Picture this: 7 a.m., the streets still yawning, and me stomping back home after walking 6.42 miles (my longest distance so far) like a man on a mission. Sarahβs off to London, so itβs just me…And the lonely kitchen. No kisses, no cuddles, no lovingly made coffee, just the cold hard reality that I have to make my infamous smelly lunch.
Enter my protein french toast…
Imagine 3 innocent slices of 7 seed wholemeal bread…Suddenly colliding head-on with a tanker full of egg whites, with the aroma of a gym locker room. Sarah hates the smell of those egg whites…So I only unleash this monster when sheβs not around.
the result…?
On the plate it looks like the breadβs been in a high-speed chase, taken a wrong turn into a hen house, and then been caught in a murder mystery. That deep red “crime scene“? Donβt panic…Itβs just sugar free maple syrup pooling like suspicious evidence.
Honestly, you wouldnβt think you could make this much visual chaos with only 3 ingredients…But here I am, casually creating my ‘French Toast’ art that looks like it should be taped off by the police. π¨
Still…With 65 grams of protein, 650 calories, and a plate that could double as a true crime documentary prop…It’s a killer meal and I’m very THANKFUL for it! π
From tales to trails…
I hope you enjoyed the ‘French Toast’ story? But I need to finish this post, lol. I walked 6.42 miles today, which is a record distance for me during this training. I’m still waiting for the muscle memory to keck in, as I’d say I’d never walked this far in my life…It was killer, and I was so THANKFUL that I actually made it! home.
As I did 2 laps today, the 2 photos above were when I decided to walk down the side of the usual pond (smaller one) to get to the steps that lead up to the larger pond (see photo below). I’ve got other ‘audio beacons’ on my Soundscape app which are not on my trail lap route…And the steps is one of them. So when I got to the usual pond photo spot, I selected the ‘Top Pond Steps’ audio beacon, listened to the radar sound as I turned my head, and when my head is facing the beacon (steps) it makes a different beep so I start walking towards it…Hoping I don’t fall into the pond or hit lots of other obstacles! π¨ Wow I’m THANKFUL for the Soundscape app!
Once getting to the top of the steps, you’re greeted with a lovely view of the larger pond.
Back on the trail on lap 2…
I love walking along feeling so small as the towering trees keep me company. Not only do they ensconce me with some shade, make smile noises as the wind tickles them, but it just feels so good walking along (zombie shuffling) surroundedd by lots of trees. π
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wow I didn’t expect that! After the last two scorching days I thought today would be better, as the beaming sun wasn’t going to burn my brains out…But it was so humid, and I felt like a steamed pudding with hot custard sweat the whole way round! I stopped a couple of times on the trail waiting for the teleportation to take me home…But it didn’t and I had to carry on somehow! π¨
I’d just past the ‘Dayle’s Rest Stop‘ bench on my right about 50 feet behind, when I thought I’d stop (thankfully) and take the lovely photo above…Dayle’s bench really is in a beautiful part of the woods. π
After staggering on feeling like the boilerd frog in a pan, I thought I’d stop again and take a photo of the junction above. I walk up from the trail on the left and carry on up the hill on the trail I took the photo. The curly trail in front is not on my lap, but it’s a shortcut that cuts the corner off my lap..I don’t use it even though I certainly thought about it today! π€£
Mtivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“People ask how I keep walking when I canβt see the path ahead. The truth is, Iβve learned that vision isnβt about sight…Itβs about trust. Trusting God to place my steps, trusting my body to keep going, and trusting my spirit to never give up. Faith, Fitness, Focus!” – Steve (me)
Sarah’s protein Powered pancakes πͺπΌ
Sarah treated me to some of her ‘Whey Protein, Oat and Almond powered, fruity pancakes with the lovely maple grove farm sugar free maple syrup this lunchtime. I hope my photo did it some justice, but i just wanted to devour them! π
Wow I thought lack of motivation was yesterday, but it hit me again this morning. After I tried some excuses (they never work with Sarah, lol) I put on my HOKA Speedgoats and got out on the trail.
Once the Speedgoats touch the trail, I know it’s time for business, it’s like hitting sports mode in a car and it hunkers down ready to race. π€£ The only trouble is that it’s going to be over 30ΛC today so I needed to walk slow, as yesterday was horrific and I was over heated and could hardly talk when I got back.
I have no idea what happened to the photo above? I was walking along a straight part of the trail, and the sun was shining beautifully through the trees…So I stopped and took the photo. It usually works and you’ll get a lovely shot…But when I got home and saw this one on my big screen…I’m sorry, lol! π
Sarah’s Sunshine Bench…βοΈ
Awww my lovely Wife Sarah isn’t sat on her bench! π I was missing her lots today as I was hot, sweaty and ready for a hug and a coffee. So I thought I’d stop and take this photo when my Soundscape app shouted out the ‘Sarah’s Sunshine Bench’ audio beacon in my ear. π
Now focus…
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and let us check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. I’ve added ‘Blood Pressure’ to the ‘B’ string as I now take my blood pressure every week, as it’s so important to know your blood pressure numbers!
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
I hope you’re enjoying these audio/video versions of ;Drill Sergent Bruce THE Boxer’. It’s taking me a little longer to create these ones…But I hope to catch up with the written ones soon, and have both in one post! Until then, Hit play and sit back and enjoy! πͺπΌ π
Wow…I think the weekend stole my motivation! I really didn’t want to go out on the trai this morning, but with Sarah gently encouraging me, and the fact I have to write this post for you fantastic FitBlitzers…I knew I had to man up and get out there! π€£
I think all of the other people around here didn’t know (or forgot) it’s ‘Motivational Monday’, as it was really quiet on the trail. It was better for me though as it was blazing sunshine, and I was all over the trail as I couldn’t see a thing with the crazy glare that proper mashes my brains. π¨ But it does make for sunnier photos, lol! π€£
When I arrived home and my lovely Wife Sarah had one of her stupendous fresh coffees for me, I could hardly speak. It wasn’t my body that was so tired, it was my mental exhaustion through concentrating through the glare! After I’d sat down for about 15 minutes I was back to my usual self! π
Motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me) π
EYES FRONT, YOU DROOL-DRIPPING DUMBBELLS! Welcome to the PAIN PALACE!! This isΒ Bruce THE Boxer, your barkinβ, boxinβ, no-excuses fitness commander β and today weβre not jumping, tugging, or flyingβ¦Β weβre talking REST. Yeah, you heard me. But donβt get any ideas about slacking off βΒ this is tactical recovery, not a holiday.
DAY 4 DRILL: βSTAND DOWN β RECOVERY MODEβ.
Listen up, you biscuit-brained bone-chewers… Youβve been jumping like kangaroos, tugging like maniacs, and sweating puddles the size of swimming pools. If youβve been hitting every drill like I ordered, then your muscles are screaming louder than a squeaky toy in a blender.
GOOD. That means youβre doing it right!!
But now comes one of the most critical weapons in your training arsenal β SLEEP. Thatβs right. Recovery isnβt weakness β itβs strategy. And while you’re snoring like a bulldog after leg day, your body is secretly rebuilding itself into a muscle-clad machine of glory.
HERE’S WHY SLEEP IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON:
1. It repairs those shredded muscle fibres youβve been abusing. 2. It works best with a belly full of protein-packed chow to build new muscle. 3. It sharpens your mind, so youβre not just strong β youβre dangerous. 4. Skip it, and your body falls apart faster than a tennis ball in a Rottweilerβs mouth!!
Bottom line: Rest like a warrior, eat like a beast, rise like a legend!
