Exiting Hyde Park

We managed to keep pace quite comfortably except when we had to stop for traffic! We had lots of support from the general public and local traffic, a highlight was a passenger in a passing car, who had a selection of printed cards, as I passed he held one up “great tits!” I’m easily pleased! The route took us past St James Park, along the embankment where we crossed the river to come back past the Globe and Tate Modern. We crossed the river a further 3 times along the embankment, through Battersea park, past Knightsbridge & Harrods for some window shopping, with the dawn chorus at 3.45am! Back along Chelsea embankment, where we passed walkers going in the other direction, initially we thought these walkers were ahead of us, then realised they were at the 13 mile mark on the way out; we were at the 20 mile mark, well on the way home – phew! From here it was a quick 5 miles back through St James Park and into Hyde park for a very long last mile back to the finish. Lucy and I had kept up the four mile an hour pace, without a loo stop to complete the 26.2 miles in 6.5 hours, we were very chuffed with this achievement. We refreshed ourselves, grabbed a hot drink & a bacon sandwich, then sat ourselves in the sun, on our foil blankets to cheer Rosie & Paula home. They joined us a short time later. It was quite emotional to cross the line, shattered but very happy with what we had all achieved. Katie (Sticky Kt, with the neat sewing, who had decorated my bra!) met us at the finish, and kindly drove Paula & me to Waterloo. The younger girls (Lucy & Rosie were staying up in London to dance the evening away at a Michael Buble concert!).

The MoonWalk was a brilliantly organised event, with a huge number of volunteers, that kept us motivated along the route, handing us water, feeding us fruit & providing sweeties; they frequently went the extra mile and encouraged you by name. (Most walkers had these written on their chests!) It is a fabulous event to participate in that raises millions of pounds for breast cancer charities. If you are looking for a challenge – get involved with this one!