer us on. So, if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night......send me a text, it could do me the world of good!!
Only one more 6 miler to do & then it's just 3 miles on Tuesday (in our bras!!) & Thursday. Can you believe it, only nine days to go........
XX
ps. HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow to the lovely Mrs G....40 years old (39 + 1)
pps. 4 weeks today, Costa del Sol, here we come...!!
Tracey & I walked the same 6 miles again tonight in 1 hour 6 minutes & I felt like I was walking on air....it was really fantastic!
We set off an hour later than normal & I think this was a really good idea as the weather was a bit cooler although still pleasant & we must remember that we will be walking overnight when the temperature will be very different.
I am looking forward to the walk soooo much but do have a few worries apart from the fact that it's 26.2 miles......
A previous moonwalker has told us that one of her biggest problems was lack of sleep & that it was in the middle of the night that her body hit the "lack of sleep" wall & felt like it would just stop......do you know, I hadn't even thought about that. Fingers crossed then, guess it's just another challenge to get through. I'm not going to stay up all night in preparation though! Perhaps remembering the fantastic nights I have had in Prague where I haven't got to bed until 7am (YES, it's true!!) will help! I survived my last 3 night visit to Prague with just over 14 hours sleep (one of which was an afternoon nap!) but of course alcohol played a part in that & not walking 26.2 miles!!
Tracey's brother has run the London marathon before & says that no amount of training can prepare you for the last 6.2 miles & that these can feel like another 20 miles.....oh!! We know that the last few miles will be probably be the biggest hurdle as we just don't know how our bodies will react, a very scary thought. That will be when we will need the biggest support & hopefully when there will be lots of people to cheer us on. So, if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night......send me a text, it could do me the world of good!!
Only one more 6 miler to do & then it's just 3 miles on Tuesday (in our bras!!) & Thursday. Can you believe it, only nine days to go........
XX
ps. HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow to the lovely Mrs G....40 years old (39 + 1)
pps. 4 weeks today, Costa del Sol, here we come...!!
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Bouncing along nicely......
After our mammoth challenge on Sunday, our mini challenge tonight was to walk 5 miles in less than an hour.....never done by me before but a few times by personal trainer! In fact, our remaining training walks are just 3 & 5 miles, all to be walked speedily......
Unfortunately, I haven't felt well for a couple of days & in fact, hadn't eaten today at all as I had felt a bit sick, think I may have picked up bit of a bug. No fuel for me then. But, I was still looking forward to the walk.....
We actually haven't walked just a 5 mile one before so we decided to do 6, purely because we have a choice of routes to do. No High Road for us though, I think we have had enough of that one!
I really enjoyed the walk, it was great & I had a big spring in my step. We walked the 5 in 56 minutes & the 6 in just 1 hour 7 minutes....we normally do 6 in about 1hour 20, so we really did walk faster. The route was easier though, no hills & nice & straight.
We met the Felixstowe runners on the final mile & many of them said "well done" or "good luck" as we passed each other, it was lovely & I just kept saying "aaahh isn't that lovely".....oh dear, I can see that I will get emotional on the big night if people encourage us along the way.
I know that I am going to find the whole day very emotional anyway & just have to go with the flow of my emotions. We have trained so hard for this & it means so much to us all.
I have thought about so many things over the past few months, not least the approaching tenth anniversary of discovering I had breast cancer, which in itself is bringing so many emotions to the surface.....best take lots of tissues & avoid mascara.....I don't want that wonderful moment of crossing the line immortalised in a photo of me with mascara streaks down my face!! However......don't laugh, but lippy IS going in my arse bag just for that very reason...that very special photo!!
XX
Unfortunately, I haven't felt well for a couple of days & in fact, hadn't eaten today at all as I had felt a bit sick, think I may have picked up bit of a bug. No fuel for me then. But, I was still looking forward to the walk.....
We actually haven't walked just a 5 mile one before so we decided to do 6, purely because we have a choice of routes to do. No High Road for us though, I think we have had enough of that one!
I really enjoyed the walk, it was great & I had a big spring in my step. We walked the 5 in 56 minutes & the 6 in just 1 hour 7 minutes....we normally do 6 in about 1hour 20, so we really did walk faster. The route was easier though, no hills & nice & straight.
We met the Felixstowe runners on the final mile & many of them said "well done" or "good luck" as we passed each other, it was lovely & I just kept saying "aaahh isn't that lovely".....oh dear, I can see that I will get emotional on the big night if people encourage us along the way.
I know that I am going to find the whole day very emotional anyway & just have to go with the flow of my emotions. We have trained so hard for this & it means so much to us all.
I have thought about so many things over the past few months, not least the approaching tenth anniversary of discovering I had breast cancer, which in itself is bringing so many emotions to the surface.....best take lots of tissues & avoid mascara.....I don't want that wonderful moment of crossing the line immortalised in a photo of me with mascara streaks down my face!! However......don't laugh, but lippy IS going in my arse bag just for that very reason...that very special photo!!
XX
Monday, 5 May 2008
Aftermath.....
Well, I am tired..............really tired.
My feet really do ache & I also have a couple of blisters, not too bad though & at least I only have short miles from now on so they should recover quickly. I wish I could wear my slippers to work rather than heels but don't think it would be a good look! My legs are fine though which I am surprised about.......obviously the training has all been worth it.
I am sooo glad that today was a Bank Holiday as the extra day to recover has been great. I can't remember the last time I felt so tired.
Only 12 days to go.........we have overcome the physical battle, hard as it has been, & now it's just (the really important bit!) the mental battle, believing that we CAN do this. I know that I can get through the physical, I have hit that pain barrier so many times now & managed to carry on. I really just need to keep my mind focused & keep being positive & it will be ok.....any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated...please!!
I'm now off to soak my poor feet in luxurious oils...........
XX
My feet really do ache & I also have a couple of blisters, not too bad though & at least I only have short miles from now on so they should recover quickly. I wish I could wear my slippers to work rather than heels but don't think it would be a good look! My legs are fine though which I am surprised about.......obviously the training has all been worth it.
I am sooo glad that today was a Bank Holiday as the extra day to recover has been great. I can't remember the last time I felt so tired.
Only 12 days to go.........we have overcome the physical battle, hard as it has been, & now it's just (the really important bit!) the mental battle, believing that we CAN do this. I know that I can get through the physical, I have hit that pain barrier so many times now & managed to carry on. I really just need to keep my mind focused & keep being positive & it will be ok.....any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated...please!!
I'm now off to soak my poor feet in luxurious oils...........
XX
Sunday, 4 May 2008
The big one.....
How glad am I that this is over.................
Tracey & I started our 20 miles just after 6.30 this morning &, lucky for us, it was mild & dry. Our first two miles were a bit slow.....my old banger legs again! But, we soon made it up during our third mile. Off came my jacket as the temperature was now rising fast.
It's funny that we won't be walking this route & other long evening ones anymore.......we have got used to seeing the same things over the past few weeks, some quirky such as a couple sitting in their camper van in their front garden drinking wine (yes, it's true!), changes in the gardens we pass & even the same people on some routes!
The walk was going really well, my legs weren't causing me too much trouble & I avoided thinking about the huge distance we were facing, choosing instead to just take each mile as it came.
We were soon walking along the High Road & I strode through that awful twelfth mile, not completely ok, but better than normal. It was really very warm & sunny now, a refreshing change for us. However, it was during the fifteenth mile that my legs suddenly ached, more than last week as well. I felt quite low & with still over five to go, my legs felt like lead. I just had to keep going though, stopping, even just to stretch is not an option as I would worry that I wouldn't get going again!
I had to dig really deep, which is something I haven't had to do for a while. I started thinking about those reasons for doing this again. I also remembered my son saying to me yesterday how proud of me he was....little things that keep me going. So, I set myself little targets to help...get to the bridge, get to the church, get to the traffic lights.....take each mile as it comes.....
Tracey has since told me that she was quite worried about me at this point as the colour had drained from my face....
At the 17th mile we carried on instead of turning for home & walked along the cliff top. This turned out to be a bit of a blessing for me.......it was soooo peaceful with just the sound of the sea & only the occasional car passing us......I felt so much better & although there were still almost three miles to go, I knew I could do it. When we reached the 18th, I got that spring in my step again, it seems unbelievable to say this after walking 18 miles!!
It felt fantastic to walk those last two miles knowing what we were achieving, getting through the hard times & getting home!
We walked the last two miles in 25 minutes...faster than we had walked the first two miles earlier!! I couldn't believe that. Tracey's hubby & children were waiting for us at the end of their road & their welcome was very much appreciated! I even raced Tracey home!! Amazing after 20 miles!
However, more amazing to me was the fact that we had walked the 20 miles in 4 hours 13 minutes.......what an achievement, especially after my struggles of the day.
I do ache now & am very tired, but know that I can cross that finishing line in under two weeks time & feel fantastic.......
XX
Tracey & I started our 20 miles just after 6.30 this morning &, lucky for us, it was mild & dry. Our first two miles were a bit slow.....my old banger legs again! But, we soon made it up during our third mile. Off came my jacket as the temperature was now rising fast.
It's funny that we won't be walking this route & other long evening ones anymore.......we have got used to seeing the same things over the past few weeks, some quirky such as a couple sitting in their camper van in their front garden drinking wine (yes, it's true!), changes in the gardens we pass & even the same people on some routes!
The walk was going really well, my legs weren't causing me too much trouble & I avoided thinking about the huge distance we were facing, choosing instead to just take each mile as it came.
