Moonlight Beginners
Kath Wilkinson remembers her first ever Moonlight Walk ...
When my daughter and I arrived on the night of our first Moonlight Walk (2010) we were apprehensive about what to expect. We were also concerned about how we would do on the walk and whether everyone else would be really fit regular walkers, which we were not - although we had done some training for the event.
Our first impression on the night was how great the atmosphere was. Everyone was friendly, walkers and organisers alike and those taking part were from a variety of backgrounds and ages, many wearing pink hats, tutu’s and feather boas, which immediately made us feel much more relaxed. After registering we walked over to the stage area where we found everyone dancing along to the music, creating a real party atmosphere.
During the walk we were passed by many drivers who sounded their horns and waved in support, pedestrians who cheered us on and even some local residents who sat outside their homes and applauded us as we walked by. All of this support gave us a lift and made us feel proud of what we were doing. The Marshalls along the route were encouraging us at each stage as were the helpers at the refreshment stands. Everyone had a good sense of humour and we often found things to laugh about as we walked along.
By the end of the walk, we were cold, tired and hungry, but we were also extremely proud of what we had done! We walked across the finish line and gratefully received our medals and ‘goody bags’ with a real sense of achievement and of having ‘done our bit’ for a very good cause. At that moment, it didn’t matter how long it took us to do the walk, who finished ahead of us or even how much money we had raised, we had undertaken a challenging task and we had done it! It had been a long tiring night and the bacon barm cake which we were provided with at the end of the walk was the best we had ever tasted! My daughter and I enjoyed the experience so much that we repeated it the following year!
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Don't forget that this year we've got a new shorter option of just 8.4 miles rather than 13 and as it's the Preston Guild we're allowing men too! To register or find out more click here
Posted: 20-02-2012 09:29:00
