My guest blogger walks the Edinburgh Moonwalk

My good friend and freelance colleague Ellen Arnison has completed the Moonwalk. I’m proud of her. And also slightly in awe of her madness. We have twice walked the Edinburgh Moonwalk together and while I stuck to my guns and said I’d never do it again (rather like having children. I only have one, Ellen has three), my friend has gone and walked it again. Fantastic! Here’s a few things that Elen learned during the Edinburgh Moonwalk 2011:

Countdown to the start of the Edinburgh Moonwalk 2011

She writes: We did it. This Saturday night my friend Jo and I completed all 26.2 miles of the Moonwalk . We were among thousands of women and a few men, clad in decorated bras raising money for breast cancer. It was a very special night.

Here are a few of the things I learned along the way:

Do some training. Once again I didn’t do enough. I knew I would finish it, but today I’m still stiff and sore.

Failing to train isn’t the end of the world. It is possible to complete it if you believe you will. It just won’t be comfy.

Walking in the dark is weird. Part of the course went around the back of Arthur’s seat in Holyrood Park. There was nothing to see but the outline of other walkers and a few flashing lights. I didn’t like it very much.

Sunrise is the best part of the day. It doesn’t matter how tired you are and how miserable, when the sunlight begins you will feel better. I think it’s something chemical.

You don’t need fancy energy sweets. Jelly babies and chocolate do just as well.

Caffeine is a wonder drug, especially in the hands of a fantastic supporter. My splendid sister went above and beyond the call of duty by getting up at 4 something to bring us coffee and flapjack. How can that fail to help?

Sock heat rash is annoying. It’s happened each of the four Moonwalks I’ve done. When I finally peel my socks off my feet are spotted with itchy red heat spots. Not nice.

Tiredness turns brains to mush. But not necessarily in a bad way. We found some entertaining games to keep us going.

Don’t be a whinger. Lovely Jo was given some excellent advice. She was told: “Whatever you do don’t be the whinger. Whingers are boring and drag everyone else down. And whinging doesn’t help.” She wasn’t even slightly whingy – just a lovely companion.

Never say never. I’ve now done more than 100 Moonwalk miles and at least twice said “never again”. This time, who knows… (I bet she does!)

It’s not too late to make a donation.

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