One Last Training Walk

I had always intended on wearing my bra for my last walk but the rain and humidity made me leave it at home. I suppose the good thing about the weather is that I actually have done a few miles in the rain- nothing like the gales the weatherman is suggesting for Saturday night, but still!!!

I can't wait to be free of the canal, the horrid gnats and the people who don't scoop the poop (but I am sure that it won't be long til I return to it and start running. . . watch this space).

I've ended up leaving just short of 4 miles in un-walked training- my ankle's been funny and I thought it wasn't worth the worry of my clumsy self making things worse by tripping over the air!

On to the big show!!!!!

3.33 miles - 5,918 steps - 41:18.96

Bra Complete- I think

I'm pretty sure the bra has been completed!!! Now I just have to wait for my satin gloves to arrive, go and get a black zip up (in case its freezing on the night) and I am well and truly set to go. I purchased some neurofen, dextrose tablets, band-aids and a few other bits today at Tesco and all that's left is to pack my bags and get my head around the fact that this walk is really only 5 days away.

Ran Out of Road

I had intended on completing a make up 5 mile walk today. As I headed down the trail I found myself getting squirrely at the thought of heading down the trail. . . AGAIN so I turned off at the bridge near to the pub and made my way back toward home on a path on the other side of the canal that I didn't even know existed. After half a mile, it ended so I made my way along the winding roads through the farm land. It was a very cheerful walk, if a bit blustery, until the roads narrowed and I began to pray to any and all gods that I wouldn't get run over by a car that couldn't see me through the hedge!!! Thankfully, I managed to avoid any major damage and only suffered some scratches from the prickly bushes.

I turned toward home once I reached Boltoph's Bridge and noticed that the miles just didn't add up. Not enough road when I make it up as I go along. As that was the case, I'll have to tack 1.25 miles on to tomorrow's walk to put things to right. That means only 7.25 miles left of training- never thought I'd see the day when I'd say 'only 7 miles.'

3.76 miles - 7,052 steps - 49:42.53

My 1st Blister!

I did another 5 miles today in the relaxed period before the big night. Nothing much happened but I did observe one thing that made very little sense. The bridle path has signs all over requesting that dog owners scoop the poop- yet, horses make much bigger poops and no one bats an eye!

After my walk, I visited Paula (another MWer) and we had a great time being crafty and getting our bras sorted. Paula was well on her way when I arrived- her disco ball effect was looking great! I set to work on my sequins and aside from a few hiccups (like putting sequins on upside down so they would not be smooth if rubbed) things were going well. Then the blasted glue gun dripped on my middle finger. . . thus my 1st training blister has come to be. My middle finger is in serious pain and its impossible to type without it. As that's the case, the entry will end here. 6 days to go!

5.01 miles - 9,126 steps - 1:04:05

5 miles, what a doddle

Today was the first walk of the calming down period of the training plan. This 5 miler, two more of the same and two 3 milers and that's it before the big night.

I think I might officially qualify to appear on Fear Factor now, I know for certain, that I have eaten more than one giant gnat today. Gag! I will not miss those after I have finished training.

Other than that, the walk was more of the same. I did learn that the underwear I had on today will NOT be appropriate on the night, terribly painful. I thought the same thing on Saturday's walk but I forgot and as they were stacked on top of my socks in the laundry basket, they were put on. Will have to hide them until the walk has finished.

5.11 miles - 9,348 steps - 1:06:30

20 MILES DOWN

I completed the last big walk- the 20 miler- on this sunny Saturday morning. It was the perfect time for me to get out and clear my head as things have been a bit chaotic for the Bashford family as of late with a mix of sickness and the usual dramas of a family of 5. Anyhow, the sun was warm and the breeze was light as I set off on the longest distance remaining before the big night.

The first mile or two clicked on without much interest as it was the same standard route- tho it did make me wonder how I will handle doing a walk that was on a completely different terrain than the one that has become so familiar to me. If I end up getting a place for the London Marathon I will definitely have to mix up my training sessions to keep from getting so set in my ways.

Around mile mark 5 I started to realise just how far twenty miles is and did have a small crisis of confidence about my being able to finish in a reasonable time. Luckily, I started spotting MoonWalkers training around every bend. There have been a lot of times when I felt like the only person in South East Kent that was training for this event but today it seemed that every other woman on the sea wall was wearing a pink hat or a shirt with a bra decal on it. It was really a positive atmosphere. I got to the half-way point just inside of the Dungeness National Nature Reserve and turned for home. I still can't believe I walked to Dungeness. . . that is freaking far for my little feet to travel. I suppose the full marathon would be the same distance as me walking from home to the French coastline- but still, its far!

