26 miles later!!

This is the end of my 26 mile walk!! What a better way to finish by taking a picture of the official Kiltwalk photographer Shaun.

Wow where do I begin… well first of all thank you to everyone who donated and wished me good luck. I really appreciate your support, kindness and believing in me!!

It was an early start and the sun was shining. Mr G dropped me off at The Duthie Park and I made my way to registration. I met all my kiltwalk friends and after exchanging hugs and laughter we got ready to set off. We were at the front ready to go! Last year when I did the first ever Aberdeen to Deeside Kiltwalk there were 400 of us. This time there was roughly 1200 of us!!!

After a warm up of doing the YMCA we waited for the ok to go!! 9am and we were piped off out the gates and on to the start of our walk.

Setting my pace I walked steadily. I chatted to many people on the way and met up with lots of my kiltwalk friends that I have on Facebook. As I counted down the miles to the end everyone started walking slower or faster in some cases!! Every so many miles there was a pitstop which would have water, bananas, sweets anything that would keep you going.. even suntan lotion as it was getting hotter and hotter!! Without these pitstops, which are run by the charities you are helping some people would struggle. There are first aiders for those that need help and toilets as well!!

I kept going knowing that in Banchory Mr G and Aimee would be helping and seeing them would give me a boost!! Also seeing everyone from Davids work on The Cash for Kids pitstop was a great boost too!! This was about the 17 mile mark.

Everyone cheers you on when they see you walking. People shouting from their gardens "good luck" and "well done your not far"

Doing Scolty hill this year was easier, as it was a different route. The view was stunning but didn't want to stop to long to take a picture.. maybe next time!!
By this point I had walked roughly 23 miles.. legs ok, knees a bit sore and feet fine!!

The last 3 miles were down hill and a fairly flat walk near the end. With The Potarch Bridge in sight at just under 2 miles I suddenly had a burst of energy.

I could feel lots of emotion as the finishing line got closer. Again I was away to complete a 26 mile walk for the second time in 9 months.

Coming round the corner on to the last section crowds of people are clapping and cheering you on saying "Well Done". That was quite emotional. Then as I get closer more and more people are cheering and clapping and then you see Shaun smiling and waiting to take your picture as you cross the line. Wow!!

I am also friends with some of the Kiltwalk staff and as I crossed the line both Mhairi and Elaine had tears in there eyes. It is such an emotional thing to do and seeing people you know there at the end is amazing.

Where was Mr G and Aimee? They were still helping as many walkers were still walking. They did there bit by cheering on those who were finding it hard due to blisters, tiredness or other injuries but they kept going.

I finished in just over 7 and a half hours. I met up with friends and waited on others who hadn't finished and we had some beers, laughed and compared aches and pains.

A true hero who walks the Kiltwalks is a guy called John Nicol. He waits and cheers at the end till everyone has crossed that line. He even goes back and helps those that are struggling at the end. We heard that there was one gentleman called Jim who was the very last walker. We all went to the finishing line but I decided to run back up and help John walk down with Jim and encourage him. He was lovely and had kept a steady pace the whole time. As he was away to cross the line all the kiltwalkers, helpers and families that were still at Potarch walked behind him and Shaun took our picture. If you want to see the picture look at The Kiltwalk blip page and you will see us all behind Jim.

What a day roll on next years one!!