Tuesday 26 May 2009

Just to up date you all - yes we did it................. What a brilliant "different" night!!!! It was very hard - bit so pleased we managed it. Will I do it again? Straight after it was a definate no!!! then it was probably do the half marathon ..... now as the pain is subsiding, it's a maybe!!!!!

Here are some photos of the night........

The Moonwalk Bra

Thursday 14 May 2009

Starting to feel nervous now - not long to the walk ......

Was on such a high after the 20 mile walk, I know I've done that far and I know I can walk the extra 6.2 miles.... For whatever reason, I've only managed to fit in a 3 mile walk since then, that was no problem, 3 miles does not seem very far at all now!!!

After the 20 mile walk, my feet were sore so I gave my feet a good week to completely recover from blisters, did not want to risk any infection.. However I recovered quickly and that gives me more optimism that I am ready to take on this challenge.

Did "abuse" my body a bit at the weekend though ... two very drunken nights out, Saturday night was a "ladies only night" (if you know what I mean - wink wink!!!) and I do remember that the Drag Queen was wearing a lovely pink beaded dress and me and my friend having a conversation with him(her?) about the beads and my Moonwalk Bra!! I think I was hoping for a donation of a few, but all I got was a web address of where to get them (the London Bead Company!), any way it was good fun, ha.

Not a drop of alcohol has passed my lips since then and won't until after the walk. Also been trying the eat healthy this week and have been taking vitamins. Unfortunately I do feel quite tired and lethargic this week and a bit like I'm starting with a cold - however I'm trying my best to fight it, felt better after the lemsip last night!!

Bra decorating is going well, myself and Laura, my daughter, went to Hobbycraft at the weekend and bought all sorts of random things to decorate our bras. Almost finished now.... Will put a picture on here when finished.

Off work today not back till Tuesday. Two days to rest and get ready and one day to recover!!!

Not long now ........ only two more sleeps!!!!!

Monday 4 May 2009

I did it - woopeeee!!! who would have thought 6 months ago that I could walk 20 miles, certainly not me! I was hopeful, but not sure! Well today I did it.

Last night I worked out a 20 mile walk on mapmyrun, took me quite a while to do, but when I came to save it it didn't save!!! Was annoyed as I'd worked out a few different twists and turns to keep things new. Anyway I couldn't remember it and didn't have the patience to do it again! So I decided to join together what I know to be a four mile walk and a known 16 mile walk!

I set off at 8.45 am and got back at 3.45 pm - 7 hours, but that did include quite a lot of stops, one at big Tesco's for a bottle of water and a banana (breakfast), small Tesco's for packet of sweeties and loo stop, Sainsbury's for a loo stop (I find it difficult to pass a loo!! ha) then a longer stop at my sister in laws for a change of socks and plaster stop (at about 12 miles), stopped at Sainsbury's again for a breakfast bar and loo and then one last stop at Superdrug to pick up more supplies of Compeed Blister Plasters!! I guess you can take off at least 1 hour for all these stops, maybe more.

Anyway however long it took me - I'm just really pleased I managed to finish.

Blister report - despite all the precautions mentioned in previous post - I still got my blisters and sore heels. However they didn't get sore until 18 miles which is an improvement! This coincided with a text of encouragement from Bob from work which really helped and got me through the last couple of miles - thank you Bob.

Not sure what else to try to prevent blisters, I know a lot of people are having problems with this. Any hints please let me know!!! Perhaps I'll just wrap my whole heel up in a bandage!! ha.

Well down time now .... not long to the big night. Need to concentrate on bra decorating now!!

Happy decorating fellow walkers xxxx

Saturday 2 May 2009

What a very hot day ... I'm so pleased we're walking at night and won't have a problem with the heat.

I walked for 7 miles in the end today, I didn't really work out a route I just set off and walked towards Hornchurch and back doing a detour through the park which I think added another mile on. I worked out how long I had walked using map-my-run when I got back. Actually I've just thought, I may have actually walked further because I was distracted by the shops and did look around a couple!!!!!!

