First Walk of 2009

I was wrapped up really well for my first walk of 2009 yesterday as the forecast said it was minus 5 and unlikley to get above minus 2 all day. I was very warm and cosy as I waled especially as the predications did not quite materialise. We are however still enjoying a cold winter and I love it.


As far as I'm concerned it's what winter is all about and the fact that the cold should kill off the bugs and is in keeping in nature is fine with me. I love coming into the warmth, glowing and the opportunity to snuggle up on the sofa, to make a hot chocolate and light the fire and candles.



Yesterday after our walk we came back to a fire and glasses of red wine and my wonderful mushroom risotto.



However, what about the walk? Well Cajsa, my walking partner had requested a walk in the Forest and with the sun shining and the sky blue that was easy to agree to. We met near her house with a plan to walk back towards mine but of course we took the long way round covering somewhere between 10 and 12 miles over all. Here's Cajsa on the go.







The scenery was stunning and so clear. This first photo was taken in Buckhurst Hill looking out towards Ilford. We are at quite a height here. This part of the walk is one I often do with my local groups starting at Buckhurst Hill station and just along here is a little gap that takes you through into a wonderful little street full of small cottages - it's a little like going back in time.


From here we headed up to the forest and below shows some of the trees and the very clear sky.



I consider myself so lucky to have the forest on the doorstep and there are so many paths and variations of walks to do. I train a lot of my charity walkers in this forest and enjoy picnics and like yesterday a welcome hot drink at the tea huts that have been in the forest for years.

As you can see, this photo of the tea hut was taken on at a much warmer time of year but the number of people around was virtually the same which was great.

Here are some further shots of the forest in it's haunting winter glory:

We were returning about 2.00 and parts of the forest were still wrapped in heavy frost, this bramble had seen no sun all day at all.

The lake below still had plenty of ice floating on the surface and acting as rafts for the many birds - don't think I'd fancy standing on that surface.

All my walks start up this week including the Wednesday evening Moonwalk training walks so I guess I'll be seeing these scenes a lot again and how I look forward to the changing scenes as winter makes way for spring.

More research to show the positives of walking

The East End Girls (my walking group) were born out of the Aviva Breakthrough to Breast Cancer 60 k walk in 2006, you can read all about the walk itself on http://www.walkerscoach.com/Breakthrough%20Walk.htm and we are well aware of the benefits that walking brings.

It is a form of exercise that impacts on so many aspects of health both physical and mental so how great to read today about further research that shows how walking cuts breast cancer. This is great news. Read all about it for yourself by accessing the story on

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2008/12December/Pages/Breastcancerandwalking.aspx

If you're wanting to walk email heather@walkerscoach and let me help you.

Frustration??

Only I believe caused by the choice and wanting to do it all. What am I talking about?


Today I got the latest copy of Country Walking delivered and it's packed full, as usual, of tips; information; ideas; walks but also there is a supplement of worldwide walks and I want to do them all. They inspire me as they provide challenges, opportunities to explore and see new places, scenery that is stunning in all kinds of weather and the chance to walk with like-minded people.


As I read, I can see myself there, stepping out in the Alps, back on the Inca Trail (see http://www.walkerscoach.com/inca_trail__the_dream_comes.htm ), exploring the Pyrenees and walks in virtually every country in the world.



Already on my calendar for 2009 is to complete the Thames Path with the East End Girls (http://www.walkerscoach.com/east_end_girls.htm), walking more of the Camino with Teresa which hopefully will mean two 4/5 day chunks in May and September and perhaps Hadrian's Wall. Can I fit in any more? Well what about when I'm in the States in July? Will keep you posted and until then I guess I just have to keep fuelling my inspiration and plan to do even more walking whenever I can.

Moonwalk, here we come.

This week I started training two lovely ladies to do the Moonwalk. This is the walk that people do to raise money for Breast Cancer and so popular it has become that it's as hard to get into as the marathon.

Elaine and Gill are doing it in May 2009 giving them 7 months to get fit and in shape to complete the 26.3 miles course which takes place through the night.

Our first walk on Wednesday evening was to give me a view of how they managed at this stage and we did just over an hours walk of about 3 miles. They both iimpressed me as they kept up a good pace, the chat was flowing and they were still smiling at the end.

They will join myself and the East End Girls tomorrow and walk for at least an hour. Then over the next 7 months we will build up their walking in terms of distance , pace and stamina. I'll bring you lots more reports as training develops.

Elaine and Gill before we started, happily they were still smiling at the end.

I felt queasy just watching it.

This path looks "interesting" - that's the message I got from my husband yesterday when he sent this link through. - http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1438490562

Hey girls is this a possibility for us? Have a look and make up your own mind!! Let me know what you think.

East End Girls on the march again.

First walk after the holidays and we were back on the Thames Path, this time from Windsor to Marlow although I wasn't sure we'd do it all.

Here we are and we had 5 new members this time, all of whom really enjoyed themselves.

The walk allowed for some opt out points which is essential when you have new members on such a long walk, well we don't want to frighten them off too soon and sensibly about 6 members left there. Poor Teresa is in recovery after doing in her Achilles and I've told her I'm not carrying her on the Camino!! More about that in future posts.

A happy buch stopped for lunch at Bray Lock.
A shortage of eating places meant a picnic but the weather was good to us, not sure what we'd have done if it had poured like the few days previously.




Joan and Stephanie enjoying the rest. Joan's first walk and she did the whole 14 miles - well done. She also listened to my tips and this is the email I got this morning - 'I took your advice: hot bath and legs against wall for 15 mins. Had another hot bath this morning; am feeling tired but, miracle of miracles, I'm not aching! It was so nice to meet you all, and I hope I didn't slow you down too much.'

A lovely stretch of River just leaving Maidenhead

Here are some of the texts and emails I received today -

'Thank you so much for a fantastic walk yesterday. My legs are certainly feeling it today!'

'I took your advice though and had a lovely long bath last night and a glass of wine.'

'Thanx 4 leading another great walk 2day. I really enjoyed it.'

'Thanks Heather – I really enjoyed my section of the walk – meeting the group and getting out into the fresh air. I certainly found out about the right shoes and jackets!'

If you are around London and want to join us, our next walk is Oct 11th - http://www.walkerscoach.com/east_end_girls.htm and if you are interested in being part of the East End Girl's network and setting up your own group, email me on heather@walkerscoach.com

Great new site

If you're into hiking or treking in a big way and want to find the best hikes all over the world, this site that I've just stumbled upon will help - http://www.besthike.com/ I know I'll use it when planning loads of my walks for the East End Girls and other walks and I like the way it breaks down regions making it easier to find what you want.