Since April, I have been training the 'East End Girls' so that they are in peak condition for the Breakthrough 60K Walk this coming weekend and they are all there and ready for it all to happen. I am so proud of each and every one of them for what they have achieved.
I suppose in a way I had a dream regarding this walk and the team and as the Universe would say, if you visualise it strongly enough and believe it will happen, it will and I could not ask for more.
Every step that I planned has been completed and I now have a great group of close friends, because that is what we have become, who would probably never have come together without this goal. We are there for each other, we support and tease and have put the world to rights on so many occasions. It is a great feeling.
Unfortunately two of our members will not be able to do the walk and two others are a little doubtful but are going to start but we know you are all with us whatever happens and may even be cheering us on. We are doing this for you too.
So what now, well ready and rearing to go, not only for this but for more walks - day long, weekend long and perhaps even week long. What more could a walkers' coach ask for.
Wednesday 13 September 2006
Monday 4 September 2006
Muscles like grapefruits!
At the end of a 12 mile walk on Sunday, I felt as if my calf muscles had been replaced by two huge grapefruits, it's not that appealing an image but that's the best way to describe it. Actually, apart from this I felt good. This was the second consecutive day of walking on our penultimate training weekend and I felt a great deal lighter than I had 24 hours earlier when we had walked 17 miles.
Well of course I would, wouldn't I? I mean I hadn't walked as far. Well I am sure the distance did play a part but I think there's much more of a psychological element. The day before, I had already done the walk previously and knew exactly where we were at each stage and more importantly how far we still had to go. On day two although I knew where we were finishing I wasn't entirely sure where I was and the end came more quickly than anticipated, never a bad thing.
So how, can we all be surprised by the end point on the big two day walk and not be expecting it for longer than needed. I have the feeling that not checking a pedometer regularly might help as well as not getting pulled into speculative conversations with others. Perhaps we also need to try to live in the moment and enjoy where we are at the time, look around us and take in the scenery and environment as well as the company.
If you have any suggestions, I would love your input.
Well of course I would, wouldn't I? I mean I hadn't walked as far. Well I am sure the distance did play a part but I think there's much more of a psychological element. The day before, I had already done the walk previously and knew exactly where we were at each stage and more importantly how far we still had to go. On day two although I knew where we were finishing I wasn't entirely sure where I was and the end came more quickly than anticipated, never a bad thing.
So how, can we all be surprised by the end point on the big two day walk and not be expecting it for longer than needed. I have the feeling that not checking a pedometer regularly might help as well as not getting pulled into speculative conversations with others. Perhaps we also need to try to live in the moment and enjoy where we are at the time, look around us and take in the scenery and environment as well as the company.
If you have any suggestions, I would love your input.
Monday 3 July 2006
Better than ever.
For the first time in weeks I set out to join my walking group on Saturday morning. Although I had done a few good early morning walks the longest I had walked was for an hour so I was delighted that Tina was taking the walk. It allowed me to do what I felt was right and duck out early. At least that was the plan......
It was a very select group of three that set out and headed for the shade of the forest. 'I'll probably do an hour and then leave you to walk an hour back' I told Tina. The walk was great and a new route to a familiar point for me, always a bonus. Before I knew it we were at the tea hut and we had walked for two hours. Ankle felt fine and after a short break we headed back.
For the last 30 minutes I could feel the tiredness in my thighs and I reckoned I would have a few aches and pains the next day. It was a small price to pay though for feeling back on top of things and as strong as ever.
Today I can truly say that there was not the slightest ache at all and I was out again this morning at 7.15 pounding the pavements. You see once you have managed to attain that level of fitness it takes quite a while to lose it again. As for me I feel better than ever.
It was a very select group of three that set out and headed for the shade of the forest. 'I'll probably do an hour and then leave you to walk an hour back' I told Tina. The walk was great and a new route to a familiar point for me, always a bonus. Before I knew it we were at the tea hut and we had walked for two hours. Ankle felt fine and after a short break we headed back.
For the last 30 minutes I could feel the tiredness in my thighs and I reckoned I would have a few aches and pains the next day. It was a small price to pay though for feeling back on top of things and as strong as ever.
Today I can truly say that there was not the slightest ache at all and I was out again this morning at 7.15 pounding the pavements. You see once you have managed to attain that level of fitness it takes quite a while to lose it again. As for me I feel better than ever.
Tuesday 20 June 2006
Off again...........
I've started walking again and it feels great. It amazes me that when the time is right, things do happen. I had been feeling that I should get going and then after a weekend when I had carefully planned some gentle integrated walking, I really wanted to get up and out on Monday morning.
OK, my time was slower and I didn't go so far but it was a beginning. I met one of my walking group who told me I looked terrific - nice to hear so at least she knows I am trying. I am hoping to join the group for a short walk on Saturday and I will hopefully fit in another a.m walk in the morning even though there is a little discomfort. But then again perhaps a little unusage.
On my call tonight, Judith (my coach) said she was wondering what the reason for the sprained ankle was. Funny I was wondering that too. However, tonight it became clear as I spouted all the latest ideas and developments. I needed the time to plan and that is now in full swing.