We were soon walking along the High Road & I strode through that awful twelfth mile, not completely ok, but better than normal. It was really very warm & sunny now, a refreshing change for us. However, it was during the fifteenth mile that my legs suddenly ached, more than last week as well. I felt quite low & with still over five to go, my legs felt like lead. I just had to keep going though, stopping, even just to stretch is not an option as I would worry that I wouldn't get going again!
I had to dig really deep, which is something I haven't had to do for a while. I started thinking about those reasons for doing this again. I also remembered my son saying to me yesterday how proud of me he was....little things that keep me going. So, I set myself little targets to help...get to the bridge, get to the church, get to the traffic lights.....take each mile as it comes.....
Tracey has since told me that she was quite worried about me at this point as the colour had drained from my face....
At the 17th mile we carried on instead of turning for home & walked along the cliff top. This turned out to be a bit of a blessing for me.......it was soooo peaceful with just the sound of the sea & only the occasional car passing us......I felt so much better & although there were still almost three miles to go, I knew I could do it. When we reached the 18th, I got that spring in my step again, it seems unbelievable to say this after walking 18 miles!!
It felt fantastic to walk those last two miles knowing what we were achieving, getting through the hard times & getting home!
We walked the last two miles in 25 minutes...faster than we had walked the first two miles earlier!! I couldn't believe that. Tracey's hubby & children were waiting for us at the end of their road & their welcome was very much appreciated! I even raced Tracey home!! Amazing after 20 miles!
However, more amazing to me was the fact that we had walked the 20 miles in 4 hours 13 minutes.......what an achievement, especially after my struggles of the day.
I do ache now & am very tired, but know that I can cross that finishing line in under two weeks time & feel fantastic.......
XX
Friday, 2 May 2008
Pause for thought
Please think about this for a moment.........
I heard this the other day & it shocked me so much......
Think about these women, their families & friends......
About 44000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
That's about 120 a day........
About 13000 women DIE every year from breast cancer.
That's about 35 a day........
Enough said.
I heard this the other day & it shocked me so much......
Think about these women, their families & friends......
About 44000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
That's about 120 a day........
About 13000 women DIE every year from breast cancer.
That's about 35 a day........
Enough said.
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Take the weight off your chest love.......
What a difference 48 hours makes.........
Our 8 mile walk tonight was in evening sunshine, warm & DRY!!!!!!! It was lovely & I really enjoyed it.
Mind you, I had had an awful day at work & for the first time ever had thrown a hormonal hissy fit ..........ooops. I felt so crap that I decided I was in need of a treat, I resisted the urge to buy Galaxy or even go for a Guinness......so bought a couple of bread & butter puddings, but, not just any bread & butter pudding....M & S bread & butter puddings!!!!! I had my savoury rice mid afternoon & then thought I'd have one of the puddings, but then thought sod it, have them both...a bit of comfort food & fuel as well....yummy! Felt much better after that.
So I was really looking forward to getting out in the fresh air & blowing the cobwebs & stresses of the day away. Maybe that's why I enjoyed the walk so much as well.
Sunday will be the last time we will walk the High Road & also the longest distance we will train as the final walks are only 5 & 3 mile ones.....I still can't believe we are so close to the big night & we can now say it's "this month"...............
Tracey & I were also discussing when we will walk in our actual bras......just in them, no t-shirt on! Luckily it will only be a 3 mile walk so we won't shock the people of Felixstowe too much!
XX
ps. Why this title for the blog......well let's just say that I felt I had a bit of an unfair disadvantage tonight & felt a bit too weighed down...lots of movement going on...no black eyes though...!!!!!!
Our 8 mile walk tonight was in evening sunshine, warm & DRY!!!!!!! It was lovely & I really enjoyed it.
Mind you, I had had an awful day at work & for the first time ever had thrown a hormonal hissy fit ..........ooops. I felt so crap that I decided I was in need of a treat, I resisted the urge to buy Galaxy or even go for a Guinness......so bought a couple of bread & butter puddings, but, not just any bread & butter pudding....M & S bread & butter puddings!!!!! I had my savoury rice mid afternoon & then thought I'd have one of the puddings, but then thought sod it, have them both...a bit of comfort food & fuel as well....yummy! Felt much better after that.
So I was really looking forward to getting out in the fresh air & blowing the cobwebs & stresses of the day away. Maybe that's why I enjoyed the walk so much as well.
Sunday will be the last time we will walk the High Road & also the longest distance we will train as the final walks are only 5 & 3 mile ones.....I still can't believe we are so close to the big night & we can now say it's "this month"...............
Tracey & I were also discussing when we will walk in our actual bras......just in them, no t-shirt on! Luckily it will only be a 3 mile walk so we won't shock the people of Felixstowe too much!
XX
ps. Why this title for the blog......well let's just say that I felt I had a bit of an unfair disadvantage tonight & felt a bit too weighed down...lots of movement going on...no black eyes though...!!!!!!
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Drowned rats..........
While most of Felixstowe were watching the bomb exploding out at sea, Tracey & I were walking along the high road in the rain for what turned out to be just 6 miles in the end.
It has been a while since it has rained so much that we have had wet trousers & I had forgotten just how cold it makes you feel. As if that wasn't enough, we turned for the final 3 miles home facing a full on head wind.....what a struggle it was to walk at times.
We didn't really enjoy tonight's walk, just because of the weather, so were glad that it didn't have to be a long one....fingers crossed for good weather on Sunday for the 20 miler.....
We can't believe it's just over two weeks to the big night.....I read all my old blogs at the weekend & the time has gone so quickly: it's been a bit of a rollercoaster of a ride, full of highs & lows, aches & pains, walking over 300 (yes, I reached that milestone tonight!) miles in all types of weather........all for that very special one night. My poor £80 (!) trainers will just get me through that night, not so my special socks though...I have literally worn these out & have to buy a new pair.
I must finish the bra as well as we need to do a walk in them just to make sure they will be ok.....just have to decide when & where!!!
xx
It has been a while since it has rained so much that we have had wet trousers & I had forgotten just how cold it makes you feel. As if that wasn't enough, we turned for the final 3 miles home facing a full on head wind.....what a struggle it was to walk at times.
We didn't really enjoy tonight's walk, just because of the weather, so were glad that it didn't have to be a long one....fingers crossed for good weather on Sunday for the 20 miler.....
We can't believe it's just over two weeks to the big night.....I read all my old blogs at the weekend & the time has gone so quickly: it's been a bit of a rollercoaster of a ride, full of highs & lows, aches & pains, walking over 300 (yes, I reached that milestone tonight!) miles in all types of weather........all for that very special one night. My poor £80 (!) trainers will just get me through that night, not so my special socks though...I have literally worn these out & have to buy a new pair.
I must finish the bra as well as we need to do a walk in them just to make sure they will be ok.....just have to decide when & where!!!
xx
Sunday, 27 April 2008
To boldly go where no man (well, this 40 year old woman) has gone before..........
Sunday 27th April.....6.30am.........off we go!
Personal trainer & I set off in temperatures of 12-13 degrees, yes, even at this early hour, it was very mild, perfect to try for the longest walk yet........
I had cooked myself a HUGE tuna hash with rice & potatoes last night in preparation for this morning's walk. I also dusted off my juicer & juiced carrots & apples (all part of my new diet, carrot juice is very good for growth & repair of body tissues & to fight infections, don't want a cold!!), was lush & made extra to have for my pre walk snack this morning.
I think eating properly is now helping me so much because.....
I had the spring in my step once again! Although the first two miles were a bit tough on my legs as usual, I soon got into the swing of the walk. In fact, it was only after 11 miles that Tracey started to pull away from me, so must have felt better.
The weather was surprisingly humid & we even got rid of our raincoats at my house....maybe tempting fate, you know how unlucky we have been with the weather! For the first time, I was now walking with nothing tied around my waist to hide my arrrrse, "does my bum look big in this?", felt a bit self conscious to begin with but then...what the hell...who cares! Would you believe it, just two miles later, it started raining!! It wasn't heavy & in fact was quite refreshing as it was so warm. Luckily, it only lasted a few minutes otherwise we would have had very wet t-shirts.........
Before I knew it, we were starting off along the High Road for those usual 6 miles. I tried not to worry about the twelfth mile (you know that's often the tough one) & Tracey gave me a couple of jelly tots to help me through it! I had also read (or did I dream it??) that Green & Black's dark chocolate is very good to give you a bit of a boost of energy (I thought it was just for endomorphines.....one track mind...!) so I just happened to have bought some on Saturday...I had a few (only three & they ARE tiny) squares during the fifteenth mile & don't really care if they have walking benefits because I enjoyed them anyway!
We completed the 15 in 3 hours 5 minutes & Tracey asked if I wanted to go on to do 18...only another three...why not?! I was feeling ok, very tired legs but what did I expect after walking 15 miles?!
So, 18 it was......it took us 3 hours 46 minutes, the longest time & distance we have ever walked for (previously did 16 in 3 hours 38 minutes!) & although my body ached & I was very tired, I felt fantastic, really positive. It was good to do this distance as I now have some idea of how my body may feel on the big night, it's not easy, but didn't expect it to be!!
We have a couple of speedy walks during the week & then next Sunday is the big 20 miler. How quickly that has come round!
After today's great walk I may even suggest just going two more miles to make it 22.......!!
XX
Personal trainer & I set off in temperatures of 12-13 degrees, yes, even at this early hour, it was very mild, perfect to try for the longest walk yet........
