Oh..........................

It's here..........

OMG.

Am so excited, nervous, emotional!! Have already had tears today, but hey, that's just me.....I'm feeling ok.......

The weather in London is looking good!

It's raining here at the moment but London should be sunny & 16' this afternoon (OH, I could have been at Twickenham.....drinking lots of Guinness.....watching my fav team.....(& all those REAL men!!)......COME ON TIGERS!!.....) & then partly cloudy, 9-10' overnight with the sun rising at 5.03............so, fingers crossed, looks better than last year. One of my favourite memories from last year was the sun rising.......it was beautiful......if all goes well (a big hopeful POSITIVE IF) we may be nearing the end as the sun appears....

Well, must get on......things to pack & check & food to eat.......!!

Thank you so much for all of your support.....you know it really does mean so much to me.....think of me tonight while you are all wrapped up warm & cosy in your beds.....I'll be proudly strutting my stuff around the streets of London.......trying NOT to think of being wrapped up all warm & cosy in a bed!!!
XX

Under 30 hours to go........

How am I feeling???

Nervous........

Excited.......

Emotional.......

Scared!!

In fact.......am feeling like I have ants (frogs...private joke, don't worry) in my pants...can't sit still, worrying that I am going to forget something, feeling clumsy because I am nervous, feeling nervous because I am clumsy....!!!! You get the picture...........

In fact, have just had a few tears......silly girl, I know.....but I guess the emotions I am feeling will help me through anyway.....better out than in! I need a huge hug.

I know I'll be fine.....I know I can & will do it.......

I'm sure I will blog later tonight....but definitely in the morning as I feel I may be awake rather early!
xxx

Eating for England....

I cannot believe what I have eaten today.......

3 weetabix

Then at work.....
2 slices of toast with marmite
4 bananas
2 peanut butter rolls
Special K cereal bar
Ham & mushroom tagliatelli
Coconut cake

And......

Cheesy smash

AND......

Am about to have chilli & rice.

Yes, it's true.

I will be growing a little curly tail & making strange noises at this rate.......

But, & this is a really big "but"........

OH....what I wouldn't do for a cold pint of Guinness......
XX

Fabulous five......

The scheduled first walk in our fabulous bras was cancelled due to the severe wind in Felixstowe tonight...I think it is possibly one of the windiest (burping aside, me, not Trace!!) walks we have done.....

Our poor bras would have suffered too much, so the plan is for the grand unveiling to take place on our final training walk on Thursday evening........

Anyway, we were only going to do 4 tonight but it was just such a brilliant walk...yes, even with the wind pushing us back....that it was me....YES ME!!!!...who said at 4 miles, hey, let's go back & do a fifth....am I feeling ok??!!!

Well, yes I am feeling fab....the walk was just brilliant, maybe it's the excitement starting to build up as well....we walked the 5 in 1hr 2mins.....so we really stomped out. I expect my huge diet is also helping......I am just a pig at the moment!!

My emotions are just about under control...bit of a rollercoaster at times but I AM managing to stay pretty chilled out & focused most of the time, so all is good!!

I can't believe it's Wednesday tomorrow....there really isn't long to go now.........
xx

Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How many days??!!

OMG.

I walked tonight for the first time since the mighty 20 of last Sunday....blister has gone but I still bought some special plasters to protect that area....I felt a little bit nervous in case I had problems with it, but, fingers crossed, all seems well!

Trace & I just walked 5 & I felt really energised & really loved the walk...we just put our foot down so to speak & walked it in 1hr 5mins.....fantastic!

It's time to fuel up for Saturday, so.....

I am now a non alcohol-carb-eating-juice-guzzling-queen......!!

But, we also all know that we have to be strong mentally for this, so I am determined to be completely focused this week & to remain calm & not let anything wind me up or faze me....hmmmmmm hope these are not my famous last words....please give me support this week...I really do need it, it's probably going to be full of every emotion possible!

My bra is now fully decorated & will see the light of day on the final two training walks.....hope Felixstowe is ready for Trace & me in our neon yellow bras....!!!

XX

Tired & emotional......

Oh...it's all been getting to me.......

I have felt pretty crappy over the last two days...just really shattered & then today, really emotional....tears in the kitchen at work...not good!

But, am brighter tonight...lots of support from my gorgeous girlies & special friends...thank you xxxx

I think it's just everything really...the training, the walk itself, the reasons why I am doing the walk, my "anniversary" coming up....I know that I hit all these emotions throughout my training last year, so guess it was only a matter of time before they all caught up with me this year....best to just let it all out.............BUT

I'm ok!

I know the next week will be full of nerves, excitement & stuffing my face.....!!

No Guinness though :-(

Well, except for tomorrow night when us girlies hit the bright lights of Felixstowe to celebrate Griffy's birthday....our last big ROAR before the big night!!

Good news about my blister too....it's gone! It didn't pop either so no broken skin.....am lucky girl! I am planning to do a very short walk on Saturday morning (hangover permitting) & then about 6 miles on Sunday with Trace....don't think we'll need to get up so early for that one though!

Bra decorating at the weekend as well, then those all important breaking-the-bra-in-walks next week around Felixstowe...ha ha ha ha.....remember how funny that was last year!!

Now I need my sleep......
xx

Blister-gate..............

No joke...especially as I have heard of some fellow walkers who have horrendous blisters & are even struggling just to walk normally......

So, I consider myself very lucky to just have this one blister.....it's going down & isn't painful today.......but Trace & I were planning on walking 5/6 miles tonight......

HOWEVER......

After trying my trainers on after work & also taking some very good advice from friends (thank you xx), I decided NOT to walk tonight.....I don't want to jeopardise the big night for the sake of missing a couple of smaller walks this week.....if I were to walk & it popped, it would be red raw which would be horrendous.....much better then to rest (I do need it anyway!!) & let it heal well & be raring to go on the 16th......

I just feel really strange not walking though!! We've been training for so long & it just becomes a way of life for weeks....withdrawal symptoms already!!

So, a relaxing evening awaits.....a good foot soak with my special oils...maybe a good film.....oh, and maybe some Galaxy??!!!! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm yummy.

xx

Recovery day update............

Well.....I'm not too bad!!

I am shattered though...but, this may have something to do with the fact that instead of putting my feet up last night, I took Jess to see her beloved Mcfly....she was right at the front, leaning on the stage & touched her Danny's face & oh so much more.....ooops, cue embarrassed Mum....yes I know, takes a bit for me to be embarrassed!! (By the way, do you think 41 is too old to be a groupie??!!)

