It was late afternoon in early May when I was punched in the solar plexus. Not through a physical act of violence. No, I just viewed a promotional leaflet with a challenge demanding my attention. The challenge was to start on Sunday 16th May at the end of Mental Health Awareness Week and finish on Friday 10th September, World Suicide Prevention day. It was called: Walk a Million Steps.
Contacting the organizers (ALPS) that day and registering was actioned without hesitation. Sitting down with a pen and paper I began to plan out how I would complete the task. Breaking it down into manageable chunks over 116 days was the optimal way to meet the step target. Fortunately for me, I have access to wide-ranging areas where I can witness some amazing scenery. This will also help with creating awareness of these nature spots while I was communicating the journey.
I ran the numbers and it equated to just under 8,650 steps per day. Given I walk daily as part of a morning routine, I wanted to do more. More pain for me, but personal challenges are what get me out of bed. The fitness tracking app Pacer would record the data enabling me to focus on the targets. Using these types of apps also fosters accountability, motivation, and a willingness to push beyond what you recorded the day before. So, let’s lace up the trainers and start.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the registered participants were unable to congregate at one location. Not great to raise awareness, create a sense of community, and connect with new people who were on the same mission. However, we committed to undertake a challenge to raise awareness of suicide and mental health. Get the smartphone out and press record.
The organizers began posting images via social media from across the country. Although not together, you felt part of a movement taking action for change. Embracing this inspiration at the outset I was resolute on what I needed to accomplish daily. Setting yourself targets requires discipline and accountability. Some people shirk this responsibility and fall back into default mode.
Excuses rain supreme. I’ve no time for this way of thinking, it saps energy. Waking up at 5:15 am daily to begin my routine would have to be revised slightly. Nonetheless, I was on the road every morning at 6:30 am, posting short videos on Instagram stories to amplify the message. Remaining consistent daily began to attract others to what I was doing. Resulting in a feedback loop of motivation, an increase in a positive mood, and more energy. See this article about the physical and psychological benefits of walking.
Not only did I feel less stressed due to a decrease in cortisol (hormone regulator) but I was filled with thoughts, ideas, and creativity on what I could do each day. Some people use meditation to switch off, gain clarity and relax. Walking is my magic pill. The rush of endorphins was working wonders for balancing my mental/physical state. There are no side effects with walking, and it’s completely free.
Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. –Soren Kierkegaard
Human beings are by nature all explorers. It is inherently built into our DNA to hunt for food, to travel, and walking is the best form of transport you can utilize. Think back to when you were a child. What happened when you learned to walk? Curiosity to discover what was in every cupboard is just the beginning. Nightmare for the parents. Just check the supermarket isles when you’re out for groceries next.
The daily repetition of steps began to yield real benefits in weight loss, which was not an end goal at the beginning of the challenge. However, I was burning a lot of calories due to the pace I was maintaining. There’s a real difference between walking for leisure, and the speed I was setting. This change in external shape led to me reviewing what I was eating also. Time to focus on what foods will aid in this process.
Why would I push back against these positive outcomes? Burning calories is great when you don’t go over the surplus of what you’ve lost. Overhauling the diet completely was not required. Portions sizes and meal times were the keys to maximizing the weight loss I had achieved.
Walking is Man’s best medicine. –Hippocrates
All these changes were having a real impact on my energy levels. At age 44 years I felt refreshed, fit, healthy, and ready for anything. The muscle tone had tightened considerably. Wardrobe changes were required. No middle-aged drift around the stomach and waist area for me. What a result. Fuck sake, I should have done this years ago. Going to the gym is great, but these unplanned results were giving me a focus I hadn’t felt in years.
Pushing boundaries in daily miles became a priority. Not one for dipping the toe in first, I decided to test myself over 10 hours. The distance from Belfast to Newcastle (Co Down) equates to 33.1 miles. Google Maps informs me it will take between 9-10 hours walking to reach the destination. Setting out at 5.45 am on Sunday 1st August from the starting point I arrive at 3.05 pm.
Pain spread from my feet to hips, the last 5 miles. Feelings of nausea, lack of energy, dehydration, and negative thoughts attacked my system. When I looked up I could see the mountains. The end game was near. An internal dialogue begins. Why did you start this challenge initially?
“Raise awareness of suicide and mental health issues.”
Stop bitching and finish the task at hand. Walking into Newcastle I felt elation advance through every nerve ending. Job done. Reflecting on the journey over these past 116 days fills me with great memories. Testing yourself requires courage, willingness, and intrinsic motivation to probe at your limits. Smashing through the other side is one of the greatest mindset shifts you will encounter. Are you ready to take advantage of the positive benefits of walking?
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