I had cooked myself a HUGE tuna hash with rice & potatoes last night in preparation for this morning's walk. I also dusted off my juicer & juiced carrots & apples (all part of my new diet, carrot juice is very good for growth & repair of body tissues & to fight infections, don't want a cold!!), was lush & made extra to have for my pre walk snack this morning.
I think eating properly is now helping me so much because.....
I had the spring in my step once again! Although the first two miles were a bit tough on my legs as usual, I soon got into the swing of the walk. In fact, it was only after 11 miles that Tracey started to pull away from me, so must have felt better.
The weather was surprisingly humid & we even got rid of our raincoats at my house....maybe tempting fate, you know how unlucky we have been with the weather! For the first time, I was now walking with nothing tied around my waist to hide my arrrrse, "does my bum look big in this?", felt a bit self conscious to begin with but then...what the hell...who cares! Would you believe it, just two miles later, it started raining!! It wasn't heavy & in fact was quite refreshing as it was so warm. Luckily, it only lasted a few minutes otherwise we would have had very wet t-shirts.........
Before I knew it, we were starting off along the High Road for those usual 6 miles. I tried not to worry about the twelfth mile (you know that's often the tough one) & Tracey gave me a couple of jelly tots to help me through it! I had also read (or did I dream it??) that Green & Black's dark chocolate is very good to give you a bit of a boost of energy (I thought it was just for endomorphines.....one track mind...!) so I just happened to have bought some on Saturday...I had a few (only three & they ARE tiny) squares during the fifteenth mile & don't really care if they have walking benefits because I enjoyed them anyway!
We completed the 15 in 3 hours 5 minutes & Tracey asked if I wanted to go on to do 18...only another three...why not?! I was feeling ok, very tired legs but what did I expect after walking 15 miles?!
So, 18 it was......it took us 3 hours 46 minutes, the longest time & distance we have ever walked for (previously did 16 in 3 hours 38 minutes!) & although my body ached & I was very tired, I felt fantastic, really positive. It was good to do this distance as I now have some idea of how my body may feel on the big night, it's not easy, but didn't expect it to be!!
We have a couple of speedy walks during the week & then next Sunday is the big 20 miler. How quickly that has come round!
After today's great walk I may even suggest just going two more miles to make it 22.......!!
XX
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Those bras...........
I walked 4 miles on my own last night in 43 minutes....it was really great & I am pleased that I was able to keep my pace going as well. No sign either of those crap old banger legs, so hope that continues!
I then went to Trace's house for the planned bra decorating. Unfortunately, Dons was unwell so it was just us three. We had a giggle & the bras are coming along nicely. The two of them took the p out of me for the amount of sparklies I am sewing on mine..... more material to cover, more sewing on required, that's what I say!! Picture will follow when finished!
I went to the gym this morning for the first time in 2 weeks & it was a struggle getting out of bed, but I am glad I did. I had a really good workout & felt very refreshed after....am feeling ready for that big walk tomorrow at 6.30am.........
I can't believe that the big night is just three weeks away! Everything seems to be falling into place nicely now & my sponsor money is also starting to come in. I have had some really lovely words of encouragement & support from people who have sponsored me & this is such a help to me. Especially Michelle D.....you read my blog all the time & then call me to offer even more support. Of course, we do discuss work at the same time (honest, Ade)!! Thank you x
I'm sure we are all aware of how many people have been affected by breast cancer, either directly or indirectly, and many people who have now sponsored me have done so in memory of someone they have sadly lost, or in celebration of someone who has beaten this cruel illness. This is why it is SO important to do this.................
XX
ps. Costa del Sol!!!!!!
Yes, 6 weeks today, us four will be celebrating Trace's 40th, laying in the sun, sipping sangria & resting our weary bodies & hopefully remembering the wonderful time we had on our moonwalk.....how excited are we!!!
I then went to Trace's house for the planned bra decorating. Unfortunately, Dons was unwell so it was just us three. We had a giggle & the bras are coming along nicely. The two of them took the p out of me for the amount of sparklies I am sewing on mine..... more material to cover, more sewing on required, that's what I say!! Picture will follow when finished!
I went to the gym this morning for the first time in 2 weeks & it was a struggle getting out of bed, but I am glad I did. I had a really good workout & felt very refreshed after....am feeling ready for that big walk tomorrow at 6.30am.........
I can't believe that the big night is just three weeks away! Everything seems to be falling into place nicely now & my sponsor money is also starting to come in. I have had some really lovely words of encouragement & support from people who have sponsored me & this is such a help to me. Especially Michelle D.....you read my blog all the time & then call me to offer even more support. Of course, we do discuss work at the same time (honest, Ade)!! Thank you x
I'm sure we are all aware of how many people have been affected by breast cancer, either directly or indirectly, and many people who have now sponsored me have done so in memory of someone they have sadly lost, or in celebration of someone who has beaten this cruel illness. This is why it is SO important to do this.................
XX
ps. Costa del Sol!!!!!!
Yes, 6 weeks today, us four will be celebrating Trace's 40th, laying in the sun, sipping sangria & resting our weary bodies & hopefully remembering the wonderful time we had on our moonwalk.....how excited are we!!!
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Much better................!!
Trace joined Tracey & I for our walk tonight. After the awful rain this afternoon, the sun had come out & the weather was lovely.
After my nightmare of Monday's walk, I am now prepared (fingers crossed)..........
I have stocked up on rice & pasta dishes that I can cook in the microwave at work (they're mine boys, hands off!) on the days that I walk. So today I cooked savoury rice at 4 & had two mini granary rolls as well....I thought it might be a bit weird eating at this time but it was actually very easy! I then had a banana when I got home from work....this is all after having a good lunch as well....food equals fuel!! I will get used to this new diet as the good book advises that we should eat every 2-3 hours during the week leading up to the big night...good for our stamina etc
I had also tried to feel positive about tonight's walk as I didn't want to dread it for fear of my legs being crap again! Positive mental attitude.......half of the battle!!I have obviously done something right because.......
I had that spring in my step again & my legs felt the best they have done for a very long time! Even the first few miles went smoothly although I can't guarantee that the old banger won't appear again at some point! What a difference! Perhaps it was a combination of a few things.... more time to recover from the 43 miles of last week, the extra food & also, having felt so low, there was only one way to go...up!
Trace left us just before the 7 miles & we then finished the 8 in 1 hour 43. I feel so much better now & hope I can face the 16 on Sunday morning with a smile on my face & that spring in my step....
XX
After my nightmare of Monday's walk, I am now prepared (fingers crossed)..........
I have stocked up on rice & pasta dishes that I can cook in the microwave at work (they're mine boys, hands off!) on the days that I walk. So today I cooked savoury rice at 4 & had two mini granary rolls as well....I thought it might be a bit weird eating at this time but it was actually very easy! I then had a banana when I got home from work....this is all after having a good lunch as well....food equals fuel!! I will get used to this new diet as the good book advises that we should eat every 2-3 hours during the week leading up to the big night...good for our stamina etc
I had also tried to feel positive about tonight's walk as I didn't want to dread it for fear of my legs being crap again! Positive mental attitude.......half of the battle!!I have obviously done something right because.......
I had that spring in my step again & my legs felt the best they have done for a very long time! Even the first few miles went smoothly although I can't guarantee that the old banger won't appear again at some point! What a difference! Perhaps it was a combination of a few things.... more time to recover from the 43 miles of last week, the extra food & also, having felt so low, there was only one way to go...up!
Trace left us just before the 7 miles & we then finished the 8 in 1 hour 43. I feel so much better now & hope I can face the 16 on Sunday morning with a smile on my face & that spring in my step....
XX
Monday, 21 April 2008
Tears & fears.....
Tracey & I walked 8 miles tonight, keeping to our normal pace & completing it in 1 hour 41.....
BUT.......
I found it a real struggle. You know how I am, the first 2 to 3 miles are normally tricky for me as I need to warm up & get my legs going, but tonight, the whole of my lower legs were really awful & it felt like I had to force my feet off the ground to walk. Tracey heard how heavily I was walking & also how my feet were literally dragging along, it was almost as if I was continually tripping up. It was horrible.
It did get better as the miles went on & I managed to walk properly in the end but it had been an awful experience.
Having spoken to Tracey & lovely hubby, we have all come to the conclusion that it was a number of reasons that caused my struggle:
BUT.......
I found it a real struggle. You know how I am, the first 2 to 3 miles are normally tricky for me as I need to warm up & get my legs going, but tonight, the whole of my lower legs were really awful & it felt like I had to force my feet off the ground to walk. Tracey heard how heavily I was walking & also how my feet were literally dragging along, it was almost as if I was continually tripping up. It was horrible.
It did get better as the miles went on & I managed to walk properly in the end but it had been an awful experience.
Having spoken to Tracey & lovely hubby, we have all come to the conclusion that it was a number of reasons that caused my struggle:
- the number of miles walked last week (43) & also having walked for over 9 hours in total, but I do think this was necessary to test our bodies & stamina. I would rather have these problems now than on the night for the first time.
- not eating properly! I think I need to eat more carbohydrates as detailed in the good book & ensure I eat enough to give me that energy to get through the walks.
- having walked over 260 miles in training.....I am tired, both physically & mentally.
So, although I have shed a tear tonight (sorry for being so honest, but you should know by now, my blogs are honest & writing about all the highs AND lows is helping me) I do still feel very positive & I know I can help myself to feel better & carry on. I can overcome the fear of not completing the big one.....it is just not an option....I will do it. Lovely hubby even said he would put his arms around me & literally carry me through to the finish line if necessary .......not allowed I know, but wonderful words.