I saw my last group of MoonWalkers stretching out (I assume they just finished) in front of the Tesco in Dymchurch with me having 4 miles to go. I was JEALOUS and grumpy that I still had near on an hour til I was to reach home. Another mile down and I got a phone call. . . that I actually tried to talk through. I must've sounded like a pervert huffing and puffing down the line to someone that could barely hear me but I didn't want to be rude (still managed to maintain 4.3 mph during the call tho, not that I was clocking it at all). I did finish, and with only one bathroom break and two stops to fiddle with my shoe laces. No blisters, no rubbing feet, in fact the only mark I have from the day is a strong strong farmers tan.

It feels a nice accomplishment, now its time for bra decorating and the big show.

20.25 miles - 37,922 steps - 4:38:10

another 7

Another seven miles down today. I'm finding myself getting attached to the Ministry of Sound 2000 Annual. I'm sure it will end up being the album that is forever attached to my MoonWalk experience. I suppose its a step up from Radio 4 news and the Archers!

My final information pack came today. I can't believe how near the final night is and this is making it feel very real. The pack had a lot of great tips on what to bring, how to decorate your bra and the official route map for the night!! One of these days I will believe that it is really happening. 26.2, here I come- whether I realise it or not!

7.12 miles - 12,860 steps - 1:29:08

(193.83 miles to date!)

beside the seaside

The sun was shining and there was a light breeze blowing as I completed a 16 mile walk to Littlestone and back again. I could not believe how far I could get into the marsh just by going 8 miles from home- especially as I passed by this red tower I would often drive toward and end up turning around in front of while trying to find my way to Spen's work in the early days of living in the UK (I use to get lost an awful lot!!).

The walk was speedy, not fast, but I felt really good. I spotted some friends and their little boys digging in the sand at Dymchurch, passed by a group of ladies walking too many dogs and appreciated when a group of construction workers stopped sawing into the concrete as I neared them. It was definitely a blue bird on my shoulder kind of day. I didn't even mind when the MP3 player stopped working with a mile to go. It gave me a chance to relax and clear my thoughts in the last stretch to home- even had me up my speed by .3mph!

Many thanks to Spen and the Runner's World Forum for sorting out my Garmin problems once and for all. It made the 16 miles so easy to handle.

16 miles - 29,860 steps - 3:36:41

umm, Garmin. . . bite me

So, I went and got my 3rd Garmin yesterday when I returned the 2nd one. Mind you, the 2nd one only lasted three walks before it gave up the ghost. This one lasted a whole 1.4 miles before it stopped recognising the footpod. Just long enough for me to hoof it up a pretty massive hill.

When I noticed, I nearly threw in the towel and called Spen in tearful frustration. Thanks to his prodding I kept on for as long as I estimated three miles would take and then turned for home. It was a very hilly route which should be of some benefit as I have heard of the dreaded steps at mile marker 17!

The walk was what it was, will have to swap the 16 mile session for tomorrow.

6 miles 1.13.02

if only the MW were tomorrow

I think I've peaked. If the MoonWalk were this weekend, or even tomorrow, I would be so happy. The walks aren't exciting me anymore, the training seems to be redundant as my speed isn't really improving and I'm not seeing any real difference in my body shape. If I'm honest, I'm getting rather squishy in the middle and have gained a significant amount of weight. Can't wait for this to just happen. I know I can do it and I'm just ready to go.

Did a seven mile loop today, wasn't sure if I was meant to do six or seven so I opted for the longer, just in case. It was slow, I'm lacking oomph at the minute. Its done tho, and I'm off to find my positive attitude. . . its probably right next to my motivation.

7 miles - 12,166 steps - 1:27:48

a walk in the clouds

Definitely a walk in the clouds today- minus Keanu Reeves, chocolate, and vineyards . So, really, it was just 18 miles out to Capel le Ferne (which must translate to 'big ole hill' because that's what it was) and back again in the fog.

The weather was decent, if a bit overcast, until I got to Folkestone harbour and then the fog started to roll in. This is where the 2 miles of consistent incline began. At first the fog was more of gentle mist rolling up the hill but in a matter of minutes I could barely see any of the landmarks around me. It was a *bit* freaky as someone had fallen off the cliffs where I was walking over Easter. Anyhow, the climb was a doozy- probably not one to be attempted in the middle of such a long walk. I'm not sure I would do that route again as an out and back but I may attempt it next weekend if I were to carry on to Dover (and if Spen will pick me up!)

