The deed is now done and various muscles, as well as our feet, are reminding us that on Saturday night we walked 26.2 miles, setting off at 11.30PM and arriving at the finish line around quarter to seven on Sunday morning. In evidence of this are some pictures (below left).   We felt this event to be more challenging than any of our running events to date.  Tina Turner legs were discernible by the finish line and we nominate Fiona to explain how best to address the challenge of getting into and out of a taxi if you are ever in similar circumstances (think, push-me-pull-you and, two year  old shuffle down the stairs).  We had a brilliant experience, not least of which was being part of a 17,000 strong group of people sharing one positive goal.  We enjoyed the sightseeing in London at night, the well wishers along the route, a great 'last supper' at Fino Restaurant (Charlotte Street), the fellow diner who made a spontaneous donation because "she knew what we were about to do", the team camaraderie, the friends and family members who called during the night, with encouragement and to find out which mile marker we had reached (we are convinced that the mile markers were walking just ahead of us throughout the last five miles), the kindly train guard who rescued us when Midland Mainline presented us with travel challenges in both directions (train cancellation together with a drivers strike).  We commiserate with the driver who suddenly found himself shunted by a very distracted driver behind him.  It was curious how the entire group of walkers went silent around 4.00AM and then came back to life at 6.00AM (as though someone had flicked a giant mute switch for 17,000 people and then turned the sound back on again at 6.00AM).

We value having had the opportunity to experience the London Moon Walk 2009 and give sincere thanks to those who have supported us by donating to the Walk the Walk charity. 

Claire, Mary, Fiona, Corina and Eileen

xxx

How to get 'Tina Turner legs',

Here's our recipie:-

At precisely 8.55 AM on the January morning that the online entry for Walk the Walk opens, go online and persevere until you get onto the entry page then sign yourself up for the 26 mile London Moon walk.  Panic a lot when you find out that you have a place and formulate a training plan. Roll out of bed with the dawn chorus on consecutive weekends for sucessively longer training walks (don't forget to make sausage and bacon baps because you just have to eat these and pause a while at Beeston Lock on the first 10 mile practice walk along the Nottingham canal out towards Attenborough).  Work up to a good 19 miler along the Nottingham canal out towards Grantham preferably on the same day as the Grantham canal race, that way you can feel lucky and genuinely sorry for the runners who have to trek 29 miles (don't forget to make eyes at their marshalls who will be so sympathetic to anything that passes by that they give you free drinks).  Beware of taking too much fluid on route, the outcome is an urgent need to find a natural privy (enjoy the challenge of finding one sufficently 'privy' to use).   When you have walked for approximately five hours/19 miles you will no longer be wondering what 'Tina Turner legs' are............. you'll be walking on them!

We are having a seriously good time preparing for 09 London Moon Walk but underlying our happy and healthy endeavours is a serious wish to support breast cancer causes by raising funds for Walk the Walk. We are extremely grateful for any contribution you might feel able to donate.

Thank you from four pairs of Tina Turner legs and one almost pair of Tina Turner legs!

Note, if you are a UK taxpayer, donating via Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.