Wednesday's 8 miles will be better & come Sunday, I will have that spring in my step again to walk 16 miles........
xx
Saturday, 19 April 2008
We did it......................
Yes, personal trainer & I have now completed the required 42 miles (well 43 to be exact) in just seven days.............
We started our walk this morning at 10 o'clock...how strange it felt, walking mid morning on a busy Saturday. We had previously walked 33 miles this week & decided to just do 10 so that we would just pass the 42. We also thought that this was the best thing for me as I had struggled on Thursday.
I do think that the main reason for my struggle was the distance we had to walk this week. Now I have finished I feel much better & do have a sense of achievement & also relief that I will not have to walk so much in one week again! I do feel that I have been really tested both physically & mentally & I have had to push myself to do it. I guess this is all very good practise for the actual walk & hope that the lows of this week will help me get through those 26.2 miles......
This week has been a real journey for me; I have been thinking again of all the reasons why I am doing this, of my own cancer, of all the women who are walking while undergoing treatment, and, of all the women who are now being diagnosed as I write this...... I am SO determined to do this & WILL get over that finishing line.
Anyway, back to today...sorry, I did go off on one a bit didn't I?! It was VERY windy today, what a nightmare! In fact, when we were walking along Sea Road (this is the road running along the sea front for those of you who have never been to "sunny" Felixstowe) the spray from the waves was hitting us as we battled against the head wind. It was a real struggle at times but we kept on smiling & pushed on. It was great when we turned the few corners where the wind then pushed us along!
We also had a new experience....powerwalking through the town at a busy time! We both had our t-shirts on & managed to dodge the shoppers. We did get lots of smiles & thumbs up & one lady said some very encouraging words to us. It does give you a boost when you get encouragement & that is one thing I am really looking forward to in London.
We did the 10 miles in 2 hours 11 & I was relieved to be back at Tracey's house. I do have a little worry though.......my right knee is causing me a bit of pain at the moment, nothing serious, but something I must keep an eye on. I am now taking my painkillers for my sciatica regularly & I'm sure they will also help my other little aches & pains. All will be fine & all the training will have been worth it. We will be ready.
Only two weeks to the big 20 and.......this time in four weeks, we will be in London for the big night.................
xx
We started our walk this morning at 10 o'clock...how strange it felt, walking mid morning on a busy Saturday. We had previously walked 33 miles this week & decided to just do 10 so that we would just pass the 42. We also thought that this was the best thing for me as I had struggled on Thursday.
I do think that the main reason for my struggle was the distance we had to walk this week. Now I have finished I feel much better & do have a sense of achievement & also relief that I will not have to walk so much in one week again! I do feel that I have been really tested both physically & mentally & I have had to push myself to do it. I guess this is all very good practise for the actual walk & hope that the lows of this week will help me get through those 26.2 miles......
This week has been a real journey for me; I have been thinking again of all the reasons why I am doing this, of my own cancer, of all the women who are walking while undergoing treatment, and, of all the women who are now being diagnosed as I write this...... I am SO determined to do this & WILL get over that finishing line.
Anyway, back to today...sorry, I did go off on one a bit didn't I?! It was VERY windy today, what a nightmare! In fact, when we were walking along Sea Road (this is the road running along the sea front for those of you who have never been to "sunny" Felixstowe) the spray from the waves was hitting us as we battled against the head wind. It was a real struggle at times but we kept on smiling & pushed on. It was great when we turned the few corners where the wind then pushed us along!
We also had a new experience....powerwalking through the town at a busy time! We both had our t-shirts on & managed to dodge the shoppers. We did get lots of smiles & thumbs up & one lady said some very encouraging words to us. It does give you a boost when you get encouragement & that is one thing I am really looking forward to in London.
We did the 10 miles in 2 hours 11 & I was relieved to be back at Tracey's house. I do have a little worry though.......my right knee is causing me a bit of pain at the moment, nothing serious, but something I must keep an eye on. I am now taking my painkillers for my sciatica regularly & I'm sure they will also help my other little aches & pains. All will be fine & all the training will have been worth it. We will be ready.
Only two weeks to the big 20 and.......this time in four weeks, we will be in London for the big night.................
xx
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Partner swapping..............
No, the only things "swinging" were my hips whilst power walking!!!!!
Tracey walked with Trace this morning & I walked with the lovely Dons tonight.
Dons & I walked 10 miles in 2 hours 12 whilst the sun was setting, which was lovely, but, it was very windy & chilly at times as well, not so lovely! Also, the farmers had been spreading the fields with smelly stuff!!
I have to admit that I was very tired tonight, both physically & mentally. I have had a very busy time at work & I think it all got to me a bit during the walk. I didn't hit a wall thankfully, just felt drained & had to dig deep to keep going. I haven't felt like that over so many miles during one walk for a long time & it did shock me a bit. I had to think of all the reasons for doing this & remember how low I have felt during previous walks & how I had come through those times. I guess it was only a matter of time before I had some low points as I have been feeling so upbeat over recent walks.
Don't worry, I AM ok, honest!!!Just a bit tired and emotional.....
It's only now, having chatted to lovely hubby about the walk & other things that I can look back at tonight & think...hey, it's ok! Up until now, the most I have walked in a week has been 31 miles & that was over four walks. I have now walked 33 miles this week & only over three walks with a further biggie to come on Saturday. I think our stamina (both mental & physical) is definitely being tested this week with the total of 42 miles to be walked & I'm sure I will feel better once I have achieved this & it is over!
No gym on Saturday as Tracey & I are walking late that morning......so, I am really looking forward to my lay in on Sunday....!!
xx
ps. A big thank you to personal trainer.....she may not have walked with me tonight, but during the 8th mile, I received a very welcome text from her...."chin up Bella"....it was very gratefully received especially considering how I was feeling this evening.
xx
Tracey walked with Trace this morning & I walked with the lovely Dons tonight.
Dons & I walked 10 miles in 2 hours 12 whilst the sun was setting, which was lovely, but, it was very windy & chilly at times as well, not so lovely! Also, the farmers had been spreading the fields with smelly stuff!!
I have to admit that I was very tired tonight, both physically & mentally. I have had a very busy time at work & I think it all got to me a bit during the walk. I didn't hit a wall thankfully, just felt drained & had to dig deep to keep going. I haven't felt like that over so many miles during one walk for a long time & it did shock me a bit. I had to think of all the reasons for doing this & remember how low I have felt during previous walks & how I had come through those times. I guess it was only a matter of time before I had some low points as I have been feeling so upbeat over recent walks.
Don't worry, I AM ok, honest!!!Just a bit tired and emotional.....
It's only now, having chatted to lovely hubby about the walk & other things that I can look back at tonight & think...hey, it's ok! Up until now, the most I have walked in a week has been 31 miles & that was over four walks. I have now walked 33 miles this week & only over three walks with a further biggie to come on Saturday. I think our stamina (both mental & physical) is definitely being tested this week with the total of 42 miles to be walked & I'm sure I will feel better once I have achieved this & it is over!
No gym on Saturday as Tracey & I are walking late that morning......so, I am really looking forward to my lay in on Sunday....!!
xx
ps. A big thank you to personal trainer.....she may not have walked with me tonight, but during the 8th mile, I received a very welcome text from her...."chin up Bella"....it was very gratefully received especially considering how I was feeling this evening.
xx
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Over half way to the 42......................
Tracey & I did our usual speedy 8 miles tonight........so we have walked 23 of the 42 required.
I decided to wear THE bra under my t-shirt, well, I do have to make sure it is comfy..!! My son is amazed at it's brightness & is convinced that it is also "glow in the dark"! Not quite, but I do hope it will sparkle by the time I have finished decorating it. Tracey's girls commented on it's "pinkness" & her hubby.....well, he smiled....................!!
What a difference it was walking tonight compared to the warm sun on Sunday...there was definitely a nip in the air & we couldn't believe how the wind increased as we walked on. At times there was a real head wind but we managed the 8 miles in 1 hour 40 & dare I say it.....walked the final mile in 10 minutes. I had found that spring in my step again but 10 minute miles are a rarity, this one just flowed really well.
With just over 4 weeks (!) to go, I feel we are on a roll now & are almost ready for the big night.... I hope these are not my famous last words! I am really starting to get used to the different stages & problems that my body is going through during our walks & am even beginning to look forward to that 20 miler at the beginning of May. I can see why it is so important to complete it: it's a real test of our stamina & is a walk into the unknown. I am sure I will have some mental battles along the way but if I can do it, I will hopefully feel really positive about the real thing.
Lovely hubby said we need to have PMA.....positive mental attitude.....(not PMS....enough of that already) & how right he is...............
xx
I decided to wear THE bra under my t-shirt, well, I do have to make sure it is comfy..!! My son is amazed at it's brightness & is convinced that it is also "glow in the dark"! Not quite, but I do hope it will sparkle by the time I have finished decorating it. Tracey's girls commented on it's "pinkness" & her hubby.....well, he smiled....................!!
What a difference it was walking tonight compared to the warm sun on Sunday...there was definitely a nip in the air & we couldn't believe how the wind increased as we walked on. At times there was a real head wind but we managed the 8 miles in 1 hour 40 & dare I say it.....walked the final mile in 10 minutes. I had found that spring in my step again but 10 minute miles are a rarity, this one just flowed really well.
