July 21, 2026 
Hi Fitblitzers…
I can’t tell you how happy, thankful and pleased I am to get back out on the trail this morning. With only a few days until it’s been 3 whole calendar months since I was last out here, it’s fantastic to be able to take some photos for you agin.
I seriously didn’t know how my knee was going to handle the uneven trail, inclines and 3.40 miles of virtually non-stop walking. I kept my pace at a nice comfortable 2.7 mph (I think the slowest I’ve ever walked, lol), and my knee handled it great with no pain…Especially as it’s been a whole week since I’ve been off the painkillers! 💪🏼 😀
Also as I havn’t been out here since April, I’m sure it’s in full bloom and full of life. I hope my photos show you some of this? I’m used to leafless trees in the cold, so I hope these are more pleasing for you guys. I got a little excited being out finally so I took a few more than usual, lol! 🤣
Around the halfway mark is ‘Dayle’s Rest Stop’ GPS marker, a much needed bench that I sat for a short time to take some weight off my knee. When I first made this marker I had no idea it was going to help me out at this crucial time. 😀
After my little rest it was uphill for about half a mile and I really didn’t know what my knee would do? But it seemed to want to please me, and simply coasted up with a constant slow speed with no pain. It was actually much better than walking on flat smooth concrete for some reason, not sure how…Maybe I’ve done so many laps around here over the years, it’s the only thing my legs know and feel at home here! 🙏 😀
With only this corner to navigate until the ‘Start/Finish Line’ GPS marker, I texted my lovely Wife Sarah to let her know my knee was behaving and there were no dramas. I’d forgotten just how hard it was for me walking around this trail, especially with the sun blazing. But this is a huge milestone for me and my recovery. It really is great to be back, and I hope you love the photos too?! 💪🏼 😀
Now focus…
Let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’.
EADGBE…🎸
- E – Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is for LIFE!
- A – Activity Rings: Close my daily apple fitness watch rings.
- D – Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
- G – Goals: Focus (and celebrate) small, medium and BIG goals.
- B – Body & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
- E – Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me to serve, encourage, and inspire others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..💪🏼
“Today wasn’t about breaking records. It was about breaking doubt. Every slow step was another reminder that healing is happening, fear doesn’t get the final say, and God is faithful in the small victories as much as the big ones. Never underestimate what one steady, pain-free lap can mean after months of waiting. One faithful step today lays the foundation for every mile tomorrow.” – Steve (me) 💪🏼
Let’s keep ‘FitBlitzing’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
iChristian 
Well, it is Florida. Spring is haphazard. It could be mellow or really hot. But the sun is out, and that in itself is glorious. I know the sun can be harsh on your eyes, but there is much shade, and the place really is amazing to see.
Hey Dayle! It sounds like a dream come true. I’ve been spending today looking at the direct flights from London Gatwick to Orlando Florida, and the planes with the lowest cabin altitude pressure for Sarah’s eyes. They havee the Airbus 350 & the Dreamliner 787 (we’ve been on this one before and Sarah really likes it).
Sarah is loving the idea of going over there, especially covering both of our birthdays in Florida! And if Sarah can get onboard the plane with all of her worries etc…Then I can defo man up and face that sunshine glare challenge, lol! 💪🏼 😀
The Orlando Wetlands are a safe place to walk and encounter many alligators–it’s a place where the gators are taken when they’re a menace to neighborhoods. It feels so prehistoric, but it’s well worth the walk. I wouldn’t say that if I hadn’t walked it half a dozen times myself!
Hey Dayle! Wow, we’ve just been learning all about the Orlando Wetalands over dinner. They’re about 4 times bigger than Epsom Common (my trail) and a lot flatter without all of the hills which is fantastic!
It sounds like a terrifyingly fun place to visit and we’d love it. It so different to our usual trail…And with you protecting us all will be fine. We’ve seriously never sone anything like that at all. We can’t believe it could actually happen, and actually happen on our birthdays too!
Our birthdays are mid April, what would the weather be like over there at that time? 🤔
I’m so glad you’re able to do this! You’re being courageous–you’re not quitting! And the pictures are glorious, my friend. You should be so thrilled with what you’re able to do, what you’re willing to work towards.
Hey Dayle! First I have to thank you for your continued prayer, kindness and encouragement that’s really helped me towards this moment. I’m so happy to be back out there, and happy that my knee is healing well and can actually be healed! 🙏 😀
As you probably know by now, I have many goals set for my, walking/recovery, health goals and even to get Sarah and me over to Florida when I’m much better…Lot’s of walking around that amazing place, but probably not along alligator alley or lake Jessop,, lol, even though they’re the top places Sarah wants to see! 😨 🙏
Wonderful accomplishment, Steve!
Awww thanks so much Mary! And thanks so much for taking time to read, like and comment, you’re such a blessing! 🙏 😀
Likewise.