Walking a Marathon (in a day)

Thanks shysal and nightowl for supportive comments.
I have mixed feelings about 'other participants'! For a start most of them are likely to walk way past me in the first mile, esp if they have youth on their side!!--and whilst I'm happy to be at the back on my own, I am selfishly thinking I do need to keep my 'own pace' and don't want to be slowed down. Maybe I'm being too honest there, as I'm usually quite a supportive person. I just know I shall need to keep going.
But I'm sure you're right and everyone will be in encouraging mode--just like these wonderful Olympics. I have found the way everyone unites to support all the participants, whichever country they're from, is almost as inspiring as the athletes themselves. I went to watch the diving last night, and walked a further 10 miles to add to the 20 the day before. Great fun--but my muscles did tell me they knew it, last night!

nightowl-- I was hoping I'd done my last long walk! But I see I shall have to fit in one more in 2 weeks time--probably wise, thank you.

Have a great weekend all you great WaM (inaday) forum members

ps to add to the step discussion Frankel, Joanna Hall, who runs walking courses in London, reckons 52,400 steps for a marathon. I reckon I average 2100 steps a mile if my Fitbug is correct.

GrandmaMiney I know that on the Moonwalk the atmosphere was fantastic and there were women of all shapes and sizes, and all speeds. I was quite slow (but not the slowest!) but no-one minded and everyone just kept to their own pace. I'm sure nobody will expect you to slow down. I would love to do the Moonwalk again, but I don't think I could do a proper walk on hilly terrain like you are going to be doing. You are very brave! And as for running a marathon like Frankel - I take my hat off to both of you

Thanks again nightowl--again very reassuring. Sorry I sounded quite unfoundedly arrogant in last post. I only walk at max 3 miles an hour. That's why I can't afford to go any slower! And I could never, ever run for anything farther than an approaching bus. I also take my hat off to Frankel.

Thank you for the flowers. I've just been watching the amazing Mo Farah, and the wonderful Tom Daley at tonight's Olympics so I'll 'fly the flag' and keep them as inspiration (along with Jessica Ennis et al last week.

I run at my own pace - quite slow. In running races, the elite runners start at the front and the rest try to line up where their speed suggests, guided by marker boards with finishing times on them. It helps reduce the amount of bunching and passing. It may be the same for walkers. If so, you will know how long you expect to take - so line up at the start near the appropriate board. Often, there is a nervous but nice atmosphere at the start until people get going. I always run alone and use what breath I have to get round. I am always amazed by the ladies who run half marathons and even marathons together, chatting all the way round. I would say try to start in the right place for you, walk at your own pace - and don't get chatting to somebody who walks faster than you. You will use your breath and energy being sociable - and you may regret it later on.

Thanks again, Frankel,
Such good advice--although I'm a reasonably sociable person, I'm also a happy loner (paradoxical I know, but that's how it is) so as I enjoy the countryside and love both Winchester and Salisbury Cathedrals, as well as wanting to raise money for Classic FM's charity 'Nordoff Robbins', you wisely point out that a marathon walk is not chat-time. Friendly support, yes, but social chit-chat another time and place!
Your advice re starting position also useful, especially as I'm a novice at this.
Have a good week--

I'm away in Salford this week, looking after grandsons while daughter is working early in the mornings, so I'm not sure where I might be able to get a good walk in the afternoons--any ideas anyone?

I so appreciate all the suggestions, support (and donations) from fellow gransnetters, Thank you all, it is really appreciated.

I just need one more favour--please send me some encouraging 'Mo-cheer' thoughts on the 8th September.

I set off from Winchester Cathedral at 7.30 am, to walk my way to the Salisbury Cathedral finish line. With only 8 days to go to this 26 mile charity trekathon--I'm feeling quite excited.

I'm not far off my fund-raising target either (for music therapy for sick and vulnerable children), please see my web page at www.justgiving.com/SueBSmith71) Every £1 counts, and £10 provides a music therapy session for a child to whom it will make a huge difference to their lives.
This is what has inspired me to train for this trek over the past months.

Surely there must be some other Gransnetters doing it??? If so, please let me know.

I will be rooting for you - best of luck.
It would be nice if you were ever in Salford when I am in Swinton, visiting my sister! I would love to meet you.

GMiney when I clicked your link, it said 'page not found', but then I realised you had a bracket at the end of the link and when I deleted that, I did find your page. Good luck with the walk - I do hope the weather is kind to you.

Good luck, GMiney, and much respect. Three miles is my limit!