My feet were okay, I've got my new socks, but this was a relatively short walk, it's usually past 14 miles that the trouble starts.

Next walk is the biggy - 20 miles and I intend to do this on Monday. Just hope my feet survive and that the weather is not too hot! I'm going the put compeed blister plasters on the weak spots, wear my new socks and maybe take a change of socks for about half way. Hope something will work!!!!

Good luck to everyone doing their 20 mile walk this weekend .....

Thursday 30 April 2009

Been really bad at updating my blog this week - but will try to catch up .....



After my 16 mile walk on 18 April my feet were sore!!! I did however manage to walk to work twice that week I think on the Monday and Wednesday, but my feet were suffering, so I decided not to walk on the Friday as originally planned and gave my feet a few extra days to recover! I'm really glad I did.

On Sunday, 26 April, I set off again for another 16 mile walk, same route as before. I smothered my feet in Vaseline and used powder in my socks to try to keep them cool. The weather was really hot, well it felt really hot to me!!!! I felt sorry for all those people doing the London Marathon that day. When I stopped at my sister in laws, at about 8 miles, I covered my heels with the Compeed Anti Blister Stick. Anyway all was going well, until again at the 14 mile mark, my feet started to get sore! By the time I got home I felt as if I could hardly walk!!!! I think my main problem is how to prevent blisters, I feel that if I could do that then everything else would be okay (well that's my theory!!!!) My legs were also very achy again that evening, not bad as long as I kept moving, but when I'd been sitting for a while it was difficult to get moving again!!!!

Well that evening I once again got on the Internet and did some more research! I've ordered the Troo North insoles and some socks with very padded heels (which is the area I keep getting blisters), can't remember the make, but they were recommended by a few people in the Facebook Walk the Walk Group. I hope these will help and hope to give them a try out this weekend.

Surprisingly the next morning I didn't feel too bad, I'm encouraged by the fact that my recovery time is quick!!!

I decided that this week I would try walking home from work rather than walking to work, the early mornings are getting to me! I got a lift into work on Tuesday and I almost gave in and took up the offer of a lift home, I underestimated how tired I would feel after a day at work! Anyway I was good and set off. It did feel hard going though and to make things worse after I'd been walking for about one and half miles it started raining and also, as usual, I needed the loo!!! Partly because of the rain and mostly because I wasn't sure I would make it to the next loo stop, I decided to jump on a bus! It wasn't as bad as it sounds though (honest) I only travelled about a mile by bus, to Hornchurch where I was able to use the toilet and then carried on and walked the rest of the way home... When I worked it out on the map my run website, I found that I had still walked 5 miles so I was not too disappointed with myself!!!!

I plan to walk on Saturday, probably only about 8 miles (strange how 8 miles seemed a long way not too long ago!!!) and then the LONG one on Bank Holiday Monday, 20 miles......

I'm planning to go shopping after work on Friday, I need to get a bum bag, some more track suit bottoms and I think I'll also look out for ideas for decorating my bra, I've got no idea what to do with it yet.....

Will try to update my blog as I do my walks this weekend, it's much easier that way.

Not long the big day (night) and I'm starting to get quite nervous about it, hopefully I'll feel better (or worse!) after the long 20 mile walk on Monday!!!

Happy walking ......

Sunday 19 April 2009

I walked to work as planned on Wednesday morning, but found it more difficult than usual, my legs felt very "heavy"!! I put this down to the long walk on Monday. Still got there in the usual time, may be a couple of minutes faster!!

Later that day my husband phoned me to let me know that he had fallen from a roof, but was okay, even though the ambulance was taking him to hospital!!!! He was quite non-plussed about it and told me not to worry and he will let me know what was going on later, so when I put the phone down I think I was in a bit of shock and it took a few minutes for it to register what he had said to me!!! Of course it's sods law, for something to happen on the day I have no car at work!! Eventually I realised that I had to get to see him, to find out exactly what was going on. A very helpful colleague took me home so I could pick up my car and off I went to the hospital. Anyway to cut a long story short, he didn't break any bones, has a very nasty gash to his arm - 13 very large stitches.... All in all he was very lucky and they did keep him in overnight "just in case"... He's recovering a bit now, getting a little more mobile every day.

