I signed up to the Walk 1000 Miles challenge (run by Country Walking Magazine) for the first time back in 2021. If you follow my blog you’ll know I have a history of M.E. (chronic fatigue), but I was in a fairly good place, love walking, and really wanted to achieve something for myself.
And guess what? I smashed it!
In possibly the most unhealthy way, and completely against all of the “rules” I follow to manage my fatigue. I went on weekly 10miles hikes, then crashed in between. We call that boom and bust. Really not the way to manage any chronic condition.
Onward to year 2, 2022. I went for it again. But this time I have dogs – because we were doing all this walking so why not right? – and I’d been having trouble with a long term ankle injury…
So, it went a little differently.
We still did the odd longer walk, but much of the year was trial and error, trying first a cast boot for my foot – not handy for walking in – and various other treatments including a saline injection (lets never speak of that again). Eventually I realised that if I stick to less than 8000 steps a day and wear good solid footwear (many thanks to Whalley Warm & Dry for measuring me up, understanding my needs and recommending / fitting me with some great boots) then I can carry on quite nicely. This also fits in well with my fatigue management. And I did hit the 1000 mile mark, even a little earlier than the year before, despite the set backs, but it was nothing to sing and dance about.
Now year 3, 2023. This year has been a game changer!
Today I will hit my 1000 miles. 1 month earlier than I did that first year, and a little earlier than I did it last year. But this year I have looked after myself. I am still frustrated about not being able to regularly walk long distances, because I love doing that, but I am thrilled with my progress. My 6000-8000 steps a day is perfect for my 2 dogs, it keeps me moving and active everyday, out in the fresh air. I’ve been feeling so good it even inspired me to look at what else I could do to continue getting fitter and healthier without adding strain on my ankle, Dean at Team Beaver has really made me fall in love with weight lifting and more recently sparring, and getting my body back to being fit for purpose.
It all comes back to the walk 1000 miles challenge. If I hadn’t been inspired to see what I could achieve then I would never have started this journey!
So here’s to the next 1000 miles, the next kg I lift, and the next sparring pad I punch!
