Last week the south coast, this week the north coast......

So the other day I was talking to my friend about training for the Itex. The south coast challenge had been my initial focus but that was over now.  And I suddenly realised I had 3 weeks to go before the Itex!

Panic!

My friend casually said, 'why don't you walk the north coast this weekend?'  What????  The north coast is where all the cliffs are.  It's much harder than the south coast - that's the easy part of the island.  This is real, hardcore walking.  Was I really up for walking that?  But then I realised I'd have to walk that and more in just a few weeks time.

I had every intention of getting up early and walking the whole of the north coast, from Grosnez in the north west, to Rozel in the north east.  But then I woke up late.  Didn't start walking until 10, but it was still achievable, I'd just finish later than intended.

I'd added a new app to my mobile. a gps walking 'thing' that tracked my distance, speed, location, altitute - the lot.  Very snazzy.  Only thing I hadn't factored in was that would drain the battery on my phone.  Two hours in and my battery was almost flat, and being a lone walker on the steep cliffs with no means of communication wasn't the best of ideas.  So the app got switched off, as did my email, facebook updates, weather updates - everything that could use the battery.  My smartphone was no longer smart - it was just a phone!  I can't remember the last time my mobile was 'just' a phone, nothing else.  ho hum.  Keep walking

Weather was good, sunny and warm. A little windy though but that just meant I didn't get too hot.  It wasn't as though there was anyone I needed to have nice hair for anyway - I wasn't trying to impress anyone!

Well, this walk ended up being around the same length as the south coast challenge last week, but so much harder.  The terrain was much rockier and there were a few times when I slipped and lost my footing.  The climbs were really steep and what looked like only a short distance, actually took ages due to the winding cliff paths.

But while I was walking, it dawned on me that my fitness levels were actually increasing.  Maybe the gym and the bit of exercise I'd been doing were actually paying off.  Climbs where before I was having to stop and rest half way, I was now completing with comparative ease (I'm not for one minute saying I was jogging up them in case that's what you're thinking).  But I can feel and see the difference.  My legs, hips and bum are definitely getting smaller (I'm just grateful they're not getting bigger!), and my stamina levels are on the increase.

As for the weight loss, the original reason for doing this.  Well I've lost only a pound or two over the last 2/3 months, and I'm still wearing the same size clothes, but those clothes fit better.  I feel better in myself as I can see my body is changing for the better.  My posture is better as I'm more conscious of how I'm standing.  So although I'm not technically losing weight, I'm still happy with the results.  And I keep telling myself that muscle weighs more than fat!

Anyway, back to the walking.  The original plan was to walk to Rozel.  A walk that would've been about 16/17 miles I think.  Because of my phone situation, I got as far as Bouley Bay, around a 12/13 mile distance I think.  Still a fair walk given the terrain I had covered.  I walked to the highest point in Jersey today, and back down the other side and then some. I have taken more photos today too, I never tire of taking photos of the Jersey landscape.  I look at it and just say wow!  I really do appreciate having the opportunity to live on such a beautiful island.

So that's the north coast almost cracked.  And looking at the maps I've been using, the length of cliff paths I walked today is more than the stretch of rugged terrain I will face in Guernsey in two weeks time.  Two weeks?  Is it really only two weeks away?  I still have no clue if I'll complete the walk.  Just the thought of it makes me want to bail out and take my friend up on her offer of a weekend in Sark.  At the moment, I'm sorely tempted I have to admit.  But, I know, if I don't at least attempt the Itex walk, I'll not forgive myself, it will mean all this work has been in vain.  And I know deep down that I can at least give this a very good go, if not complete it.  Whether I'll be able to walk afterwards is another matter.  Maybe I need to see if Boots have got blister plasters on 3 for 2........