With just over 4 weeks (!) to go, I feel we are on a roll now & are almost ready for the big night.... I hope these are not my famous last words! I am really starting to get used to the different stages & problems that my body is going through during our walks & am even beginning to look forward to that 20 miler at the beginning of May. I can see why it is so important to complete it: it's a real test of our stamina & is a walk into the unknown. I am sure I will have some mental battles along the way but if I can do it, I will hopefully feel really positive about the real thing.
Lovely hubby said we need to have PMA.....positive mental attitude.....(not PMS....enough of that already) & how right he is...............
xx
Monday, 14 April 2008
Mediterranean Shipping Company
Lovely hubby works for Medite & most Fridays they have a "dress down" day when they all wear casual clothes & make a donation to someone's chosen charity.....
On April 4th, they very kindly donated for my moonwalk & raised a magnificent total of £278.05!!
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who generously donated, you are all wonderful!!
xx
On April 4th, they very kindly donated for my moonwalk & raised a magnificent total of £278.05!!
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who generously donated, you are all wonderful!!
xx
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Head up Bella.......
As you know, this week is the biggie......42 miles are required..............will wearing the much awaited t-shirts help us through?
As personal trainer's hubby was due to leave home for the football at 10am this morning, the pressure was on us to leave for our walk in good time, especially if we wanted to do a good distance.
SO, after a lovely evening with friends last night, I got to bed at 1.45 (yes it's true) & before I knew it, the alarm was going off just before 6.........how mad am I? We normally start our Sunday walks about 7.30, so, hey, what's an hour earlier really??!!! Ha ha ha, yes we started at 6.30.....
For once, the sun was rising as we set off but knowing how unlucky we have been with our previous walks, we decided to keep our rain coats on. As usual, the old banger took a little while to warm up but before I knew it, I was taking my coat off as it was so warm....what a change for us!
In fact, the weather just got better & even warmer so we left our coats by my front door as we passed my house. We both ended up tying our jackets round our waist & walking with our t-shirts on full view for all to see. We certainly got lots of smiles & waves today so hopefully the t-shirt is now self explanatory.....I'm sure that people must have previously thought we were a pair of nutters, especially when we were walking in the snow!! I felt very proud wearing the t-shirt......
There are so many titles I could have given this blog but this one stuck in my mind........
We were almost at the 11 mile marker & I have to admit that I was starting to struggle a little, nowhere near "the wall", just a time when I had to dig that bit deeper. Tracey happened to turn round & saw that my head was down (literally!) & shouted "head up Bella!" She is such a star, she often says just the right thing to push me on & she was right once again. Power walking with your head up, looking straight ahead DOES help & also, I was able to see the smiles & waves & this gave me the encouragement I needed. Imagine, this is just round Felixstowe, how fantastic will it be in London with so many people supporting us??!!
We realised that we would be able to walk 15 miles as we were walking very well & keeping to a very good pace (as it turns out, we could have done the 16 & still have been home in time) & had completed our half marathon in 2 hours 42...don't just double this time & think we can do the full moon in 5 hours 24....if only it were that easy! The farthest we have walked is 16 & we just don't know how we are going to feel walking the full distance & whether we will be able to keep the same pace up.....it's a journey into the unknown...
But, today was great. I'm sure walking in the warm sun helped us & it did feel great to do a "good" distance. I felt tired during the 14th but when Tracey told me we'd done it in just under 3 hours (2hrs 58) my face broke into a huge grin & I felt revived for the final mile which we did in 12 minutes. So the 15 miles took us 3 hours 10. Keeping track of our distances & times is really helping me as I can see how we are improving & that in itself is helping my mental battles. On March 16th, we did our first 14 miler in 3 hours 12, so we managed to do the 15 today in two minutes less than this.....
The training is working then & this really does make all the hard times, pain, aches, tiredness & lack of lay-ins etc seem worthwhile.
Just look at the smiles............what a fantastic feeling finishing today........
XX
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Kick off is 11.20pm, 17th May.............
Trace & Dons received their final packs today, hope Tracey & I don't have to wait long for ours! Our starting time is 11.20pm (will all be the same as we have entered as a team) & we are in the second group setting off. So, if you are in the pub that night, spare a thought for us & maybe send an encouraging text!
Trace & Dons walked in the sunshine this afternoon, while Tracey & I left for ours at 7 o'clock. It was a lovely evening again although the wind was in our faces walking back. We did the same 8 miles as Tuesday in 1hr 41 & again, I felt really good & had that spring in my step. Maybe ask me if that's still there this time next week when we will have almost walked the 42 required!
Lovely hubby went out for me on Sunday afternoon & bought me a bowl & some essential oils for me to soak & massage my feet as suggested in the good book. I have been soaking them & while it obviously good for them, it is also very relaxing for me. I am sure they will need lots of TLC over the next 5 weeks.....in fact......I think I will need lots of TLC as well....maybe even now!!
I wrote my first blog on February 14th when it was just over 13 weeks to the big day. Now it's just over 5 weeks to go...........! I think we have all come such a long way since then & it has been a real journey with many highs & lows. Personally, I now feel ready to do this.........I just hope I am able to continue to feel this positive over the weeks to come......especially next week with the 42 miles & then the big 20..........I may well need lots of words of support & encouragement, hint hint!!
XX
Trace & Dons walked in the sunshine this afternoon, while Tracey & I left for ours at 7 o'clock. It was a lovely evening again although the wind was in our faces walking back. We did the same 8 miles as Tuesday in 1hr 41 & again, I felt really good & had that spring in my step. Maybe ask me if that's still there this time next week when we will have almost walked the 42 required!
Lovely hubby went out for me on Sunday afternoon & bought me a bowl & some essential oils for me to soak & massage my feet as suggested in the good book. I have been soaking them & while it obviously good for them, it is also very relaxing for me. I am sure they will need lots of TLC over the next 5 weeks.....in fact......I think I will need lots of TLC as well....maybe even now!!
I wrote my first blog on February 14th when it was just over 13 weeks to the big day. Now it's just over 5 weeks to go...........! I think we have all come such a long way since then & it has been a real journey with many highs & lows. Personally, I now feel ready to do this.........I just hope I am able to continue to feel this positive over the weeks to come......especially next week with the 42 miles & then the big 20..........I may well need lots of words of support & encouragement, hint hint!!
XX
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Bra is on it's way.............
A speedy 8 miler for Tracey & me tonight.......
We walked the High Road & more, in 10 degrees with the sun setting over the fields & just a slight chill in the breeze...........but most of all.......no snow!!
It was lovely & gave me a real bounce in my step hence we walked it in 1 hour 42, an average of 12.75 mins per mile. It didn't really feel that fast either, but we were chatting a lot! Some miles just seem to "flow" better than others I think, whereas others seem to take longer. Maybe it's also that all the training is now starting to pay off? I have now walked 206 miles, can't quite believe that.
We are all now starting to think about the all important bra decorating & today, I ordered my neon pink bra.....I will make no excuses, it is loud & I will be proud!! We are also waiting for our final packs to arrive which will include our t shirts, starting time & route, how very real it will then seem.......
I think these last few weeks are going to fly by & before we know it we'll be on that train heading off for the big one.....
XX
We walked the High Road & more, in 10 degrees with the sun setting over the fields & just a slight chill in the breeze...........but most of all.......no snow!!
It was lovely & gave me a real bounce in my step hence we walked it in 1 hour 42, an average of 12.75 mins per mile. It didn't really feel that fast either, but we were chatting a lot! Some miles just seem to "flow" better than others I think, whereas others seem to take longer. Maybe it's also that all the training is now starting to pay off? I have now walked 206 miles, can't quite believe that.
We are all now starting to think about the all important bra decorating & today, I ordered my neon pink bra.....I will make no excuses, it is loud & I will be proud!! We are also waiting for our final packs to arrive which will include our t shirts, starting time & route, how very real it will then seem.......
I think these last few weeks are going to fly by & before we know it we'll be on that train heading off for the big one.....
XX
Sunday, 6 April 2008
I don't BELIEVE IT.........
No, I really don't......
I watched the weather on the BBC at 6.30 this morning...."snow over London".....but it looked like we would miss it. To be sure, I went online & looked at the BBC website for the 24 hour forecast for Felixstowe....dry, bit cloudy, big sun at 10am. Great, ideal for a big walk.
I even told Tracey's daughter Gabriella that no, we would not have snow as per the forecast, even she looked at me as if to say, yeah right. Do NOT trust anything I say about the weather...
During our sixth mile, we went for our usual p-stop in readiness for doing a long walk. We had seen a few tiny flakes of snow on & off for a few minutes BUT.................
Literally two minutes later on leaving the loo, IT WAS SNOWING REALLY HEAVILY.
We were not happy. The awful thing with snow (apart from making you very cold & wet) is that no matter which direction you walk in, the snow always aims for your face. Nice. Unfortunately, this meant that we would not be walking along the High Road to do 12, 14 or 16 miles as the snow was not showing any signs of stopping & we both remembered just how wet we got the other Sunday. It was just not worth it. So we just did the 10 miles & surprised Tracey's family by arriving back at her house 2 hours 14 minutes after leaving! Our thighs did not warm up at all again: it's really weird as the top half of our bodies were really warm, too warm for me really but our legs felt like they were in another place!
The good book suggests walking only 12 miles this week, so we were not too concerned about having to cut our walk short today. The main reason for the short distance this week is that next week we are meant to be walking the 42 miles. I guess it's a bit like the calm before the storm!! We will still walk on Tuesday & Thursday this week though as we are regularly walking longer distances & I am finding that these walks are helping to improve my stamina & to believe in myself that I CAN actually do this.