Anyway, I'm not surprised I am so tired, but apart from that...not toooo bad!! My calf muscles really ache so have done some stretches & may just go for a very gentle stroll later...mustn't just sit or else I will be much worse. I have got a rather impressive blister on the inside of my left foot near the heel...it's about the size of a 10p.....NO don't pop it!! Don't know why I've got one so late on in training...haven't had quite such a big one before.....

Here's to a chill out day.....maybe with a Guinness thrown in for added ooommph.....
xx

Oh what a feeling............

Tracey & I started our epic 20 miles at 6.35 this morning.....

I really feel that all the training has now fallen into place......all those early morning walks were worth it....all those tough times I went through....the 3 mile wall I hit last Sunday...the pain & tears.....because......

TODAY'S WALK WAS FANTASTIC.....

The weather was dry, sunny & really hot at times....but, just to remind us that we live by the sea, there was a head wind sometimes too! Actually, I'm glad there was as it would have been too hot otherwise...

Trace had suggested that we avoid Trimley High Road which I was very happy about after my "fun" time last Sunday...so we decided that we would walk the normal 10 & then just turn back for the home run....this also meant that I could pass my house twice & collect more juice along the way...

I was walking really well, no wooden legs at all!! I didn't think about the fact that we were doing 20, didn't want to get panicky about it so just took each mile as it came....before I knew it, we were walking past my house to complete 7 miles....and I had a four legged friend walk with me for a while...my cat!!

He was trotting along nicely, it was really funny but then I started to worry a bit as I didn't want him to keep following us.....so I told him to go home (did I really expect him to stop, turn round & go??!!!) He then obviously reached the edge of his territory as he started to meow in a crying sort of way as if to say "mum, stop!!!".....even as we turned the corner, we could still hear him but luckily, he didn't follow us..........

I was happy to reach the half way marker but even happier that I didn't have to face the Trimley walk....it was great to just turn back & get going again.

6 miles later we turned back down my road when Butch appeared again, I hope he hadn't been waiting for me......what a surprise, a male patiently waiting for over an hour....ha ha ha!! Anyway, he just trotted along with me, but I was more concerned this time as I would be going towards the busier road & really didn't want him to follow this time.....but, typical male...(stubborn)...just kept on & then started crying again just as we reached the corner....He followed us & went onto the road & sat in the middle of it, luckily the cars stoppped & I think he then realised that this wasn't "his" road, panicked & ran back down our road....it was horrible, so, I called home & he was rescued just around the corner from the house, absolutely petrified.....poor thing...

Knowing he was safe...I LOVE my cat!!...I could carry on quite happily....we whizzed along, stopping in the infamous loos at 14 miles...then walked along the prom for a bit, was lovely but so windy!! I was really happy, NO WALL at all, although I knew there was still time for it to appear, but was feeling very positive.....

At 18 miles, I had the big hill near Morrison's to conquer....I was so determined to stride up it, so gritted my teeth & got on with it, I felt great to get to the top.....before I knew it, the final mile was within my reach....I was feeling really tired, my hip ached & I could feel a blister on my left foot, but I just felt fantastic!

Trace was a little way ahead of me & gave me a huge hug when I reached her house...I was just so happy to have walked the 20...it took me 4hrs 23 mins, which I was so pleased with, but more importantly, I was relieved to have done it!!!!

What a feeling......!!! I'm tired but VERY happy.....!!

I am soooo excited about the 16th now.....it will be amazing!! We did get a few encouraging comments along the way today & I know we will get so many more on the night itself which will help us get through......

Time to chill now....I think I deserve a Guinness....
xx

Two weeks today....!!

Can you believe it??!!

This year's training has gone so quickly & it's a bit of a shock to think that this time in 2 weeks, we will be in London.....................

Trace & I walked 8 miles on Thursday evening....yes, I know I didn't need to do the 8...but, believe you me, after the day I'd had, I did need to.......it was a brilliant walk, I really enjoyed it. Getting out & stomping the 8 miles was the best thing I could have done....

So to today.........we went to Ipswich & bought our bras!! To say they are bright is an understatement......the label says "neon yellow"...so am sure you can get the picture.....!! It won't be hard to miss us on the night! We had such a laugh in the changing room....hilarious....so many jokes about our sizes.....this was just what we needed, a good old laugh-out-loud-almost-pee-your-pants time.....

Just have to decorate them now....

So now to tomorrow morning...the 20 miles.....I am feeling ok & have been eating for England this week, juicing loads & am ready!!

Yes......I......am!!

Positive.
xx

Consider myself told off.....

OOOOPS

I have been told off for being just a little toooooo specific in last night's blog!!!!!!

Sorry!! You know who you are.....

Anyway......promise to be good....but remember that blog in mid February last year about wearing the correct knickers......??!!!!!!

Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!

Oh....................LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xx

Floodgate warning........

I walked on my own this evening...........

We are meant to be walking 30 miles this week, so, having "survived" the 16 on Sunday, I originally thought I'd do 4 tonight & then 10 with Tracey on Thursday.......but, I was feeling positive, so planned a 6 miler with 2 extra if I felt like carrying on for 8........of course, I chose a safe route but also had my alarm so felt quite safe....

Although I am a bit tired, I really enjoyed tonight's walk.......I had my music on & resisted the urge to sing out loud.....probably for the best! I wasn't worried about how long I took, just as long as I kept my pace going throughout.....so felt quite chilled out...it was great just to walk & forget everything else....AND my legs were fine.

Now then...the funny thing is that during all of this year's training, Tracey & I have not once had to stop for a wee....so different to last year when we always used to stop in the 6th mile on our longer walks.....BUT not so for me tonight.........

I started feeling the urge just before the 5th mile, this isn't unusual, it's just that previously, I have managed to walk through it....NO.....not a-la-Paula-Radcliffe....just mind over matter! But this was different.......it didn't help that I was approaching those loos in the 6th mile.....no matter how hard I tried, I felt myself being drawn to them!! So, sorry Trace, I have succumbed but I will try hard to get through the 20 on Sunday without stopping ok!!

Hence the title of this blog..........good job I did stop!! I think it's because I have juiced so much today (!) & also had numerous cups of green tea......too much information perhaps...sorry!! I'm just trying to be ultra healthy!! I am preparing for those 20 on Sunday already....