And just to make sure you donβt forget whoβs always watching…
βEvery snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you takeβ¦ IβLL BE WATCHING YOU“. Yeah, Iβve got eyes on that fridge too, soldier.
TODAYβS ORDER: 1. Take it easy. 2. Fuel up. 3. Hit the sack early. 4. Dream of gains.
Recharge. Rebuild. Return stronger. Next time we go again. HARDER THAN LAST TIME!! CLASSDISMISSED!
I’ve just got to share this tasty Pizza with you guys. On ‘FitBlitzing Friday’ me and Sarah like to go to our local Picture House and have this Pepperoni Pizza, we call it ‘The Picture House Pepperoni’. After 4 days of FitBlitzing the trail lap (and Sarah does compressed working so has Friday’s free) we go and have one of these bad boys!
I make sure I’m still in a calorie deficit so I keep losing nearly 2 pound a week…I can’t believe this super tasty pizza is in my meal plan, and I look forwards to it
I was out proper early at 7am this morning, as Sarah is working in London today so I followed her out. This also means that when I arrive home with no cuddles, kisses or coffee I have to make my ‘Protein French Toast’. I use a carton of egg whites (50 grams of protein but they are smelly, and Sarah isn’t a fan of the smell so I save them for when she’s in London! There isn’t a photo of them as they are not pretty and look like 3 pieces of toast has crashed into some eggs with blood every where (well sugar free maple farm grove syrup). You wouldn’t think I could make such devastation with just 3 ingredients, lol! π€£ I’m thankful for the 65 grams of protein and just 650 calories! πͺπΌ
The trail was very quiet this morning, I think going out extra early kept every one away. Either way it meant that the blinding sun wasn’t quite fully awake yet, so I could go out and enjoy the walk…I’m thankful for that! π
I couldn’t get this Robin Mark song out of my head πΆ “Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King…His love endures forever. For He is good, He is above all things, his love endures forever. Sing praise, sing praise!β πΆ but as it’s ‘Thankful Thursday’ I couldn’t ask for a better song to be singing around the trail. π
I’m super thankful that I can now get around 1 lap (2.6 miles, but it’s another 0.8 miles to and from my house) without completely collapsing when I get home. It’s only been about 2 months since I’ve been FitBlitzing the trails again, and I’m so happy it’s finally starting to get a little easier (I really didn’t want to use the word easier), but I’m also getting lighter which can only help! π
Give thanks with a grateful heart…
How might you pause to give thanks today, whether it’s through a prayer, a bible verse that jumps out at you, a walk in nature, or a quiet moment of reflection? π€
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Not entirely sure what happened with the pond photo above, I think I hit 2.0x zoom instead of 0.5…I have no chance of getting the subject in the shot if it’s not full wide angle! π€£
Oh and as I was walking up the hill climb section of the trail, I managed to dodge a pile of the smelly stuff (well I think it is). As I walk on the very left of the trail I missed it anyway, and it wasn’t my extreme skill. π€£ I then put my ‘Tracking Skills’ to the test. First I thought it could be a ‘Bull Moose’ from ‘NEW England’ USA or a ‘Florida Black Bear or even an ‘American Alligator’…But I think it was probably a horse as it’s also a riding trail, lol! I really need to stop reading the ‘Trail Running and Hiking subreddits! π€£
Mtivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βIf you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.β – Hippocrates.
Today was the day I went out and created the ‘Dayle’s Rest Stop’ audio beacon on my Soundscape 3D audio navigation app. It’s located about half a mile away from yesterday’s ‘Nancy & Ken’s Crossroads’, and is in a beautiful location in the trees. I hope you like it Dayle? π€
π₯Ύ Why ‘Dayle’s rest stop bench’:
In a place like Epsom Common, with its uneven and bumpy trails, ‘Dayles’s Rest Stop Bench’ can be especially helpful for:
Sitting and regaining energy on the long and hilly paths.
Giving your legs (especially theΒ soleus and calves) a short recovery.
A chance to stop, listen to sounds of the different varieties of birds, and the wind blowing through the trees.
And most of all…Eating a protein bar, a Sarah stupendous stack sandwich and having a much needed drink.
Back on my 3.41 mile walk…
The sun was out and it was really quiet on the first ΒΎ of the lap…Then as I was climbing the hill for about half a mile, all the people seemed to be here walking down the hill (the easy way)…And I was the only one pounding up the hill. It instantly reminded me of a post I did years ago…
βBE DIFFERENT! Donβt go with the flow!β we are urged. βDonβt follow the crowd! Even a dead fish can float downstream.β It does not take any effort or work on the part of a fish to go with the flow and drift downstEven a dead fish can float. Only a living and healthy fish can swim against the current and travel upstream. In the same way, any weak Christian can live like the world; it takes a vital, healthy faith to enable someone to stand on their convictions, firm against the tide of opinion and the example of unbelievers.
Wierd what comes to my mind, lol! π€£
Now focus…
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and let us check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. I’ve added ‘Blood Pressure’ to the ‘B’ string as I now take my blood pressure every week, as it’s so important to know your blood pressure numbers!
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!
A –Β Activity Rings: I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G –Β Goals: Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me to serve, encourage, and inspire others.
Scripture Snack – Heaven’s Fuel…
Isaiah 40:31: βBut those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.β
Today’s pond photo (did you think I’d forgotten, lol)…
I hope you had a lovely weekend, and Bruce THE Boxer didn’t blitz you too much! It was really quiet this morning out on the trail, which was great as I didn’t walk to the usual pond to take the photo you’re used to..I went behind it to take some photos of the larger pond that isn’t on my lap. But mainly I went out to find the best spot for the “Nancy & Ken’s Crossroads” audio beacon.
At the furthest point on my lap I found the crossroads (see photo above), and I thought it was the perfect spot to name it “Nancy & Ken’s Crossroads”. It was Nancy who first inspired me to get out walking this trail 9 years ago, so I thought I’d name the first FitBlitzer audio beacon after her and her Husband Ken…I hope you like it Nancy?π
I’m out tomorrow to name the 2nd Fitblitzer audio beacon after you Dayle! πͺπΌΒ
The Larger Top pond photos..
There are 2 stew ponds on this nature reserve called the large stew pond and the small stew pond…Makes sense, lol! π€£ My usual lap flies past the small pond but I ventured out to take some photos of the larger pond for you. I usually only go to the larger pond with Sarah at the weekends…But as it’s ‘Motivational Monday’ I risked getting mangled so I could show you some photos! πͺπΌ
Motivational Quote…
“There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Donβt allow yourself to become one of them”. β Ralph Marston
Oh yeah, my motivational t-shirt…
On Saturday I recieved a fantastic Orange t-shirt as the MS Society sent me it after setting up my JustGiving page for my latest crazy challenge. I put it straight on and headed out on the trail…If my plan works, it’ll be too big in a couple of months as I drop a shirt size!! πͺπΌ As I can’t take selfies, I just set the zoom to 0.5% (widest it’ll go) and take a couple of shots. Then when I get home I asked my lovely Wife Sarah which one I should post,..Hopefully I’m actually in the photo and my face doesn’t look too weird, lol!
Please take a couple of minutes and listen to this audio I’ve just created with Text2Speech and give me your feedback?! I won’t say anymore as I’d like to hear what you think of Bruce THE Boxer your Boxercise Instructor. π€
Attention! Eyes front, you slobber-snouted slackers! WELCOME TO THE PAIN PALACE!
This is Bruce THE Boxer, your no-nonsense, quad-pumpin Boxercise Instructor with paws of steel. Todayβs drill is gonna have your teeth clenched and your muscles SCREAMING.
