My first posting on the Mpora Thames Walk Challenge Blog

Last night at a Tupperware Party (don't laugh, it's cool again!), the only Tupperware man in Central London, Andrew Humphrey, suggested that I start a web log about my training for and achievement (hopefully) of my Thames Walk Challenge next month. I don't normally keep a diary so this might be an additional challenge but hey, I'll give anything a go once.

So this is posting number one.

What is the Mpora Thames Walk Challenge?
Well, it is my attempt to fund raise for a very deserving non-governmental organisation in Uganda called the Mpora Rural Family Home. On the 28th July 2006 I will start walking from the source of the Thames in the Cotswolds and will continue to follow the Thames right to the end of the path at the Thames Barrier. It'll be about 186 miles. Before you get too impressed by this extreme challenge, I should point out that I will stop walking overnight and that the whole attempt should last two weeks.

For lots of people this is probably hardly a challenge at all, but I'm not an experienced long distance walker and as my recent training has made painfully clear, walking is MUCH HARDER than you'd think. So far I'm finding that any walks over about 10 or 11 miles start to really take their toll (aching shoulders, hips, back... don't even talk about the state of my feet, I'm convinced I'm about to lose a toe nail). The longest walk on the trail is 18.25 miles - luckily a few days in, but still rather an awe-inspiring target on the horizon.

I'll sign off now as I need to go and do another training walk. Luckily only a couple of hours today as it is looking like the beginning of a hot day. I think I'll walk to Kew Gardens and who knows, maybe have a sneaky capuccino and carrot cake. Now is that why I haven't managed to lose any weight I wonder?

Valerie