I had planned to walk to work on Friday too, however with these events above, I gave it a miss - just didn't feel up to it.

After an early night on Friday though, I pushed on with the training and did the 16 mile walk planned for this weekend. It took me 4 hours 50 mins actual walking time, which is still about 3.5 miles per hour, don't think I'm going to get much quicker, especially over the long distances. It was very warm here in the South, lovely for walking, but my feet did suffer. At about the 13 mile walk I could feel my heels getting sore, blisters ...... I think I'm putting this down to my feet being very hot. I will need to take a spare pair of socks on the night of the Moonwalk, although I'm not expecting it to be hot during the night!!! Managed to complete the walk .. although my legs did ache and my feet were sore. Feel much better this morning and have been researching about blister prevention on the internet, few remedies to try out there. So much so, that I have decided to walk to work again tomorrow morning, I've found some pressure pads in the first aid box, so I'm going to use them on my heels - hopefully this will help.

This weekend is Greek Easter, so today we are going to my husband's parents for a celebratory Easter dinner (my husband's mum is Greek). I will be driving, so no alcohol for me today, which is just as well really!!! So once again Happy (Greek) Easter to you all ....

Monday 13 April 2009 (Bank Holiday)

Surprised myself and managed to do the 14 mile walk today! Was a struggle to get going this morning, but finally left the house a 9.30 am. Weather was a bit dismal at first, but stayed dry and for the last 3 miles or so, the sun was shining. It took me 4 hours 15 mins actual walking time, had to do a couple of "comfort" stops, but tried to make these as quick as possible this week!!!! I worked my speed out at about 3 and a half miles per hour, which, over 14 mile, I don't think is too bad.

Well I managed to walk 14 miles, that is quite a good psychological boost, because it is more than half way...... although I have wondered why we didn't just enter for the half moon on more than one occasion today!!!!

Feel a bit achy and my feet are a bit sore, but all in all don't feel too bad.

Still right on track which the training programme. Bumped into an old friend today and she offered to do some of the training walks with me, think I will take her up on it, be good to have company and also a offer a chance for us to catch up on old times....

Well .. the next walk planned is another 6 mile walk to work on Wednesday morning. Hope I've stopped aching by then!!!!!

Sunday 12 April 2009

Happy Easter everyone x

Did 8 mile yesterday and surprise surprise Laura (my daughter) joined me..... think she's finally realised that she needs to do some walking before the big day (night!).

Time was quite good we did it in about 2 hours 40 mins which included two loo and food stops!! (three if you include the stop at the cash machine).

Next walk planned for Monday - 14 miles.... off to plan my route.

Friday 10 April 2009 (Good Friday)

Did my 6 mile walk to work on Wednesday - took me 2 hours with a loo and sweetie stop at Sainsbury's on the way. Felt quite "easy", and will be doing more of these up to the Moonwalk and maybe even beyond!!

Did plan to do a 8 mile walk today, however I stayed at a friends last night and had a bottle of wine and too many Irish Coffee's! No hangover, but don't think it would be a good idea to walk today. Still got a day to play with, and will do my 8 mile walk tomorrow and I have a 14 mile walk planned for Easter Monday. No more drinking for me this weekend!!!!

Happy Easter everyone!!!

Sunday 5 April 2009

Today was the day for my 12 mile walk. Realised I have to cut back on the alcohol, again!!! at least until the Moonwalk is done. Honest I'm not an alcoholic, but I'm really realising the effect alcohol has on the body now that I'm in training for the Moonwalk. Had far too much to drink on Friday night again and so my body was still feeling very lethargic and bloated first thing this morning.....