DRILL #3: TUG Oβ WAR 𧨠Listen up recruits, this ainβt no playtime fluff-fest. This is battle. One-on-one, tooth-to-hand combat. You. Versus. The human. Weapon of choice? Anything you can clamp between your teeth without destroying the house.
OBJECTIVE: Engage the enemy (your human) in an all-out tugging war! I used my legendary plastic sausage link, Sarah never stood a chance. But you can grab a rope toy, old towel or even a knotted sock if thatβs all youβve got. Just NO biting limbs, no matter how tempting their flappy arms are. Weβre warriors, not wild animals (Wellβ¦a few of you are).
WHY TUG Oβ WAR? Because this drill is no joke…Youβll be building: πͺ Jaw strength πͺ Neck power πͺ Shoulder and back muscles forged in fire πͺ Mental grit…cause youβre in it to WIN IT!
You think your humanβs doing all the work? WRONG. Theyβll be sweating, panting and begging you to stop. Good, thatβs the point…Make them EARN your respect.
PRO TIP: While tugging, growl like a beast. It strikes fear and builds morale. And if your toy explodes mid-battle? Even better…victory is messy.
I canβt remember who won the last bout between me and Sarah? (Pause for dramatic sniff). Actually, YES I CAN. IT WAS ME…ALWAYS ME. πΎ
So grab your weapon, square up and TUG like your reputation depends on it..Because it DOES. See you in the next drill, warriors. Until then…STAY HUNGRY and STAY DANGEROUS…DISMISSED!
Yay it’s raining! I’m thankful for the rain (keeping the nature reserve lush, my Cagoule (keeping me dry) and for the ‘Monochrome’ filter on my photos (Dayle will like these shots, lol!). I put the ‘Monochrome’ filter on the photos each time it rains! π
There’s something calming about hearing the rain hit your hood, the leaves and the path, and as there were not many people out today…It was a lovely walk. Now that’s something else to be thankful for. π
I also want to give the biggest thanks to God. Without Him, none of this would be possible. From the refreshing rain to the peaceful path, from the strength in my legs to the joy in my heart…It’s all His gift. I’m also very thankful for my old trail shoes (I didnβt want to get the new HOKA Speedgoats wet, lol), and they walked me around 1 lap today. And of course there’s my lovely Wife Sarah, who does so many things (behind the scenes) I can’t thank her enough for making this all happen! β€οΈ
Give thanks with a grateful heart…
How might you pause to give thanks today, whether it’s through a prayer, a bible verse that jumps out at you, a walk in nature, or a quiet moment of reflection? π€
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Yay…I’ve completed 2 laps (5.99 miles) and I survived without any dramas! That’s my maximum laps I had to smash in July, as it will be 3 laps in August and 4 laps in September and on and on…But until the 3 laps I’ll keep pounding the trail to keep getting stronger, more stamina and make it feel easier and not keep collapsing when I arrive home, lol! π€£
As I walked past the pond twice this morning, I thought I’d get some different shots for you. So I walked down the side of the pond a little, and captured a few photos. π
The Pond from the right…
MOtivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βIf you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.β – Hippocrates.
Yay…The sunshine (nasty glare) had gone away, and just left my best conditions with even some drizzle to cool me down along the trail. π There were no dramas today, just the usual couple of swerves around stray dog walkers, but other than that it was nice and enjoyable out there without having my brains scorched!
You may have guessed that I’ve found the ‘Mono’ filter on my photos today. I thought on the days it drizzles, rains or chucks it down I will use this filter for a change! π
More trees…
Things are going really well at the moment. The weight is coming off, the nutrition is way cleaner and delicious and my walking is moving forward each week. I have the 2 lap walk tomorrow as in the last week of each month I need to do one lap more than the previous month, so I can keep getting stronger each month ready for the BIG 50K! π¨
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and check that i’m in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. I’ve added ‘Blood Pressure’ to the ‘B’ string as I now take my blood pressure every week.
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!
A –Β Activity Rings: I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G –Β Goals: Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me to serve, encourage, and inspire others.
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
When your goals are clear…Itβs easier to take the first steps toward it.
I hope you’re doing well after Drill Sergent Bruce THE Boxer blitzed you and me on Saturday?! π¨ It was nice to get out on the trail this morning, and I’m happy to report there were no dramas. I stopped at the usual pond and took the photo for you…I like to take one every time I’m out there (it makes me get out, lol) and not just copy and paste the photo, even though it probably looks similar. πͺπΌ
As it’s ‘Motivational Monday’ I had an idea as I was walking around the lap this morning. I thought I’d like to add you ‘FitBlitzers’ to some of my audio beacons so as it’s called out on my lap, it’s a lovely reminder that you’re here, cheering and joining me on my walk.
I quickly realised my audio beacons are quite instructional so I can’t really rename them…BUT I know there are a lot of benches on my lap, as it’s a nature reserve. So as I find them on my lap (I can’t see them but I have an idea where they are) I will label them as one of you guys and a place to sit and rest my aching legs…Sounds like a good idea to me! π
Motivational Quote…
“There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Donβt allow yourself to become one of them”. β Ralph Marston
Awards & Badges…π₯
Over the last year when I’d been mainly in my room playing guitar, and fiddling with effects pedals etc, my Apple Watch monthly challenges have gotten much easier to reach…But as I’m out on the trail it’s going to start getting harder again, but I’ll celebrate any small victory! πͺπΌ
Also I earned this badge thanks to the 5 people who donated to my ‘Steve’s The BIG 50′ fundraising page…Wow I can’t believe it’s gone live and is ultra real to me! π¨ So I’m celebrating those lovely people with this new badge…Now that’s MOTIVATION!!! π§‘
This is Bruce THE Boxer, your barking, burpee-loving Boxercise instructor, and todayβs drill is gonna launch you into orbit!
TODAYβS MISSION: “GETTING AIR!“
No, you ainβt Michael Jordan. You ainβt pulling backflips off a BMX half-pipe. But starting today…You’ll learn to fly!
Your objective is simple… Jump higher, faster and harder. And donβt you dare stop until you’re getting eye-level with the ceiling fan, or at least matching your own height (Yes, even if you’re 3ft tall with paws the size of tennis balls). I donβt care…JUMP!
Why are we doing this? Because weβre building those fast-twitch muscle fibres, the ones made for power, strength and explosive action. No slow, lazy sloth-muscled fluff here, this is plyometric warfare, and itβs your ticket to becoming a lean, mean air-snatching machine.
Fast-twitch = More gains. More gains = More strength. More strength = You looking like the top dog of the street pack. π₯
DRILL INSTRUCTIONS: βοΈ Jump as high as you can, keep those knees tucked and land like a ninja. βοΈ Rest? NEVER heard of her. βοΈ Compete with your human. Beat them. Dominate them. Impress them (Treats may follow).
Wanna know how itβs done? Check out the photo above, thatβs me, mid-flight on Old Hunstanton beach. I jumped so high I lost the beach…I donβt even know where Norfolk went!
Now MOVE IT! Donβt let gravity win…Make the ground fear your return. Boxercise isnβt for the faint-hearted, itβs for warriors who can FLY. Now get out there and earn your air…Class dismissed!