Anyway, moving swiftly on.......I reached the 6 miles & felt so good that I decided to carry on & do the 8. This is the longest I have walked on my own...but I felt fine, not lonely at all & managed the 8 in 1hr 50 mins....yay!! Happy girl!!

So, next walk is on Thursday with Trace.....I'm sure she'll have me racing along once she reads how well tonight went...! Be gentle honey.......!!

Then of course, the infamous 20 on Sunday....our final big walk before the 16th.......

Positive, positive, positive ok.......
xx

Tracey & I set off before 7 this morning on our 16 miler....

I have been making a conscious effort to eat better as I have struggled in my walks recently....have to try everything!! So it was the trusty old tuna hash & rice for dinner last night & a triple dose of my training juice...some before I even left the house....I have also started leaving a second bottle in the front garden to pick up as we walk past during our seventh mile....

Good job really as today was HOT. I wish I'd worn my hat but had got my sunglasses with me which helped hide the pain & struggle showing in my eyes......yes, today was HARD.

To try to avoid the usual wooden-legs-walking, I decided to do some exercises & stretches before I left home....this at least was a success! Legs were fine.

The thing to remember is not to start off & worry about the fact that you have got to walk 16 miles....just think about the mile you are walking...I managed to do this....& as usual, was happy reaching the halfway mark....all good so far.....I even managed to walk with my head up, made it easier as well....

At 10 miles, we reached the High Road & set off for the final 6....the good thing being that you walk 3 miles out & have no alternative but to do the 3 coming home.....I have had battles with these 6 miles both this year & last year. It was along here that I hit my "wall" last year & the same thing happened today...

Miles 13, 14 & 15 to be exact.

No, I don't do things by half do I? Don't just have a mile struggling, no, that would be boring, hey, why not have 3?????!!!!

Nightmare.

Tracey was off, walking fantastically well.....as I approached the 3 miles, she was on her way back, I think I surprised her by carrying on to the marker. I guess I could have just turned with her, but I felt that I HAD to touch that lamp post for 3 miles.....it was all in the mind. I just had to do it.

I just ached, my hips were killing me, every muscle seemed to be reminding me that I was struggling.......but, I kept going. By this time, I just wanted to keep my pace going as much as possible although I did feel that I had slowed down a few times but, somehow I managed to push off my feet & get a bit of a spring in my step once more. It was a real battle.

At about 10.5 miles, we pass the church in Walton & on our way out to the High Road, I noticed it was about 9.08 & I made a mental note that I hoped to be walking back past it in good time....

During the 15th mile, the church clock was my target...I thought that if I walked past it at least by 10.20/25, I would be really happy, it would mean that I'd walked about 5 miles in 1hr 12-17. not a bad time considering I was having the walk from hell.......

So, imagine how pleased I was to pass it at about 10.14!! It meant that even though I had struggled, I'd managed to keep my pace going & do 5 miles in a pretty good time.....I was happy!!

I got a bit of a bounce back in my step & reached the 16 in 3hrs 36 minutes, to say I was chuffed is an understatement!!! Tracey had done hers 4 minutes quicker than me, so imagine how fast she would do it if she was on her own.....scary!!

So, the wall has been reached & climbed (kicking & struggling) over.......it was an experience that I feel I needed (NOT BY CHOICE!) to go through before the 20 miles of next Sunday & of course the big night itself......

Positive Mental Attitude rules!!
xx

Tired...tired...tired

Oh, am so very tired!!

I think possibly it's the 42 miles of last week that have caught up with me......or, maybe it's just the training itself, after all, we are pushing ourselves mentally & physically so much more now.....

Tracey & I walked 8 miles on Monday & Wednesday evening......

Tuesday's walk was great...really quick & I felt pretty good, just tired but happy. However...the old wooden-legs were back last night....I also felt very tired...but I did the 8....just don't ever give up...keep plodding on, even if you feel your feet won't go one in front of the other anymore.....trust me, I know what that feels like. Of course, I am so lucky to have Trace beside me (though sometimes way ahead of me...but it gives me that ooomph to keep going!!) she really is my star & I know that I couldn't do this without her....XXXXXXXX

It's funny, well, not really, but you know what I mean, I start the walk & often the first 2-3 miles seem to drag (or is that just my feet??!! DON'T laugh Trace) my calf muscles ache, then my knees, then my hips, then just ME!! But, luckily, the longer we walk, everything just flows & I forget about how many miles we still have to go, just focus on the one we are walking.....

The good old PMA is really helping me along......I HAVE to believe that I can & will do this again....and I WILL.

I just cannot believe that it's only just over 3 weeks away...OMG!! I am soooooo very excited! We were talking about this during a walk recently & we think that we will enjoy (mad word, but hey, it IS an amazing night!!) it more this year...we know what to expect...been there, done that, bought the t shirt...literally!!! I CANNOT WAIT!!!

Anyway, to help with my tiredness (maybe it's just life as well, so hectic!) I have started to eat more carbs, juice more & just generally take good care of myself........my body is a temple....not quite I know, but it sounds good!!

16 miles on Sunday..then the enormous 20 the following Sunday.....well, bring it on...let's go girls....

xx

One week, 42 miles, 9 hours 18 minutes.......

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We did it.............

We started just after 6.30 this morning...yes, I know, mad or what?!! But as you know, I have more energy at this time of day & you should also know JUST how much I need it!!

This was one of my favourite walks ever.....I didn't have time to think about wooden-legs-walking as we were just chatting from the start & before I knew it, we were half way round..the sun was shining, there was just a gentle breeze...perfect, especially after the rain on Thursday!

At four miles, we turned onto the seafront & the sun was shining on the sea...bliss.....

My legs were fine, I only noticed once or twice that they ached a little & even then, it was only for a very brief moment....AND, amazingly, I kept up with Tracey all the way round...!! BUT, she was walking a bit slower as she knew that I was very tired!! We still walked it in 2hrs 15, which really surprised me as I thought we were slower than that. Maybe it shows how well the walk went, everything fell into place, so the training is going well & my stamina IS improving even though I have times when I feel totally knackered!

It is such a fantastic feeling knowing that we have got through this week.......what an achievement....I feel amazing. Tracey continues to be my amazing "personal trainer", getting me through, pushing me, (cow!), giving me those words of encouragement....thanks honey, you are my star......xxxxxxxx

AND, I have also "survived" without juices since Thursday when, unfortunately, my juicer died on me...but lovely Dons to the rescue....I have her old one now, so will soon be juicing like crazy again.

