On the 9th September 2023 I am taking on the Macmillan mighty hikes trek along the Jurassic coast.

This is a 26m coastal/country walk with lots of mountains (big hills 😂)

Now you all know me I am fat and over forty and have only ever competed in one 5k run in my life so I would never manage to run a marathon so figured I know.. I will walk one! This is a huge challenge, mentally as well as physically! But it's something I am determined to do.

UPDATE

Well I did it 😱 I managed to walk 26miles. It was .... challenging, scary, emotional and to be honest - painful.

Emotionally after about 2 miles, yes just 2 miles I thought I was done. I had a mini panic attack on the first uphill section, which honestly was about a third of a mile on a uphill road but I wasn't mentally or physically warmed up enough for being out of breath so early on. Straight away I panicked as I knew the sizes of some of the hills coming up (well I thought I did 😂) anyway I struggled to regulate my breathing and that along with the heat made me really struggle along the first section. After the first pit stop @5 miles,I had a electrolyte drink banana and orange wedge.

It's all a bit of a blur but once we got to the bottom of the first big hill I had a few tears. I saw somebody's picture on their backpacks and it reminded me of my mother in law. I called stu and calmed down. Sat down for a sock change and a tiny bit of food and electrolyte drink. Due to the heat I really struggled to eat and drink enough which meant the hills were brutal. My heart rate was sky high and making me dizzy so it was a very very slow pace with lots of stops.

I met a lady called Sonia who I walked with until lunch, who helped me realise it was ok to keep stopping when I needed it.

Having never been fit, even at school I really struggle with lots of people being 'better' than me and seeing people with bibs that started hours after me flying past looking amazing was hard mentally. This wasn't a race, it was something I wanted to be able to finish and I was starting to question that. Especially when we got to a section of steps just before lunch where they were really high steps. My knees were buckling and I had to put the weight on my walking sticks. Halfway up I had horrible pain in my groin. I honestly couldn't take a step without it hurting and thought I was out of it. Luckily it was cramp! A couple of minutes of gentle stretching and I was ok.drinking Luke warm water does not take the feeling of thirst away, I was wishing for a toothbrush and toothpaste just to feel fresher even though I had mints.

Lunch was far too small. I struggled to swallow anything as it was so hot it made me feel ill to eat. I did get a cup of tea though and I think that's what got me going again 😂

The after lunch section was roads and countryside walking which mentally without those amazing views bring it's own demons. I was trying not to use up all my phone battery so limited my music but at this point the crowds thin out and you don't see as many people to chat to x however as it was flatter I was able to get my mph back to a good pace with far less breaks.

I wasn't too happy with skittle hill and some steps they threw in at the end but I had recovered enough to just keep going.

Physically today I ache and I am paranoid I am going to break the blisters on my feet but I would honestly love to do another (slightly flatter and cooler) one

Lessons learned: take the time to change socks even when they feel comfy. Possibly tape feet anyway. Eat more. Take oranges!

Thankyou to everyone who has donated I never imagined I would raise this. I was worrying about hitting £250 so I am amazed and so thankful X X

Thankyou to the friends and family who supported and messaged me on Saturday, especially to mom and the kids for coming along

I couldn't have managed this without my husband x Stu, you are my rock you tell me I can do anything and always how proud you are x I couldn't do any of it without your unrelenting support and willingness for me to do dumb stuff! You never moaned once when I trained or told you about it X X thankyou- (hopefully you read to the end to see that rather than skipping it 😂😘)