However, by 12.30 pm I decided to go for it. What lovely weather for a 12 mile walk.... All was going well until about 2 miles from home I became desperate for the loo!!!, probably another effect of too much alcohol, or perhaps I shouldn't have had that extra cup of tea!!! I was still a good mile away from the scheduled loo stop in Sainsbury's so I decided to do a short detour into the local park, where I remembered there was some toilets near the cafe, but then horror - the loos had been closed!!!! Oh no what should I do??? Well what I decided to do was phone my daughter to take me home, which luckily she did. Not sure how I'm going to cope with the loo situation on the night .... I'm sure it's more psychological than anything else, as soon as I start walking I need to go!!!!

Anyway, it was about 2 pm when I got back on route, my daughter dropped me off where I'd made the detour and off I went again.. I carried on, stopped at Sainsbury's and bought sweeties - and continued on the planned route. Next stop was at a friend's house at about the 7 mile mark, again for a toilet stop. I was here about 20 mins, well you can't just pee and go!!!! Next stop was at about 9.5 mile mark, again at another friends for loo stop, didn't really need to go but thought I should as I had the chance, again about another 20 mins stop. Time was now getting on and I had bbq'd fish waiting for me at a neighbours house, so I decided to shave just a little bit off my walk because the the time. When I got home I checked the stop watch - which showed 3 hours 20 mins actual walking time. Even though I had actually been out for about 4 and half to 5 hours....

I got showered, and went to my friends for a lovely meal and a small glass of wine - well two but that's all!

Having checked the actual mileage on map my run I find that I did 11 miles and I'm very happy with that - still felt that I could have walked more, which is just as well really!!!!

Feel slightly achy now, but I'm going to give my feet a nice relaxing pedicure in a mo...

Next walk scheduled for Tuesday, when I plan to walk the 6 miles to work.

Thursday 2 April 2009

Was very disappointed with myself at the weekend - didn't manage to do the 10 miles training walk - not because I couldn't manage the extra two miles - no due to being hungover on Saturday ....... Had a very good night out on Friday though!

Sunday I was out all day at The Vitality Show at Earls Court 2, guess I did a lot of walking but not 10 miles!!!! Had a really good day out though - lots of good healthy food and ideas about keeping fit and losing weight and ....... a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN - maybe I'm just not cut out to be healthy, ha ha. Bought myself some new trainers - and they are very comfortable what a good buy.

Walked 4 miles on Tuesday morning before work and walked to work today - over 6 miles. Felt fine - luckily we have a shower at work so was able to get refreshed when I got there. Most people at work now know about me doing the Moonwalk so I'm going to take in my sponsorship form in tomorrow and try to get the fundraising started!!!!

Next walk is 12 mile planned for Sunday morning - think that will be tough ..... I'll let you know how it goes.

Sunday 22 March 2009

What lovely weather for a 8 mile walk!!!!

I was a bit worried about walking 8 miles today, a new "longest distance" so far for me. My husband dropped me off 8 miles away and I walked home. There must be something psychological about the fact that you are walking towards home and not away from it that keep your spirits up!!!! I actually quite enjoyed this walk, a couple of slight inclines that made me work a bit harder, but then of course the down hills that help you get your breathe back!!! It took me 2 hours 27 mins (actual walking time - I had one toilet break stop!!). No more blisters.

Felt a bit achy when I got back, but after a hot bath I feel great. The sun caught me today though, little bit red on my chest and neck, will have to remember the sunscreen next time the sun is shining.

Happy walking fellow Moonwalkers .....

Friday 20 March 2009

Done two 5 mile early morning walks this week - as the photo shows! (even the sunrise in Rainham is beautiful!!!!) The Tuesday morning walk felt more difficult than the second one on Thursday. My feet ached and I finally got my first blister!!! Both walks I did in 1 hour 28 mins. I scheduled a toilet stop at Tesco's which is the three mile mark, but on Tuesday I did a very womanly thing and decided to buy things I needed, ie cat food and water!!! so for the last two miles I was carrying this extra weight!!!! Must try to avoid that in future. I did struggle at work a bit on Tuesday and was tired all day, however after Thursday's walk I felt almost invigorated!!!

