My Edinburgh…

Thank you Anna for sharing your MoonWalk Scotland experience with us all.

Well it has been a week since the big night and I have had time to reflect and write my thoughts down.

My training for it was non existent. I did 3 walks totalling 15 miles. This is not how you get ready. My lack of training was due to work commitment and family problems. But I was doing the Full Moon come what may.

So the time came and we drove up to Edinburgh from Llanelli and arrived at 10.00 on Friday morning. We had a lovely quiet day exploring the city before heading back for a nap.

I woke Saturday morning to the news I had been dreading. My uncle Michael had lost his battle with cancer. He had lasted 2 weeks longer than anyone thought even himself. My mind was made up. Edinburgh 2015 was going to be for him. I was going to finish this even on my hands and knees if needed.

Off I head for the white pink tent feeling alone and sad. This didn’t last long as once inside I met up with the amazing friends I have made through Walk the Walk and had lots of hugs.

Off I went at 11.45 one of the last to leave in horrible damp weather. I took the MoonWalk in stages.

1st concur Arthur’s seat. That was hard with the driving wind and rain but it was a welcome relief to head back into the city.

2nd get to half way. The music from the disco was a welcome sound as I headed down the hill to the waterfront. Then I turned the corner and hit the headwind that didn’t stop until mile 21.

3rd get to zone 16. This is where Dale was volunteering it was lovely to see him and have a huge hug and a flapjack. This kept me going for a while longer. As I hit the promenade things got tough. I hit the wall at mile 19 and then the headwind until mile 21 really got me down. The volunteers were amazing though. They must have been as cold and as tired as we were but they were cheery and really helped me through. Especially the gentlemen at the corner as we turned from the sea front to head back, the hug was what I really needed and much anticipated.

4th countdown from mile 20.
I was alone from mile 20 but at every volunteer point the boost I got from them was amazing, hugs, kind words, sweets, fruit. This was what kept me going on my last few miles back to the park.

Dale met me again at 25.5 miles and we walked the last bit together this was lovely, to finish with my man was great. He left me at the corner to get to the Finish Line before me. Adrian was at the 26 mile marker and escorted me to the finish I felt so special.
I crossed the line at 10.30 on Sunday morning and had huge hugs from the Finish Line ladies and a massive hug from Jo as I got my bag.

I loved my Edinburgh MoonWalk even if the run up and the day was hard. I will be back next year but will be more prepared and finish in a better time.

Thank you to all of the staff at Walk the Walk for an amazing event, the amazing Volunteers for giving up there sleep to keep all of the Walkers going with their kind words and hugs and finally to the people of Edinburgh for their support to. During those last few miles I had a lady stop to ask if I needed help or anything and other people stop wish me luck and keep me company for a while.

My 2015 Edinburgh was for my uncle Michael, I have another medal which I am proud of and another star added to my tattoo. See you all in 2016.

Anna

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