Just like last ‘Thankful Thursday’ the first thing I want to give thanks for is my lovely Wife Sarah. Before I head out to the trail, she always makes me a lovely fresh black espresso, gives me a big hug and tells me how much she loves me…Wow! ββ€οΈ
It was a tough one today, and I must have looked like a crazy man (yes more than usual, lol) as I was laughing to myself as I couldn’t believe my legs were not wanting to behave. They were like a stroppy teenager not wanting to move! π€£ I know my youthful/puppy dog mind keeps writing cheques my old overweight body can’t cash…But eventually after about a mile, my legs finally conformed, and I gave them a huge thanks! πͺπΌ
Audio Beacon ‘The Crossroads…
As I approach this audio beacon, the verse from Jeremiah 6:16 always springs to mind. It says “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls”. I always need to turn left to stay on the good path and stay on my lap, and being out on the trail always gives rest to my soul! π
Give thanks with a grateful heart…
How might you pause to give thanks today, whether it’s through a prayer, a bible verse that jumps out at you, a walk in nature, or a quiet moment of reflection? π€
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Oh no…Sarah has deployed ‘Drill Sergeant Bruce THE Boxer’ to help me get in shape for my ‘Steve‘s The BIG 50‘ challenge. It’s been 4 years since Bruce THE Boxer shared his Boxercise classes on here…But this time he isn’t messing around, he’s taken on the Drill Sergent roll like ‘Gunnery Sergeant Hartman’ from the Full Metal Jacket movie from the 1980’s! Sarah says Bruce has 50 posts (sessions) to fit with my challenge, so we all better get ready! π¨
“ATTENTION, Recruits!”
I’m ‘Bruce THE Boxer‘ your new Boxercise Instructor. Make no mistake, I donβt do soft cuddles and belly rubs…I doΒ results. Over the nextΒ 50 sessions, Iβll be dishing out Boxercise drills right here onΒ iChristian, and you better be ready to sweat, grunt andΒ EARNΒ your fitness stripes.
When the first class drops…The destruction of laziness starts! If you’re looking to torch fat, build muscle harder than a frozen chew toy and learn the basics of battle-fuel nutrition…Then report to class, soldier!
WHOβS THIS FOR?
EVERYONE! Young pups, old hounds, mutts, purebreds, humans of all shapes, sizes and sofa-dwelling tendencies (like Steve). I don’t care what you are. If youβve got a pulse and a will to fight, youβre in. This is for beginners, families, lone wolves βand yes, even cats…If they dare! No excuses and No whining.
WHAT YOU NEED:
A bottle (or bowl) of water, youβll be dripping sweat like a bulldog in the Sahara.
A warriorβs mindset. Iβm here to push you, not pamper you.
And yeah, a sense of fun. Because pain is just weakness leaving the body,
So square up, eyes front and paws ready, as this is going to hurt!
Yay, BlindSteve has just found the ‘Filter’ button on my iMac photos! π
Hi Fitblitzers…
Unlike last ‘Tuner Tuesday’ my lovely Wife is working from her office at home, which means I get to taste her tremendous ‘Tuna stack sarnie! π The sun stayed away this morning which made the trail the best it can be for me without all of the glare.
I’ve worked out the next 7 months during my training for ‘Steve‘s The BIG 50‘, and I can’t believe I have to do 2 laps before the end of July. I only do 1 lap at the moment (around 3.38 miles) and I can only just manage it, so I’m not looking forwards to doing 2 laps in the next week. It’s amazing how you lose your stamina so quickly, as it’s only been about a year since I started to stay in my room and pfocus on my guitar and my multiple effects pedals! πΈ π
More trees…
Whilst cropping the photos to add to this post (as I can’t see my phone when taking the photos, trust me they need cropping, lol), I found the ‘Filters’ button for the first time…So all of these photos have the ‘Dramatic’ effect. π
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and check that i’m in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. I’ve added ‘Blood Pressure’ to the ‘B’ string as I now take my blood pressure every week which is great to have all that data too.
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!
A –Β Activity Rings: I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G –Β Goals: Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me to serve, encourage, and inspire others.
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the treesβ – Henry David Thoreau
I hope you’ve had a lovely weekend? As I hit the trails Monday – Thursday my legs have had a nice weekend resting ready for today’s walk. There were no dramas again to report out on the trail, so I could concentrate on my form (needs improvement, lol) and getting some nice photos for you.
As I was walking along the back of my lap, I turned left into the thicker tree section, and the sun was right in front of me and stopped me seeing anything at all…So I thought whilst I stopped that this would take a nice shot! π
I also managed to measure the actual lap (without the walking to & walking from my house to the lap), and it was 2.60 miles. I’m not sure I ever knew this as I always start (and stop) my ‘Outdoor Walk Workout’ on my doorstep.
Just before I arrived at the ‘Finish Line’ audio beacon, this trail is on my left so I took a photo of that too. I don’t walk along that trail so I have no idea where it goes, or if I can manage it. π
Motivational Quote…
“There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Donβt allow yourself to become one of them”. β Ralph Marston
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! πͺπΌ
Sarah’s Stupendous Sunflowers…π»
Sarah wanted you to leave this post with a smile…So here is one of her 2025 sunflower she. has grown. This one is around 8 feet tall! π
I’m about to embark on my seventh fundraising challenge asΒ #BlindSteve, and this one is by far the biggest, most personal and meaningful of my life.
Iβm nowΒ 50, theΒ same age my mum was when she diedΒ after a courageous battle withΒ multiple sclerosis – Iβm taking on thisΒ challengeΒ in her memory. Β
On Sunday the 1st March 2026, Iβll be walking a 50K trail around Epsom Common in just one day. But thatβs not all. Over the next seven months Iβll also be working hard to loose 50 pounds as I train for the walk. π¨
Iβm calling itΒ Steveβs ‘The BIG 50β – and it means everything to me. This isnβt just a physical challenge, itβs a way to honour my mum and raise funds and awareness for a cause thatβs so important to me.
Because whilst God gives me strength in my legs Iβll want to use them and push myself to do crazy challenges to help others.
Iβd love for you to be part of this journey.Β Please take a moment to read my story below (or through the links in this post) and, if you can, support in any way you can.
Your help would make a world of difference. Thank you so much for taking time to read this. Beatific blessings, Steve.
Hi, Iβm (#BlindSteve), and on Sunday 1st March 2026 Iβll be taking on the biggest challenge of myΒ life!
Iβll be walking 50K in one day, to raise funds for the MS Society.
But this isnβt just about me managing this walk as a blind manβ¦Itβs about love, loss and giving hope.
π A month that changed everythingβ¦
My mum was just 50 years old when she died, after a courageous battle against Multiple Sclerosis. ThatΒ same month, I was registered blind, it was the hardest month of my lifeβ¦. I lost my mum and my sightΒ within weeks.
That double blow changed me forever. But it also gave me a deep compassion for others living with daily battles and a strong sense of purpose.
π£ BIG 50 challenge
This year I turned 50 and I want to do something big to honour my mumβs memory, doing something that will challenge me to my limits and help give hope to others living with MS.
So Iβve set myself a monumental challengeβ¦
1. To walk 50K in one day in an ultra-trail marathon
2. To lose 50 lbs in the seven months Iβll be training for this event
3. To do it at 50 (the age my mum was when she died)
Raising funds for MS research
Iβll be walking myΒ 50KΒ on a trail around Epsom Common. Iβll do it all in a single day, pushing through theΒ pain, the fatigue and the challenge of not being able to see the trail Iβm walking on.
Because no matter how hard it gets, itβs nothing compared to what my mum, and thousands like her, go through, every day, with MS.
𧑠A Legacy of actionβ¦
Iβve already left a gift in my will to the MS Society to help them fund future breakthroughs in treatments, care and support. But I also want to give now! Because MS is devastating families today, and hope is needed now more than ever!
