tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91034853266819902182024-03-14T06:03:49.173+00:00Ward Walks LondonKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-40373472868632084172013-05-02T11:27:00.001+01:002013-05-02T11:27:16.984+01:00New Spring walks from Walk LondonAlthough I've only been on <a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/%22green%20chain%22" target="_blank">one of Walk London's organised walks</a>, I'm a big fan. They're a great way of getting out to explore somewhere new, hearing from enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides and, of course, meeting fellow walkers. A string of free guided London walks are coming up, and it looks as though the weather may be brightening to meet them. You can see all of the walks on offer on the <a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/*/1292/*/*" target="_blank">Walk 4 Life website</a>, but here are a few of my choice picks:<div>
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<a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/londons-hidden-alleyways-and-courtyards-0" target="_blank">London's hidden alleyways and courtyards</a></div>
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A short (1.5 mile) walk around St Paul's, exploring London's past and some interesting areas that it would be easy to overlook. Apparently this walk is wheelchair (and pushchair!) friendly.</div>
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Starting on the steps of St Paul's on 26 May at 1.30pm</div>
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<a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/somewhere-else-london" target="_blank">Somewhere Else London</a></div>
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On a similar 'hidden' theme, this walk will explore the back streets near some of London's most famous landmarks.</div>
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Starting at Embankment tube station on 25 May at 10.30am</div>
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<a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/londons-best-woodland-and-views-without-doubt" target="_blank">London's best woodland and views - without doubt</a></div>
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This includes some of my favourite parts of the Green Chain, taking in the view from Shooter's Hill and some wonderful woodland. A longer walk at 7 miles, but done at a leisurely pace over 3.5 hours. Lead by Ian Bull, who I agree is a great walking guide!</div>
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Starts at Belvedere railway station on 26 May at 1pm</div>
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<a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/the-thames-path-super-walk" target="_blank">The Thames Path SUPER WALK</a><br />
A whopping 17.5 miler, starting at Slade Green station and finishing in Greenwich. For obvious baby-shaped reasons I'm not going to be able to do this but, if you do go, I'd recommend having a celebratory pint of <a href="http://www.oldbrewerygreenwich.com/" target="_blank">Meantime at the Old Brewery</a> afterwards. Also lead by Ian, so you know it'll be a good one.<br />
Starts at Slade Green railway station on 25 May at 10am<br />
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<a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/*/1292/*/*" target="_blank">See the rest of the walks here!</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-56931999868597155682013-05-01T13:04:00.000+01:002013-05-01T13:34:36.544+01:00Happy birthday! So much has changed.Three years ago today, I decided to embark on one of the most incredible journeys I have ever undertaken. That year of training featured many of the toughest experiences I have faced, and the walk itself became one of the most rewarding. Three years ago today, I launched into a world I had little understanding of (training? stamina? competition? what's that?) and came out understanding a lot more about myself.<br />
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Since the walk, my life has changed dramatically. I have changed jobs once, moved house twice, and my hair is a good 10 inches shorter. Oh, and I had a baby 6 months ago too. So the walking is on hold. In fact, the longest walk I have undertaken in over a year was probably the one I posted back in <a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/here-we-go-again.html">January</a>. Where I also said that I was resurrecting the blog. Oops.<br />
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Anyway, today would have been my dad's 80th birthday. Although I can't believe that he's watching over us, I do believe that he is very much a silent grandfather for my daughter. She sleeps in a cot with bumpers made from his old cotton shirts, I sing the same songs to her that he sang to me and, although she's little and obviously doesn't understand, I frequently talk to her about him. Tonight I will cook something dad appropriate and raise a glass to his life - something I hope to share with her in the years to come too.<br />
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Thanks, Dad. And happy birthday.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-14017956193490030962012-01-26T15:15:00.000+00:002012-01-26T15:19:30.880+00:00Walking and wantingI haven't been out walking a huge amount lately as I've really been quite busy, but there have been a few things that have caught my eye:<br />
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Free London walks are back this weekend, thanks to Walk London. Some long, some short, but all interesting. I like the sound of '<a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/londons-hidden-alleyways-and-courtyards" target="_blank">London's hidden alleyways and courtyards'</a>, <a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/subterranean-london-what-youre-overlooking" target="_blank">'Subterranean London'</a> and <a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/seafaring-london-tower-bridge-greenwich" target="_blank">'Seafaring London'</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.walk4life.info/events/%2A/1292/%2A/%2A" target="_blank">Go and have a look at what else is on offer!</a><br />
