I did it!
And, thanks to you all you amazing people, I raised an amazing £1,085!!
The campaign as a whole has so far raised over £30,000!
It was a really hot day last Sunday, but we started early, at 7am - after a warm-up with a very enthusiastic fitness trainer calming our nerves! The first check point was 4 miles in and we had reliably been informed there would be coffee available. This helped immensely with getting me up the first (evilest and longest) hill of the day, rising up from the banks of the River Thames at Mouslford to high up on the Berkshire Downs.
I got into a great stride from there to the next checkpoint, at 10 miles, chatting with various people. After fuelling up on flapjacks, I started to walk with a couple of women who were going at a great pace, helping me along.
Lots of lovely marshals were on hand to make sure we didn't get lost, enjoying the sunshine. A few glasses of wine were spotted, but I think they still kept everyone on track!
The next checkpoint was at 16 miles, and for me, this was the hardest stretch - the 2 miles between 14 and 16 seemed to go on forever. At last, with 10 miles to go, energy returned and from 20 miles onwards it was mostly downhill. A final checkpoint and lovely homemade treats from a woman dressed for a garden party, and we were almost back at the river.
The final two or so miles we followed the banks of the Thames, passing lots of people picnicking and having fun in or on the water. With plenty of will power, ignoring blisters, we passed an overflowing pub and marched our way up a last incline back to the finishing post.
I was anticipating the walk would take me 9 hours, so I was very pleased to finish in 8.5, even happier to get my shoes off and delighted to have a massage and a well-deserved can of coke.
Thanks again to you all for sponsoring me. I could not have done it without your support, and I know the charities are going to make excellent use of the funds.
Lots of love, Ruth x