π Walk with meβ¦
This walk is about more than fitness. Itβs about remembrance. Itβs about transformation. Itβs about turning pain into purpose, and love into action.
Iβll be walking blind and on my own. But I wonβt walk alone.
Iβll carry my mumβs memory with me every step. And I hope youβll walk with me in spirit by joining me inΒ this challenge, whether itβs through aΒ donation, sharing my story or offering words of encouragement,Β youβll help amplify the impact of my walk.
Together, we can bring hope to those living with MS today, and help create a better future for them tomorrow.
Thought I’d photobomb your usual photo and say Hi! π
Hi Fitblitzers.
Wow, that was hard. I want to give thanks to the Lord for showing me that my stamina is rubbish, lol, and I need to build it up if I want to do more than 5K. !
my next challenge idea…π€
For the last few weeks since I’ve been back on the trail, I’ve been having random thoughts about #BlindSteve’s 7th challenge. I was thinking I’d like to do a music/Guitar challenge of some kind, but the number 50 kept dominating my thoughts. After a few weeks of trying to think of every challenge possible…The number 50 kept coming back!
the big 50…
Yesterday on the trail everything shifted into place, and the number 50 won’t come around again…So here is my idea and please let me know what you think as you know I’m like a moth to a flame on focusing on fundraising challenges close to my heart! I wrote a draft yesterday for my JustGiving fundraising page (not set up yet) and wondered what you think?
The Big 50!
Hi, Iβm Steve (#BlindSteve), and on Sunday 1st March 2026 Iβll be taking on the biggest challenge of my life!
Iβll be walking 50K in one day, to raise funds for the MS Society.
But this isnβt just about me managing this walk as a blind manβ¦Itβs about love, loss and giving hope.
π A month that changed everythingβ¦
My mum was just 50 years old when she died, after a courageous battle against Multiple Sclerosis. That same month, I was registered blind, it was the hardest month of my lifeβ¦. I lost my mum and my sight within weeks.
That double blow changed me forever. But it also gave me a deep compassion for others living with daily battles and a strong sense of purpose.
π£ BIG 50 challenge
This year I turned 50 and I want to do something big to honour my mumβs memory, doing something that will challenge me to my limits and help give hope to others living with MS.
So Iβve set myself a monumental challengeβ¦
To walk 50K in one day in an ultra-trail marathon
To lose 50 lbs in the seven months Iβll be training for this event
To do it at 50 (the age my mum was when she died)
Raising funds for MS research
Iβll be walking my 50K on a trail around Epsom Common,. Iβll do it all in a single day, pushing through the pain, the fatigue and the challenge of not being able to see the trail Iβm walking on.
Because no matter how hard it gets, itβs nothing compared to what my mum, and thousands like her, go through, every day, with MS.
𧑠A Legacy of actionβ¦
Iβve already left a gift in my will to the MS Society to help them fund future breakthroughs in treatments, care and support. But I also want to give now! Because MS is devastating families today, and hope is needed now more than ever!
π Walk with meβ¦
This walk is about more than fitness. Itβs about remembrance. Itβs about transformation. Itβs about turning pain into purpose, and love into action.
Iβll be walking blind and on my own. But I wonβt walk alone.
Iβll carry my mumβs memory with me every step. And I hope youβll walk with me in spirit by joining me in this challenge, whether itβs through a donation, sharing my story or offering words of encouragement, youβll help amplify the impact of my walk.
Together, we can bring hope to those living with MS today, and help create a better future for them tomorrow.
Thanks for walking along this journey with me.
With love and determination,
Steve (#BlindSteve)
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It was really quiet out on the trail today, so I’m happy to report there were no dramas. I still can’t believe how good my new HOKA Speedgoat trail shoes are…I know I’m meant to rotate each day with my older shoes, but I love these too much! π
When taking these photos around the trail, I don’t see just how beautiful it is! I know I keep saying this but I’m always surprised when I return home and view them on my iMac ready for posting. The photos are still really blurry to me even on massive zoom, but I get the general idea that I’m so blessed to be able to go out there! π π
audio beacon #16…
This audio beacon is called ‘White fallen tree, keep left and curves left’…It’s a bit of a mouthful but vital for my navigation. A few years ago when I first placed this audio beacon whilst creating this lap, Sarah said there was a large white fallen tree on the left hand side…I think it’s gone now though? Maybe you guys could come up with a better name and I can rename it?? π€
I hope youβve had your own chance to get out, get moving, and soak in the world around you, whatever that looks or sounds like for you today. π€
MOtivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βIf you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.β – Hippocrates.
My lovely wife Sarah is working in the London office today, so I put on my HOKA Speedgoats and left at 7am when Sarah’s taxi arrived. This was a fantastic time for me as there was no brain melting sun, my new shoes seemed to know this before me and shot off! I did one lap (3.40 miles) at 3.6 miles per hour, that’s really fast for me and I got home 10 minutes faster! π² I can’t tell you how much of a difference it makes when there is no blazing sunshine, it takes way less mental energy to not cope with that glare! πͺπΌ
Audio Beacon #18…
I actually remembered to stop and take a couple of photos of my audio beacons. I set this audio beacon called ‘Turn left into the woods on the back straight’ right on the apex of the bend. It beeps in my ear when I am facing it so I can walk towards it, and as it hits the beacon it automatically moves to the next beacon after a swooshing sound! πͺπΌ
audio beacon #22…
I also set this audio beacon called ‘Keep right for the start of the steepest hill climb’ right on the apex of the bend again, as it calls out the distance in feet as soon as it’s activated after the last beacon…I told you the Soundscape app was brilliant! π€£
I can’t believe it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’ already and I can’t look forward to Sarah’s stupendous tuna stack sarnie…I’ll be making my own (not so stupendous) tuna sarnie instead, lol. π€£
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and check that i’m in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!
A –Β Activity Rings: I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G –Β Goals: Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me to serve, encourage, and inspire others.
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βIn every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.β – John Muir
Hi FitBlitz Friends! . Now these bad boys will really put the ‘Motivation’ in to Mondays walk, lol! π€£ This morning me and my lovely wife Sarah visited Fitstuff (running specialists) in Guildford, Surrey, UK, to buy some more trail shoes now I’m back FitBlitzing again, and to help me with my determination to lose the 50 pounds I need to! Yes that’s 50 pounds now I’m 50 years old! πͺπΌ
I tried around 6 pairs of shoes, all different makes and styles…And these ones fit perfect with just the right amount of cushioning, grip and weight. I can’t have too much cushioning as I need to feel the trail, as I’m blind I use my feet lots to help guide me around along with my Soundscape app. π
Sarah’s stupendous Oat & Almond Fruit Protein Pancakes…
I seriously can’t describe how tasty these protein pancakes are…They should be banned, lol! These are Sarah’s custom make (top secret recipe) pancakes. All she told me is that she’s used oat flour, Almond flour and Whey Isolate for extra protein boost! I then add zero fat greek yogurt and after Sarah’s covered them with zingy fruit…I add the special Grove Farm sugar free Maple Syrup (diabetic friendly) which is only 9 calories per 2 table spoons! π²
I can’t wait to get out on the trail with my new Speedgoats, and also eat more of those stupendous pancakes…Losing weight has never tasted so good! πͺπΌ π
The first thing I want to give thanks for is my lovely Wife Sarah. Before I head out to the trail, she always gives me cuddles, kisses and coffee (a lovely fresh black espresso)…And just when I think she couldn’t get any more amazing, she makes me an iced coffee when I return, as it’s the start of a 5 day heatwave! π²
As I was zombie shuffling along the back of the lap after the ponds, I was giving thanks as there were not many people out today which makes my walks much much better…It’s sounds very anti-social butto me they are not people, cyclists, runners or dog walkers…They are seriously dangerous obstacles! π€£
Also when me and Sarah walked around my lap to see if it was safe for me to start Fitblitzing again…A small part of my lap was closed. But I tentativley shuffled along expecting to hit something, and to my surprise it was all open again, yay! Once I was clear and the audio beacon had called out this location I turned around and took the photo above…I’m very happy it’s back open and I can do my proper lap again! Plenty of thanks here to the rangers and local volunteers who keep this place beautiful! π
Audio Beacon ‘The sunshine bench’…
I always smile when I hear ‘The Sunshine Bench’ audio beacon, as it’s Sarah’s favourite bench as it always seems to be in the sun. And it always takes me back to my ‘Ultra Trail Marathon‘ walk I did for the MS Society, as Sarah was sitting on here waiting to jump up and take photos of me. I still can’t believe I did that!
