In May I’ll be completing the 100km walk from London to Brighton. It will be the fourth ultra-challenge I’ve completed and hopefully a way for me to take some control back over my mental and physical health while raising some money for an important charity in the process.

Whether it’s a trip to the shops, sightseeing in a new city or just getting from A to B, walking has always been one of my preferred modes of transport. It may not be the fastest way to get around, but it does give you a chance to take in the surroundings and appreciate what’s around you.  It’s also a great form of zero-cost exercise.

Walking for Charity

I did my first long-distance fundraising walk in 2015 when I entered the moonwalk, a 26.2-mile-long walk through London for breast cancer awareness. It was a really rewarding experience and once completed, I was inspired to challenge myself further so signed up for a 100km ultra-challenge taking place the following year.

It took me just under 32 hours to complete the South Coast Challenge and I was exhausted when I crossed the finish line, but I also felt a great sense of achievement. I knew I could be tempted to take on another ultra-challenge, but I didn’t feel ready to do my next one straight away.

I carried on walking regularly but I felt my previous motivation to get out had slipped, so I set myself the goal of training for the Thames Path Challenge in 2018.

The event day soon came around, and it was tough! I managed to make it to the end though and even knocked an hour off my previous time. More importantly, I felt good about myself and what I had accomplished so when my friend asked if I fancied tackling the London to Brighton route, I immediately said yes.

My training was going well, and I was all set to head to London at the end of May 2020 but like so many other things, the event was cancelled. I was determined to keep the training going so I would be ready when it was rescheduled, but as the lockdown continued, I became more deflated and my motivation pretty much disappeared.

Over the months that followed both my mental and my physical health took a hit and I ended the year feeling pretty rubbish. I’m not a big fan of making grand new year’s resolutions as I find it unhelpful to put too much pressure on myself, but I also think January is a good time to evaluate how things are going and identify areas you can try to improve. For me, that meant getting back outside and walking again.

Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic meant I had to once again postpone my London to Brighton Challenge. However, I did complete the Chiltern Challenge 50Km event in September and it hurt a lot! 

So now it's third time lucky for this event and with the new date not too far away and the pain of the Chiltern Challenge still fresh,  I know I have a lot to do but my goal, for now, is to just feel confident enough to step over the start line. As for the finish line, I’ll worry about that when I’m there!

Supporting Mind

My charity of choice is Mind and if anyone would like to donate I’d be incredibly grateful. Walking helps me with my mental health, so it feels appropriate to fundraise for a mental health charity, especially at a time when more people than ever need support.

If you’re local to Telford and fancy joining me for a training walk let me know. There’s also still time to sign up and take part if you feel like you need a challenge of your own to help you get going again this year.

https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=75733633&rf=ef725936961643199fd7fa5739732589

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Remember, if you’re struggling with your health and wellbeing, help is available, you just have to ask.

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