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Back when I was training, I heard about the FitBit - a small clip-on pedometer and sleep tracker with a really useful online logging and analysis tool. At that time it was not availble in the UK, but guess what...<br />
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<a href="http://www.fitbit.com/" target="_blank">It's now here!</a><br />
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Even though I'm not doing crazy activity anymore, I'm massively interested in this. I can't quite put my finger on the attraction since I've tried pedometers and didn't like them and would probably forget to put this on at bedtime after the first week, but still there's something about that sleek black case, and clever auto-syncing, and the data. Oh, the data.<br />
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It's £80 though...and I guess I don't really need any more stuff. Especially if it's £80 stuff. Ho hum.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-87897933384893835002012-01-08T13:50:00.000+00:002012-01-08T17:06:19.529+00:00Here we go again.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/6658971717/" title="All the routes! One of them is the LOOP. by quitekate, on Flickr"><img alt="All the routes! One of them is the LOOP." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6658971717_70c7778b1d.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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New year, new walks! Something a little less stressful than the training regime at the start of last year, and without the same purpose, but still out and about exploring London. This is the year that we start walking the London Outer Orbital Path (<a href="http://walklondon.org.uk/route.asp?R=5" target="_blank">LOOP</a>).<br />
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The first route is a nice easy 8.5 miles from Erith to Old Bexley Village. No steep bits, no particularly rough paths, and with interesting views of two very different flavours: rivers (Thames, Darent, Cray) on one side; heavy industry on the other. I rather enjoyed that. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/6659001307/" title="The Thames at Erith by quitekate, on Flickr"><img alt="The Thames at Erith" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6659001307_6a370af7dc_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/6659021111/" title="Scrapyard in Erith. by quitekate, on Flickr"><img alt="Scrapyard in Erith." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6659021111_47cf87ff75_m.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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I took a few photos from the walk (and a video of some enthusiastic seagulls) which you can see in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/sets/72157628774986391/with/6659021111/" target="_blank">this Flickr set</a>. </div>
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I plan to resurrect this blog, not to raise money as before but to continue posting about my London walking adventures. And also any other bits that catch my eye. Which leads me nicely to direct you back to Matt Green's blog.</div>
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I first posted about Matt in July 2010, when I was right at the start of my training and finding inspiration from all over the place (<a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/07/wow-just-wow.html" target="_blank">you can read my original post here</a>). Matt's journey was certainly inspirational as he aimed to walk from one side of America to the other. Just because he fancied doing it. The result was not only some really beautiful and strange photos of the parts of the States that you don't usually see, but also an amazing insight into the country and the people who live there. <a href="http://imjustwalkin.com/2011/08/25/thoughts-on-the-red-line-the-extended-edition/" target="_blank">His last post</a> looking at the walk one year after finishing was a touching reflection on the kindness that he met during his journey.</div>
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The great news that came at the start of the year, is that Matt is now back out and walking full time again. This time he's aiming to walk every public road in New York City. Once again he's taking stunning photographs of usually unseen NYC and the people who inhabit the city. Please do go and <a href="http://imjustwalkin.com/nyc-details/" target="_blank">take a look at the details of his challenge</a> and enjoy the scattering of photos that he posts at the end of his daily walk.</div>
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Go! Go now! And I'll see you back here once I've hauled myself off the sofa for another stroll.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-8701887202634122582011-08-02T22:35:00.010+01:002011-08-02T22:48:43.347+01:00Three months on...Wow. Another month has gone by. And what a month. Highs, lows, busy times, quiet times. They've all been there. And then today, as I prepared to write this post, I got a fantastic email.<br /><br />Ages ago, I filled in a survey for <a href="http://mapumental.com/">Mapumental</a>, and of course totally forgot about it. But apparently there was a prize draw attached to this one, and my name was drawn to win a £50 donation to the charity of my choice. Guess which one I chose... That makes £1682 for the June Hancock Mesothelioma Fund. Hurrah!<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago my husband David and I took a weekend out to go back to my hometown for a visit. We had a particularly good day out with my Mum and Gran, driving through the nearby countryside and visiting places I hadn't seen in years. On Sunday we also had a little wander over to Southampton Common where this lovely chap posed for me and showed off his fabulous feet.