A pattern is starting to form during my walks now for me: I find that the first 2 or 3 miles are a bit of a struggle at times as the front of my lower legs always ache & seem a bit tight. But, once I get warmed up & walk on further, the aches subside & I get into the flow of it. I suppose it's a bit like an old car (!), it starts off spluttering on a cold morning but is better once it's warmed up!! Maybe I am really just an "old banger"!!!! Ha ha ha!!
Just think, this time in 6 weeks, it will all be over & we will be back in the comfort of our own homes recovering..................
XX
ps. Something REALLY funny happened on the walk today........a "first".....something that just doesn't normally happen........
I actually walked AHEAD of personal trainer for a short distance today............
Well, she did have to stop to do her laces up............!!
XX
I watched the weather on the BBC at 6.30 this morning...."snow over London".....but it looked like we would miss it. To be sure, I went online & looked at the BBC website for the 24 hour forecast for Felixstowe....dry, bit cloudy, big sun at 10am. Great, ideal for a big walk.
I even told Tracey's daughter Gabriella that no, we would not have snow as per the forecast, even she looked at me as if to say, yeah right. Do NOT trust anything I say about the weather...
During our sixth mile, we went for our usual p-stop in readiness for doing a long walk. We had seen a few tiny flakes of snow on & off for a few minutes BUT.................
Literally two minutes later on leaving the loo, IT WAS SNOWING REALLY HEAVILY.
We were not happy. The awful thing with snow (apart from making you very cold & wet) is that no matter which direction you walk in, the snow always aims for your face. Nice. Unfortunately, this meant that we would not be walking along the High Road to do 12, 14 or 16 miles as the snow was not showing any signs of stopping & we both remembered just how wet we got the other Sunday. It was just not worth it. So we just did the 10 miles & surprised Tracey's family by arriving back at her house 2 hours 14 minutes after leaving! Our thighs did not warm up at all again: it's really weird as the top half of our bodies were really warm, too warm for me really but our legs felt like they were in another place!
The good book suggests walking only 12 miles this week, so we were not too concerned about having to cut our walk short today. The main reason for the short distance this week is that next week we are meant to be walking the 42 miles. I guess it's a bit like the calm before the storm!! We will still walk on Tuesday & Thursday this week though as we are regularly walking longer distances & I am finding that these walks are helping to improve my stamina & to believe in myself that I CAN actually do this.
A pattern is starting to form during my walks now for me: I find that the first 2 or 3 miles are a bit of a struggle at times as the front of my lower legs always ache & seem a bit tight. But, once I get warmed up & walk on further, the aches subside & I get into the flow of it. I suppose it's a bit like an old car (!), it starts off spluttering on a cold morning but is better once it's warmed up!! Maybe I am really just an "old banger"!!!! Ha ha ha!!
Just think, this time in 6 weeks, it will all be over & we will be back in the comfort of our own homes recovering..................
XX
ps. Something REALLY funny happened on the walk today........a "first".....something that just doesn't normally happen........
I actually walked AHEAD of personal trainer for a short distance today............
Well, she did have to stop to do her laces up............!!
XX
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Just a quickie....
It has been such a lovely day today that I decided to go for a short walk on my own after work, once I had fed the children of course! I think the light evenings are inspiring me to walk a bit more as I didn't really need to walk tonight as Tracey and I are doing a short one tomorrow.
So off I set with Take That on the ipod, kindly lent to me by Jessie. I walked just over 3 miles & managed to keep up a good pace & thoroughly enjoyed it. I had to resist the temptation to sing-along as I was walking though!!
However, Trace & Dons walked from Walton to the outskirts of Ipswich this afternoon! Well done to them as I am sure those 9 miles felt like much more with the straight main roads to walk along. A completely new experience. I hope they are both ok tonight, especially Trace, who is really battling through the training at the moment.
I can't believe that another week is almost over. The time is starting to go at an alarming speed & the big day is only six weeks away. I am still feeling positive & I hope this continues and, although I do still have my mental battles, I am feeling more confident in overcoming them.
Fingers crossed that there will be NO snow for our usual biggie on Sunday morning.......
xx
So off I set with Take That on the ipod, kindly lent to me by Jessie. I walked just over 3 miles & managed to keep up a good pace & thoroughly enjoyed it. I had to resist the temptation to sing-along as I was walking though!!
However, Trace & Dons walked from Walton to the outskirts of Ipswich this afternoon! Well done to them as I am sure those 9 miles felt like much more with the straight main roads to walk along. A completely new experience. I hope they are both ok tonight, especially Trace, who is really battling through the training at the moment.
I can't believe that another week is almost over. The time is starting to go at an alarming speed & the big day is only six weeks away. I am still feeling positive & I hope this continues and, although I do still have my mental battles, I am feeling more confident in overcoming them.
Fingers crossed that there will be NO snow for our usual biggie on Sunday morning.......
xx
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
No swim tonight..........
We didn't do our usual walk then swim tonight as Tracey is unable to walk on Thursday. So we decided to do a speedy 8 miler instead........who would have thought that "speedy" & "8 miles" would go together in the same sentence!
How nice it was, walking in the light evening as the sun set! It was also quite mild as well, no rain, no blustery wind & NO SNOW!!! What a change.
We walked the 8 in 1 hour 43 & I really enjoyed it, even feeling that I wanted to walk even faster! I had a real spring in my step. Don't know what had come over me! Perhaps it was a mixture of the better weather & also the fact that we were walking half the distance compared to Sunday? Who knows. Maybe I am just in the right frame of mind at the moment. We all know how that can really help.
We have been looking ahead at the last few remaining weeks before THE day (it's 6 weeks on Saturday..!!). The training plan for the week beginning April 13th recommends walking 42....YES 42...miles during that week. Imagine that! However, when you break it down, it can be two 12s, a 10 & an 8.....oh is that all you may say....but when you remember that we have been walking these distances for a while it really doesn't seem that bad...HONESTLY!! Last week, Tracey & I walked 28 miles, so almost there...!!
The big 20 is due on the weekend of May 3rd/4th, very luckily a week before Tracy's 40th birthday! We then have two weeks to "recover" & only do shorter walks. I think I will swim a lot those 2 weeks as well to keep my muscles from seizing up & rebelling against me forever!
Butterflies are starting already............
xx
How nice it was, walking in the light evening as the sun set! It was also quite mild as well, no rain, no blustery wind & NO SNOW!!! What a change.
We walked the 8 in 1 hour 43 & I really enjoyed it, even feeling that I wanted to walk even faster! I had a real spring in my step. Don't know what had come over me! Perhaps it was a mixture of the better weather & also the fact that we were walking half the distance compared to Sunday? Who knows. Maybe I am just in the right frame of mind at the moment. We all know how that can really help.
We have been looking ahead at the last few remaining weeks before THE day (it's 6 weeks on Saturday..!!). The training plan for the week beginning April 13th recommends walking 42....YES 42...miles during that week. Imagine that! However, when you break it down, it can be two 12s, a 10 & an 8.....oh is that all you may say....but when you remember that we have been walking these distances for a while it really doesn't seem that bad...HONESTLY!! Last week, Tracey & I walked 28 miles, so almost there...!!
The big 20 is due on the weekend of May 3rd/4th, very luckily a week before Tracy's 40th birthday! We then have two weeks to "recover" & only do shorter walks. I think I will swim a lot those 2 weeks as well to keep my muscles from seizing up & rebelling against me forever!
Butterflies are starting already............
xx
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Remember why we are doing this......
If I thought that getting up early on a Sunday was hard before, imagine how I felt today having lost that hour's sleep.....! But, at least the temperature was above zero today & apart from a little drizzle occasionally, we were lucky with the weather for a change....... So off Tracey & I went, looking forward (!) to attempting the 16 miles.
I have to say, that now I am sitting in my comfy chair, having had lots to eat & a welcome bath, I am amazed that we walked the full 16 miles and in 3 hours 38 mins as well. It was certainly not a walk in the park though........if only!!
We set off really well & the usual 10 miles went by relatively easily & it was nice to feel warmer after the cold thighs & snow of last Sunday. We then carried onto Trimley High Road for the final 6. The good thing about walking along the High Road is that you know that if you can do the 3 miles going, you HAVE to turn back for home to complete the final 3, no avoiding it. So I knew that I had to "just" do those 3 & then I would be able to turn for home, hoping that this would give me that usual boost.
I got through the first 2 ok, avoiding that awful wall but the 13th caused me a bit of a problem. I was very tired & I really ached, especially my legs. I was trying to think of something to help me pull through as I knew it wasn't far to being able to turn for home.
If you look at any of our justgiving pages & click on "the playtex moonwalk" in the top right hand corner, it will take you to a page showing people who have recently set up their own pages. I often do this as some of them are very inspiring (ok, maybe I am nosy as well!), and it was one of these that I thought about today.
This young woman has a picture of herself & her husband on their wedding day, she looks really happy & beautiful. Then you read about how she was diagnosed in April last year & that she is doing the walk in May with her husband & other members of her family. I remembered how I felt about a year after my own diagnosis. When you are going through your treatment, your life is planned & organised for you: you have no choice: the treatment rules your life for those months, it has to: you are literally fighting for survival. I found that it was about a year later, when life had almost "returned to normal" that the enormity of just what I had gone through really hit me. During treatment you only have time to think about one day at a time & once that is over, your mind has that time to think about everything else, especially your future & what it may hold. It is a very scary time.