Walking down the hill was much slower than going up as I was terrified of falling. I actually envisioned a sort of Dr. Suess, bouncing, head over feet, roll down the hill. The whole walk home was slower for a few reasons. First of all, the fog had gotten so thick that it engulfed the coastline. It was disorientating and I kept losing track of time. . . it was similar to The Others (I know, I know, what's with all of the references today?). Also, I have stressed my ankle/lower leg. Not sure what I did as yet but it only hurts when flexing/releasing (but not when fully flexed or pointed) and in a central location. Got it elevated and going to get some heat on it in a minute.

Ferociously slow, but at least the miles are in. I have no idea how I'll manage the 26 as there was nothing left in me. I'm hoping it was just an off day as I was in a foul mood over losing so much family time that I wasn't really bothered about speed til mile 5.

18 miles - 32910 steps - 4:12:44

out to St. Mary's Bay

I made up the long walk that I was meant to do on H's birthday by tacking 13 miles out to St. Mary's Bay and back again. The weather was dreary, rained a bit and I actually felt humidity for the first time in years. Oddly enough, the stickiness was a welcome change and made me a bit homesick.

The walk felt really really long and slow even tho it wasn't (I clocked 4.8mph). It seemed miles longer than the 15 miles I put in a few weeks ago. Maybe it was the weather or my training break but I wasn't feeling it today. I wonder that I've just hit a mental block in the training as its all seeming rather redundant instead of offering me a bit of relaxed silent time.

Today's Radio 4 was mostly about Frank Lloyd Wright and it made me wonder what he'd think of Centre Parcs. It is open plan after all and the new decor does focus on bringing the outside in. I really need a life if I'm contemplating Centre Parcs when we're not there or even planning on going there any time soon!!

Other than that, I just kept thinking about how much I wanted the walk to be over with. Its definitely time to vary the routes as I'm boring myself silly. Thank goodness I've got a new Garmin this afternoon so I can set the direction if I change my mind on the next trip out! (and I'll get to start tracking my 'steps' again!!!!)

13 miles - 2:44:20

to assuage my worries about not getting the miles in, i totalled what i had walked and compared it to what i should have done by now and i'm up 14.63 even after missing a week- awesome.

139.63 miles completed so far!!!

things that make you go. . . hmm

Woah, what to say. The last two weeks have been a mess of Spen being away and our family preparing for H's 3rd birthday. The combination left me with little or no time to train but I did manage to get three walks in leaving me down 20-some miles that I don't see any way to make up before the big night (just over a month away). I'm going to go back over my mileage from the last few months and hope that I have at least 20 miles of over-walking in there to make me feel a bit less disappointed in my overall training efforts, but what can you do?!

Today was H's birthday including all the fun foods and a trip to the indoor play centre! It was awesome watching her smile and play but was also super tiring and left me with little motivation to walk tonight. Thank goodness for the guilt outlined above as I managed to get in the 6 miles on the training schedule by completing the swimming pool loop in 1:11.22. Great pace considering the lack of training going on!!

Last week I did two 4 milers and a 10.85 miler. I'm back in the game but I am getting a bit concerned that the week of not training will come back to haunt me on the night. Off to Halfords tomorrow to get a new Garmin as I have had no joy w/their corporate office.

10.85 miles - 2:18.40

4 miles - 47.31.73

4 miles - 46.53.02

6 miles - 1:11.22

its gonna be a doozy this week

I had a rude awakening today after a week of being a lazy bones about walking. In fairness, I wasn't being totally lazy as Spen was away from Monday-Wednesday, I had my first tutorial Thursday and then Spen was working 12 hr days for the rest of the week. Any way you slice it tho, I didn't walk.

A week off is a long time and I found it a challenge to motivate especially as my garmin is *definitely* broken. It'll be taking a trip to the Garmin Mothership to see if it can be repaired and I really hope it can. Its such a mental barrier for me to have no idea as to exactly how far I've gone. Map My Run is great and all, but the control freak in me LOVED knowing exactly how many steps I had trained and was looking forward to the day when I would get to total them up and go 'damn, that's a lot of steps!'

Nevermind, I did the standard 4 mile loop today (the first of the 20 to make up from last week.) Should have been 5 but the girls kicked off when they saw me leaving and it took a bit to calm them down. I was racing the clock to get back in time so that Spen could get to work.

