With less than a month to go before the Playtex Moonwalk 2007, marmaREPORTER Carrie-Ann Skinner takes time out from training to kick back at a theme park
Even though I am counting down the days till the event, it didn’t really dawn on me how close it really is until I got an email from Walk the Walk. 35 days to go it screamed in huge red letters, which caused a flurry of nail biting and agitated foot tapping. It was quite clearly time to spring into action and tie up all the loose ends, creating a very eventful fortnight.
First on my checklist was of course the costume. After many discussions, Natalie and I finally decided upon the theme. To be honest with the way fashion is at the moment and my huge love for all things retro, there was only ever going to be one theme – the 1980s. The pair of us have been scouring the shops, which at least provided me with a valid excuse to hit the new Primark on Oxford Street, in search of neon brights. I won’t describe the whole outfit as that will spoil the surprise but if you think yellow and pink neon bikini tops accessorised with sweat bands, leg warmers, leggings and visors, you’ll get the picture. I’ll be sure to post a photo following the event.
On the walking front, I’ve suffered a bit of a setback. I walked 22 miles last weekend and it took me just over five hours and 30 minutes and proves that I am on track for an average speed of 15 minutes a mile. However, this weekend I took a break from training. It was Annette’s birthday, which resulted in a trip to Chessington World of Adventures and an impromptu BBQ thanks to the good weather. Of course, it also ensured the weekend slipped by in a haze of sunshine, burgers and the odd glass of wine.
I was determined to get back into my routine and was planning 23 miles for this weekend. However, on Monday night I hurtled headfirst down the stairs at Charing Cross station. At first I thought it was only my pride that was hurt but after limping to the train I discovered I’d aggravated an old injury and my left foot was twice its normal size. I headed straight to the freezer for the frozen peas and gave my foot plenty of rest, which meant cancelling all exercise plans for the week. The last thing I wanted to do was make the injury worse for the actual event. I also took to hobbling around work with a stretchy bandage on, which gained me plenty of sympathy from my colleagues including the very cute IT guy – every cloud has a silver lining!
Hopefully a week’s rest will give my foot time to heal and I’ll be back on track next weekend to walk 23 miles, with at least 14 days spare before the event. I’ve also been thrilled by how well my sponsorship is going thanks to my very generous friends and family. I’ve surpassed the £200 mark and there are still a number of people who have promised to sponsor me once payday comes around.
There’s a huge downside to all the training and that’s the state my feet have ended up in! My once perfectly pampered feet are now covered in hard skin and blisters. I also had to trim my toenails short in case they started to rub on my trainers. However, I’ve booked myself in for a pedicure the day after the Moonwalk to get them back into tip-top shape. Of course, what a real girl needs to show off her beautifully manicured feet is a new pair of shoes. Never one to turn down a shopping trip, Annette and I elected to treat ourselves, so we’ve taken the day off work next Friday and we are going to drive to Bicester Shopping Village in Oxfordshire in search of the ultimate thrill – a pair of Jimmy Choos. The retail outlet offers 70% off so the damage to my bank account will be a lot less as well! I can’t wait until the event is over to show off my brand news shoes.
Find out more about the Moonwalk at www.walkthewalk.org. Carrie-Ann Skinner is a freelance journalist and PR executive specialising in fashion, music and property. She can be contacted at carrieannskinner@hotmail.com.
