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 .........