It'll be 10 miles tomorrow to continue the catching up, hurrah.

4 miles - 48.27.39

Playing Catch Up

The training schedule had an 8 mile walk set for today but I had to make up a walk from earlier in the week so thought I'd combine them and do 13. I was skeptical about my Garmin performing as it should so I asked Spen to reset the foot pod and after much reassurance it was fixed (and an impromptu rearrange of H's bedroom furniture), I set off.

I checked on the foot pod about a mile in and found that according to my watch I had only done .4 miles. ARGH! I was really ticked off, the day was gorgeous and I was set to do the miles but had no idea of my route without the distance approximations from my pedometer. I phoned up Spen to see if he could see a decent turning point on WalkJogRun but he wasn't familiar with the software.

I found myself in a bit of a conundrum wondering if I should just do a familiar 8 mile route or try to estimate how long 13 miles would take. I told myself that, at worst, the distance could be covered in 4 mph taking 3 hours and 15 minutes. As that was the case, I thought it best to just head out for 1 hour and 36.30 minutes and loop back on myself.

The walk itself was great, the sun was overhead and everyone on the path seemed to be training for the London Marathon or the MoonWalk. It was really a great atmosphere. The beaches were covered in groups and families sharing ice creams and fish and chips and the pub fronts were full of people toasting the warmth with a cool drink. It was a cheerful scene on the way out, but I was pining for those pints, chips and flakes on my return trip.

My walk took me all the way to the end of Folkestone Harbour and back again. The Harbour area has definitely changed since my last visit and I was really impressed. In fact, I thought about calling Spen to see if he wanted to bring the girls down and have lunch but knew he would say no as I would be copping out on the mileage. Its a good thing that I carried on tho as I ran into a fellow MoonWalker, Diane, and her sister on the return trip and stopped for a quick catch up. Diane told me that she saw Sam not much further ahead and it spurred me on to try and catch her- many thanks for the much needed motivation!! I never did see Sam but I did the return trip just over a minute faster than the trip out.

After I got in and did some stretching, I checked my distance on WalkJogRun and was shocked to find that it wasn't 13 miles at all, but instead 15!!! No wonder I felt nauseous and wobbly when I stopped. In fact, I wobbled back from the trail head like a drunkard, relatively weak on my feet.

I feel great now, conquering over half of the distance with a consistent pace and in a decent time.

Thank goodness tomorrow is a day off!

15 miles - 27,204 steps - 3.13.51

28 or 82? Sometimes I wonder

Let's see. . . I'm power walking. If I think about it too much I feel like I am becoming my high school gym teacher- Mrs. Cable. This is not good, she's a woman who made us all learn to country line dance to Achy Breaky Heart and do step aerobics and I am channeling her! I often think that this can be excused as I tell myself I am trialing my knee on the distance to see if I'd be capable of doing the London Marathon for my 30th.

I listen to Radio 4 (talk radio) while I'm out. I get bummed out if I miss the last few minutes of the Archers (I still don't know if the farm is the source of the pollution). Yep, power walking and Radio 4.

Today I took the final step from young woman to retiree. I put on my bum bag (fanny pack)!!! Now, I know its necessary but it really is the last straw isn't it. That said, MTV tells me that fanny packs are on trend- according to Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew anyway.

The walk was fine, if horrendously cold. I nearly turned home for gloves. My coat was surely missed as I continue in my attempt to desensitise to the chilly temperatures.

My pedometer can suck it. Its died, I think. Will have to check it out as I did reset the watch before I went out. Definitely will have to be checked on before my 13 miler on Saturday!

5 and a bit miles - 9400 ish steps - 1.05.25

6 miles - 10450 steps - 1.14.35 (Sunday)

its cold!

It had better warm up soon or there's no way I'll be able to make it around London without a fleece on! I was so chilly today that I had to come back and put my ear band on. Its been much more BRR! than BRA lately.

Anyhow, I meant to leave the house at 4pm but ran into my next door neighbor- 45 min later she was still talking! Thank goodness her partner came home as I was meant to be racing Spen today while he took the girls to the post office to send H's birthday party invites out. I met him on the road as he was driving home. I hadn't even made it to the head of the trail!

Quick 4 miler today to make up for the one I missed last night. Thoughts:

Spring is here, and its not cute anymore. So many swarms of gnats and mosquitoes, I feel like I held my breath at least half of the time. No wonder so many of the early settlers of the marsh died of malaria!

