Last Post Before The Walk #SouthCoastChallenge
This time tomorrow I will be walking from Eastbourne to Arundel, 60 miles along the coast & South Downs. Hopefully on my way to the halfway point at Brighton
Wanted to do one last post before the walk, talking about how I felt training went, what I could have done better, and more importantly how I feel about tomorrow
Scared is the first response. Scared is the Unknown, scared about not knowing how my body will react
But I'm also trying to use this as a positive thing as well, as someone who is a bit of a control freak, going into the unknown like this & being able to cope with it is great therapy
I started off this journey as a challenge after the last couple of bad years I have had. 3 surgeries in two years for three different things, has affected my fitness, also the way I felt about my health & life. At times in dark places. So deciding to take on this challenge, which when I signed up felt unreal like it was an event which was so far away, I didn't have to think about the reality
I also like training, and the routine of training. I can use my organiser to work out what I have to do when (I use Wunderlist) & also my spreadsheets charting how far I have walked, how many mins I have spent on rower or what weights lifting in gym.
My training has been mix of gym working on aerobic & muscles, and long walks. I enjoy the long walks, listening to music, podcasts etc, chance to think and come up with ideas on how to save the planet (nothing on that quite yet but have thought of a cool cycling card game which I want to think more about)
I have been doing my weekly training blogs, and have no idea if anyone reads them (or even reading this) but it helps me feel better.
Want to thank everyone who sponsored me. I have found the fundraising harder than I thought. Back in 2007 & 2008 when I was doing London Marathon found it easier. I think it is the fact more people are doing charity events nowadays & it is hard to support everything.
What would I have done differently? Would have got walking boots / walking sticks earlier, walking boots was about half way into training & walking sticks towards the end. Would have done more stair training
But overall I am happy with my training, I fear I haven't done enough but I feared that when doing the London Marathons, the Moonwalk, London to Brighton Night Ride, Beachy Head Marathon & they all worked out. I know I have put the hours in. Could they have been harder, of course but that is always the answer. You can always go harder but that is next time
I started running in 2006, to loose weight but it was the mental health benefits which carried me on. The feeling after a good run, and I get that after a good walk now. I'm looking forward to the feeling of finishing, the feeling of walking at night with just headtorches & moonlight to guide us.
Want to say a massive thank you to Claire, who I couldn't have done this without her support. She is amazing & love her so much.
Will try to tweet / Facebook update when I can tomorrow but will write a blog saying how it went on Sunday/Monday