How might you pause to give thanks today, whether it’s through a prayer, a walk in nature, or a quiet moment of reflection? π€
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
After being away for 5 days celebrating me and Sarah’s 18th wedding anniversary (see my 1st.post HERE), it was nice to get back on the trail. In my excitement I’ve not only taken the usual pond photo…But I thought I’d bless you with another shot from down the side of the pond, lol! π
I have no dramas to report today as it was a pretty straight forward walk, which is good for me as I made it back home without injury…But boring for you! π€£ I like to take 3 photos for you to enjoy and I realised as I was finishing my lap, so I turned around and got one final photo for you. Then it was try and make it back home in one piece, and drink one of Sarah’s famous black espresso coffees. π
As you may know i donβt see the trail through the woods, but I hear the birdsong that surrounds me like a choir, my footsteps pound the earth like a bass drum and the breeze gently cools me down as the sunshine warms my skin. It feels great to do my daily walk, and keep moving closer to smashing my health and fitness goals! πͺπΌ
I hope youβve had your own chance to get out, get moving, and soak in the world around you, whatever that looks or sounds like for you today. π€
MOtivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
Yay I made it back without injury…Now that’s the first thing to be thankful for! πͺπΌ I also walked past the smaller pond as usual, and when I stopped to take the photo…I thought I’d step off the trail and get the path in the bottom of the shot to make it look a little different this time. π
Audio Beacon ‘The Carousel’…
I need to give a monumental thanks to the makers of the ‘Soundscape’ audio navigation iPhone app, as without it I wouldn’t be able to walk around the trail. And speaking of the app…I stopped when I heard my ‘Carousel’ audio beacon called out. It was like meeting an old friend as I walked around the banked left hander. I called it ‘Carousel’ as I think it’s similar to the namesake along the NΓΌrburgring race track in Germany! π€£
Looking through the photos i post on here on my mac with full zoom, i forget just how beautiful the trail is. It’s so easy to forget as i’m stomping through with tired legs, aching bones, thirsty throat and a starving belly, lol. π I’m so thankful that i stop and take a few photos as i can enjoy them ( with you I hope?!) when i get home.
I also want to say i’m so thankful that even though i’m blind, i can go out walking through God’s beautiful creation, listen to my audio navigation Soundscape app and create beacons that are named in loving memories of family, friends and random things. Also capturing some photos for you to enjoy around the world…I don’t think i’ll ever get my head around having you guys out there to love, encourage and support me in ways i didn’t even know were possible…Thanks for being a blessing! π π
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
As it’s a heat wave today and it’s reaching 32ΛC, I decided I’d not risk melting as I’m not good in the heat (never mind carrying 50 pounds extra)…So I thought I’d be productive and design a logo for my ‘FitBlitz & iChristian’ blogs. πͺπΌ
Could you please let me know what you think of the logo above?!
I can’t believe it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’ already but i’m really looking forward to the Sarah tuna stack sarnie. π
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and check that i’m in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E – Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!
A – Activity Rings: I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D – Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G – Goals: Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B – Body: Listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me to serve, encourage, and inspire others.
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βIn every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.β – John Muir
As i completed my longer walk yesterday, my plan was to do a 6 mile (2 lap) walk nice and slow to give my legs time to relax and i could sit back and enjoy this beautiful place…This didn’t happen, lol! π€£
My Inov-8 trailfly ultra G300 max trail shoes…
I have 2 pairs of trail shoes and i do a shoe rotation each day so the foam padding has time to spring back, and this means i get no blisters, bad feet, shins or leg damage. . Unfortunately it’s the day i wear my fave Inov-8’s and as soon as i left the road and joined the light trail paths…My shoes seemed to hit a super sport mode and hunkered down and sped off! Thankfully it wasn’t a sunny day today so as my legs steamed on ahead, i held on for dear life and resigned myself to a speedy 1 lap instead. π¨
Trail path on back hill climb
Looking through the photos i post on here on my mac with full zoom, i forget just how beautiful the trail is. It’s so easy to forget as i’m stomping through with tired legs, aching bones, thirsty throat and a starving belly, lol. π I’m so thankful that i stop and take a few photos as i can enjoy them when i get home.
I also want to say i’m so thankful that even though i’m blind, i can go out walking through God’s beautiful creation, listen to my audio navigation Soundscape app and create beacons, have loving memories of family and friends and capture some photos for you to enjoy around the world…I don’t think i’ll ever get my head around having you guys out there to love, encourage and support me in ways i didn’t even know were possible…Thanks for being a blessing! π π
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Oh how quickly we forget…I can’t believe I’ve ever walked for over 8 miles before, lol! I’m so glad i’m typing this as it means i’m alive and i’ve made the walk.
I managed 3 laps (8.57 miles) and my legs are feeling it, but i need to keep going as my next charity fundraising challenge for Diabetes UK (starts 1st July 2024) is 10 miles for 85 consecutive days! π¨ Today’s walk at least had some good parts as it’s a longer walk, so i need to take out my fave chocolate flapjacks to fuel me towards the end…Bonus! πͺπΌ
Helter-Skelter audio beacon…
As i had 2 and a half hours to walk today i thought i’d take a few more photos for you to look at, because at least you need to see how beautiful it is around here, lol. π€£ I also took the photo above of my ‘Helter-Skelter audio beacon’ which i named after the section of track on the Laguna Seca circuit. It’s not quite as dangerous but for this blindman that has to navigate the s bend without flying into the trees and bushes is always a laugh! πͺπΌ
As i can label the audio beacons and place them anywhere i like, i’ve actually labelled a couple after people i’ve lost or know…Then as it calls out the name i take a minute to think of that person and the memories they bring up, it’s such a unusual yet lovely daily reminder! π π
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
Wow that was hard! My leg muscles felt like they were empty and only running at about 20%. Oh and the sun was out too making it really difficult…Shal i stop complaining now, lol! π€£ I’m thankful for actually making it around 2 laps (6 miles) without any dramas, and that’s another day of walking complete ready for the challenge which starts 1st July!! πͺπΌ
I can’t believe it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’ already but i’m really looking forward to the Sarah tuna stack sarnie. π
As i walked around 2 laps today, i didn’t want to bore you with another photo of the pond. So when i arrived at the Bench inside the woods audio beacon, and it’s the place where i can get lost if i’m not concentrating…I thought i’d take a photo instead.