Another smushed frog today. They should be more careful. What is squishing them all, there are no cars on the path??

Sometimes I think that people should sponsor Spen as he's doing so much with the girls to afford me time to train. He's pretty amazing, really.

4 miles - 6812 steps - 48.07.13

THANK YOU!

I wanted to write a separate post to thank those of you that have been so generous in sponsoring me!!! I am truly overwhelmed that I have reached over 50% of my goal just two days after shamelessly begging you all to donate to the cause.

THANK YOU!

hmmm, another 4

Another day, another 4 miler. I really really need to get a secondary 4 mile route as its a bit blah to do the same one over and again.

Some thoughts. . .

I need to stop wearing so many layers when I head out. Its really cold out now, I know, but it may well be nearly as cold in the middle of the night during May. I sure as heck won't be wearing a winter coat then so I may as well to get use to feeling chilly now.

I wonder how the other Ashford-area MoonWalkers are getting on. I should sort out another coffee catch up to see how we're all doing on. Maybe suggest a 'craft night' where we could meet up and decorate our bras together.

Speaking of bra decorating. . . I'm stumped. I wish they would tell us if there will be a theme or not, last year was 'Bollywood meets Rock & Roll'. I've heard rumors that this year's will be 'Strictly MoonWalk.' If there won't be an event theme, I'm thinking of a baseball ('stealing 2nd') design in tribute of my nation's fav pastime or going as a fairy as its super pink and I think H would love helping me pick out bits and pieces. Any thoughts. . . please offer a suggestion or two!!!

I got home to an empty house, very strange. I wonder where Spen and the kiddos are???

4.05 miles - 7172 steps - 50.21.84

double digit day

Took down another 10 miles along the canal and down to Sandgate this afternoon. It was strange to notice that it took me til mile three to properly get in the swing of things (again) but I suppose my knee is still playing up a bit despite using my brace. Never mind, I just took it slow and tried to convince myself that it was just about getting a few more miles under my belt as I didn't have to rush every time I went out.

It was SO windy!!!

The thought of carrying on down the bike path onto the sea wall wasn't inspiring so I followed along the golf course instead. It was really lovely with the sun shining, babbling stream and green green grass and was underwhelming when I climbed the stairs at the end of the path and found myself at the back of a gas station. Another mile along the road and I turned for home.

At mile 6, I was thirsty.
At mile 7, I began to fantasize about relaxing in the garden with a beer.
At mile 8, I thought we should all go out for a bike ride once the kids woke from their nap.
At mile 9, I had a drastic rethink and just wanted to eat!

It was slow today, but the miles are racking up. I have started leaving the clock running while I wait to cross the road in the hopes that the times will be more realistic to what the pace will be on the night. Must stretch again tonight before bed. Its sad to admit, but I am s-o-r-e!

10.12 miles - 18,204 steps - 2.15.03

worse than guantanamo?

Another 4 down. Someone told me there are nearly 250 to go before the big show. Yowza!

I was hoping yesterday's walk would be a bit more gentle than usual as my knee was still really painful when I extended it. 'Dr.' Spen thinks I strained my tendons and has had me on a strict regime of heat and elevation. His advice had done some good as I was able to get my shoes on and out the door after hobbling around the place for a day and a half.

I plodded along the first mile of the canal walk before turning off to cross the canal bridge near to the girls' most local playground for a bit of variety and followed a path on the other side of the water. Any variation helps until I can find another local 4 miler and I didn't mind trading the mud-puddly mire for a very straight paved path! This side took me passed a lot of warehouses that had graffiti on them, very strange for Hythe- the strangest proclaimed "Worse than Guantanamo." I wondered if the writer was referring to living in Hythe as it must feel like a prison for those in their early teen years from time to time. After the graffiti buildings I found myself following along the mini-railway's course into town. No trains today but I bet they would feel very mighty passing by only a few feet away!! I was overtaken by a 'real' marathoner before crossing the main bridge and taking the usual trail home.

My speed improved and I hit my stride around the 3 mile marker as my knee finally relaxed. I felt like I could have tackled another three or four miles but had to get home as Spen's Mum and Dad were down for the weekend and didn't want to miss out on seeing them with the kiddos, they are really sweet together especially as H thinks that they walk on water!

I noticed an older woman with a quarter of a mile to go who talked at me til I felt compelled to stop and hear her out while she slated another dog walker on the path. Apparently the 'other lady' was making her dog neurotic because she would make her sit or lie down every time someone passed her on the path. She was a hoot (especially as the 'other lady' she was complaining about has often told me off on for parking on the road outside of our own house!) Any how, I still finished in a decent time but failed to notice that I was just shy of the four miles. Must make up the .01 next time, ha!