So, here I was today, almost ten years on from diagnosis & I thought about how this woman would be having to get through her training just a year after her own. This was enough to push me on. How brave she was being along with the many other women who are doing the walk while they are actually going through their treatment.
Please just stop & think about that for a moment.........
I have to say, that now I am sitting in my comfy chair, having had lots to eat & a welcome bath, I am amazed that we walked the full 16 miles and in 3 hours 38 mins as well. It was certainly not a walk in the park though........if only!!
We set off really well & the usual 10 miles went by relatively easily & it was nice to feel warmer after the cold thighs & snow of last Sunday. We then carried onto Trimley High Road for the final 6. The good thing about walking along the High Road is that you know that if you can do the 3 miles going, you HAVE to turn back for home to complete the final 3, no avoiding it. So I knew that I had to "just" do those 3 & then I would be able to turn for home, hoping that this would give me that usual boost.
I got through the first 2 ok, avoiding that awful wall but the 13th caused me a bit of a problem. I was very tired & I really ached, especially my legs. I was trying to think of something to help me pull through as I knew it wasn't far to being able to turn for home.
If you look at any of our justgiving pages & click on "the playtex moonwalk" in the top right hand corner, it will take you to a page showing people who have recently set up their own pages. I often do this as some of them are very inspiring (ok, maybe I am nosy as well!), and it was one of these that I thought about today.
This young woman has a picture of herself & her husband on their wedding day, she looks really happy & beautiful. Then you read about how she was diagnosed in April last year & that she is doing the walk in May with her husband & other members of her family. I remembered how I felt about a year after my own diagnosis. When you are going through your treatment, your life is planned & organised for you: you have no choice: the treatment rules your life for those months, it has to: you are literally fighting for survival. I found that it was about a year later, when life had almost "returned to normal" that the enormity of just what I had gone through really hit me. During treatment you only have time to think about one day at a time & once that is over, your mind has that time to think about everything else, especially your future & what it may hold. It is a very scary time.
So, here I was today, almost ten years on from diagnosis & I thought about how this woman would be having to get through her training just a year after her own. This was enough to push me on. How brave she was being along with the many other women who are doing the walk while they are actually going through their treatment.
Please just stop & think about that for a moment.........
If they could all do it, so could I.
And I did.
I am tired. I do ache. But, this was another hurdle to get through & we did it. I can honestly say now that I am looking forward to walking it again, maybe that's a bit strange?! It's only a few weeks away to the big 20 that we have to do & I know that I will really have to be strong to get through that, but I am feeling really positive. Of course, I am also very lucky having my own personal trainer to help me get through it! Thanks for today, Tracey xx
We have now booked our train tickets to London for the big day & have also paid the final money for the Costa del Sol holiday. We can't wait...time is marching on ....as are we.....!!
xx
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Thursday again already.....
Where has the week gone?
Personal trainer & I walked a speedy 4 miles on Tuesday & then went for our usual swim. Loved it. Have had my leg pulled though as Gaz from work saw my attempts at powerwalking & has had a good laugh. Hubby also saw us & said that he didn't realise just how fast we walked! It makes a change for me to see people I know as it is normally Tracey who says hello to every other person...!!
Tonight, Trace joined the pair of us & we set off walking our 10 mile route but in reverse. It was a bit strange to begin with & I did feel a bit tired as I have had a busy week. It also meant that we had 3 long hills to walk up instead of down........that was hard! It certainly gave my legs a good workout.
Trace left us at the 7 mile marker & we then carried on. I did hope in a way that we would take a short cut & walk 9, but before I knew it, Tracey had said that we'd do the full 10.......ok Mrs Personal Trainer!! What's an extra mile anyway....
I'm glad she did though & I really found a new burst of energy for the final 2, even walking up the longest hill & surviving! We did the 10 in 2hrs 18mins. I did think it might be slower than usual, but looking back at my blogs, it's actually a very good time especially as Tracey was recovering from a cold, I was tired & it was quite damp towards the end. Also have to remember those hills we had to walk up. How can I forget! It's good to know that we have kept our pace up.
Our next walk will be our usual bright & early Sunday morning one & we are hoping for good weather to maybe do a 16...................
xx
Personal trainer & I walked a speedy 4 miles on Tuesday & then went for our usual swim. Loved it. Have had my leg pulled though as Gaz from work saw my attempts at powerwalking & has had a good laugh. Hubby also saw us & said that he didn't realise just how fast we walked! It makes a change for me to see people I know as it is normally Tracey who says hello to every other person...!!
Tonight, Trace joined the pair of us & we set off walking our 10 mile route but in reverse. It was a bit strange to begin with & I did feel a bit tired as I have had a busy week. It also meant that we had 3 long hills to walk up instead of down........that was hard! It certainly gave my legs a good workout.
Trace left us at the 7 mile marker & we then carried on. I did hope in a way that we would take a short cut & walk 9, but before I knew it, Tracey had said that we'd do the full 10.......ok Mrs Personal Trainer!! What's an extra mile anyway....
I'm glad she did though & I really found a new burst of energy for the final 2, even walking up the longest hill & surviving! We did the 10 in 2hrs 18mins. I did think it might be slower than usual, but looking back at my blogs, it's actually a very good time especially as Tracey was recovering from a cold, I was tired & it was quite damp towards the end. Also have to remember those hills we had to walk up. How can I forget! It's good to know that we have kept our pace up.
Our next walk will be our usual bright & early Sunday morning one & we are hoping for good weather to maybe do a 16...................
xx
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Let it snow........
Oh yes, it's true..........Tracey & I walked in the snow today!! We thought that we should have a picture taken just to prove that it really did happen! I don't think that either of us can still quite believe that we did!When we started our walk at 7.15 (!) it was a bright, sunny but cold morning, zero degrees to be exact. We set off not really knowing just how far we would walk, it just depended on the weather. We didn't want to forego our walk completely as we both feel the long Sunday walks are crucial to our training. We were cold though & I don't think our thighs warmed up at all. In fact, it was still zero degrees when we finished!
It started to snow lightly when we were into our eighth mile. It wasn't too bad, quite nice in a strange way & I guess just another weather experience.....but, it soon started to fall heavily. Not funny. It was hard to keep walking at times, a real battle against the elements, but we carried on with real determination, although I suppose you may say it was madness......
But, the walk was going really well despite the awful weather & I thought that we could walk along the High Road, play our distance by ear & turn back when we were ready as "the wind would be behind us", so we'd be pushed home..........
Famous last words. Sorry Tracey.
I think I may have wanted to go further just to walk that 12th mile again after the battle I had with it last Sunday. I didn't want it to become a mile that I would dread everytime, thinking that I would hit the wall again, so it was a bit of a mental challenge for me.
The weather just got worse & worse & by now we were very wet. We reached the 12th mile marker & I felt really good for getting through it but Tracey very sensibly said that we should turn back for home. A very good idea, after all the wind would surely be behind us now......
No.
It seemed to be even stronger now & we had to really put our heads down & step it out as the snow was really driving into our faces. We must have looked a right sight & I'm sure people thought we were mad as they drove past in their warm cars.
How glad we were to finally reach home & would you believe it, we did the 14 miles in 3hrs 5mins, 7 minutes quicker than last week. I was really shocked! I don't think I realised just how bad the weather was until I saw the photo & saw how much it had snowed, look at the roof & car in the backgound.
I hope that the smile on my face gives you an idea of how fantastic it feels to complete a good walk, it's such a good feeling despite all the hard times. I can't wait to have that picture taken at the end of 26.2 miles........................
xx
Friday, 21 March 2008
Thursday's walk......
It was just personal trainer & me off for a walk last night. Trace is away for the weekend & Dons was having a well deserved evening off after her walks & visits to the gym this week.
We didn't start until 7.30 as I had made a detour on the way home from work....well, I thought I was in need of a boost in the form of a Guinness.......
The weather was really awful: very windy & heavy rain. But, as you know, we can't choose the weather on the big night, so set off along the Trimley High Road for the original 6 miler. It was cold as well but I think that just made us walk at a faster pace. Again, knowing it was a "short" walk, helped as well. It seems funny calling a 6 miler a short walk, but that's how it is now!
It was hard going on the way as the wind was strong & as we got to the open fields by the road, it became very blustery & we had trouble walking in a straight line (it WAS the wind & NOT the Guinness!), but turning for home was great. The wind pushed us along & we decided to carry on past the 6 & walk me home to make it a 7 miler for me. Tracey then turned for home facing the driving rain & wind head on. But, as you know, I don't call her "personal trainer" for nothing....she did that final mile in 11 minutes!!
We did the 7 miles in 1 hour 31 mins, an average of 13 minutes per mile. Considering the awful weather conditions, I think we did really well. When we first started walking those 6 miles along the High Road, we were taking about 1 hour 36, so you can see how far we've come.
Us two are hoping to do our usual bright & early walk on Sunday morning but we will have to see how the weather is... I have my fingers crossed for fine weather as I am really in the mood for a long walk.
Just a bit of news on the sponsorship front: my oldest brother Paul, works for a haulage company called Ralph Morton in Felixstowe & he has been collecting money from his drivers & colleagues on my behalf. I just want to say a BIG thank you to him & to them, as they have very generously donated over £120 so far!! He is hoping to raise much more, so once he has finished, he will add the amount to my fundraising page & I will do a blog solely to do a very special thank you to him & his company. This amount has now pushed me past my target of £500, although it won't be added to my page for a while. I think it goes to show how breast cancer has sadly affected so many people in one way or another. It really is a very worthwhile & special cause to raise money for.....
