The Thames Path Challenge 50k Ultra - Not just 8k more than a marathon.

I didn't get much sleep and I had a 30 minute 2 mile walk to reach the start line in Fulham setting off at 7.30am on the Thames Path Challenge. But the day had started on a positive note. The day was for remembering Stephanie and whilst Peter and I were doing different things that day we were both doing something that we wanted to do to remember her by and on the anniversary in October we'll be doing something together that we would have usually done with Stephanie.

I met up with 2 guys and jogged the first 12 km with them almost to the rest stop. Unfortunately I was in the wrong trainers and off road, something I'd not prepared for and my feet were buggered. My ham strings and right knee were agony. I managed to rest, stretch, take fluids and carbs on board and set off again, but then my socks got wet, my knickers started to chafe and by 20km I was going to give up. 

I tried calling my friend who started this whole running thing off not even a year ago, but she was out with friends having brunch. So I just kept on going.

I stopped once to sort my socks.

Twice to sort my socks.

There were two further rest stops.

Loads more opportunities to give up.

I cried.

I'm didn't even run it to raise funds, but I'm not shy asking for a donation if you've a pound or two to spare. Feel free to donate.

5km from the end. There was a woman on a bench. I'd seen her several times during the day. I asked her if she'd like someone to walk with to the end. She looked at me and then I said 'please walk with me, I'll not make it on my own' she laughed and we walked and marched the last 5km together, plus the extra 1km they didn't tell us about, hugged and went our separate ways.

Peter helped me into the car after taking a couple of photos and drove home into the night.

It was a struggle to get up the stairs. Sunday I couldn't get out of bed. Monday I was back in work, walking very slowly and couldn't go up or down stairs. Tuesday I couldn't sleep. Wednesday I was back in the gym and Thursday I couldn't stop eating. I still can't wear shoes. It's trainers, Birkenstocks or Crocs at the moment. The balls of my feet feel like they've been shredded, despite not having any blisters. 

Camel pack has been sterilised and is stored in the freezer as it's impossible to get it dry.

I pick an annual walk/challenge near to the anniversary of Stephanie's death October 2024. Stephanie was our daughter and she had profound multiple disabilities. The only thing she was capable of doing for herself 100% was walk. Once we'd put her shoes and socks on, ensured she was in a safe and secure area and monitored her 24/7, had moved all obstacles she had trip over, hurt herself on etc etc and outside the home were there to hold her hand.