3.99 miles - 6948 steps - 49.50.57

4 more miles

Did another 4-miler today, nothing terribly exciting to report on this venture. I repeated the canal loop with the intention of keeping to 5mph. Things went well with pace bouncing between 4.8 and 5.3 mph!! No downers aside from seeing a poor flattened frog on my path (eww!) and getting a rotten cramp behind my knee that I managed to stride through.

Turns out. . . that 'cramp' doesn't seem to be fading so the knee is elevated and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I haven't strained it.

4 miles - 6942 steps - 47.42.58

getting sick?

Not quite sure what the problem was today, but my legs just wouldn't go.

I waited til Spen got home so we could run an errand for my interview tomorrow, swap kid-duty, and have him drop me off near Folkestone so I could have different scenery on my walk. That part went so smoothly, the girls were cheerful in the car, Spen was cheerful after work and my errand took less than 5 minutes. Should have been a tip off that the walk would be a mess!

I was dropped off on the far edge of Sandgate and wandered to the sea wall. Oh the wind!!! I braved it for about two miles but took the easy way out and turned for the shelter of town. I felt like I was going at my best speed but my watch kept telling me I was nearly .5 mph slower than normal. Then came the waves of nausea. . . and the need for a bathroom break! No amount of singing Sweet Caroline to myself could keep me distracted from trying to find the nearest public toilets. No wonder I was going so slowly. The pace picked up after, possibly my attempt to recoup the time loss as the watch kept running, that but the nausea kept me from doing my usual. I thought I managed to keep from catching the girls' bug but it seems to be coming on. Ugg. On the positive, I did the walk anyway. (I didn't have much choice tho, it was the only way to get home!)

5.25 miles - 9228 steps - 1.07.02

3. . .2. . .1. . . zoom!

Today was meant to be a 4 miler according to the training guide and I had planned to tack on a few more but it wasn't in the cards. Spen made it home from work a bit later than planned and then we had a lively discussion about a possible trip to Centre Parcs with friends this coming fall. We haven't seen each other much over the last few days so debated if I'd even go out tonight at all. . . this took a while to decide as I really wanted us all to have dinner as a complete family but also wanted to keep to the schedule and get home before dark.

All of that talking didn't see me out of the house til quarter past five. I knew a long walk wouldn't be possible as I don't like being out on the canal in true darkness - all on my own - so I decided to see if I could be a bit speedier and do a sort of 3 mile 'sprint.' Is there such a thing as sprinting in terms of walking? I'm still not sure but I know that I was averaging over 5 miles an hour!!

3.11 miles - 5382 steps - 36.52.68

Spring, Spring, Spring!!!

I have officially decided that Spring has arrived to the Kent Coast! My mini iris in bloom should have been a clue, but my walk today clinched it. There were birds singing, flowers blooming, even little swarms of gnats that made me grin and think that the sun is on its way. I was enjoying myself so much that I decided to tack another three miles on to what I had planned for the morning. Many thanks to Spen for offering to take the girls to the grocery store so I didn't have to worry about when I had to be home.

After many months (well, years) of grumbling about living 'over here,' I found myself in awe of our lovely little corner of the world. The first 30 min of my walk goes through a hilly area full of baa-ing sheep and a trickling canal. The second 15 min took me through town and along some heavily planted trails showing the first signs of spring color . . . including a coloration I've never seen before- RED dog poop! I kid you not, the council must employ someone to go around and spray paint all of the dog poop red so someone else can come along and pick it up- crazy!!! Turing away from the poop path, I found myself along the seaside for another 15 min out and back. Seriously, I live in a pretty great place; country hillside and the beach all within a few miles of my front door.

The only strange bit of today's journey occurred about a mile from home. This group of what I can only guess were ramblers was about to pass me from the other direction when their leader shouts (so I can hear him over my Radio 4) "we're all quite impressed." Ordinarily, I would assume that any British person uttering that phrase would be being sarcastic but today, I choose to believe they were impressed. They should be, I took out 7+ miles in an hour and a half- stuff that, ramblers!