I am finding it difficult to find time to do the training and I do wish I didn't work full-time, I would love to be able to walk during the day at my leisure, but still I will do it, even if I do have to get up at 5.30 am!!!

Next walk is a 8 mile one this weekend. Was going to do it on Saturday, but I've decided to change that to Sunday. Household chores tomorrow and then on Sunday (Mother's day) I can do my walk and then relax... Sounds good to me.

Off to plan my 8 mile route.

Sunday 15 March 2009

Done two early morning 4 mile walks this week - still taking me longer than a hour, so hoping I will speed up a bit as the weeks go on.

Today I went into work for a few hours, I took my daughter's car and she came and picked it up in the afternoon - this meant that I could walk home, which I did. Just over 6 miles in just under 2 hours. This is the longest distance I've done so far so am pleased with this. Feel a bit tired and my feet are aching a bit, but satisfied that I managed this distance without too much trouble. Forgot my water though, so had a raging thirst by the time I got home!!!!! Taking it easy now and preparing (mentally) for the next walk - which will probably be 5 miles on Tuesday morning - I think I'm a day behind with the training programme will have to try to catch up over the next week.

Happy walking ......

Tuesday 10 March 2009

Did do another 4 miles on Friday morning, was little bit slower though 1 hour 12 mins (I think), thought it might be because of walking on two consecutive days, but when I checked the route on map my run, it was actually a little bit more than four miles, so don't feel too bad!!!!

It was a works night out on Friday night ...... we had a brilliant night, but probably due to the copious amounts of vodka consumed - there was no walking all weekend!!!! That means I've missed the five mile walk sceduled for Sunday. Was pretty much recovered from the hangover by then, but somehow just couldn't motivate myself to get out.!

Managed the four mile this morning though before work - 1 hour 12 mins again - so not too bad. Next walk scheduled is another four mile on Thursday morning. Happy walking ......

Thursday 5 March 2009

Missed my walk on Tuesday morning, the alarm went off at 6 am and I did get out of bed, however I'd made the mistake of not getting my stuff ready the night before and by 6.15 am I'd had a strop because I couldn't find my trainers!!!!! and decided not to bother, but with the intention of going out straight after work. However ...... Apart from the fact that it is very unlikely that I will ever want to walk after work! the weather was terrible, wet and windy. So decided to drink a bottle of wine with my friend instead... Probably because of the wine Wednesday morning was a no show again.

Well I finally managed to get a grip of myself and went out, at 6.15 am, for a four mile walk today. I've made a playlist on my i-pod of music to walk to, high tempo music, and maybe it was because of this I managed to do this four mile walk in 1 hour 7 mins. I'm very pleased with this as my goal is to walk four miles in an hour and that seems much more achievable now.

Spurred on by this success, I'm off out again tomorrow morning.

Sunday 1 March 2009

All going well so far. Followed the plan almost to the letter, but swapped a few days around to fit in with prior commitments. I have averaged around 55 mins for the three mile walks this week, even with the dog. He does like to stop quite a lot!!! I went completely on my own the first day, but must confess, I do feel quite self-conscious without the dog, so he came along with me for the rest of the week!!

How's this for dedication - went out on Saturday lunchtime to celebrate my brother in law and sister in law's wedding anniversary and did not have a drink! (anyone who knows me well will know how unusual that is!!), I have learnt quickly how difficult it is to walk any distance the morning after!! So off I went for a four mile walk today - as per the plan. Left the dog behind though in case I had to make a toilet stop at the local Tesco (which I did!!!). Still felt a bit self-conscious to start with but got more used to it by about half way. I'm much more used to having my Fiat Punto between me and the outside world!!!!!! Managed to do the walk in one hour and fifteen mins. Which I was pleased with. Still no blisters (touch wood).

Next walk planned for Tuesday morning .........