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5998344615/in/photostream/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5998344615_3993c2bb30_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5998349131/in/photostream/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5998349131_0b1be25946_m.jpg" width="190" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I haven't really talked about coots and their place in the relationship with Dad. Perhaps I'll leave that for another time</span></center><br /><align="left">As often happens, the childhood photos made a brief appearance. While David amused himself by threatening to make pictures of me on a potty in the woods public, I was a little more taken with this one.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/6001544498_469aa43f21.jpg" width="400" /></center></img>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-15680157816125634092011-07-01T12:10:00.000+01:002011-07-01T12:10:30.081+01:00Two months on...The walk feels like such a long time ago. My legs are now pretty much back to normal, the joint pain I was having last month has gone, and the only thing that seems to keep the whole adventure real is the map on the kitchen wall that I still haven't had the heart to take down.<br /><br />In the last month since I wrote here I have taken part in a flamenco performance, continued singing pop songs in choir and been rather busy at work. In short, life has gone on. In the last month there has also been a Fathers' Day.<br /><br />I don't think I ever celebrated Fathers' Day when dad was alive. I think he had the same opinion of it as the one he held for Valentine's Day: another hollow opportunity for consumerism. Or at least that's how he presented it - I'm sure he'd actually quite like to have had a shoddily made card from me of course and maybe I should have made one for him. Ah well. The opportunity has gone now.<br /><br />Anyway, here's a little photo I found which must have been taken when I was maybe 13 or 14. It shows us during a day out to the <a href="http://www.heligan.com">Lost Gardens of Heligan</a>. This is how I remember time with Dad.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5890646170/" title="Me and Dad at Heligan"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5152/5890646170_4ecdca72c3.jpg" width="375" alt="Heligan"></a></center>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-55034638910179530852011-06-01T11:28:00.001+01:002011-06-01T23:29:17.519+01:00One month on...I'm now one whole month on from the start of my epic walk. <br /><br />Since then I've started feeling like I've got twice the time in the week than I had when training. Which is awesome. <br /><br />So, what have I been doing with all that perceived extra time? Not walking too much actually, thanks to a knee that's still a bit sore. But I've been back up and dancing, and I started singing in a choir for the first time in a decade. I've never had more varied things to interest me. <br /><br />That said, I have started missing the routine of the training a bit and I sometimes find myself wistfully looking out of the train window at the parks I used to walk through. And just as soon as my knee is back to normal, I'm getting back out there.<br /><br />David bought me a guide to walking <a href="http://www.walklondon.org.uk/route.asp?R=5">the LOOP</a> for my birthday so I think that will be our project over the summer. Not in one go this time though. It's 152 miles...Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-91996905206949145082011-05-08T19:33:00.001+01:002012-05-01T09:38:21.511+01:00One week on...I've spent the last week reflecting on the walk, flopping around my house and waiting for my ankles to fix themselves. It's only now just starting to sink in that the last year of training has finished and that I'll now have hours of extra time week - my brain's coming up with some great ideas of how to fill that, but perhaps for now I'll just devote the time to sitting.<br /><br />I've collected most of the photos that my friends took during the walk into one set on my Flickr, which you can now watch as one mammoth slideshow of the full 27 hours 11 minutes (it doesn't take quite that long to view!) Watch below, or <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/sets/72157626659445172/">go to the set page</a>. Enjoy!<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fquitekate%2Fsets%2F72157626659445172%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fquitekate%2Fsets%2F72157626659445172%2F&set_id=72157626659445172&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fquitekate%2Fsets%2F72157626659445172%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fquitekate%2Fsets%2F72157626659445172%2F&set_id=72157626659445172&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-7639008513872299882011-05-04T12:05:00.001+01:002011-05-04T12:07:48.273+01:00I do this so you don't have toThose of you who saw the picture of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5683795793/">my leg</a> I posted yesterday will know that I've had some trouble with swollen ankles and shins following the walk. Yesterday my left foot started swelling up too.<br /><br />This morning I woke up and nothing had improved, so I made an appointment with my doctor.<br /><br />I've just come back from that appointment and the verdict is that I have Compartment Syndrome. Apparently that's when the muscles swell to more than the sheath around them can contain. I've been told to rest up for a week, and I'm to go back to my doctor on Monday (er, Happy Birthday to me) to check how it's going.<br /><br />Still not regretting the walk - I really truly loved it - and rather pleased that I had the foresight to take the next week off work. Not quite the holiday I had planned though!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-85411835857793888942011-05-03T18:04:00.001+01:002012-05-01T09:38:21.507+01:00It's over.Hello everyone! It's Katy here! I hope my husband has been keeping you entertained in my absence.<br /><br />So, that walk then. It was quite long, wasn't it? I have to say that it didn't feel as long as it was though.