7.25 miles - 12814 steps - 1.32.08

Beware- Grumpiness, Next 5 Miles

What a horrendous walk today was! I left feeling motivated to tackle something in the range of 8 miles but as soon as I hit mile #2 my stomach started to churn. I'm not sure if it was the after effects of the food from H's friend's birthday party in the morning or if I'm catching what the girls have had, but it was a really griping pain. I felt so defeated and then I noticed that my watched had stopped clocking time and mileage- ugg! I fought the urge to call Spen for another half a mile but ended up giving in in front of the Neptune pub. Thank goodness he agreed to pick me up a few miles down the road!!!

I'm happy he gave me a few miles to sort my head out as I was feeling so, blah, really. During this time I focused on a few things, grumpy things. I hated how fume-y the road was. I ordinarily walk along the canal or by the sea so the fumes of the lorries and buses made me feel woozy. I think I have officially become 'country.' Also, someone beeped me. It scared me senseless! It was horribly embarrassing as I literally jumped off of the pavement.

walk- down the canal, crossed over the bridge near the Prince of Wales, down the A295 ending at the Martello tower just passed Dymchurch. . . and into the coziness of the car!

Grumble, grumble, grumble. Tomorrow is another day.

5.45-ish miles - 9192 - 1.16.38-ish*

*guesses based on map my run data, damn watch!

i didn't wanna

I so did not want to go out today; the weather was perfect but I was absolutely whacked after twins club and H and I were all snuggly under a duvet watching a dvd. I'm not sure if it was Spen's nagging or his pseudo-motivational speech but I found myself putting on my trainers before long while grumbling that it would be a total waste of time and I'd only do three miles as I just could not be bothered.

I hate typing this, but Spencer was right. I did feel invigorated once I got out in the sunshine and ended up committing myself to a six-miler without being entirely sure of where that would take me. I headed down the canal path, passed by the miniature railway station, across town, down to Ladies' Walk, and found myself exactly in front of the swimming pool at the 3 mile mark.

***make a note of that for later. The next time I'm scheduled a 3 mile walk I can just toddle home after taking the girls for a swim.***

The trip out was relatively slow but I managed to carve off a few minutes on the return by improving my form. I suppose its also because I didn't have to guess where I was going and I stopped fiddling with my watch. Not sure what was wrong with it but I couldn't get the silly thing to show my mileage and time at the same time, kept getting MPH instead. Will have to play about with that later.

The new shoes definitely have the blister situation under control, no new ones and the old ones didn't rub at all. My knee is a bit swollen tonight, not complaining though as it gives me a reason to lounge on the couch and watch ER?!

6.12 miles - 10,770 steps - 1.17.38

3 short ones

I couldn't seem to get myself started today and ended up being forced out the door for my walk. I needed to walk some place new as the canal has become a bit of a bore and so drove off for a quick three miles on the sea wall. Walking on the sea wall proved to be a lot more challenging than the canal as the distance was deceptive; it felt like I was moving so slowly but my watch kept telling me I was on pace. . . think I'll have to clock a few more miles there as I imagine there will be a times on the night that the walking will get monotonous and I want to have the ability to shut the feeling out, put my head down and motivate. The three short miles brought three little thoughts.

1. Don't eat beans on toast before going on a speed interval walk- gave myself a horrible side stitch!

2. The sea is eerie when there are no boats on the water and the sky is gray- too too quiet.

3. The last time I walked the loop from today was the day Spencer's sister & brother-in-law told us they were pregnant for the first time. They'll be having their second baby sometime next month. I can't get over how quickly the years are passing these days, seems only a moment since we had Hannah and soon there will be five little ones in the family. Congrats to them!!!

3 miles - 5234 steps - 37.33.67

new shoes

Four trips to Sweatshop, three models of shoes and a few blisters later- I officially have my new shoes. I set of to Maidstone again today to pick up the shoes that had been special ordered due to my *massive* sized feet. It took me nearly 30 minutes to realise that I had forgotten the shoes at home. Thank goodness I have a forgiving husband as he didn't force me to drive back again and instead piled all of the kiddos into the car and followed me up to the shop. The exchange only took 5 minutes and I even got my bum bag. Writing that I willingly purchased a bum bag makes me shudder but I have been assured it will be essential on the night.

The shoes are incredibly light Asics (never had those before) and are so white that you could probably see them from space. I haven't had white shoes for years, preferring gray or tan, and couldn't get over how shiny and clean they looked. It was almost embarrassing and reminded me of my old cross country coach, Mr. Roderick. I half expected him to pop out from behind a tree and push me in the mud or tread on them to dirty them up a bit. The first time he smudged my shoes, I was horrified, but its changed my feelings on white shoes forever. Thought a lot about him while out walking today, he was a great guy and often said 'you can't have a bad time at a track meet.' Ah, may be the first of many puns I can't help but find amusing.