XX
We didn't start until 7.30 as I had made a detour on the way home from work....well, I thought I was in need of a boost in the form of a Guinness.......
The weather was really awful: very windy & heavy rain. But, as you know, we can't choose the weather on the big night, so set off along the Trimley High Road for the original 6 miler. It was cold as well but I think that just made us walk at a faster pace. Again, knowing it was a "short" walk, helped as well. It seems funny calling a 6 miler a short walk, but that's how it is now!
It was hard going on the way as the wind was strong & as we got to the open fields by the road, it became very blustery & we had trouble walking in a straight line (it WAS the wind & NOT the Guinness!), but turning for home was great. The wind pushed us along & we decided to carry on past the 6 & walk me home to make it a 7 miler for me. Tracey then turned for home facing the driving rain & wind head on. But, as you know, I don't call her "personal trainer" for nothing....she did that final mile in 11 minutes!!
We did the 7 miles in 1 hour 31 mins, an average of 13 minutes per mile. Considering the awful weather conditions, I think we did really well. When we first started walking those 6 miles along the High Road, we were taking about 1 hour 36, so you can see how far we've come.
Us two are hoping to do our usual bright & early walk on Sunday morning but we will have to see how the weather is... I have my fingers crossed for fine weather as I am really in the mood for a long walk.
Just a bit of news on the sponsorship front: my oldest brother Paul, works for a haulage company called Ralph Morton in Felixstowe & he has been collecting money from his drivers & colleagues on my behalf. I just want to say a BIG thank you to him & to them, as they have very generously donated over £120 so far!! He is hoping to raise much more, so once he has finished, he will add the amount to my fundraising page & I will do a blog solely to do a very special thank you to him & his company. This amount has now pushed me past my target of £500, although it won't be added to my page for a while. I think it goes to show how breast cancer has sadly affected so many people in one way or another. It really is a very worthwhile & special cause to raise money for.....
XX
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Walk & swim...
Tracey & I walked a speedy 4 miles last night before jumping (not literally) into the pool to swim 500m.
I enjoyed the walk as it was easy to step it out quickly knowing that it was only a short walk. The last two weeks leading up to the big night will involve speedy 5 milers, as we will (OH, YES, WE WILL!) have completed our 20 miler by then. We then just have to let our bodies recover (!) whilst still training, hence the shorter walks.
After the bit of rain we experienced on Sunday morning, we were a bit shocked to be confronted by pouring rain half way round. No caps to protect us this time & the rain was dripping off our faces. Quite an experience! I think we have now walked through all weather, except snow & with the weather forecast for Easter, who knows.....!!
Tracey, Dons & I will be walking tomorrow evening, hopefully an 8 or 10 one, depending on the time we start. Tracey & I are then going to do our early Sunday walk & you never know, I may jump over "my wall" & do a bit of a longer one....fingers crossed.
I think that we are all coming into our own with our training & now finding out what suits each of us individually. Tracy & Dons are walking & going to the gym more & hopefully have sorted out their injuries & problems. I am happy with my mixture of gym, swimming & longer (mostly, anyway!!) walks. As for personal trainer......she is just there for me & continues to be so encouraging & supportive in her special way.
My sponsor money is now starting to come in & that in itself gives me that extra encouragement to keep going..........just over 8 weeks to go...& dare I say it....I CAN'T WAIT...!!!!!! I am mad.
XX
I enjoyed the walk as it was easy to step it out quickly knowing that it was only a short walk. The last two weeks leading up to the big night will involve speedy 5 milers, as we will (OH, YES, WE WILL!) have completed our 20 miler by then. We then just have to let our bodies recover (!) whilst still training, hence the shorter walks.
After the bit of rain we experienced on Sunday morning, we were a bit shocked to be confronted by pouring rain half way round. No caps to protect us this time & the rain was dripping off our faces. Quite an experience! I think we have now walked through all weather, except snow & with the weather forecast for Easter, who knows.....!!
Tracey, Dons & I will be walking tomorrow evening, hopefully an 8 or 10 one, depending on the time we start. Tracey & I are then going to do our early Sunday walk & you never know, I may jump over "my wall" & do a bit of a longer one....fingers crossed.
I think that we are all coming into our own with our training & now finding out what suits each of us individually. Tracy & Dons are walking & going to the gym more & hopefully have sorted out their injuries & problems. I am happy with my mixture of gym, swimming & longer (mostly, anyway!!) walks. As for personal trainer......she is just there for me & continues to be so encouraging & supportive in her special way.
My sponsor money is now starting to come in & that in itself gives me that extra encouragement to keep going..........just over 8 weeks to go...& dare I say it....I CAN'T WAIT...!!!!!! I am mad.
XX
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Over half way there..............
Personal trainer & I started our walk at 7.15 this morning..........!
We woke up to a bit of a rainy morning & after talking to each other, we decided to try to do a walk and to see how the weather was as we went along, as the rain wasn't too bad & we were up bright & early. After all, it may be raining on the big night. I'm really glad we did as the rain stopped during our third mile.
We looked quite funny, waterproofs on & even a cap, so I guess we looked the part of a serious (mad maybe!) walker! It was also quite windy & on occasions, quite hard to walk. As the miles went by, we decided to try for at least a ten miler. It was going very well, we were keeping up a good pace & Tracey then said the immortal words....shall we do the ten & then carry on along Trimley High Road & do a 14 miler.........??
Oh.
Well, we originally started our training, all those weeks ago, with 6 milers along that straight road, so in a way, it made sense to use it to extend our distance as we knew all the mile markers. I knew we would be ready to do the 14 but I think it was a bit of a shock now that we were actually going to do it. It went well to begin with & I was fine to the 11th. But then I had a bit of a problem. During our walks I find that different parts of my body hurt at different stages, but for the first time, I found that ALL of my body hurt at the same time. I had hit my wall.
I know that I have mentioned about my mental battles before, but this was different. I really had to dig deep because that dreaded "I can't do this" thought came into my head for the first time. I told Tracey not to worry as I was ok really but didn't talk for a while. I had to think about all of the reasons why I am doing this & really concentrate on my walking. I felt very emotional at one point because I thought that if I couldn't do 14, there would be NO way I would manage the 26.2 miles. A very low point.
Getting to the 12 miles & turning back for the final 2 was such a good feeling though & I felt so much better knowing we were on the home straight. I decided to set myself little targets to reach instead of just the 13th mile & this really helped as the more targets I reached, the more I knew we were almost there. I managed to step it out & felt much better. I did the power walking arms for the whole walk today & I found this helped towards the end as you really do use your arms to push yourself along.
We did the 14 in 3 hours 12 & felt amazing.
I felt a real sense of achievement & I think that having that awful mile has helped me for future walks, having gone through it once, I CAN get through it again. Wow.
I really want to thank my very special personal trainer for today as she probably helped me more than she realised. At times, she stepped up the pace a little & that gave me the incentive to push on & at other times, she slowed just enough & that made me able to walk a little faster.
Thanks honey. You are a star & yes, maybe next time, we will carry on that "little" bit further & do the 16!!
xx
We woke up to a bit of a rainy morning & after talking to each other, we decided to try to do a walk and to see how the weather was as we went along, as the rain wasn't too bad & we were up bright & early. After all, it may be raining on the big night. I'm really glad we did as the rain stopped during our third mile.
We looked quite funny, waterproofs on & even a cap, so I guess we looked the part of a serious (mad maybe!) walker! It was also quite windy & on occasions, quite hard to walk. As the miles went by, we decided to try for at least a ten miler. It was going very well, we were keeping up a good pace & Tracey then said the immortal words....shall we do the ten & then carry on along Trimley High Road & do a 14 miler.........??
Oh.
Well, we originally started our training, all those weeks ago, with 6 milers along that straight road, so in a way, it made sense to use it to extend our distance as we knew all the mile markers. I knew we would be ready to do the 14 but I think it was a bit of a shock now that we were actually going to do it. It went well to begin with & I was fine to the 11th. But then I had a bit of a problem. During our walks I find that different parts of my body hurt at different stages, but for the first time, I found that ALL of my body hurt at the same time. I had hit my wall.
I know that I have mentioned about my mental battles before, but this was different. I really had to dig deep because that dreaded "I can't do this" thought came into my head for the first time. I told Tracey not to worry as I was ok really but didn't talk for a while. I had to think about all of the reasons why I am doing this & really concentrate on my walking. I felt very emotional at one point because I thought that if I couldn't do 14, there would be NO way I would manage the 26.2 miles. A very low point.
Getting to the 12 miles & turning back for the final 2 was such a good feeling though & I felt so much better knowing we were on the home straight. I decided to set myself little targets to reach instead of just the 13th mile & this really helped as the more targets I reached, the more I knew we were almost there. I managed to step it out & felt much better. I did the power walking arms for the whole walk today & I found this helped towards the end as you really do use your arms to push yourself along.
We did the 14 in 3 hours 12 & felt amazing.
I felt a real sense of achievement & I think that having that awful mile has helped me for future walks, having gone through it once, I CAN get through it again. Wow.
I really want to thank my very special personal trainer for today as she probably helped me more than she realised. At times, she stepped up the pace a little & that gave me the incentive to push on & at other times, she slowed just enough & that made me able to walk a little faster.
Thanks honey. You are a star & yes, maybe next time, we will carry on that "little" bit further & do the 16!!
xx
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