<br /><br />Sure there were moments when I felt really incredibly down, but every time I did there was someone there to cheer me up and get me going again. Even my incredibly painful ankles (which started hurting just a few hours in) couldn't stop me, and once dawn broke there was no doubt in my mind that I would cross the finishing line. OK, not in the 24 hours I had hoped for but after 27 hours and 11 minutes of non-stop walking.<br /><br />Once home I survived for a few hours of my celebration party before falling asleep on the sofa and having to be led upstairs to bed at 6.45pm. I had an awesome 14 hours of sleep, but am starting to feel nappish all over again now.<br /><br />Here are a few photos from the end. I think there are some more floating around out there, so there might be a couple more picture posts to come.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="A canal that did not defeat me! Out by the river Lee/Lea by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5683839403/"><img alt="A canal that did not defeat me! Out by the river Lee/Lea" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5683839403_42de3917ee.jpg" width="375" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Striding along Green Lanes by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5684407142/"><img alt="Striding along Green Lanes" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5684407142_4d3c90fe7d.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="Crossing the finishing line at Woolwich Foot Tunnel by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5683795915/"><img alt="Crossing the finishing line at Woolwich Foot Tunnel" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5683795915_0526220859.jpg" width="375" height="500" /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em></a><br />I crossed the finishing line at Woolwich, 27 hours and 11 minutes after setting off.<br /></span><br /><a title="My poor swollen bruised ankle. It's got worse since then too...EEKS! by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5683795793/"><img alt="My poor swollen bruised ankle. It's got worse since then too...EEKS!" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5683795793_3c6909aa2e.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">This is what more than a day on your feet will do to your ankles -<br />they are so swollen that they have bruised themselves.</span></em><br /><br /><a title="I gave up at about 6.30, falling asleep on the sofa after 27 hours of walking and 36 hours of being awake by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5684364662/"><img alt="I gave up at about 6.30, falling asleep on the sofa after 27 hours of walking and 36 hours of being awake" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5684364662_c20f3d23fe.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br /></p></em>I want to say special thanks to all of my lovely walk volunteers: Clairey, Ollie, Mel, Filiz, Jo, Emma, Ed, Ewan, Linzi, Edd, Carla, Michael, Lizzy, Dani, Pippa, Bec, George and Paul. Without you guys cheering me on I know that I could not have completed even half of it.<br /><br />I also want to say an extra special thank you to my Mum and my fantastic husband David. They both provided wonderful support running up to and during the walk, and for David that's now extended to bringing me cups of tea while I rest my swollen legs.<br /><br />Thank you, thank you everyone.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-24851541885929660362011-05-02T11:31:00.007+01:002012-05-01T09:38:21.496+01:00PhotosHere are some photos of Kate + entourage from Highgate onwards:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdfV-yPykUU/Tb6IW8u9CWI/AAAAAAAAAB0/sMCAEVq5f_M/s1600/DSCF7499.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdfV-yPykUU/Tb6IW8u9CWI/AAAAAAAAAB0/sMCAEVq5f_M/s320/DSCF7499.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602064914337040738" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVOgD7gwFTk/Tb6IiGTX3BI/AAAAAAAAAB8/h8DyrHSRjXc/s1600/DSCF7502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVOgD7gwFTk/Tb6IiGTX3BI/AAAAAAAAAB8/h8DyrHSRjXc/s320/DSCF7502.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602065105884273682" /></a><br /><center><i>In Queens Wood near Highgate</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCW-FhbbC_w/Tb6I4TzCHyI/AAAAAAAAACE/UdUVRKgTU6A/s1600/DSCF7504.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCW-FhbbC_w/Tb6I4TzCHyI/AAAAAAAAACE/UdUVRKgTU6A/s320/DSCF7504.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602065487463849762" /></a><br /><center><i>Less than 17 miles to go!</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpXEimI3eTU/Tb6JSC09kvI/AAAAAAAAACM/e6t81ai71bA/s1600/DSCF7505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpXEimI3eTU/Tb6JSC09kvI/AAAAAAAAACM/e6t81ai71bA/s320/DSCF7505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602065929585136370" /></a><br /><center><i>Sprite on the Parkland Walk</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNncdk-p2cw/Tb6JlevQciI/AAAAAAAAACU/ehLH9dxdFRk/s1600/DSCF7507.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNncdk-p2cw/Tb6JlevQciI/AAAAAAAAACU/ehLH9dxdFRk/s320/DSCF7507.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602066263494914594" /></a><br /><center><i>Katy, relaxed</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJalnmcreHo/Tb6JzFEGK_I/AAAAAAAAACc/P86dUZ3gaHc/s1600/DSCF7508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJalnmcreHo/Tb6JzFEGK_I/AAAAAAAAACc/P86dUZ3gaHc/s320/DSCF7508.