What did I get myself into?

I had spoken with Tesco at Bletchley on several occasions about fundraising for Willen Hospice. They were up for the challenge as they have chosen the Hospice as their local charity for the year.

After the last bag packing event, I wasn't overly keep to do another so I suggested to them that I could walk on a treadmill in their store for the day and they could collect with buckets. "Great idea" the charity coordinator said, "we'll get two and members of staff here can do a relay while you walk". Chuffed with that, I left it to them to organise their side of things while I contacted the hospice for buckets and T-shirts.

I spoke to the charity coordinator several times, having to delay our date once due to lack of treadmills. I then spent several days trying to get hold of her to confirm my walking date. When we did finally manage to talk she said "We're looking forward to seeing you Saturday", "thanks" said I unsuspectingly. "We couldn't get treadmills so we've got you an exercise bike" - aaaarrrghhhhhhhh. If there's one thing I absolutely loathe at the gym it's, yes you've guessed it, the exercise bike.

I promptly rushed out and bought myself the most unflattering pair of padded shorts you have ever seen - keen to protect my nether region from harm and proceeded to worry myself silly for the next 4 days. I was convinced that I would embarrass myself by not being able to complete an hour, let alone 6.

I arrived at the store to find that the charity ccoordinator was on a day off and there was a bit of confusion over the plan for the day but they soon had the bikes set up in the foyer and myself and a member of Tesco staff where off. They had also enlisted Virgin Active to give out free passes and goodie bags to people who donated - which was nice.

It was an extremely cold place to cycle and, not realising whee the bike would be, I had a short sleeve top so I kept having to put my jacket on. Only to warm off and take it off again 5 minutes later. It was a busy day and donations where steady throughout the day.

I can honestly say that my bum has never been so painful. I really had to will myself on and, as the hours progressed, it got harder and harder but i was able to maintain a steady (and reasonably fast) pace right to the end. It was lovely to have some friends come along to cheer me through the last half hour as I was really flagging.

It was certainly not the most enjoyable fundraising I've ever done but it netted me £530 towards my total and a couple of stonking bruises on my legs.