I can't believe that we will be on the train in four weeks time! Only two weeks to the 20 miles as well.........I'm sooooo excited!!

xx

32 down, only 10 to go.....................

After our mammoth 16 miles on Sunday, Tracey & I completed two 8 milers on Tuesday & Thursday evening...

I have to say that I felt ok on Tuesday's walk....got into my rhythm quite quickly & although felt a little tired, enjoyed only having to do half of what we had walked on Sunday! We walked it in 1hr 44, very good!

Now, to last night's walk...............

RAIN RAIN & MORE RAIN!!!!!!

What to do?

Well, the more we walked last night, the less we would have to do on Saturday so.....we decided to go for it & see how far we could go without getting too drenched....although we have had the odd shower during this year's training, we hadn't experienced the joy of a real pissing-down-walk!!! It's all good experience in case it rains on the big night itself.......

It was an "interesting" walk!! Dodging puddles is an understatement. I was really really tired, my legs started aching in the second mile...not good!....starting with my calf muscles, then working it's way up all the way to my hips.....I was wooden-walking! But, the rain got lighter, my legs got looser, got my rhythm going & we decided to go for the whole 8 miles, leaving just 10 to do on Saturday......I am sooooo glad we did. We had a couple of 11 minute miles & finished in 1hr 43, not quite the 1hr 42 Tracey said we had to aim for, but still really good considering the awful conditions & my legs!

We were soaking but happy.

So, tomorrow sees the final walk for this week...42 miles in one week...wow. I will be so happy tomorrow lunchtime...............

I can feel the odd celebratory Guinness calling to me already......

xx

16 miles.....

We did it!!

Tracey & I started our walk at 6.35 this morning.......I was worried about whether I would have to do it on my own as she had succumbed to the sickness bug that had been sweeping her house on Friday......I had even built myself up to the fact that I may have had to walk the 16 miles on my own...lots of PMA & I was determined that I would do it no matter what......

But, she was feeling better so we set off, prepared for the fact that she may have had to stop if need be...but we all know Tracey...she is a star & although she will admit that she did slow down (I KNOW......a first!!) at one point, she walked me hard throughout & we arrived home in 3 hours 36 minutes...the longest we have walked this year......I felt pretty amazing after, what an achievement, such a good feeling......though very sweaty & achey!!

I didn't hit my wall, but at 13 miles, my legs were really starting to ache...but I remained positive & walked on...I even felt that I wanted to walk a further mile or two at the end, just to loosen up my muscles...am I mad or what?!

Also, NO wooden legs today!! Yay!! I think my walk on Friday helped...

So, 16 miles down...only 26 to go this week!!

PMA......keep it going!!

xx

Wooden-legs-walking.....

That's what I was on Wednesday evening.....!

I just felt that my legs wouldn't get going, couldn't get my rhythm at all to begin with & guess I must have looked as if I had wooden puppet legs!! My legs just felt tight at the front below my knees...a little bit like the "old banger legs" I had last year...used to take 2-3 miles to loosen up & get working properly....!!

I didn't enjoy the first few miles....it wasn't helped by the fact that I seemed to walk on every uneven part of the the paths possible...grrrrrr!! So, those first 5 miles took 1hr 12mins which was pretty slow for us....but as is often the case, the longer & further we walked, the quicker we became....I do think it's all about getting the rhythm going, loosening up & just getting on with it...don't give up...work through all the aches & pains as you go.......

Sooooooooooooo the last 3 miles took us.....35 minutes......I couldn't believe it!!! How amazing is that....I just got into my stride, led on by Tracey of course & literally flowed, it was great. We know it's not about how quickly you walk, more that you walk at a pace that is best for you....I do love it though when we really get going, it's as if everything comes together, both physically & mentally.....and, of course, we all know how important it is to have that Positive Mental Attitude....

I decided yesterday that I wanted to do a short walk....mainly because we are aiming for the 16 miles on Sunday & I felt not walking since Wednesday was too much of a gap for me....Tracey was all set to join me but then had two very sick children & was also not feeling too great herself.....get better honey, need you on Sunday!

So, I decided that I would do a quick 3 miles on my own.....I seem to be enjoying the walking a bit more this year...there's something about getting out in that fresh air, walking away any cares & worries, just being in your own little world. Yes, my legs ached again to begin with, but only for about the first mile & a half, so a bit of an improvement on Wednesday's walk. I managed the 3 miles in 40 minutes, slower without my "pacemaker" Tracey, but still an improvement on my previous solo 3 miles. It's good to know I can keep the pace going on my own.

So, here we are.....the 42 mile week starts tomorrow....be positive....take each of the four walks as they come....work through the aches, pains, maybe even that dreaded "wall"....think about how fantastic we will feel next Saturday...what an achievement it will be....AND it will also only then be four weeks to the big night itself.....

xx

Get organised...........

That's what I need to do!

I'm sorry I haven't written for so long again.....no excuse really...just busy with life!!

I did walk on my own last Tuesday (31st)...I did a slightly different 4.5 miles & it was great, especially as it was so much lighter. I had a laugh...kept seeing a fire engine & thought I was being stalked (in my dreams) but no...there had been a fire & YES there is more than one fire engine in Felixstowe, silly me......!! Was very funny & led to amusing comments on Facebook!

Tracey & I then walked on the Thursday...I felt a bit strange, can't put my finger on it, but just struggled in a strange way.....!! Strange!!

Anyway, we got up bright & early again on Sunday for our usual biggie....but I wasn't feeling 100%.....so we (personal trainer!) decided that we should only do 9...she did wonder if it was because we had walked on Thursday, but I don't see why that would have made a difference really....she was also feeling a bit rundown, so I think she made the right decision.....

I think it was just ME....I just didn't feel too good....the trials & tribulations (& joy) of being a woman...!! Anyway, it was still a good walk & I am glad I managed it.

Dons & I finally managed to walk together last night! We just did a short 4 miles as this week is a gentle week in preparation for the 42...yes..42 miles that we have to walk next week!! OMG, I can remember how hard it was last year...but we did it, so we CAN do it again!

I am walking with Tracey tonight as well... I am taking care, but I do feel that I need to keep building up my stamina & walk more frequently....I still haven't hit my wall yet & although it is way back in the depth of my mind, I am trying to remain positive........maybe I won't hit it this year?! Hmmmmmmm, wouldn't bet on it!! But, been there before, hit it hard, climbed (struggled!) over it & came out smiling..........

Keep up with that good old PMA..........