Today was the first 'official' training day according to the Moonwalk Guide and I clocked a quick four miles. No blisters but the shoes did rub a bit- need taller socks.

4 miles - 6860 steps - 48.59.75

shoe shopping

I've come to the conclusion that my running shoes are definitely *not* going to cut it and so spent yesterday checking out the local athletic shoes shops. I popped over to Pod+ as they promise a gait evaluation but it was a totally fruitless endeavor. I explained that I was doing the Moonwalk, needed some actual walking shoes as my New Balance were causing me a lot of pain and then showed the sales assistant my torn up feet. Not sure where the confusion came from but she promptly walked me away from the walkers and showed me to the wall of running shoes and cross trainers. I tried on 8 different pairs and was shocked to find out how much my feet have spread out since having the girls. Woah, I had big feet before, but now they are officially the 'gunboats' that my uncle called them when I was a teenager. Unfortunately they have also become incredibly narrow.

None of the shoes fit properly but the sales assistant did teach me a handy lacing tip or two. I'm off to Sweat Shop in Maidstone on Monday as I've heard nothing but good things and am hoping for the best. In the mean time, I'll be letting the ankles heal and I'll go have a swim.

2 Minutes

I never knew that 2 minutes could make a person feel so disappointed.

I set out early yesterday with the intention of taking a longer loop at the same speed I went with on Monday. The pace felt really natural and relatively easy. I had always thought that these walks would bring me a few free hours to be used clearing my head and lead a more examined life. Who knew that I would prefer to spend the time listening to the gentle rhythm of my breathing. The gentle inhaling and exhaling coupled with the misty haze has brought a sense of peace that has been missing for years. Exposition aside- I felt like I was rocking it. I felt strong, and fast. I hit the halfway mark- 'Ladies' Walk' ironically enough- at 34 minutes and with elation, smacked the light post and turned for home.

The miles on the way home seemed to fly at first. At some stage I started singing a loop of RENT melodies. I was certain that this was the reason my pace started slipping so I forced myself back to the quiet and focused on my breathing once more. The garden centre entered into sight, signaling how near I was to home, and I noticed I was really down on my pace. I couldn't figure it out. I was working just as hard and at times felt I was pushing even harder than on the outward trip. I got home and hit stop with a deflated sigh. I was two minutes off pace. I don't know why it bothered me so much but it did and I couldn't get my head around what I had done differently.

Then I took off my shoes. The heel of my right sock was covered in blood. At some point I got a blister and it must've rubbed itself off. No wonder I slowed down. I am impressed that I didn't notice it while I was on the trail.

I'll be off to Sweat Shop tomorrow to get some more appropriate shoes.

5.15 miles - 9640 steps - 1.10.47

in the new gear

I figured it was about time I actually start blogging the build up to Moonwalk 2009 as I've been dragging my feet, maybe a bit of denial over the challenge to come. I did feel like a poser, fully kitted out in Nike, but you have to look the part right?! That said, my first proper walk in proper, fitting, training gear went off as near to perfectly as it could. I didn't get out the door til near on 5pm so I ended up with the return trip all in the dark. If you know anything about me at all, you know that the dark is not my friend. I spent much of that 2.5 miles looking over my shoulder and scaring myself silly convinced that there was someone behind every tree, hill or bench.

As a mom of three little girls, its been hard to finish a complete thought in literal years. This walk in dusk and darkness allowed my mind to run free for the first time in ages. Some thoughts were inspired but many were a bit mundane -as follows-

Must get a new jacket, this one makes far too much noise *swish, swish, swish* the quiet only managed to magnify the sound.

A marathon is a long old way. . . at night. . . in the dark. I hope I manage to buddy up on the night.

I have officially transcended into full blown mother-brain. A german shepherd jumped me- in the dark- and instead of a typical freak out, I just said 'down, now. . . where's your mummy gone?' Good Lord, what's become of me.

Running is not walking. The shoes do not serve the same function, the muscles used are totally different. I kept wanting to race off but had to hold myself to the walking posture; it was mental agony. I do hope that I'll settle into the gait soon.

Also, I think a dog walker was trying to race me. Strange man. Isn't my flourescent pink jacket and running pant combo proof positive that I'm working out, not going on a stroll. I can kick your butt!! :)

4.15 miles - 7304 steps - 55.08.06