Going for Gloria

Created by annecoomber 23rd May 2018 This event has closed

Story

We are walking 105 miles over four days (averaging a marathon each day). We will start in Corton, Suffolk walking around the Norfolk Coastal Path and on to Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire.

Updates

One week on

3rd June 2018
One week on its hard to believe that after nearly a year of planning, "Going for Gloria" is over. We couldn't post during the event as sadly there was not Wi-Fi availability where we were staying. The walk was hard, far harder than I had imagined. Our mileage each day was fairly even - 26, 28, 26 and 25 miles - far closer to our estimated total of 105 miles than we had dared hope. Gemma is a master route planned or it might have gone horribly wrong. The terrain was the biggest challenge - so variable - Sand, shingle, track, concreete, more up and downs than you would believe possible in Norfolk and grass up to our armpits. Coastal erosion near Trimingham was so bad that at one point the path was less than 8" wide next to a 20 foot drop off, it took an hour to walk 0.8 miles. We both experienced fatigue, Gemma had major heat rash and I had horrible blisters the day we got soaked. However we've kept our toenails, and the legs have primarily recovered. We had great support in both sets of parents, who drive out stuff from place to place and made sure we were fed. From Saffa the dog in company and just joy of walking. And from Pet - during training her support and belief was unwavering and I never came home without a hot drink, hot shower and clean clothes being ready for me - she also talked me through the one time I really wanted to give up. Finishing the walk was an amazing feeling. We talked to do many people along the way who now know a little about PSP and CBD whose good wishes kept us going. And to the B and B landlord at Morston who told us we couldn't - WE DID IT!

2 days to go

21st May 2018
Two days to go, mainly packed, stocked up on blister control, anti-inflammatories and protein bars. The last big walk went well. Nice article in the Diss Express. We're as ready as we'll ever be!

Cake Sale

28th April 2018
Having raised an amazing £405 at our second NNUH cake sale this week I walked the 9 1/2 miles to Diss this morning to bank the money. Cold and very wet, it would be a beautiful walk on a dry day. Ankle doing better. Keep up the exercises and swimming as I'm only allowed one more "big" walk before the main event. Confidence low but motivation high.

A tough week

15th April 2018
After a good couple of weeks training, I've been having a lot of stiffness and discomfort in my left ankle. We're very lucky at work to have rapid access to Physio. Having seen Faye on Friday and having tendopathy diagnosed (exercises and icing) I decided to try walking in boots to support the ankle - 3 huge blisters. So only 7 1/2 miles this week. Hopefully the rested legs will now see me through.

A Good Week

31st March 2018
It's been a good week - the cake sale at NNUH was well attended raising £350 and giving plenty of opportunities to give out flyers with information regarding PSPA and "Going for Gloria". Training has now progressed to 8 miles and the long weekend means I can get three walks three days running. Nella is always ready with drinks and breakfast when I get back - I'm well supported. And the morning I saw 2 Roe Deer while out in the drizzle.

Training

10th March 2018
Gloria and Mike love bird watching. Goy can't do this anymore, but I took it as a good sign when I spotted a beautiful little Siskin while I was out walking this morning. Still very slippery underfoot, it really affects the pace I manage.

Cake Sale

7th March 2018
New date for NNUH cake sale 28th March, in the West Atrium from 10am to 2pm

Postponed Cake Sale

28th February 2018
Sadly had to postpone the cake sale at NNUH. Mum, Dad and I got up early, cleared the snow off our drives and really tried to get there. However, not one but two lorries had jack-knifed on the A140 and we were stuck. Got us all home safely, and will work with our wonderful team at NNUH to find another date very soon .

Training

25th February 2018
After a few very enjoyable walks in the Forest of Dean, training proper is now underway. Archer, our lovely dog has been keeping me company. Gemma and I are aiming for a pace of about 3 1/4 miles an hour. This morning I did 4 1/2 miles averaging 18 mins a mile - just have to be ready and able to do that 8 hours a day for four days! We also have a cake sale at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Wednesday 28th Feb for pre-season fundraising and promotion. Flyers and posters are all ready to go!

Sponsors

14th January 2018
Overwhelmed to have three sponsors only 24hours after posting the "Going for Gloria" details. Thank you all so much, it is very motivating. Also need to say how grateful I am to Gemma. She's a great friend and walking companion.

Planning

13th January 2018
We've set the dates, booked the accommodation, time to get the training underway!