The final packs are being sent out this week, so really looking forward to getting that t shirt on & strutting my stuff......time is marching on so quickly now....I'm still juicing like crazy & have also started concentrating more on my diet, especially with the big week coming up....lots of carbs!!

Maybe the odd pint of Guinness for added strength...??!!!
xx

What...no blogs since the 17th...!!!

I am slacking......

I thought I had better write this today or else personal trainer will whip my arse into shape like she did on today's walk...but more of that later.....

So, on Weds 18th, Dons was sadly unable to walk with me...but, I really felt the need to get out in the fresh air & walk away the stresses of the day...I chose a very safe route, busy road all the way & had my phone in my hand all the time...was fine, felt very safe. I knew roughly how far 4 miles would be & in fact managed 4.5 in the end. I kept the pace going which I was really happy about & took 1hr 2mins....

My next walk was on the Sunday, Mother's Day, with PT. We left just after 7 in the morning...you know how much I prefer the early Sunday morning walks.....but Tracey's children wanted her home in good time...in fact young Gabriella only wanted us to walk ONE mile!!! The walk was great, lovely weather...even at 7, it was about 10 degrees.....we walked with the sun on our faces & it felt great. We walked 9 in the end in 2hrs 4mins....so a good stomp & back in time to be pampered by our children!!

On Weds evening, we walked our 4 mile route & back.....it actually rained heavily for a few minutes.....but we must have had a spring in our step as we did the 8 in 1hr 45mins. As you know, Tracey is mega fit & I'm sure she could easily walk 11 minute miles without breaking into a sweat...whereas me.......well, I'm a different story!! I sweat like you wouldn't believe (nice) & have to work very hard to walk well...but for the first time I felt that my stamina was improving & that things were finally starting to come together.......

Tracey had a FUNNY moment on this walk...we walked the route where I fell over the other week.....she said "oh, look there's that hole you made when you fell over!!"..cow..I thought she meant that the hole must have been what caused me to stumble...NOT the other way round...she had SUCH a laugh at my expense...thought she was going to pee her pants!!!!

So, to today.......

Where did that hour go??? Who's idea was it to walk before 7am when really it was only 6am??? Oh yes...blame Tracey's hubby..off on a golfing jaunt that meant we HAD to be home by 10.30 at the very latest!!

The temperature had not even got above zero when we set off & it was COLD........

We had decided to do a good distance today, so I had plans for at least 12/13.....the sun was shining so we soon warmed up.....it was just beautiful along the cliff tops, so calming. Tracey suggested that we walked 7 miles & then turned back again, rather than going round little roads...this was a very good idea as the 7 miles out were virtually straight...BUT this meant we would have a few hills going back as well.....nevermind eh?!!! Build that stamina.......

She walked me like you wouldn't believe today....she was literally racing along....I wasn't walking with her for a large part of the walk, but this does help me, gives me that incentive to keep going....still, I couldn't believe how fast she was going!!!

The most we have walked this year is 12 miles & that took us 2hrs 52mins......so, I was thinking that if we managed 12 today in say, 2hrs 45, I would be a happy girl.........

We walked the 12 in 2hrs 30mins!!! I could not believe it......what an amazing feeling.......I really ached & was tired but it felt fantastic! So we finished the 14 in 2hrs 57mins....unbelieveable....

What an amazing walk....what an amazing personal trainer I have (though, between you & me, I did call her a few names under my breath at times!!)......what an amazing night we have to look forward to on May 16th......
xx

"Strictly Walking"....

I've just found out that this year's theme is "Strictly Walking"....so have to get really sparkly!! The website says to be glamorous as well......what.....walking 26.2 miles AND looking glamorous??!!!! Ha ha ha!!

Tracey & I walked 8 miles on Saturday & 6 miles last night........

All is well in Isobel-World.........

Training really on track, juicing definitely helping, a few aches & pains but just probably due to walking more frequently......so am happy girl!!

I have cut down on my alcohol as well, sounds bad, but you know what I mean....(EXCLUDING the Guinness at Twickenham on Sunday...what a day!!)...oh and.....not including this Saturday, 21st, spending the afternoon in the pub watching 3 games of rugby & drinking just a little Guinness......ahem, I AM TRYING!!!!

I am, honest!! I am really trying to be more healthy much sooner this year...I remember those hard times of last year's training only too well.....I am a bit tired at the moment, so even more reason to look after myself. It will soon be the worst week of the training...42 miles in just one week....GROAN...NOW how can I forget that from last year!!

Sadly, Tracey cannot walk tomorrow night, so I am going with the gorgeous Dons.....she has a spring in her step at the mo, so had better be prepared to really step it out......
xx

Oh no...I fell over..........spectacularly!!!!

Tracey & I walked 5 miles tonight.....it was great...no tiredness on my part & walked it in 1 hour 8mins, not bad at all considering............

I FELL OVER..................

Yes, it's sadly true.

I just lost my balance for a split second & then it was as if it was happening in slow motion....I stumbled forward trying to regain my balance (& my dignity) whilst Tracey tried desperately to grab me.....we both then thought I'd managed it but...oh no.....I stumbled again & ended up sprawled on the grass verge..........I must have stumbled over ten feet, must have been hilarious to see!!!!

I know it's not funny BUT IT IS!!!! I must have looked a complete twat.

I almost peed me pants as I was laughing so much........

I'm ok though but I thing I may ache in the morning.............

Anyway, still feeling fine, still juicing, still looking forward to the big night BUT........

I'm going to Twickenham to see England play France on Sunday so am SO EXCITED!!!!
xxx

12 miles......groan!!

Personal trainer told me off today.......I didn't blog about our walk on Wednesday evening....well, my excuse is that I was then out on Thursday evening & Friday, well, I was recovering from Thursday!!!!

ANYWAY, Tracey & I walked 5 miles on Wednesday evening, very nice it was too! We walked it in 1hr 9mins, still taking care because of my knee.

Tracey walked during the day this week so I thought I'd do a quick 3 miler on my own on Saturday morning. As you may know, I don't call Tracey my personal trainer for nothing...for it is her who keeps me going, paces the walks, offering words of encouragement & being an all round massive support. So, the test was, could I pace myself to walk at the usual speed? Oh yes!! I was really chuffed with myself, walked the 3 miles in 41mins but did feel billy-no-mates whilst walking!

Imagine then how the lovely Dons felt yesterday....she walked 10 miles on her own!! How fantastic is that?!

So, to today......