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602066497121168370" /></a><br /><center><i>The gang at Stoke Newington</i></center><br /><br />David<br />-x-Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202791547001063299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-75126089205741030442011-05-02T10:20:00.004+01:002012-05-01T09:38:21.504+01:00Hello again! This is David back home in south London again. <br /><br />As I write this, Kate is now making her way through section 14 of the Capital Ring's 15 sections. The last update posted to this blog had her leaving Greenford shortly after midnight with Oliver. The previously-mentioned ankle pain got quite a lot worse over sections 10 and 11 (Greenford - South Kenton - Hendon) and I know that Kate is incredibly grateful for the support that Oliver gave to help get her through these difficult moments. <br /><br />They were joined by Lizzy, Carla and Michael shortly before Hendon. Some Deep Heat supplied by Carla helped combat some of Katy's aches and all five pushed on towards Highgate. Along the way they picked up Dani and the tag team pairing of George and Paul, Kate's brother and sister (whilst one walked the other drove the car ahead slightly, and so on). I met the gang just before Highgate Station at around 7am for the walk to Stoke Newington. Carla and Michael headed home at this point and Oliver left us for some well-earned rest at Highgate, but our numbers were soon swelled again by a returning Ed, Angel and Mel on the Parkland Walk. Heading into Clissold Park we picked up even more supporters in the shape of Pippa and Bec!<br /><br />I said my goodbyes at Stoke Newington but was replaced by Katy's mum, Jan. Lizzy finished around here as well. Heading on from Stokey towards Hackney Wick with Kate were Jan, Ed, Angel, Mel, Dani, Pippa, Bec and George/Paul. <br /><br />I think I've mentioned everyone, but please correct me if not! It was amazing to see so many lovely people coming out to support Kate like that. Thank you all so much! <br /><br />Kate has slowed down quite a bit now as the effects of the walk start to take hold. She is now likely to complete the walk at around 12.30-13.00. If you're free and able to get over there, why not join us at the south entrance of Woolwich Foot Tunnel to cheer her home?<br /><br />I'm sat here in the kitchen writing this post, looking at the huge <a target="_new" href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2011/04/behind-as-usual.html">"Mission Control"</a> map on the wall which shows the whole route. The scale of what Kate has done only really starts to sink in looking at this. I am so in awe of what my wonderful, wonderful wife has achieved!<br /><br />David<br />-x-Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202791547001063299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-91823728917229197992011-05-02T03:24:00.008+01:002012-05-01T09:37:50.905+01:00And we're backHello! First of all, huge apologies for the lengthy radio silence there. This was caused by a combination of a later than expected arrival in Greenford followed by a nightbus epic. <br /><br />If you're following the twitter updates then you'll know that Kate is very much still going. However, she's had some pain from her ankles which has caused her to slow down a little more, on top of the earlier delay resulting from taking a wrong turn. At the time of writing this she is around 90 minutes behind the scheduled time. It is possible that she might lose more time yet. If you're planning on meeting her, please text (or ideally just ring) me for the latest. I'm going to head over myself to join her for some of the walk soon.<br /><br />Kate was joined by Jo for the walk from Streatham to Wimbledon Park, where Angel and Ed took over for the hike across Richmond Park. She reached Richmond Bridge at about 21.15 where Edd, Linzi and Ewan took over chaperoning duties. Ewan clocked off at Boston Manor and Edd and Linzi stayed with her until Greenford. I was waiting at Greenford with Oliver and some hot food and a change of footwear. Kate made it to Greenford at 00.15 - around an hour behind schedule - and departed in good cheer with Oliver. She has since passed South Kenton and is ploughing on towards Hendon and beyond. She's taken some painkillers for her ankles and is very much looking forward to reaching Hendon and Highgate, where many more people will be joining her.<br /><br />Once again, thank you so so much to everybody who has supported her so far. She has now been walking for 17.5 hours! These last few sections are going to be tough, but I know she can do it. Go Kate!<br /><br />Here are some photos taken at the pitstop in Greenford:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etzVufYEwwU/Tb4a79K6oWI/AAAAAAAAABU/hapUC4oH4-E/s1600/DSCF7489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etzVufYEwwU/Tb4a79K6oWI/AAAAAAAAABU/hapUC4oH4-E/s320/DSCF7489.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601944603830428002" /></a><br /><center><i>Pasta is gooood</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OS7k5cUxL28/Tb4bNAfk1mI/AAAAAAAAABc/SygzokOhGNo/s1600/DSCF7494.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OS7k5cUxL28/Tb4bNAfk1mI/AAAAAAAAABc/SygzokOhGNo/s320/DSCF7494.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601944896780162658" /></a><br /><center><i>Edd thinks so too</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6MoYQbkoYp0/Tb4bejoNv7I/AAAAAAAAABk/1S48TQETIJs/s1600/DSCF7497.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6MoYQbkoYp0/Tb4bejoNv7I/AAAAAAAAABk/1S48TQETIJs/s320/DSCF7497.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945198269415346" /></a><br /><center><i>It's a little blurry in the photo, but the arrow on the left says it's just 34 miles until she's back at the Woolwich Foot Tunnel!</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1N6WjHWY-0/Tb4b4fayxnI/AAAAAAAAABs/estykxk0wag/s1600/DSCF7498.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1N6WjHWY-0/Tb4b4fayxnI/AAAAAAAAABs/estykxk0wag/s320/DSCF7498.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601945643815978610" /></a><br /><center><i>And she's off again!</i></center><br /><br />David<br />-x-Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202791547001063299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-33873429076459808592011-05-01T19:36:00.003+01:002012-05-01T09:37:50.896+01:00Onwards!Kate is still going strong and should be crossing the Thames pretty soon. I'm heading out shortly to west London to meet her with a change of socks and shoes and a Thermos full of hot pasta, so things will be quiet on here and twitter for a while. All volunteers should have my mobile number in case of any problems or queries.<br /><br />I promise to bring back photos!