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Original poster

Walkers' thread (those training for a moonwalk or those just wanting to get a bit fitter... sign in here)

477 replies

EllbellTheBluestocking · 03/02/2008 18:47

OK... following on from another thread, I thought I'd start this for those of us who are not really that into exercise but who are struggling to get a bit fitter.

I am working towards doing the Edinburgh moonwalk in June (and would prefer it if no-one mentioned just exactly how blardy far it's going to be just yet [panic emoticon]), and am struggling to find the time and the inclination to train.

Anyone else in a similar position? Hippipotami? Quint? Don't leave me walking all on my own...

Will come back and post again when I've got off my bum and done some exercise!

OP posts:
mrspnut · 17/05/2008 09:01

Morning to all the fabulous walkers Take it easy today and try to have a nap this afternoon if you can to make sure you're bright eyed and bushy tailed.

I am coming down on the train this evening and will get to Playtex city at about half 9 tonight to get my crew stuff.

Hope you all have a great time, and enjoy it - you deserve every clap and every cheer that you'll get. This is your victory parade for all the hours you've put in so far.

VaginaShmergina · 17/05/2008 09:23

Good luck one and all, be proud, be very proud, it is far from easy and that medal at the end is well deserved.

Bombastics stalker over and out !!

hippipotami · 17/05/2008 09:25

Good luck all of you tonight. I feel not to be joining you, but will think of all of you!

Have fun, and come back to tell us how it was

mimsum · 17/05/2008 09:28

what are we all doing on the bra and bare flesh front? dh has come over all stern and protective and is saying 'you are NOT going out dressed like that!' purely cos of the temperature not cos he's suddenly come over all prudish

he's suggesting wearing a long-sleeved base layer under my bra - will that work - what do most people do if it's cold?

mrspnut · 17/05/2008 09:41

You're likely to get sore patches if you wear something under your bra - I had my zip up top on last year but unzipped so you could see my bra but that was partly because I felt a bit self concious to begin with - but by mile 3 I couldn't have cared less.

The rain cape that is given out is good for keeping heat in and also when you're walking you won't feel the cold as much.

MsBombastic · 17/05/2008 09:52

I won't be wearing 'the' bra next to my skin as the lacy bits, petals(!) etc. will irritate (can only wear the plainest of bras due to my delicate skin and high-breeding .)

So I will wear my comfortableist (?) everyday bra with the Moonwalk tee shirt on top and 'the' bra very loosely over that. Will try it in a bit and if uncomfortable may just safety pin it on somehow rather than do it up.

If it is cold will wear my zip up top and kinda hang their bra out of it.

What do you thinkk - will I make HELLO!? or just look like some kind of bra/bag lady?

chocolatespiders · 17/05/2008 09:54

i think my meeting time at hyde park is 11...

where are you geting the train from mrspnut?

i feel quite nervous about it now and not sure really what to expect when i get there....

I am marshall on 21.....

have a great night everyone

mrspnut · 17/05/2008 09:59

I'm coming from Lincoln, and I'm marshalling at 16 but I'm hoping to meet up with some other friends when I get there before I have to sign in at 10.

It's a real party atmosphere in the tent and there is loads going on. Don't worry - everyone is really friendly and you'll have a great time.

My friend wrote this on my fb wall and she crewed last year when I walked.

Yep, when you arrive, go round to the volunteers entrance and you sign in and get your pass. You can leave luggage there (but not if you're going straight from post to the station - and your goody bag if that's what you are doing)
You collect your hat and t-shirt (they are massive to wear over coats ) - as you're on route, you might get a flourescent jacket too, and I think rain macs will be given out too this year :-( Have a fantastic evening xxx

MsBombastic · 17/05/2008 10:00

Shall risk it and shout out 'chocolatespiders' at 21 (if I make it that far), and if i get hauled off in a white van is your fault.....

Where will you be mrsPnut?

mrspnut · 17/05/2008 10:15

At about 16 miles

chocolatespiders · 17/05/2008 10:18

mrspnut......thanks for that

can you just tell me how big the tshirts are?
this has been a worry for my and i was going to take sissors to cut it up the back so it fits me... but then i got an email saying the tshirt you wear over your clothes

chocolatespiders · 17/05/2008 10:18

mrspnut......thanks for that

can you just tell me how big the tshirts are?
this has been a worry for my and i was going to take sissors to cut it up the back so it fits me... but then i got an email saying the tshirt you wear over your clothes

mrspnut · 17/05/2008 10:38

They'll probably be huge, they have to cater for everyone. I'm quite large and with my long sleeved top, jumper and fleece on I will be even bigger.

I am going to wear thin warm layers - I have a cashmere jumper that I'll wear and also probably a vest under my t shirt. I also have a cashmere pashmina which I'll bring because it's really warm.

There is nothing worse than being cold so my bag will have food, drink, my ipod, a book and clothes in it. I think I might bring some gloves as well just in case.

chocolatespiders · 17/05/2008 11:05

thanks for the great tips... will pack those things if i can find a rucksack if not i have a canvas bag to fill.......

wish i had an IPOD..... i have got a bag of cadbury's choc eclairs will that compensate.......

my children have just been collected for the day and night......so i can now prepare and rest etc... but to be honest i am getting excited now.... must go and have breakfast.....