I arrived at PT's just after 7am...poor me, out on the town last night, but I got up ok!! I'd planned a maximum 12 miles for today, but with options to do an 8 if need be. The morning was so lovely, really sunny. We walked the first 6 miles in 1hr 23, pretty amazing, considering, well considering ME!!!!

But, and a big but at that......miles 6.5 to 9.5 were a KILLER. The wind was right in our faces & as we walked along the High Road, I really struggled. I think I was so tired after my couple of nights out & I wasn't happy at all. I had doubts about whether I should carry on, but I knew I would be so very disappointed if I did. I really wanted to do a long one, I felt I needed to remember how these ones felt & how different parts of my body would ache at different stages, call it a mental strength test if you like. Oh boy, did I ache though! Even my hips at one point, but it was good to go through it...after all, this time in 10 weeks, it will all be over. We have got some very long training walks ahead of us!

So, I mustered up those trusty old thoughts about why we were walking & thought of those women suffering as I walked...it did the trick, before I knew it, we were turning for home, thank goodness. The final 2.5 miles were still hard but I knew we were on the home stretch. We finished in 2hrs 52, so the second 6 miles took six minutes more than the first, that bloody wind!!!

It felt fantastic to have walked the 12. I remember from last year how we'd be so happy to get home even if it had been a hard walk, a really good sense of achievement.

So, all is good! I am still juicing lots & am pleased to say that niggles seem to be well & truly under control!!

xx

Guinness & juices are good for you.....!!

Well Tuesday almost gone already....TEN weeks Saturday coming is the walk!!!

Tracey & I walked 6 miles on Sunday afternoon.....it was really lovely & "warm"...10 degrees! As this was my first walk for 2 weeks we decided to do the old trusty one of the High Road...nice & straight & no hills...a nice steady pace, no speed as such.... walked in 1 hour 28, nice!!

I only felt a tiny twinge in my knee once or twice & I'm really happy to say that (fingers crossed) I have not had any problems since. The walk went really well but during the second mile, I felt a bit funny & for a split second honestly felt like I couldn't do it........I think it's because I'd not walked for so long & also maybe because I was a bit apprehensive about my knee. I soon felt a lot better though, so all is good!!

We are going to do a short 4/5 miles tomorrow night & then each try to fit a 3/4 mile one on our own before Sunday morning's biggie. I may have to get up early one morning to do my lone one though as hubby says I can't go on my own in the evening until the nights get lighter.....not long to wait for that though.

The juicing is still going really well & I have discovered one that I can drink whilst walking...a sports drink if you like, only all natural ingredients with nothing added...it's really nice too. Dons & I have been swapping our concoctions & both have to say that we may have had a touch too much beetroot...it makes things change colour.....enough said!!!

I continue to be full of energy (well, for me, anyway!) & really positive about training especially as I feel I am over my couple of niggles.....I'll take each walk as it comes & look forward to that magical night on 16th May!!

xx

A good week.....fingers crossed for tomorrow!

Yep, I have had a good week.......

I haven't been to the gym though, or walked. I've been really sensible & rested well. I'm loving the juices that I'm making & I'm sure they are helping me to feel better. I now work in the office next door to the lovely Dons & have tested my juices on her & vice versa....ooooer missus...!! I'm hoping that she'll soon be able to walk with us, can't wait for all that gossiping!!

The only low part of my week was the news about Wendy Richard....I hadn't realised that she had first had BC in the early nineties, with a recurrence in 2002 & then obviously last year. That poor lady, she must have started to think she had beaten this cruel disease.

I had a panic....here am I, almost 11 years on & although it is always in my mind that it may return one day, it doesn't rule my life anymore....BUT this brought me back down to earth with a bump. This bastard (sorry) could raise it's ugly head at anytime.....even years later.....and I guess I should NEVER forget that, well couldn't anyway.

But, at the same time, we should all live our lives.....I can't mope around worrying all the time, that just wouldn't be fair on anyone, let alone myself & it certainly wouldn't do me any good.

I am one very lucky lady.

So, after lots of realistic positive thinking & many wonderful words of support from friends, I have picked myself up & am raring to go. I will overcome any injury niggles, as one friend said, "you've beaten BC for God's sake, so you can easily beat a sore knee" and I will walk those 26.2 miles and maybe (hopefully, COME ON!!) I will raise a fab amount of money....please give me lots of support & words of encouragement!!

This walk is for all the women who have suffered, who are suffering now & hopefully to help to prevent many more suffering in the future.....

So, let's do this together.

Tomorrow sees my first walk for two weeks & I can't wait!! But before that......it's Guinness time at 5pm today...come on England!!!

Guinness is good for you.....
xx

Has to be an "upper"......

I'm really sorry!!

How negative was my last blog??

I am happy to say that I am feeling much brighter now!

My aches & pains have greatly improved & I have gone "juice-mad" & have been drinking lots of juice...not wine.....(not much anyway)!! I am feeling much better overall & my PMA has returned. Yay!!

Although I have still not walked since Sunday 15th, I am hoping to do a 3 miler with no hills in the next few days before I feel brave enough to start doing the longer ones once again with the lovely Tracey.

I think I have had a stark reminder to start "listening" to my body once again which is something I should do anyway. At least I have had this blip early on as well......now just have to get on with it!!

xx

Downer.......

Well, I know that writing the blog means you have to share the good times as well as the bad but I didn't want to have any bad times to share so early on in our training......

But, I haven't walked today....

I had a problem with my right knee yesterday......it seemed to almost "give way" a couple of times as I was wandering around the house, with sharp pains across the knee cap.....oh no. Even hubby noticed that it was a bit swollen. So, I paid a visit to the Boots' pharmarcist & she thinks it may be a strain & recommended a knee support & also ideally to take some anti-inflammatories & rest but that if it wasn't better on Monday, to go to the doctors...

Luckily, I have those pills from the other week when I had the problem with my feet, so am taking those regularly. The support is making a difference & it is better today. I will see how it is tomorrow & also as I will be working so will be more mobile.

But.......

I am feeling a bit low.

I managed the training last year with no problems other than the usual worries about whether I could manage the 26.2 miles & even got over "my wall". Yet, here I am, in February & already having injury worries........I know I have to keep positive & I am really trying hard to & I am sure I will be fine.

Tracey has suggested that I look at my diet & see if I am missing out on anything that could help. This has got me thinking & I know that I could eat healthier (must also try to cut down on the alcohol!!) (am I carrying too much weight?!) so have decided that this is my target-thing to do this week. I'm also going to get jiggy-with-the-juicing as I'm sure that will help. I did juice a lot towards the end of the training last year & it helped then so am sure it will help now.

