Amanda Ryan's Website

Just over a week to go and I'm beginning to panic a little.

The training is going well, I've managed a few 13 milers, a nice long 20 miler, not much in the way of short walks though. The costume is coming along nicely, I have a few finishing touches to do here and I need to send Kate the headdress that I've been working on. It's pretty massive, I just hope it lasts for 26 miles! 4 boas don't weight anything until you stick them on your head and start walking, then suddenly those feathers seem like lead weights....oh well at least you will be able to see where I've been as I will be leaving a trail of bright blue feathers in my wake.

Now it's just time to get the sponsorship!!! I'm am going to start hassling people, most have been tipped off alreadyand just need to put their money where their mouths are.

So if you are feel generous click here or on the widget below if you prefer PayPal!

Am so proud of my friends!

Both Caz (who is 'with child') and Vix (who is injured) are unable to join us on the Moonwalk this year, but not to be perturbed they are now volunteering from 6am to 12pm on the Sunday!

Volunteers do an amazing job at keeping moral raised and the event running smoothly, am so pleased they are still going to be involved, and so very proud that they are still doing their bit!

Playtex City

When you get to Hyde Park it's easy to find your way to 'Playtex City', just follow the 100's of women wearing bright pink to the massive bright pink marquee! Only participants and volunteers are allowed into Playtex City so if you are bringing friends or family to the event to support you you will have to leave them outside the complex and get them to wait for you at the start line. Have your number to hand on your way into the event, nothing more annoying than having to stop and unpack your entire holdall in order to find it, or even worse, being stuck BEHIND someone who does.

Queuing

The Playtex Moonwalk has around 15,000 participants and although it's really well organised prepare yourself for a little queuing! You may have to queue a little on your way in, queue for food, for the toilet, for a lovely massage etc. Get used to it, it's inevitable so there's no point stressing over it.  Camaraderie is everywhere, everyone is friendly and chatty, just soak up the amazing atmosphere!

Hanging About

Gates open at 8:30pm and depending on the colour of your number you may not set off until midnight, that means you may have 3½ hours of milling about. You also have to check you bag in by 10:00pm so that's a couple of hours with nothing but your friends and bum bag to keep you entertained. There is stuff going on to keep you busy, such as eating, getting a massage, taking part in the warm-up, but waiting to be called to the start line can get a little tiresome if you are all psyched up too early. There are, I think, 4 colour groups; yellow, green, orange and pink. The start times are staggered, you will be called when your group is due to leave.

Starting line

This can be emotional. As everyone queues up waiting to set off they take a few minutes to reflect on what the event means to them. We all have our own reasons for taking part; to get fit, to do something fun for charity, as a personal challenge, but at the starting line it is easy to spot the people that have more personal motives. People hold pictures of loved ones, there are hugs and tears. Whether it's the anticipation, the culmination of months of hard training or remembering loved ones, even the stoic may have a lump in their throat. This year Kate and I have had our own special motivation during our training and I know that the start line for us will be an intense time. We love you Jules, you rock!

Shuffle

OK, so you've trained hard, you've warmed up, you've listened to Nina's uplifting and motivational speech. You're at the starting line.....GO! Unfortunately, unless you are the very front of your group be prepared to shuffle your way across London for the next few miles. For the last 2 years we have been in the group which has left at midnight and then shuffled along for about 10 miles, which got a little frustrating. If there are a couple of you it is easier to weave in and out of larger or slower groups than if you are in a large group yourself, because at the end of the day you are only as fast as your slowest member. Half-mooners split off at around mile 10 so the crowd will thin a little at that point.

Toilet stops

More queing I'm afraid so don't wait until you are bursting. If you are the kind of person you has to pee frequently don't go overboard on the water. Bum bag contents The first year we did it we took a lot of rubbish with us that never got used. We took all sorts of foot lotion and sprays which had to be unpacked and repacked every time we wanted something from our bum bags. When you take your shoes off your feet will start to swell a little. Bear that in mind, best keep your shoes on until the end and use the space in your bum bag for more useful stuff such as cereal bars, glucose tablets, an MP3 player, sunglasses and tissues.

Miles 18-23

Personally I find this stretch the hardest. By this stage I'm tired, hungry and a little flat. This is when I get out the MP3 player. Even the best of friends may have run out of things to say to each other by this point and music can be really revitalising. Enya and Dido aren't going to be your friends here, you're better hanging with The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers!! If you do take an MP3 player you better make sure your friends have one with them too, it can be really antisocial otherwise.

Sun

At about mile 23 the route takes you back to Hyde Park and by now the sun will (hopefully) be wll and truely up. If you have your Moonwalk hat on you will be grateful for it as the sun is really dazzling around the park. For the last few years we haven't taken our hats as we have been in costumes, but I take my sunglasses instead. Remember the sunscreen too.

Finish line

Another emotional moment, but combined with a real sense of achievement. Receive your medal, get your official finish photo taken, and then collect your goody bag!

Get changed

Comfy tracksuit and crocs for me. You may look like a train wreck but by then you just don't care!! Be warned, you will sit down and seize up, so give yourself extra time when you have to get up again as it could take some time to get going.

Good luck all!!!!!