Walk 20: Hitting the Wall

Link to fundraising page

Treadmill

I've read enough books to know that just before the end of a story, the main character usually goes through an 'all is lost' moment - a 'I can't do it' and 'I'm going to jack it all in' overwhelm. 

That was me last night. 

After Friday's walk, which started off really well with me trotting along happily in the sunshine but turned into what felt like a never-ending 11 miles and a sinky-sand slog across the beach, I wasn't looking forward to yet another 11 miles mid-week.

For someone who has enjoyed keeping fit since my early twenties and who, quite a few times, have pushed myself to my limit, I've always seemed to struggle with speed and distance. My half marathon training turned me from a walker into a jogger who could cover 10 miles in about 2 hours - a very average time - but beyond the 10 mile point, I would finish every run with throwing up and having to lie down. It just doesn't seem to be in my genetic make-up and I've found that frustrating at times.

Anyway, yesterday was hot but I was keen to try out my new treadmill which my husband has kindly brought me to replace the old one (I did use my treadmill a lot even before this challenge). However, the buttons were very different and I quickly lost all the distance I had accrued when I stopped the machine rather than pausing it, meaning this one will just have to be done on trust. After two hours, with a short break every 15 mins for water because I was gasping, I was done. I finished the rest via a walk around outside, wondering how on earth I am going to get through the next sixty-six miles!

I have to admit that I thought the last 10 walks would be mentally easier not harder. However, exploring a section of coastline I have not walked before - which is what this challenge was meant to be about - feels very different to watching numbers creep up on a treadmill or walking a lovely but repeated path. That's why, this weekend, I am hoping to cover a good section around the Falmouth area to try and get my mojo back for the final five. 

Positive takeaways from this challenge have definitely been:

Improved fitness again, although not quite where I'd like to be.

Friendship

Seeing more of the beautiful Cornish coast - never gets old!

Spending time with my pups.

Not quite so positive takeaways from this challenge have been:

The realisation of how tricky logistics can be. 

The organising of logistics. 

The price of parking. 

The jump to two walks a week! 


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