<br /><br />David<br />-x-Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202791547001063299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-39722458605435335772011-05-01T18:07:00.006+01:002012-05-01T09:37:50.898+01:00PhotosWell, after taking a wrong turning somewhere around Biggin Hill Woods on section 4, Kate is now back on track and pressing on towards Wimbledon and Richmond. Huge thanks must go to Clairey, Mel and Filiz who have been walking with Kate at various stages during the day. Mel has sent in a few photos taken during the fourth stage:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NT2AD2F035Q/Tb2UE3CObkI/AAAAAAAAAAs/a4f3pxcdtXU/s1600/223330_10150169150817234_637992233_7423634_3228346_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NT2AD2F035Q/Tb2UE3CObkI/AAAAAAAAAAs/a4f3pxcdtXU/s320/223330_10150169150817234_637992233_7423634_3228346_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601796322732437058" /></a><br /><center><i>Katy and mum Jan</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbinzUWIrsY/Tb2UXB38ZSI/AAAAAAAAAA0/vQWoAAQAYp8/s1600/224607_10150169151722234_637992233_7423688_6778815_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbinzUWIrsY/Tb2UXB38ZSI/AAAAAAAAAA0/vQWoAAQAYp8/s320/224607_10150169151722234_637992233_7423688_6778815_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601796634879747362" /></a><br /><center><i>Ducklings!</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKUpuTW7dBQ/Tb2UrreQsjI/AAAAAAAAABM/lFvpUgb_zUQ/s1600/230724_10150169152207234_637992233_7423720_6525780_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKUpuTW7dBQ/Tb2UrreQsjI/AAAAAAAAABM/lFvpUgb_zUQ/s320/230724_10150169152207234_637992233_7423720_6525780_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601796989643698738" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dej0dARZ6s/Tb2UrTgDuSI/AAAAAAAAABE/5JgOTZnhVWs/s1600/230059_10150169150242234_637992233_7423625_3244314_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dej0dARZ6s/Tb2UrTgDuSI/AAAAAAAAABE/5JgOTZnhVWs/s320/230059_10150169150242234_637992233_7423625_3244314_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601796983208786210" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDk16PQEAMc/Tb2UrHyvBgI/AAAAAAAAAA8/8iTH-lFwfjo/s1600/228044_10150169152492234_637992233_7423723_2384383_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDk16PQEAMc/Tb2UrHyvBgI/AAAAAAAAAA8/8iTH-lFwfjo/s320/228044_10150169152492234_637992233_7423723_2384383_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601796980065895938" /></a><br /><center><i>Dinosaurs!</i></center><br /><br />David<br />-x-Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202791547001063299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-50296373876123284192011-05-01T15:56:00.003+01:002012-05-01T09:37:50.901+01:00Kate has just been in touch to let me know that she's running ever so slightly behind schedule (only by 10 minutes or so) but is feeling physically fine. At the time of writing this post she will have been walking for six hours - a quarter of the total time. She's covered around 20 miles so far and burned around 1600-1700 calories already! Go go Kate!<br /><br />David<br />-x-Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202791547001063299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-2878914405790873032011-05-01T12:59:00.010+01:002012-05-01T09:37:50.894+01:00And we're off...Kate set off from the southern entrance to the Woolwich Foot Tunnel at 10am sharp this morning. Accompanying her for the first few miles were Claire, Oliver, myself, Linzi and Edd. We made good time over section 1 of the Capital Ring, reaching Falconwood at around 11.45. Kate then headed on towards Grove Park with Claire for company. Oliver and I headed back home (via The Greggs). Oliver, Linzi and Edd (and hopefully me too!) will all be rejoining Kate later on during the walk. Here are a few photos:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig4VMJaUbJs/Tb1Mz1JAx6I/AAAAAAAAAAM/MTXfCgY2RmQ/s1600/DSCF7482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig4VMJaUbJs/Tb1Mz1JAx6I/AAAAAAAAAAM/MTXfCgY2RmQ/s320/DSCF7482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601717964840683426" /></a><br /><center><i>Katy at the start</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPGrBDFC3OU/Tb1NXQPDZ2I/AAAAAAAAAAk/0aM0aG90Xo0/s1600/DSCF7485.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 308px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPGrBDFC3OU/Tb1NXQPDZ2I/AAAAAAAAAAk/0aM0aG90Xo0/s320/DSCF7485.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601718573409199970" /></a><br /><center><i>The early walkers</i></center><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHrtD_ZZvfI/Tb1NK64ux-I/AAAAAAAAAAc/foUtda492bo/s1600/DSCF7488.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHrtD_ZZvfI/Tb1NK64ux-I/AAAAAAAAAAc/foUtda492bo/s320/DSCF7488.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601718361519998946" /></a><br /><em></em><em></em><br /><center><i>Oliver, Kate and Claire outside the excellently-named Severndroog Castle</i></center><br /><br />David<br />-x-Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202791547001063299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-79204942950996060262011-04-30T22:24:00.003+01:002012-05-01T09:37:50.903+01:00The new man in chargeHello. This is David (Katy's husband) posting. I'm going to be looking after this blog and Katy's twitter account for the next couple of days whilst she's undertaking her walk. I'll be posting updates and information about how things are going and, if I can figure out how to do it, I'll also post some photos as well. If you're going to be joining Katy for any part of her walk, feel free to take photos and send them in to <a href="mailto:wardwalkslondon@quitecommon.com">wardwalkslondon@quitecommon.com</a>.<br /><br />Good luck Katy!<br /><br />David<br />-x-Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202791547001063299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-65077208104932753282011-04-30T20:58:00.000+01:002011-04-30T20:58:40.268+01:00TOTY: Number One<b>Number One: When everyone rallied round</b><br />I've been really touched by everyone offering their help and their feet to tomorrow's walking effort. That's got to be the ultimate highlight of this year.