What I'm doing

On 26 September I will be walking a marathon over the Surrey Downs to raise money for the Surrey Care Trust, a charity whom my mother-in-law Ruth works for. The charity helps young people who struggle in mainstream education. 

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Training progress

27/9/09: Decided to give the walk a go (as I have come this far) and see how my feet fared. Mark and I set off at 7.30am – I had orthopedic supports for my heels and 2 walking poles to help me on my way. After a niggly start, after about 7-8 miles I realised that I might actually be able to do this. The weather was perfect and the views over Surrey were lovely. We rolled in at 7.55pm, after walking the last half hour in pitch black as the mist rolled in over the river. I'm pretty sore but not in pain which is almost a minor miracle. A big thank you to everyone who has sponsored and supported me. Time for a rest.

24/9/09: Despite walking less to work, both feet are now quite sore and I am genuinely concerned that I might not be able to do the walk. Certainly, it won't do them any good…

20/9/09: I meant to walk 10 or so miles this weekend to keep me ticking over. Unfortunately my left foot is quite sore on the heel, I'm getting the odd muscle twang which is a bit painful and slightly worrying. I don't know if I didn't rest enough after last week's walk or what. Hmm. So one week with ankle supports and ibuprofen gel to try and heal it. Nothing like a last minute drama to keep things interesting ...

13/9/09: Last long training walk yesterday – 20 miles around the North Downs of Surrey with Mark (and father-in-law Graham for a bit). Started later than planned (Mark's alarm not going off) and got a bit distracted when the route took us through a summer fête (only had a half at the beer tent) but we managed to make it back before dark (just). The route also randomly took us through a holiday caravan park. Do people take holidays in Surrey? – they must do. 

8/9/09: Just back home from a relaxing (and non-walking) holiday in Brittany. Cakes full of sugar and butter do not a marathon-walker make.

24/8/09: Yesterday I walked 18 miles around a few Surrey villages. Only got slightly lost once. Brother-in-law Mark joined me – we'll be doing the actual walk together. Legs not too bad today...

15/8/09: Walked from Putney Bridge to Greenwich today – about 15 miles. I was ably supported by Paul who joined me from Embankment. Pretty flat and therefore fairly easy –not sure I'm allowed a pub lunch and pint on the actual walk though...

6/8/09: Walked 8 miles of my journey home tonight despite the unending rain – Got a bit lost and feeling rather soggy but home.

30/7/09: Donated blood today. Realised that I should postpone a big training walk until the colour comes back to my cheeks…

24/7/09: Walked about 8 miles from home to Ewell, Cheam and back in about 2.5 hours. All was fine until I got home, had a headache and was sick. Hopefully not a sign of things to come…