We were planning to start doing a second walk each week on Wednesdays, starting from this week but that really depends on how my knee is. If we do, it will be more of a leisurely short one. If I can't walk, I may go for a gentle swim....I really don't want to go too long without exercising but am sensible enough to know that I must rest until I am fully recovered or else I will only do more damage & that would be awful.

So, there we go. Just have to get that positive mental attitude back & all will be well......
xx

Double figures.....................

Tracey & I walked 10 miles this morning!

We set off at 7.15 & luckily for us, the weather was kinder today......3 degrees, gentle breeze & clear. We walked the same 4 mile route & then turned back on ourselves & added two miles on at the end. I really like this 4 mile route & I think it's going to feature a lot over the next 13 weeks...yes, 13 weeks today, it will all be over...........

The weather was so much milder than last week & I even took my scarf off & undid my coat a bit....not quite warm enough to worry about "does my arse look big in this" but will soon happen hopefully!

The only part I hated was walking up Bent (Bitch) Hill in our tenth mile....OMG was a real killer today made so much worse by carrying on up the high street.....you don't realise that little bit of path is so steep......my legs wobbled a bit & I was a heavy breather for a couple of minutes but I kept going. No way would I stop cos would just be so much harder to get going again.

I soon got the spring back & finished the walk in 2hrs 17mins.....looking back through last year's training, we walked 10 miles in 2hrs 16mins on March 27th...so I am really pleased with today's time considering that we managed this good time over 5 weeks earlier than last year...BUT, we will keep our feet firmly on the ground (!) & be sensible with our training.

I actually managed to "keep up" with PT all the way round today......but, she has since told me that she was conscious of not going too far ahead because of my feet/ankles....damn, I thought I was keeping up so well as well!!!!!! Thanks honey ;-)

Speaking of which, I did lots of stretches after the walk, as I have been doing over the last few days &, touch wood, my PF isn't too bad at the moment. I actually walked up the stairs properly when I got home whereas last week, it was on my hands & knees....yes, was pretty bad. Hopefully, will continue to be ok throughout the day & I think the true test will come when I get out of bed in the morning..but I am confident!! Have to keep that PMA going.

So, the big countdown now begins......45 miles have been walked already....only about another 300 odd to go in training & then of course, that magical night awaits.......

xx

Personal trainer puts her foot down.....

On the strict instructions of my very own personal trainer, I went to see the doctor about my little problem today....

"Get it sorted now! If you think I am pushing you in a wheelchair for 26.2 miles, you've got another thing coming...."

Ok ok.

But, it's a good job I did go...I do have that plantar fasciitis but it's fine...easily sorted...lots of stretching, some anti-inflammatories & hey presto, off I go!

I also have to relegate last year's trainers to garden use only....shouldn't even have been wearing them to the gym or combat, just no support anymore. I'm not going to do combat either which means that I will just have to find something else to punch.......

So, with this & also the arrival of my welcome pack today, it's now time to get serious about my training........especially as it's only about 13 odd weeks to the big night.....

xx

Oh dear, oh dear......

Oh dear.

I think I have an injury.

I was so very lucky last year that training went so smoothly for me especially as I was rather unfit!!

Not so lucky this year, I fear BUT I will be fine & am feeling positive that I can sort it out.

I think I am suffering from "plantar fasciitis"..."what?" I hear you cry??!! Well, basically, when I get up in the morning, or after sitting for a while & now after my walks, I have trouble walking properly as my heels (especially my left one) are really painful to put pressure on & my calf muscles & achilles feel really tight...yesterday was the worst it has been...

The good book describes my symptoms to a "t" but also gives excellent advice, one of which is that I need to STRETCH more!! I need to strengthen my achilles & calf muscles so will now be following the exercises in the book.

I've really only been suffering since I have been going to combat so maybe that has put too much pressure on my ankles etc, so I'm going to give it up for while which is such a shame as I really love punching! Of course, this could just be a coincidence so if it's no better in week or so, I will go to the doctor's.

It's been fine whilst I have actually been doing my training walks which makes me think that it's got more to do with my lack of stretching during & after.

I have been researching things online today & have also bought some glucosamine sulphate capsules which are highly recommended to help maintain healthy joints & cartilage. To be honest, now that I am "of a certain age" (!!) I had been considering taking something to help keep me in tip top condition (!) so am confident these will help.

I did feel a bit low earlier today but am happier now...all will be fine!!

PMA!!

XX

While you were sleeping.......

After last Sunday's energy-busting-snow-hail-in-our-faces walk, Tracey & I decided to start our early morning walks once again......

So, as hard as it was, I was de-icing the car at 7 this morning in readiness for the off to Tracey's in temperatures of -2, yes, -2. BUT, no snow, snow-hail or bitterly cold winds & the sun came out as well!!

We wanted to stay away from steep hills & their icy paths, so we walked our new found 4 mile route & then turned back on ourselves to make it our first 8 miler of the year. I really thought that it would be hard to do the 4 & then literally turn round & start back for the final 4. But, in fact, the return 4 was much easier & I felt a bit of a spring in my step. We walked the 8 in 1hr 50, which is really good considering we walked the 7 last Sunday in 1hr 40, so all is going well. This new route is proving to be good, so will soon be adding to it, maybe those lovely 6 miles along the High Road & back!

Tracey did ask me if I could carry on for more just as we approached her road & before I knew it, the word "yes" came tumbling out of my mouth.....but, (luckily) she had a prior appointment with the swimming pool & her family so it was just the 8 today! I do think I would have carried on for another couple though & it won't be long before we are walking 10 miles+ once again.

As much as I loved the walk, I am now officially knackered!! Mind you, this may have something to do with all of the baking I have done today, the roast turkey-Christmas-style dinner, crumble, &, not forgetting the chocolate meringue truffle cake that I have made for my boss who celebrates his birthday tomorrow.

Maybe the walk gave me an energy rush but that has now gone gone gone! So, I have spent this evening watching some of my favourite men at the BAFTAs & have a lovely big smile on my face & also......well, best not say!!!

So, same time next Sunday for me & let's hope the temperature is above zero.........

xx

Snowflakes that stay on my nose & eye lashes.......

Oh yes.....................it snowed!!

Tracey & I "wisely" decided to walk this afternoon....the weather was only going to get worse & we couldn't think of anything worse than turning out at 7pm in sub-zero temperatures......

