What is the Moonwalk?
For about 3 weeks I managed to convince my Dad that I was Michael Jackson "Moonwalking" for 26.2 miles. - ha!
However, the Moonwalk is a powerwalking challenge that takes place overnight. Walkers begin between 11.30pm and midnight and walk the different distances on offer.
New Moon - 6.55 miles- This is really for those who are not ready for the half or full moon but also for those under 16. We had a few 10 year olds taking part which was lovely!
Half Moon -13.1 miles- This is still a major challenge but good for those who want to build up before the main event.
Full Moon - 26. 2 miles - A full marathon. The goal is to complete 14 minute miles and the challenge in 6 hours. However, it isn't a race so you can finish at any time.
Over the Moon - 52.4 - Sheer Madness I tell you. This is two marathons back to back on the same day. You must complete this challenge in 14 hours.
We also had three land challengers who had completed the London Moonwalk 4 weeks ago, then the Edinburgh and finally they were jetting off to Iceland Moonwalk the following Saturday.
Hats off to all of them....
The Training
I started training about 14 weeks ago. I had been going to the gym since January and I thought I was particularly fit. I was sooooo wrong and the training proved this. I could hardly walk 2 miles let along 26.2 plus the goal was to complete 14 minute miles.
After a couple training sessions of very painful lower joints I invested in a good pair of trainers. The lifesavers. I was recommended by Mairi (from work and also doing Moonwalk) that I should go to Run 4 It. These stores specialise in finding the correct shoe for whatever exercise you are doing. You can check them out here.
The shoes definitely made a difference and I seemed to have no problems with my lower legs after this point. I began to manage the smaller walks in the allocated time after about 6 weeks of training and I was supervised how quickly your body adapts to it.
My first "large" walk was 8 miles and I managed to persuade the bf to come along. He was in agony but this was the first walk I managed really strongly. We still managed it in 2 hours 10 mins which was good going.
For the next few Saturday mornings I was up at the crack of dawn completing 16 mile walks. Normally I followed the same route but this was becoming very tedious. There is only so many times you can look at the sign welcoming you to Aberdour and then Rosyth. The first 16 miles didn't go too well and I suffered with the worst back pain ever. Top Tip: takes as many painkillers as possible!!!!!
However, the largest walk we were asked to complete was 20 miles. This was probably the furthest I had ever walked in my life! I also managed to choose the hottest day of our Scottish summer. It was awful. My face was completely burnt and let's just say I had severe chaffing. My route took me through some of my favourite villages in and around Dunfermline. But it was serious hard work!
After that the miles did drop down slightly and I probably didn't do as many as I should have e 2 weeks leading up to the night. However I had pretty much stuck to the whole training programme so I definitely felt ready for what was awaiting me.
So here are some of my top tips for training for the Moonwalk:
- Follow the training plan they give you. It really helped to focus my training and see how far I was coming along. Also add in a few extras towards the beginning.
- You will need to commit quite a lot of time for this. I don't think I had a lie in on a Saturday for about 6 weeks. Plus all the training during the week does eat into your evening.
- BUY GOOD TRAINERS it will seriously help.
- Keep an eye on the time. I didn't punish myself too much if I didn't manage the distance in the allocated time but it is good as a guide.
- Take some painkillers for the longer walks.
- Ensure the blister plasters are at the ready. No doubt I'll be commenting on Mister Blister in my next blog.
So if you are feeling brave and want to enter for Edinburgh 2014 I say good luck to you!
Steph <3
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