Day 107-8 - Miles 72 - 84

SHINE!

Last night saw Bec and I walked a half marathon through the streets of Manchester. We were walking as part of the Shine Manchester 2010 Cancer Research walk. Some people were walking a whole marathon and some people a half marathon, all for people that they loved who have had, passed away or survived Cancer.

We were asked to be there from 7pm even though we weren’t walking until 10pm, so we had arranged to meet up with my brother and his wife for dinner before hand at the Cornerhouse in Manchester. We had a lovely pizza and catch up before heading to the venue at 9pm.

They had been giving out helium balloons that were lit up to light the way through the streets, and Manchester Central was full! We had to wait around for the start of the walk, and everyone was getting really excited. The power walkers were heading off first, then the rest of us. It was all a bit chaotic, but we eventually passed the START line at 10.30pm.

The first few miles were great, everyone was full of spirits as we meandered through the city streets, we were soon at our first pitstop at the 4 miles marker. It was beautifully set up, with lots of candles, lit up tents and most importantly drinks, apples and toilets. Bec and I felt quite perky still so grabbed a bottle of water and an apple each and continued out of the city.

The next few miles passed well, and we were still nattering away, laughing and joking as we went. We stopped at he second pit stop at mile 6 for a quick toilet break….. and then we were back off again.

The mile between 8 and 9 was quiet possible the longest mile of my life. We had dropped our pace, it was cold and we seemed to be on a never-ending straight dual carriageway road. Bec and I hoped that we had missed the 9 marker and we were actually on our way to mile 10 – however, this was not the case!

As we hit the mile 9 marker we decided to up the pace with a treat of a sit down and snacks at the mile 10 marker. We were ecstatic when we saw the mile 10 marker in the distance! I have never been so pleased to see double figures! We sat on a wall and had bananas, nuts and raisins and lots of water, before getting back up on our feet – which were now so sore….. and starting the last 3 miles back to Manchester central.

As we walked those last few miles I needed to stop to go to the toilet again, and there was a pit stop at 11.5 mile marker. As we entered the pit stop, Bec waited for me as I started the queue to the loo. I suddenly came over all faint and felt really sick, so I sat on the floor. A lady in the queue ended up getting me a first aider, but after a few minutes on the floor, a drink, and a rescue Mars Bar from Bec I was feeling fine again.

We set off on the last mile and a half back though the city. It was really good to be back among familiar landmarks, and winding out way through the street, rather than just a bland dual carriageway!

As we came around the last corner, and Manchester Central was in full view, we were so pleased! I think Bec was more excited about the prospect of getting a medal, then the fact that we were actually at the finish.

As we passed under the finish line, it was really emotional. Thousands of people sitting around with their medals, all pleased that they were at the end of their Shine Night Walk.

It was now 4am, and Bec and I headed straight for the car for a few snacks and drinks to get going before the drive back to Leeds. After dropping Bec off as the sun was rising, students were making their way home from nights out. As I pulled up outside my house, I was really pleased to be home and more importantly, able to get into bed!

To see the pictures see here!

Hope you find it in your hearts, and pockets to donate.....

Love Iona X
365milesin365days@googlemail.com