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and check that i’m in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E – Endurance – Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!Β
A – Activity Rings – I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D – Deficit – Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G – Goals – Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B – Body – Listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E – Edification – Pretty much help and improves everything, lol!Β
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
After two weeks off walking as i’ve been way too busy, i’m finally back out on the trail. I’ve really got to put in the miles from now on ready for my longest walking challenge so far that starts on 1st July. Of course it was checking it down with rain and overcast but that is my fave conditions to walk in with my eyesight.
I can’t believe it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’ already but i’m really looking forward to the Sarah tuna stack sarnie. π
The foot soaker…π¨
Don’t step in the foot soakers!
I knew the trail would be wet today and the foot soaker section would be full of puddles, and as i walked two laps today i had to try and navigate this section twice. It doesn’t look much but each of the puddles are ankle deep and my trail shoes are not that tall, lol. I somehow managed to get through it both times with only a skimming of one which only soaked my toes, yay!
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and check that i’m in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E – Endurance – Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!Β
A – Activity Rings – I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D – Deficit – Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G – Goals – Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B – Body – Listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E – Edification – Pretty much help and improves everything, lol!Β
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
Wow, when i stopped my walking workout after today’s figure of 8 lap (same one i walked yesterday for 5.02 miles) i was shocked to hear it was exactly 5.02 miles…Now that’s like i’m walking on rails, lol. I didn’t know i was that exact when i created the figure of 8 trail. π²
The start line audio beacon…
My ‘Start Line’ audio beacon
I said yesterday that i’d take a photo of the famous start line audio beacon that has started a few of my charity walking fundraisers! πͺπΌ This where it all happens (well once i’ve walked there from my front door, lol), and this is where i metaphorically turn my cap around (Over the top movie) and get focused on the challenge ahead!
The Sarah Sunshine bench audio beacon…
This is my Sarah’s Sunshine Bench audio beacon.
I also said yesterday that i labelled some of my audio beacons with the names of people, and obviously i’ve taken one of my faves (not biased at all) of the ‘Sarah’s Sunshine Bench’. Sarah said “I want the sunshine bench to be named after me’, and as it’s perminately in the sunshine i always smile when my Soundscape app calls it out every day on my walk…Now that’s a living legacy, lol! βοΈ
I just want to say i’m so thankful that even though i’m blind, i can go out walking through God’s beautiful creation, listen to my audio navigation Soundscape app and create beacons, have loving memories of family and friends and capture some photos for you to enjoy around the world…I don’t think i’ll ever get my head around having you guys out there to love, encourage and support me in ways i didn’t even know were possible…Thanks for being a blessing! π π
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
My audio beacon says “Stop and take photo of the pond”
Hi Fitblitzers.
Yay i’ve made it out on the trail! I managed 5.02 miles (figure of 8 loop) today and all of that fresh air, birds singing and feet pounding was great medicine for this out of tune old guy! π€£
After posting the images on this post, i really can’t believe the difference of the camera (super detailed) and the way i see the landscape…It really is like trying to look through a bowl of pea soup, and with the sun out it’s even worse than that.
Trail Trees Audio Beacon…
Still wondering what to name the audio beacon that stops me to take this photo? Any ideas?
Whilst walking my way around the trail, i had a great idea! I thought that i could take a photo of each of the audio beacons i’ve set around the trail so you could see how beautiful it is around here. π
Rail Crossing audio beacon…
Taken at the ‘Crossroads at rail crossing’ audio beacon – 2nd loop.
I took a few photos today but i think i should start at the beginning, lol. As you may know there are about 40 – 50 audio beacons i’ve set on the trail so far, and i listen to them all of the time with my Soundscape app and my AirPods in my ears. I look like i’m just enjoying music or an audiobook but i’m listening carefully for every direction so i don’t get damaged as much!
As i can label the audio beacons and place them anywhere i like, i’ve actually labelled a couple after people i’ve lost or know…Then as it calls out the name i take a minute to think of that person and the memories they bring up, it’s such a unusual yet lovely daily reminder! π π
Now it’s time to see if i survive after this walk, and if so i’ll see you tomorrow. Take care and God bless.
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
No walk today as iβm still well out of tune, but iβm hoping to finally get out on the trail tomorrow and see how it goes! But at the moment iβll sit and enjoy my lovely Wife Sarahβs super tuna stack sarnie! π
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E – Endurance – Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!
A – Activity Rings – I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D – Deficit – Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G – Goals – Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B – Body – Listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E – Edification – Pretty much help and improves everything, lol!
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
Me and my lovely Wife Sarah (The Blind Sightseers) were chatting today about what i’d like to do for my 50th birthday next April 2025? I mentioned that i’d never been to America and i’d love to go there one day. Sarah said that she’d also love to go to America and we both talked about maybe Florida?!
I said i’d write this post to ask all of you amazing people about what you guys thought about ‘The Blind Sightseers’ travelling Stateside? Can you guys think of where we could visit, places to go and see and points of interest we could explore? I’m thinking of Florida at the moment but i’m open to any other ideas too? I’ve heard of the enormous crocodiles, snakes and spiders over there…And this could only make the adventure more exciting if we survived, lol! π€£
Please could you leave a comment with all of your thoughts as i’d love to hear them…I’m getting excited already! π
Hi WordPress family. I just thought iβd let you know that iβm currently knocked flat with a cough, running nose and lurgy type thingy, so i havnβt managed to post anything for a week! I hope to be back up and running soon and i canβt wait to catch up with you guys. π π
Iβm really missing being out on the trail and pounding out those milesβ¦But i canβt be bothered to do anything yet as my energy levels are very low etc. See you guys soon! π
Yeah it’s still 5ΛC this morning, so even though the sun was blitzing my eyeballs it was still freezing. But i want my chocolate flapjack this afternoon so i need to go out and walk at least 1 lap, lol!
After all of these years blogging i have finally found a speedy way of adding my photos to a post. I have mainly posted 1 or 2 photos to a post as it takes me too long to compose a post…But now i can add them quicker i can bore you with more photos each day of my trail walks! π€£ πͺπΌ
Taken on the trail near the ‘White Fallen Tree’ marker!Today’s trail walk taken after the ‘Carousel’ audio beacon marker.The trail path and trees taken near the ‘Keep right on big curve’ audio beacon marker.The trail path an trees taken from behind me!The trail path and trees taken near the ‘turn right at bottom of hill climb’ audio beacon marker.
I also stood on the scales this morning (Weigh-in Wednesday) and i’ve lost 9 pounds since i’ve been out walking in the trails again! This now leaves me with 41 pounds to lose over the next 12 months. πͺπΌ
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
The small stew pond with the trail i walk along at the bottom.
Hi Fitblitzers.
It was another puffer jacket walk today as it was freezing, well 5ΛC which is really cold, lol. I can’t believe it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’ already but i’m really looking forward to the Sarah tuna stack sarnie at lunchtime. π
I did my usual default lap today (3.5 miles) and i managed to snap a couple of photos for you. I’m starting to get back into the trail walks again after my holiday in Portugal…Although i’m not used to the freezing temperatures yet instead of sun burn, lol.
The back straight of the loop even though it’s windy, lol.
The Ankle bend…π¨
Shortly after taking the photo above, and as i was actually enjoying being out in the fresh air joyfully walking along i approached the crater section! The craters must be 3ft wide and scattered across the trail usually filled with water. As i approached i set my legs into suspension mode and gritted my teeth as i can’t see the floor at all (not because of my belly, lol) with my blindness. I thought i’d gently slide through them until crunch…My right foot folded inside as my outer ankle bone hit the ground! I couldn’t believe it when i stood up and there was no pain or no snapped bones especially with the extra 3.5 stone i’m carrying around. I’ve always said that i have rubber ankles from my football days when i used to roll over on them all of the time, and i’m so thankful that even at my age they haven’t seized up yet, lol! π€£
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and check that i’m in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E – Endurance – Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!Β
A – Activity Rings – I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D – Deficit – Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G – Goals – Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B – Body – Listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E – Edification – Pretty much help and improves everything, lol!Β
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
The beautiful Benagil caves in the Algarve taken from our RIB boat tour!
