Moonwalk 2008

[fluffydragon]

Hi, I would really like to give this a go, but have a couple of reservations so would like to hear from some of you experienced Moonwalkers!

Firstly, how fit do you need to be? The website gives the impression that power-walking is the thing . . but how important is speed? Is someone who is reasonably fit but just wants to walk at a leisurely pace likely to feel out of place?

Secondly, do you need to be into showing lots of flesh? What percentage of women are wearing just bras on top, compared to women wearing bras over t-shirts?

It sounds like a great experience but I want to know what I'd be letting myself in for!

Thanks.

It is the most fabulous event!
I've done it 3 times, all quite different experiences. First time I did it I was fairly fit and did train, but also smoked [stupid emoticon] and finished in just under 8 hours.
2nd time no longer smoked, trained a fair amount and did it in 7h 18m.
Last year alot fitter generally, trained hard as wanted to get in under 7 hours and managed 6h 54m. It was bloomin hard.

BUT, the majority of walkers take a lot longer so you won't feel out of place.
Many are there for a party atmosphere if you like and come in in 8 or 9 or 10 hours or longer. You do need to train, if nothing else just to be used to walking that distance regardless of the speed.

The amount of flesh is optional and also depends on the weather! First time I did it it was absolutely baking and most people did just wear their bra and shorts. Last year was damp and chilly and there were far fewer bras on show.
I wasn't going to do it again next year but my sister has just finished chemo for breast cancer and wants me to do the half marathon with her. Who am I to refuse!

Go for it, it really is brill.

Thanks, that sounds very encouraging! I know I would need to train to make sure I could cover the distance but would want to do at my own pace, well done you for getting your time down to under 7 hours though, that is quite a pace for a walk! Likewise good to hear that getting wobbly bits out is not compulsory

Any footwear advice?

Still would like to hear from others who have done this too?

If you want to do it you need to start training now. Start slow and gradually build. It's fantastic! I'm going to do it again this year. Just need to blackmail persuade my walking partner!

How much, and what type, of training is recommended?

You can download from the site. It's basically about building up your walking. So.... for example.... day 1 walk 2-3 miles. Powerwalk. Then the following week pick it up to 3-4 miles. And so on. They've got a good training schedule.

I kinda followed it with my friends last time but we found that we wanted to walk further. hth