Walking redux

You may remember some time ago, I told you about my plan to complete the Playtex Moonwalk (an overnight, walked marathon). I have been training to this end.

Now, being more than a little overweight, I can't leap into walking ten miles a night with an extra ten on Saturday - my knees and hips wouldn't allow me. However, I have been walking 4 miles at a go and, for the last couple of weeks, doing that twice a week. I've been greatly helped in this by my friend R who 'persuades' me to go for a walk, even when I don't want to. My time isn't getting any faster (I still walk at about 3 mph) but I do feel less terrible afterwards.

The first couple of weeks entailed me not being able to walk properly the next day, and having all my lower joints creaking in protest. That has definitely eased up and I can now walk to the point of being breathless but able to carry on a conversation for most of the hilly four miles we cover. Believe it or not, I do enjoy these walks, though it is an effort to get out of the house once I'm home.

This week, however, has been a little troublesome as I seem to have picked up a tummy bug which is going around the school (although I haven't taken time off work - finances say NO). This means I've only done the one walk due to my need to be near a toilet! Thought you'd like to know that.

The other sad thing (for me, that is) is that R is moving on in few weeks time, now obviously that is great for her (and something she really deserves) but I'll be left to my own devices (and powers of persuasion). So I've bought a small mp3 player and I'm loading it up with songs - about eleven hours worth - to keep me occupied on the walks that I will be doing!

Keep your fingers crossed for me.