Hi WordPress Family…
Me and my lovely Wife Sarah (The Blind Sightseers) have not forgotten you…We’ve just had the chance to celebrate both of our birthdays in the Algarve, Portugal, our first holiday in 5 years!! π
We have taken lots of photos for our amazing memories, and i hope you can enjoy them too?! Here are a few i’ve managed to edit for a little taster until i can post more as i edit them. π
Our holiday doesn’t properly start until Sarah has her feet on the beach!My lovely Wife Sarah at Vilamoura marina, Portugal.Me & Sarah sat at the front of the RIB boat on our tour of the Benagil caves!Wow a dolphin! π²
On our boat trip to the caves we stopped to see some dolphins. Sarah was saying that the dolphins were popping up everywhere…I whipped out my camera and randomly clicked, i didn’t dream i’d ever catch one in my shot, lol! π² β€οΈ
Just to say this is the walk i did yesterday (Wayfaring Wednesday) but i didn’t have time to write it, so here it is.
My plan was to walk the whole (brand new) ‘Trinity Lap’ which is around 11 miles, i’ll let you know if i actually complete it, lol. I packed my backpack with my new rain mac, plenty of water and supplies as i thought i’d be out for about 4 hours in on the trail. As you know i’ve made 3 loops in 1 big lap but never walked the whole thing in one go…And i still haven’t!
I think my mind was still thinking my body was in full race condition (2 years since my ultra marathon walk) and not that i’m 3.5 stone heavier and not walked for ages, lol! I had taken the usual lovely photo of the pond and just finished the very noisy road section, when as it went beautifully quiet, peaceful with just the sound of the tweeting birds as i entered the woods again (see below) my body let me down…π¨
I was walking along the new section of the ‘Trinity Lap’ when embarrassingly i suddenly was bursting for the toilet! π¨ I was still about 3 miles from home as i was on the opposite side of the loop, and it was not going away…I’ll just say that i was so thankful that somehow i made it all the way home! π π
Now it’s time to read my old posts and try and figure out how i used to do this as i’ve forgotten, lol. But i’m so thankful that even though i’m blind, i can go out and attempt these things and capture some photos for you to enjoy around the world…I don’t think i’ll ever get used to have you guys out there to love, encourage and support me in ways i didn’t even know were possible…Thanks for being a blessing! π π
A Biblical Blessing:..π
I do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14)
Hope you all had a blessed Easter? It’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’ already and i can’t believe how fast the weeks simply fly by!
I did my usual old lap today (3.5 miles) and i’ve realised it’s only 1 loop in my new 3 loop trinity lap which i’m going to attempt tomorrow, it should be over 10 miles so i’ll need your prayers again!
My stomach is rumbling as i type this, as my lovely Wife Sarah is going to make me the tuna stack sarnie with a cup of her legendary fresh coffee! β It’s been 3 weeks since i’ve started back walking and hitting the trails again and i’m feeling more in tune each time i go out there. My legs are remembering the daily pounding they have to deal with and are getting back up to speed. I’m also focusing on my EADGBE and keep it in my mind which is another helpful tool to keep me going. π
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E – Endurance – Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!Β
A – Activity Rings – I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D – Deficit – Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G – Goals – Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B – Body – Listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E – Edification – Pretty much help and improves everything, lol!Β
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
I went for a shorter 2.5 mile walk today to the big pond, to reflect on my huge victory yesterday on creating the ‘Trinity Lap’. I took a few photos of the pond for you but the photos don’t give the quiet, stillness and tweeting of the birds feel that ensconces you. π
I also stood on the scales this morning (Weigh-in Wednesday) and i’ve lost 7 pounds (half a stone) since i’ve been out walking in the trails again! This leaves me with 43 pounds to lose over the next 12 months. πͺπΌ It’s been quite a week for small victories and i’m determined to keep going no matter how hard it gets! π
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
First i have to say a big thankyou to you all for your prayers, you guys were on my mind loads especially when i finally walked across the cut through to link my Trinity loop…If only you could see my gratitude! π The third loop in my ‘Trinity Lap’ is the biggest of the 3 loops, and it took me 3.2 miles to eventually get to the link that i failed to do yesterday. My mission was to walk all the way around to opposite side and attack the link from the back, the photo above is the left turn from the main road and my audio beacon from yesterday was beeping loudly in my ears as i was facing it. I had set my audio beacon to the one i’d set on the other side of this cut through that i couldn’t find yesterday!
I walked down the path towards my beacon and i got to this cut through (photo above). I walked left and right trying to find a way through but i just felt fences…I was just about to give up and use the ‘Be My Eyes’ app with the video call thingy, when i thought i’d have one more go. My persistence paid off when i found a gap on the right of a fence, i stepped through as the beeping in my ears was going crazy and telling me the audio beacon is about 50 feet away!! Then once i was through and found the beacon i knew exactly where i was and couldn’t believe i’d made it and completed the loop! πͺπΌ
I couldn’t believe how close i was yesterday and how easy it would’ve been (if i could see) to just walk along the path like it was nothing. But then this feeling of joy and elation wouldn’t be happening right now! π Once i’d calmed down and had a drink of water, i realised i was about 3 miles away from home, lol (told you it was a big loop) and now it was time to enjoy this lovely new trail. The loop was over 5.5 miles long which along with the other two loops which add up to 5 miles, it’s going to be over 10 miles to complete my fantastic ‘Trinity Lap’. π²
As its ‘Tuner Tuesday’ my lovely Wife Sarah made me a much needed tuna stack sarnie with a cup of her legendary fresh coffee! β It’s been 3 weeks since i’ve started back walking and hitting the trails again and i’m feeling more in tune each time i go out there. My legs are remembering the daily pounding they have to deal with and are getting back up to speed. I’m also focusing on my EADGBE and keep it in my mind which is another helpful tool to keep me going. π
EADGBE…πͺπΌ
E – Endurance – Tortoise NOT Hare, lol!Β
A – Activity Rings – I use apple watch so i need to close my daily rings.
D – Deficit – Make sure i’m in a healthy calorie deficit each day until healthy weight.
G – Goals – Focus on my many lifetime goals.
B – Body – Listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore, lol).
E – Edification – Pretty much help and improves everything, lol!Β
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
βI donβt stop when Iβm tired, I stop when Iβm DONE!β
I’m giving thanks today for creating 4 more audio beacons, and that i arrived home safely without any damage or dramas! I did 4.49 miles whilst the sun was out blitzing my eyeballs so only a small headache from my walk…Which is a painful win as it could’ve been much worse! π
I now have 37 audio beacons (31 on my 1 lap course) as i’m trying to create my ‘Figure Of 8 Scalextric’ 5 mile lap which will help mix it up a bit. I lost all of my audio beacons when the Soundscape app was canceled…But now it’s back up and running (which i’m also thankful for) i have to create all of my beacons from scratch! I only have one more section to create to complete the figure of 8 which i’ll try and finish tomorrow! πͺπΌ π
What are you giving thanks for today? π
Inspirational Lyrics: Ronbin Mark
πΆ “Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King…His love endures forever. For He is good, He is above all things, his love endures forever. Sing praise, sing praise!β πΆ
August 14, 2025 
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