Sunday 22 February 2009

Got back from Yorkshire yesterday - managed to do a couple of walks, bit slow and leisurely, but at least I managed to get out and about. Much nicer area to walk though - below is the view from my mum's house.....

Today is officially the first day of training ...... three mile walk planned for today .... time to get serious!!!!

Monday 16 February 2009

Not done any walking since my last blog - no real reason really, just been very busy. Going up to Yorkshire tommorrow to spend a few days with my family - taking my walking gear with me so hope to get a couple of walks in. The training programme starts for real next Sunday......

Saturday 7 February 2009

Managed to get out at last today!! Did a four mile walk today and it took about 1 hour 15 mins - not too bad. Few of the pavements were still icy so had to take it easy in a few spots. Like lots of other people, I'm waiting (impatiently) for the welcome pack. Think it will seem more real then.

Managed four mile quite okay, however on a more personal note, think I'm going to have to take into account toilet stops when working out any longer walks!!!! Mind you it certainly makes you walk faster when you're dying for the loo!! ha ha.

Depending on weather, I think I'll try to get out again on Monday morning - three or four mile - not sure yet, might depend on what time I get out of bed....

Happy walking xx

Thursday 5 February 2009

Well the weather certainly put a stop to my plans to do a four mile walk this week .......

The pavements are still all icy. I'm hoping I can get out on Satuday morning - the weather forecast is for sunny at the mo... lets wait and see.

Sunday 1 February 2009

Last walked on Friday morning - did the usual three miles. Took the dog again so not really too worried about the time, it took me 54 mins. It was a cold and frosty morning so am pleased with myself for actually going out walking!!

Hoping that the training programmes will be out soon, but in the meantime might try to challenge myself to a four mile walk one day this week!!! Still can't get my daughter to join me walking - hope she will get motivated when the training programmes come out.

Monday 26 January 2009

Managed two three mile walks since last post, one last Tuesday morning and one this morning before work. The weekend unfortunately was taken up with Hospital visiting!!! My daughter was taken in on Friday after collapsing at work - they kept her overnight and was discharged late on Saturday, turned out she had an infection that she wasn't aware of and is now on the mend. Bit scarey for a while there though!!

This mornings walk took me 54 mins, bit longer than last time, but I took the dog with me today and he hasn't quite got the hang of power walking in a straight line!!! and finds it difficult to ignore lamposts!!. So I guess all in all it wasn't too bad. Probably be Thursday when I do my next walk, think I'll leave the dog behind and see what pace I can do without him, with no excuses.

Hopefully the training programmes will be sent out soon, will continue with the three mile walks tills then.

Monday 19th January 2009

Not "blogged" for a few days, but have been out walking.... Managed two before work walks and one again on Sunday. Still three miles and still managing about 50 mins time. Pleased and determined to carry on. Will contine with three miles until training programme comes.

All went well, only Sunday's one did I feel extremely tired and a bit achy. I've put it down to the excessive drinking on Friday night and the bottle of wine on Saturday..... I have to cut down the alcohol because it really does make a difference .....

Planning to go out again before work tomorrow, just hoping that the weather is not as bad as it was this morning .......

Sunday 11th January 2009

Well New Year is here and no more excuses for not getting out and walking!! Had a great Christmas - lots of eating and drinking and family parties, but now reality needs to hit home and need to get out and WALK.

My daughter's friend, Amy, has also got a place so we are really pleased with that. Got trainers and socks for Christmas, so now I just have to get out there.

Well today I did!!!! My husband joined me (even though he's not doing the walk) and we did just over 3 miles in 50 mins. I was pleased with that considering that I'm feeling extremely unfit. I'm hoping to increase the speed a bit. My plan is to get out and do as many 3 mile walks as I can until the Training Programme arrives and then to follow the programme.

My only New Year Resolution this year is to do all the training and to complete the Moonwalk. It's going to be quite a challenge (as anyone who knows me will appreciate!!!!), but I'm DETERMINED!!

Will write more later in the week - going to set up a fundraising page now - Good Luck all you Moonwalkers x