Last year, marmaREPORTER Carrie-Ann Skinner decided to sign up for the Playtex Moonwalk 2007. And she’s only just beginning to realise what she’s taken on...

“If I am totally honest, I am really scared about what I’ve let myself in for! I keep waking up in a cold sweat in the early hours of the morning, panicking that I’m going to fail. I guess I’d better explain…

The Moonwalk is held every year in May. Around 10,000 women walk the streets of London. At night. In their bras. All in a bid to raise money for Walk the Walk, a charity offering vital support for breast cancer care. Last year, my Mum and I completed the Half Moon, or 13.1 miles of the walk, after which my Mum very sensibly put her walking shoes in the cupboard never to see the light of day again.

However I had to go that one step further. Spurred on by my success, (after all I was the girl that always bunked PE at school so 13.1 miles was a great achievement), and the fact that 2007 is the 10th anniversary of the event, I decided to do it again – but this time the full 26.2 miles!

It didn’t seem like such a huge task last September, but the three months since have slipped by very quickly in a blur of drinking, eating and generally getting into the Christmas spirit. Now with 2006 well and truly behind me, and many cold and wet months ahead of me, it’s time to get training!

It is recommended that you aim to walk three times a week, working yourself slowly up towards 20 miles (leaving six to complete at the actual event). With this in mind I’ve been walking for five miles twice a week and aiming for a longer walk at weekends. I grabbed the bull by the horns last weekend and went for my first long walk –10 miles. It started well, the sun was shinning and the tunes from my iPod were spurring me along. I was about an hour and a half in, when some ominous dark clouds began edging towards the brilliant sunshine. Then within a few minutes the heavens has opened.

Like a pro, I kept going despite the pouring rain, much to the amusement of all the Saturday drivers smug and warm in their cars. The rain was also hampering my attempts at pulling an athletic young man en route. I was aiming for athletic and fresh-faced beauty. However, I only succeeded in mastering the drowned rat look! I soldiered on through the wind and rain with only Girls Aloud for company and eventually home was in sight.

After a hot bath and a cup of tea, I realised I had enjoyed myself and I wasn’t as exhausted as I thought I would be, although I’ve got a long way to go! Before you all applaud me for being brave enough to do this on my own, I do have to admit I have a friend who has signed up with me. Although Natalie only fancied 13.1 miles. We’ll be together for 8 miles but after that I’m on my own. That’s the scary thought…”

Find out more about the Moonwalk at www.walkthewalk.org and keep an eye out for Carrie Ann’s next instalment.