For the new Training for Treks programme have a look at the site - www.walkerscoach.com and keep posted as other things fall into place.
OK, my time was slower and I didn't go so far but it was a beginning. I met one of my walking group who told me I looked terrific - nice to hear so at least she knows I am trying. I am hoping to join the group for a short walk on Saturday and I will hopefully fit in another a.m walk in the morning even though there is a little discomfort. But then again perhaps a little unusage.
On my call tonight, Judith (my coach) said she was wondering what the reason for the sprained ankle was. Funny I was wondering that too. However, tonight it became clear as I spouted all the latest ideas and developments. I needed the time to plan and that is now in full swing.
For the new Training for Treks programme have a look at the site - www.walkerscoach.com and keep posted as other things fall into place.
Saturday 10 June 2006
On the mend
As you can tell my sore foot and the forced lack of walking is of major consideration to me at present. I am delighted to say that for the first time today, I was able to walk on my foot without hobbling - progress indeed.
Not planning to overdo it though I am now about to put my feet up and sit in the sun with a good book. It should be peaceful as most of the country is preparing to watch England's first match in the World Cup. Peaceful until they score a goal of course then due to open windows and doors, I bet you I hear it in all round sound.
Whatever you are doing and wherever you are take some 'me' time and do what you want to do. Enjoy.
Not planning to overdo it though I am now about to put my feet up and sit in the sun with a good book. It should be peaceful as most of the country is preparing to watch England's first match in the World Cup. Peaceful until they score a goal of course then due to open windows and doors, I bet you I hear it in all round sound.
Whatever you are doing and wherever you are take some 'me' time and do what you want to do. Enjoy.
Monday 5 June 2006
walking's off
Well it is for a little while, my walking that is. I have sprained my ankle and it wasn't due to an over indulgence of alcohol or because I was dancing on the table. Shall I tell you more?
Last week MFEMF and I went off to France for half term. Although I knew I wasn't going to be able to do any of my long 10-12 mile walks, we packed the gear so that the mother and daughter bonding could continue over some of my favourite walks in the woods and along the hillside. Unfortunately, unknown to me my walking days on this occasion were numbered.
We stayed with some friends on the Monday evening (we had just arrived on Sunday) and I got to try out the brand new bedroom. The bed was so comfortable that when I woke in the early hours the thought of getting out of bed to go to the loo was not at all appealing. Need got the better of me though and I made my way in the darkness along the corridor being careful to remember the few steps from one level to another. However, I did not remember how many steps and the next moment I crashed to the floor having dropped a bit further than planned. The shock hit first and then the excruciating pain followed by that horrible cold and hot period when you feel you are going to be ill.
I am not sure how long I sat there but all sorts of scenarios passed through my mind from wondering how I would get home if I had broken my ankle or foot to thinking how I could still do my 60K walk. I managed to get back to bed and lay as still as I could while my foot throbbed.
Well its not broken just badly bruised and swollen. I managed to get my trainers on the following day and my little accident helped Chris and Roo realise that perhaps they needed some light in that area before they rented their house out. At least my falling had its uses.
Now I sit in the office with my foot up on a chair and an ankle bandage for extra support. I had to cancel my walk on Sunday as I figured 10 miles may not be a good idea. I am taking loads of care now and hoping that walking at the weekend may be possible. This lack of walking is getting to me but that is also a good sign as clearly it has become so much part of me that it is not a trial to do. It's the way I wanted my exercise to be.
Any tips orsuggestions regarding my predicament very welcome.
Last week MFEMF and I went off to France for half term. Although I knew I wasn't going to be able to do any of my long 10-12 mile walks, we packed the gear so that the mother and daughter bonding could continue over some of my favourite walks in the woods and along the hillside. Unfortunately, unknown to me my walking days on this occasion were numbered.
We stayed with some friends on the Monday evening (we had just arrived on Sunday) and I got to try out the brand new bedroom. The bed was so comfortable that when I woke in the early hours the thought of getting out of bed to go to the loo was not at all appealing. Need got the better of me though and I made my way in the darkness along the corridor being careful to remember the few steps from one level to another. However, I did not remember how many steps and the next moment I crashed to the floor having dropped a bit further than planned. The shock hit first and then the excruciating pain followed by that horrible cold and hot period when you feel you are going to be ill.
I am not sure how long I sat there but all sorts of scenarios passed through my mind from wondering how I would get home if I had broken my ankle or foot to thinking how I could still do my 60K walk. I managed to get back to bed and lay as still as I could while my foot throbbed.
Well its not broken just badly bruised and swollen. I managed to get my trainers on the following day and my little accident helped Chris and Roo realise that perhaps they needed some light in that area before they rented their house out. At least my falling had its uses.
Now I sit in the office with my foot up on a chair and an ankle bandage for extra support. I had to cancel my walk on Sunday as I figured 10 miles may not be a good idea. I am taking loads of care now and hoping that walking at the weekend may be possible. This lack of walking is getting to me but that is also a good sign as clearly it has become so much part of me that it is not a trial to do. It's the way I wanted my exercise to be.
Any tips orsuggestions regarding my predicament very welcome.
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