<br /><br />My house, and my belly, are full and I'm just making final preparations for the day (er, days) ahead. I'm very excited, but rather nervous. <br /><br />I can't wait until I get to see some of you there, but even if you can't join me I would like to thank you for your support. Every kind word, every pound donated, has made the whole experience so wonderful. Thank you.<br /><br />Right, where are my trainers?Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-80214264936452873682011-04-29T01:10:00.006+01:002011-04-30T01:23:55.874+01:00TOTY: Number TwoIt's the night before the night before. I'm already super-nervous, and once again I'm reflecting on the past year to avoid thinking about Sunday. This highlight is a happy by-product of this Challenge and of writing this blog. I've really enjoyed this part, so thanks for listening.<br /><br /><a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/05/introducing.html"><strong>Number Two: The bit where I got to share my dad with you</strong></a><br />Maybe it was a bit self indulgent of me to start posting <a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/05/footsteps.html">pictures of Dad on holiday</a> and <a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/06/something-was-missed.html">necklaces he had made me</a>, but as I found myself thinking about him as I walked it seemed natural to write about him afterwards.<br /><br />Of course, I didn't really think about people paying attention to my whitterings. I was just jotting them down as they came to me.<br /><br />But then a pair of <a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/10/things.html">my Dad's socks</a> were put in a cabinet in one of my favourite museums and suddenly it felt like I was having a chat with more than just myself.<br /><br /><center><a title="Our special socks in the Things exhibition by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5098887207/"><img alt="Our special socks in the Things exhibition, Wellcome Collection" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/5098887207_f1c7e86993.jpg" width="400" /></a></center><br />So, as I haven't shared anything for a while, I thought I'd let you see one of my most treasured posessions.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="The Golden Gift Book by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5670114995/"><img alt="The Golden Gift Book" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5670114995_9904c22b44.jpg" width="400" /></a></p>This is my Dad's copy of The Golden Gift Book, a collection of stories that he read when he was a boy and used to read to me when I was little. Some of the stories are utterly fantastic. My favourite was The Cockatoucan - the story of a bird that turned a kingdom upside down every time it laughed.<br /><br /><center><a title="The Cockatoucan - Golden Gift Book by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5670676160/"><img alt="The Cockatoucan - Golden Gift Book" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5670676160_a495ea362e_m.jpg" width="195" /></a><a title="The king in his butcher's shop - Golden Gift Book by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5670679110/"><img alt="The king in his butcher's shop - Golden Gift Book" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5670679110_aaa5b857b8_m.jpg" width="195" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>You can see that Dad enjoyed this story too - he's coloured in the pictures</em></span></center><br />I think my favourite reversal in the story was when the palace was turned into a butcher's shop, and the king '<i>who was too wise to fight against fate, had tucked up his royal robes and was busy in the shop weighing out six ounces of the best mutton chops</i>'. There is also a fantastic moment when the king is turned into a villa residence.<br /><br />Anyway, the part of this book that I really love now is the bookplate in the front.<br /><br /><center><a title="My dad's nameplace - Golden Gift Book by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5670673572/"><img alt="My dad's nameplace - Golden Gift Book" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5670673572_0ea5f6bc44.jpg" width="400" height="375" /></a></center><br />Dad gave me this book (and its sister, Princess Mary's Gift Book) shortly before he died. I will always treasure it, and I hope that one day I will get to read the stories to someone who is just as captivated as I was.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-231997424042875452011-04-28T13:15:00.002+01:002011-04-28T13:24:14.695+01:00TOTY: Number ThreeThis happened before TOTY Four, but it was an incredibly important turning point for me and taught me a very valuable lesson.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/08/20-mile-verdict.html">Number Three: The day when I learnt it's not pain, it's 'discomfort'.</a></b><br />My first time crossing the 20 mile barrier was a painful, sorry, <i>uncomfortable</i> one. It was a hot day at the end of August and once again I was planning to walk along Regent's Canal.<br /><br />I'd already had problems with Regent's Canal when my legs starting hurting on that particular stretch during a training walk in July. And it reared up as my enemy again in September and then once more in March (I avoid the whole area now), but it was during August that I learnt to just keep going. I imagine that this spirit will probably make the difference between success and failure on Sunday/Monday, so I'm glad I learnt it early.<br /><br /><br /><center><a title="Boat cat! by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5567362549/"><img alt="Boat cat!" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5567362549_276d564d84.jpg" height="400" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-size:85%;">I'm not posting a picture of Regent's Canal, because I hate it.<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size:85%;">Have a picture of a </span></i><i><span style="font-size:85%;">cat on a boat on the River Lee instead.