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Why I’m taking part in the Women’s Mini Marathon
The WMM is something I have admired other people doing for years but never thought it would be something I would do. Firstly I do not run, I have an old knee injury and my knee is unstable so running is not an option but it being virtual this year means that I can walk (at my very slow pace) and still do it. I would hate for the officials to have to wait for me to finish, they would miss their dinner!
Why 10 x 10k? I am doing the 10 x 10k as I felt it was a serious challenge for me but was definitely worth the effort. Walking is good for my head as I get time out of my day where I have to just concentrate on where my feet are and my posture etc. It gives me some time out.
Why a tiara? I do a variety of fundraising events each year and there is usually a Ball included, as there will be no Ball this year wearing a tiara for the run was a joke to give everyone who sponsored me a laugh. This has now gotten totally out of hand with the addition of a ball gown for the last 10k if I raise over €1,000!
Week one:
First week of training done. Got 4 5k walks in and survived. It will take a serious amount of training to get to 10 x 10k but that is the whole point of the challenge I guess. Walking is great for my head and it is brilliant to have a project to work on. Thanks to those who have sponsored me so far. Extra bonus if I get over €1,000 I will do the last walk in a ballgown.
Week two:
Got 5 6k walks in over the last week and still and survived (I mean I hurt and am super grumpy but still going). Hope to get 6 x 6k walks in this week. I have found a few more of my tiaras but still need to discover the rest before October otherwise I will have to get some new ones (hee hee)!
Week three:
Not a great week as I pulled something in my ankle my first day out. I spend so much time worrying about my stupid knee it rarely occurs to me that other things can go wrong as well! Safe to say that I rested a lot used ice and heat and am feeling much better. Planning an easy week for next week to get back into the swing of things again. I often forget how lucky I am to be able to do this. it is only 10 years ago that walking for 10 minutes never mind 10k would have been out of the question i am so grateful that I am building back this strength and ability. For those who do not want to give their address details on the givengain site I will have a paypal address so you can donate directly soon. Cheers. D xoxo
Week four:
Much better week this week. Managed three 5k walks (alt days) and only a bit sore so i am very happy with that. Will try to get a 10k in over the weekend and see how I get on. Shall continue to be sensible (I know who even am I????!!!) thanks for the support, really appreciate it. D x
Week five:
Fifth week of training. Got 2 10k walks in as well as one 5k. Had to take it very easy the other days to avoid more damage. The weather was not my friend so it may be time to get back to a (suitably socially distanced) gym so that I can use a treadmill on very inclement days. Got new runners with additional stability which I am hoping will also help my ankle and knee. Walking is a great way to be out of the house without being around too many other people. I also wanted to say a HUGE thank you to those who have sponsored me so far it is really great to get such support. 40 more days from tomorrow!!!
Week six:
Week six of training. Not a great week only got 2 short walks in. Real life was very busy and I felt fluish and sniffly all week so did not have much energy for anything let alone walking in the rain. Walking in the gym is not nearly as good for my head as walking out of doors so I am really hoping that we get some nicer weather for the next while. I hope that everyone else is doing well on the training.
Week seven:
Week seven of training. Much better week this week got 6 X 6k walks in. Weather was on my side all week. Will admit I’m fairly shattered but determined. I hope that everyone else is doing well on the training. Here is to doing even better next week.
Week eight:
Week eight of training. Another good week. I got 5 X 6k and 2 x 10k walks in. The last two days were hard enough but not impossible, so that is my first full week of walks. I am not yet up to ten days of 10k walks but I still have a couple of weeks before the 1st of October and am really feeling positive about the whole endeavour. I am chuffed that I could get this much done this week. I hope that everyone else is doing well on the training.
Week nine:
Week nine of training. Nearly there. Ups and downs this week I did get 5 x 6 k walks in and that completed the 10 full days of 6k walks. On the other two days I just did a 2k and one day I had a rest day as real life got in the way and time was not on my side. This week I am not going to totally overdo it and risk an injury but I do hope to keep up this pace which will leave me well set up for October. I am also praying that we do not go into a full lock down as that will take away my Gym privileges and I will get very wet on rainy days in October. I hope that everyone else is doing well we are on the home stretch now!
Week ten:
Finally week ten of training is done. I am quite surprised to be honest that I am still as excited about this as I was at the beginning, usually I would have decided it is all too hard and given up on exercise by this point. It does help that on the weeks I need to take it easy (like this week) I do. Got 1 10k walk in this week and 3 5k walks and had a couple of rest days. This was as much to do with lack of time as anything but my ankle was grateful for small mercies. I plan to do a couple of walks this week before Thursday and then Thursday is the big start. The tiaras are ready and raring to go so we are all set J As this is my last training diary a heartfelt thanks you to everyone who has encouraged and cheered me on over the last few weeks. I will do an update after each of the 10 walks from next week. Good luck to everyone taking part and to the rest of you – Get donating
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