But - while all you walkers are assembled please can you give me some advise on boots? I always wear sandals (strong walking type sandals) all summer and last week trod in a hidden hole and badly sprained my ankle. DH Who Must Be Obeyed (for now) says I must get myself some decent boots. I have some Gortex waterproof indestructibles for cold weather, but wearing boots in summer always gives me blisters between my sweaty hot toes. Does anyone know of a well ventilated cool boot available anywhere?

Thank you all for your supportive comments--I just can't tell you how much it helps. I will make myself hear your voices if I have a dip or meet the dreaded 'wall' at 18 miles!

Annodomini, thanks for pointing out that the bracket had got itself attached to the web link, I'll write it here again, without brackets.. www.justgiving.com/SueBSmith71

And Greatnan, I'll let you know if I'm off to Salford again. We were renting a small apartment so I could look after 3 of my grandsons whilst my daughter was working. Had a great visit to the imperial War Museum. I bought the DVD of Carrie's War which we all watched that evening. I was sorry to read that Nina Bawden (who wrote the book, based on her own WWII evacuation experiences) had died a few days later.

NfkDumpling. I decided agains boots for my walking marathon (after long hard thoughts) but I found boots rubbed my ankle bone, so I'm wearing Meindl walking shoes. They have served me well around Richmond Park, although I realise my second toes are longer than my big toes, so I'm just hoping these toes don't blister. I must remember the Compeed! By 18 miles I might find myself wishing I had your strong walking type sandals!

Please keep the encouraging comments coming, they are so much appreciated.

Just 4 days to go now! Then I shall be walking the Spire to Spire 26 mile trekathon. We start at Winchester Cathedral at 7.30am on 8th Sept and I hope to get to Salisbury Cathedral by nightfall! I'm not taking a torch, so I HAVE to get there before dark.
Please send some positive supportive thoughts winging my way, especially between 12 noon and 5pm--I will probably be struggling then.

Thank you all SO much for all your help as I have been trying to train over the past couple of months. You are all great nanas and poppas--brilliant!
Thank you and cakes all round.

Sue xxx

You can do it! I hope you have some nice weather. xxx

Good luck Sue, I'm sure you will storm through! Will be willing you on

Thank you all--I need your positive thoughts on Saturday, especially up the hills! x
My daughter and three grandsons are coming to Salisbury. Bless her, she said to the boys (10, 8, and 6) "It's not every day your G'ma walks a marathon". To which they replied "Let's go and cheer her over the finishing line".
What better incentive could I have?!

My son-in-law would come as well, but he is doing a cycle 'marathon' in the Alps--(it's ok, she has spoken to him since he passed that terrible scene at Annency. So terribly sad, even more supportive thoughts are need for those 2 little girls.)

You've done the training so now is the time to relax, make sure everything is ready and get to the start on time. Then, walk your own pace, enjoy the experience and when you finish, bask in the glory - it doesn't last long . All the very best for your walk.

Might not have time tomorrow, but just want to wish you all the best for Saturday - I am full of admiration, Miney. Be sure to tell us all about it.

I wish you all the best for tomorrow! I know you have an early start, so probably won't be logging in before you go. It looks like the weather will be good, not too hot I hope - don't forget the sun screen! I am sure your preparation will pay off, resulting in a great experience.

Just about to try to get some sleep in my B&B in Salisbury. Up at 5am for transport to Winchester Cathedral for the start. Then my boots and I begin our walking!

Thank you all, again, for your encouraging words--I was telling a fellow (a mere slip of a girl!) trekathoner over supper tonight, just how moved by (your donations) and supported I have been by such great Gransnet supporters.

You are all stars, and will light any darker moments I may have (especially up hills!) tomorrow.
When I get my feet and back back, I'll let you know how it went. Really quite excited now.....

We've had Team GB for the amazing Olympics and Paralympics, and they have been another inspiration to me.

Now let's hear a mini-cheer for Team GM. GrandmaMiney is walking on behalf of all of you on this forum.

Sue x

I DID IT!!!
Let me know if anyone is interested and I'll tell you a bit about my 26 mile walk from Winchester to Salisbury Cathedral--the Spire to Spire trekathon--yesterday. It was tough...but so glad I did it!

Grandmaminey , well done you . 3 cheers , bet you a bit puffed now

Yes GrandmaMiney, please tell us all about it, the good and the bad bits!
Congratulations!

A gold medal and huge cheers, GrandmaMiney...hip, hip, hooray!

Congrats and very well done GrandmaMiney! Tell us all about it please

I would love to hear all about it - well done!

GrandmaMiney . Well done! Tell us! xxx