So, we set off at 2.30, all wrapped up & with hats on.....looked complete tw*ts but had to keep warm! OMG how cold was it? Only zero.....windchill of.....well, don't even want to think about that! We knew which way the wind was blowing so were "prepared" for the worst parts of the walk...........

To be exact.......3.5 to 4 miles was that magical moment......

"Oh" I said, "don't like the look of that cloud"........

The wind was literally driving into our faces & then, as if we weren't being punished enough...... it snowed, well, imagine tiny snow-covered-hail-stones........OUCH is all I can say (though I was turning the air blue as well).....we really struggled to walk, the snow-hail was pummelling our faces & we couldn't look up to see where we were going. It was truly awful. I felt like I was having some masochistic facial.....

Luckily, it only lasted that half mile, long enough!

We are so glad we carried on as the weather soon improved & after the 5 miles, we turned for home. We managed 7 miles in 1hr 40, fantastic!

I really had a spring in my step today & enjoyed the walk so much more than last week. I think that I am slowly regaining my strength & felt much more positive which we all know is half the battle anyway! It could also be that day walks are better for me than evening ones & that I just have more energy during the day.

We are planning to start our early Sunday morning walks again very soon & then do a shorter walk during the week. We need to start increasing our miles as it was about the middle of February last year that we started doing 10+ miles........oh the joy of it all!!

I'm feeling good!!

xx

Stamina...................

Tracey & I walked just 4 miles on Sunday evening...weather had been crap all day & in true Felixstowe style, was very windy!!

We didn't want to risk getting caught in a torrential downpour, so thought we'd just do a quick 4 miles. It was good, did a different route, avoiding the sea front & awful wind, although we were up against the wind on occasions & it was really hard! It felt really good to step it out & we finished in 55 mins, although I have to say that personal trainer was ahead of me quite a bit as I seem to dragging my heels at the moment. Mind you, she is super fit!!!!

I think I just need to walk more & build my stamina up again. I guess that I should remember that I wasn't well in the autumn & that it really knocked me for six. I know I will be fine & am looking forward to walking more, especially those early Sunday morning walks, but not in the snow like last year!

I went to the gym at lunchtime today...6k on the bike then lots of mat work & stretching. Then tonight it was body combat....OMG does she work you hard?!! It's an hour of such intense exercise but it feels fab to punch out. I certainly know that I've done it.....I love it....although at the time I really HATE it!!!! You know what I mean!!

I think (hope) that the gym & combat will help me get stronger & I'll soon be striding out on those long walks with confidence.....

xx

Let's take the High Road

And why not?!

Tracey & I took a trip down memory lane last night...we walked the 6 miles that took us once again along Trimley High Road & back.

This was the very first route we walked last year & then so many times! We first used to walk it in over 1hr 40 mins & started to feel really positive with each minute we knocked off that time! Last night, we walked it in 1hr 27mins & were really pleased especially as we faced an awful headwind walking back......very hard work. I was a bit of a heavy breather by this time & couldn't talk normally (hooray, some may say) so I know I was having to work hard. If you can talk normally, you're not working hard enough & if you can't talk at all STOP before you drop!!

It brought back so many memories, not least of all how we used to finish our longer walks with these 6 miles.... because once you walked the 3 out, you just had to walk those 3 back...no getting away with it....also, of how I first hit my "wall" that time at 14 miles & really panicked, thinking there was just NO way I would ever manage the 26.2 miles. Hopefully those hard times I faced last year will help me through this year, fingers crossed.

I wore my new trainers for the first time & had no problems. My ones from last year are now feeling very sorry for themselves & as they have probably helped me through over 400 miles, I think it's time they only helped me in the gym from now on. Tracey has also bought her new pair & is hoping they are going to be ok. The woman tried to persuade her to buy one pair for training & then one pair for the actual walk.....DO NOT DO THIS. It is imperative that you train in the trainers that you will wear on the big night.

Training packs will arrive soon so maybe it's time to start thinking about doing a second walk each week soon & maybe even our early morning Sunday ones again...

xx

Positivity.............

We will be walking again this evening & the weather is looking good (famous last words??!!) although probably quite windy......not much change there, can't really remember a walk where it hasn't been a bit windy, one of the joys (!) of living by the sea!

I am lucky enough to be a member of a gym in town now, as well as the leisure centre one, so it's much easier to pop along during my lunchbreak, though having said that, last week was the first time I made use of it. I had started back at the LC one in December, but, as I have really only just started to feel close to 100% after my illness last October I really didn't want to push myself too soon. I actually went twice during lunch last week & am feeling better for doing so already...my legs are not so stiff & I think it's helping with my PMA!

Positivity.....

As I know only too well from last year, this is more than half the battle when it comes to training & getting through the BIG NIGHT. I am trying very hard (struggling) to put this into practise at the moment...it's all very well saying that we should be positive but we actually have to BE IT!!! Life is really shit (sorry, but true) sometimes but that's part of life unfortunately & we have to live through it & come out better, stronger people on the other side.....

We CAN do this & we WILL......don't let people take the piss out of you by saying......."it's only a walk", "how easy" etc etc....how many of them could train in all weathers over weeks & weeks & keep going when your body is struggling to put one foot in front of the other???? We will probably walk over 300 miles in our training, last year I did over 350, and then....

WE WILL WALK 26.2 MILES.........

So, ignore those people who are negative about the walk & focus only on those who give you support & encouragement.

There.

Here endeth the lesson.

xx

Wine & walking...............

Tracey & I walked 5 miles again last night......

At least it was warmer this week, +5!! But, true to form, we were not to be lucky with "perfect" conditions......it was very windy & I think we walked over half of it into a strong headwind, very hard work at times...well for me anyway...PT breezed through it!

Could this have something to do with the very boozy weekend I had?! Most probably. Was a special weekend though, doesn't happen all the time (honest) & I DO intend to reduce my alcohol intake nearer the big night & YES, I will even give up the beloved Guinness the week before.

I did struggle a bit last night but am not tooooo worried, been here before & have the t shirt to prove it...literally!! At one point though, I did panic a bit thinking about the longer walks we will soon be doing but I know it'll be tough at times & that I will get through it, how can I possibly forget the pain & tears of last year??!!!

On a positive note, I bought my trainers yesterday, in the sale as well, so even better. I have stuck with the same ones as last year as I didn't have any problems with them, so why risk a change?!

Next walk is next Sunday & we may even retrace our infamous steps along the Trimley High Road once again..........

xx