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!)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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
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
Monday, April 20, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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
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
Monday, April 13, 2009
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
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
Thursday, April 09, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
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
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
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