I woke this morning with yet another headache/migraine which was triggered by the 2 glasses of rose wine that I had had the night before. 2 glasses of wine....what the heck is going on with my body?! Anyway, I took some painkillers with my breakfast and set about getting ready for the longest walking session on this training plan so far.....9 miles. The idea of walking that distance was not very appealing, especially with a nagging pain, but I knew it had to be done because I had already put it off from yesterday.
Fortunately, the weather conditions were favorable. It wasn't raining and it wasn't cold so I didn't have to wear loads of layers. Once again, I primed my iPhone with my music and distance to walk and set off.
I have to say that it was a bit of a boring walk. I didn't want to go too far away from home in case my head got too bad and I had to get back to the house....you see, the 'what if' worrying mindset that I currently have affects everything.
2 miles in and I felt as if I was going really slowly or that the app on my phone wasn't working properly. Each mile seemed to take ages but I was actually walking my usual 15 minute mile pace. It just felt slower for some reason.
After my 'need a wee' experience the other day, I had factored in being able to walk past a local toilet facility just in case the need arose. 4 miles in and the need was there! I popped to the loos that are in Onslow Village rec. The female loos were closed due to vandalism but the mens toilet was open so I used those. Luckily there was no-one else around. Mind you, even if there was I'd have used them anyway. Needs must!
I completed my 9 mile walk in 2 hours 19 mins which is pretty good going. I kept my 15 min mile pace up throughout the whole walk without even trying. It all bodes well for Silverstone as long as I stay fit. My training schedule shows that I should do 3 miles tomorrow, 6 miles on Thursday and 12 miles on Sunday. That sounds quite a challenge to me. Let's see how I do.
Wednesday February 5th
I'm back from a 3 mile walk that was hampered by gale force winds. The wind wasn't constant but it was very gusty. After the storms that were predicted to hit us last night, I felt very fortunate to be able to get out at all. The news reports this morning are full of yet more storm damage in the south west. The south east seem to have escaped the brunt of it this time..... for now at least.
I'll very briefly mention my anxiety, a condition that has plagued me since childhood and which affects every part of my life from time to time. My anxiety levels are high at the moment. I think it's a combination of work, hubby not having a job and the pressure that I put myself under when I attempt these challenges. Anyway, I decided to go to the doctor before things got too bad and I have been prescribed antidepressants which I am happy to take if they help me to stop panicking. The gp is also going to arrange some CBT which I have had before but which I'm happy to try again.
I'm not sure where my anxiety stemmed from originally but I know that I can't go on with it affecting my life like it has done. Every social occasion is fraught with anxiety and fear for me. It could be meeting with family,going to a concert, catching up with friends, going to work.....the list is endless and the higher my anxiety, the more scared I get and I have been known to be too scared to leave the house, to leave shopping in a trolley in Tesco and run home and be on the verge of getting out of my car at the traffic lights because I have been so panicked. When I type this it does seem absurd but the brain is a powerful thing and mine gets overrun with too many catastrophic thoughts.
I have to work, I can't change that fact, but I don't have to keep setting myself these physical challenges. I was asked the other day why I have the need to keep proving myself to people. That is a very good question that I don't have the answer to at the moment. I will work it out...I just need time.
Charlotte is also struggling at the moment. She has a nasty cold and says that she has sciatica too. She is getting anxious about Silverstone. I know she will be OK on the day and that she will complete the challenge. I have much more free time than she has and I don't have such a stressful job or 2 young children to look after but I am 13 years older than her! Between us we will get the job done.
Friday February 7th
Well, something had to give. I was supposed to walk 6 miles today according to the walking plan. I worked a night duty last night and I am back in again from 2-8 pm today. With the best will in the world, there was no way that it would have been sensible to try to squeeze a longish walk in during the 5 hours or so that I have at home so today's walk is cancelled and I'm not sure that I will be able to make up the miles but, to be honest, I don't think it's a problem. I have lots of miles under my belt already. In fact, missing a session might actually do me some good.
I'm also working tomorrow morning and then a night duty on Sunday so I hope to do the long walk on Sunday.....12 miles! It will be the longest walk that I have do before the main event. No pressure!
Sunday February 9th
Yes!!! 12 miles done and dusted. This morning I walked from our house in Guildford, down into town and out to Godalming where I popped into my daughter's house for a comfort break (very aware that I keep mentioning the toilet!), a drink of water and then I walked back home again. The whole thing took me 3 hours and 3 minutes and I managed to walk at 15 minute miles throughout which I am very happy with.
I had no lower leg muscle pain at all today but I did have nasty hip pain from about 6 miles. It didn't stop me walking but I did have to stretch the hip out every so often. Once I was home and rested for a few minutes it was fine. I seem to recall that I experienced similar pain a week or so ago. My right hip has been dodgy for a long time (I blame Mum and genes to be honest!) so it's no surprise that it's playing up a bit.
Talking of Mum, I have been thinking a lot about her just lately. Today I walked past the place she was born and the place that her ashes are scattered. It makes me sad when I think of her and how much she has missed out on. So much has happened since she left us.
At the moment, I am wearing a ring that belonged to my Nan and then Mum had it when Nan died. I remember them both wearing it. It is a gold ring with an opal stone. It fits me perfectly and when I wear it I feel closer to both of them. I know that sounds loopy but it's the truth! I always loved the ring and when Mum died and I was given it I felt so grateful that I had it, I don't think it has much monetary value but the sentimental value to me is priceless. I do hope that it stays in the family for many generations to come. I think that Nan and Mum would approve of that.
Moving on....my plan for walks the coming week is 3 miles on Monday, 6 miles on Wednesday, 5 miles on Thursday and 8 miles on Sunday. I hope I manage to do all of the sessions and not miss one out like I did this week. Last week was a silly week for working hours and this week coming is much more 'normal' and then a week off (from the school job at least) for half term. No excuses then Mrs. Fish. Get to it!!
Today's route and info
Proof if proof were needed. I am doing the miles.
Have a great week everyone and please feel free to spread the word. Only 3 weeks to go!
A xx
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