Posey · 17/05/2008 15:01

Hi all!

Am getting very excited I must say, but be warned, it is COLD here in London today

I will wear my bra, as normal, and have a zip-fronted top over it with my bra showing. If I warm up sufficiently I will bare all

Have told everyone I know that if they are out in London tonight to watch out for us and cheer us along. I think the general public's reaction to us, the shouting/clapping/cheering is one of the highlights.

Hippi so pleased you popped by the thread, and thanks for you good wishes. I have been thinking of you...how about next year?

MsBombastic · 17/05/2008 15:58

Any tips anyone on where DH and kids should park in the morn when they come up to meet me? I know they won't get near hyde Park but not sure where to suggest. Read some advice somewhere but can't remember where or what it was!

Have argued with DH and DS and close run thing with one of my walking partners. Must be more stressed about it than i thought.

mrspnut · 17/05/2008 16:31

When we were there last year there were people parking in the side streets on the Park lane side of hyde park. We stayed in the Holiday Inn at mayfair and there are places to park all along those streets.

Grosvenor square, Berkeley square, Curzon street - anywhere round there is within walking distance - although it took me nearly 30 minutes to walk back to the hotel last year, when it had only taken me 10 minutes to walk from the hotel to the tent

Earlybird · 17/05/2008 16:39

Just popping by to wish you all good luck. I did the walk last year (and met Posey - a hightlight!), and it was an amazing experience. Stay warm, and have fun!

Posey · 17/05/2008 16:57

Oh Earlybird - what a lovely thing to say
I wish you were doing it with us this year.

Am off to collect my sister and her friends from the station in a few minutes then back here for a bite to eat and then to get dressed up...

Just willing the rain to stop...

mrspnut · 17/05/2008 17:04

I'm about to go to the tip and then off to Newark to get my train.

Have a fantastic night everyone.

Earlybird · 17/05/2008 17:07

I've been looking on webcams in Covent Garden, and see some people with umbrellas. I hope the rain stops too, as decent weather will make a huge difference.

Posey - I really wish I was there doing it with you too. Don't know how many siblings you have, but is this the sister we spoke of last year? Hope she is feeling fine now.

Once again - best of luck to all. You'll be in my thoughts.

chocolatespiders · 17/05/2008 17:53

i have just been to bed and got back up think i was nearly asleep but my man fancy friend txted me and i had been waiting all day for him to txt and it sort of jolted me to get back up...... i may give it an hour and try to get half hour sleep... i dont want to start feeling tired in the early hours.....

Posey · 18/05/2008 17:49

Well here we are, all done!
Am feeling fine, just sleep deprived, but not achey.
Hardest bit was the stop/starting at times when huge crowds of us were trying to cross major roads and bottle necks developed...
Best bit was crossing the finish line with my sister, exactly 1 year to the day from her breast cancer diagnosis to cheers from the crew and collecting our medals....

I would recommend it to anyone, it is fab

Earlybird - thank you so much for you donation to my fundraising. It all makes such a difference. My sister is doing so well, physically and mentally, thnk you for asking.

So where are the rest of you? How was your night?

MsBombastic · 18/05/2008 18:12

Well done Posey, to you and your sister!

I did it, but feel really terrible today if I'm honest. You are obviously a lot fitter than me (and probably younger!).

Lots of blisters (which I don't understand as never had 'em during all the training, even teh 20 miler) and lots of aching.

But am feeling better minute by minute.

It was an amazing thing to be part of. And in those times where I was really struggling and had to 'zone out' and focus to make myself carry on I realised how far I was taking myself out of my everyday experience / existence. Always a good thing.

Sometimes it was obvious that people were walking with sisters/mums/aunts (or even dads,brothers uncles) and I found that so touching and can imagine how rewarding it must have been for you and your sister, Posey.

Thanks to all who have joined the thread and offered me support and help.

I think next year I will volunteer as part of crew so will continue to support the cause.

mimsum · 18/05/2008 18:34

phew that's over! it was ok but not sure if I want to repeat the experience in a hurry ...

we made a tactical error in putting in a slow time on the entry form (under pressure from a couple of team members) which meant that we were in the last group to start so we had about 16,000 people trying to get through the first few busy crossings in front of us

we didn't get going till about twenty past 12 - and to our horror at twenty to 3 we'd only gone 3 miles - there were so many people that for the first couple of hours a lot of the time we were just marching on the spot. I felt very cold and very very tired and began to wonder if I was actually going to make it after all - not because of the distance but because of the sleep deprivation

however once we got past Tower Bridge people started to spread out a lot, we got out our ipods and Blondie (fab walking music ) helped me get into my stride. Unfortunately, my team mates didn't go quite as fast so I had to keep on stopping and waiting for them to catch up

we finally crossed the finish line at twenty past 9 - and the last couple of miles were very hard - we were just exhausted after having been on our feet for so long - Hyde Park looked like Napoleon's retreat from Moscow (if Napoleon's troops had been wearing bras, that is ;-) )

I had a couple of hours sleep when I got back, a lovely long shower, and am feeling ok now although a bit stiff - and no blisters

hope everyone else is feeling good