</span></center></i>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-18477927708762606722011-04-28T07:30:00.005+01:002011-04-28T09:29:51.690+01:00TOTY: Number FourSomewhat delayed, thanks to a technical fail which saw my email fall over, here's Number Four in my Top of the Year rundown.<br /><br /><a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/09/finally-broke-that-magic-20-mile.html"><strong>Number Four: When 22.5 miles was a breeze. And then I broke my toe.</strong></a><br />I knew I was tempting fate when I jogged back from the bus stop after that 22.5 mile walk to make sure that I got to the gig on time. But I didn't know that fate would hold out until later that evening and then grab that temptation with both hands.<br /><br />The toe break (my first broken bone) took me out of action for a while, but could have been a lot worse. In fact I only got <a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/09/verdict-is-in.html">an x-ray</a> because the doctor I saw thought it could be a very messy dislocation or fracture of the joint itself (yes, the toe was out at a very special angle).<br /><br />No further breaks so far, and I've been careful when placing postcards in other people's beds since then. Better to be safe than sorry!<br /><p align="center"><a title="mattberry by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5663775622/"><img alt="mattberry" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5663775622_03ac36579e_o.jpg" width="200" height="283" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Surprised best friend and howling self not pictured.</em></span> </p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-80731606229868423332011-04-26T13:36:00.004+01:002011-04-26T13:53:14.885+01:00TOTY: Number FiveIn these final few days before the walk, I'm finding myself doing little walking and lots of thinking. Reflecting on the past year there are a number of moments that really stand out for me. I thought that I would share them with you in the form of a Top of the Year Top Five.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://wardwalkslondon.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-been-one-of-those-weeks.html">Number Five: When 12 miles was a really long way.</a></b><br />Although I had mitigating circumstances (I was suffering from a severe flare-up of RSI in my wrist) a 12 mile walk from my house in Lewisham to a BBQ at my friends' house in Hampstead took a ridiculously long time. When I arrived I was hot, pink and very very sleepy. In fact, it wasn't long after I arrived that I took a nap on their sofa and my husband tried to stick a sausage in my ear (not a euphemism).<br /><br />Thankfully things have gotten easier since then.<br /><p align="center"><a title="sleepyatcarlas by quitekate, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5656996597/"><img alt="sleepyatcarlas" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5656996597_58b2405936_m.jpg" width="216" height="240" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Husband and sausage not pictured<br /></span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo taken by my lovely friend Carla</span> </em></p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-64244030069219519292011-04-25T09:59:00.001+01:002011-04-25T09:59:00.857+01:00One week to go...This time next week I will be hopefully be finishing the biggest journey of my life. <br /><br />At the moment I've been far too busy organising all the extra arrangements to make it go smoothly to get too nervous (except when I'm asleep - I'm still having those dreams) but I'm sure I'll be shaking as we set off.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far: all the support, offers of help and, of course, donations have reminded me why I'm doing this and given me a boost whenever I've doubted myself. Here's to next week!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103485326681990218.post-70334264398059930052011-04-20T22:25:00.000+01:002011-04-20T22:25:36.301+01:00A bit of a breather. And some runners.Hello! Before I get into this post, I've got a little bit of walk business to attend to.<br /><br />By now everyone who was interested in walking with me should have received an email with walk timings. If you didn't and you're interested in joining, or you know someone else who would like to ramble with me, leave a message here for me and I'll pass the details on.<br /><br />It's now just 10 days to the walk and the nerves are starting to set in. I'm finding myself waking up in the middle of the night worrying about little details just as much as big problems. My favourite theme seems to be anxiety dreams about finding locked toilets. Or searching out a secluded spot for a wee only to find someone peering out of a window. Disturbing.<br /><br />Anyway, that wasn't really what I wanted to write a post about (I really don't think you need to hear about my imagined bladder concerns, but oh look, you have now). I really wanted to talk about these two: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quitekate/5638283918/" title="Clairey and Lizzy on mile 18 of the marathon by quitekate, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5638283918_535fecc636.jpg" width="400" alt="Clairey and Lizzy on mile 18 of the marathon"></a><br /><br />Clairey and Lizzy ran the London marathon on Sunday and I went along as part of a little cheer leading squad. For Lizzy (handily marked out by having her name written on her chest) this was a first time marathon, for Clairey (similar handy markings) the second in 8 days. <br /><br />Both did wonderfully at something that I can't even imagine doing. Honestly, for all the anxiety dreams and bitten nails that this walk has prompted, the mere thought of running a couple of miles (let alone 26.2 miles) sets off the tremors. <br /><br />Anyway, I'm very pleased that Clairey will be joining me for a few sections of the walk next weekend, and hopefully Lizzy will be able to pop by for a little bit too. Maybe I can steal some of their stamina!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15953622924981163818noreply@blogger.com0