Well after an emotional weekend, I really didn’t want to leave Sarah and head out on the trail…But Sarah said “GO, I need some sleep, and there is a 2 hour window between each medication, so you can go out for your walk…You’re not letting the FitBlitzers down’…Well I tried my excuses but they didn’t work, lol! π€£
The sunshine was blazing today and it wasn’t an easy walk. But I still managed to keep a 3.5mph pace and I didn’t hit anything or anyone, yay! π
Now I’m back it’s time to switch to ‘Doctor Steve’ mode and look after Sarah some more. It was actually nice to be back out on the trail, especially after spending yesterday sat in a chair on the ward for over 7 hours! π 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)
Every Friday I like to stop, take a step back and look at the trail behind me before I go charging into the next week. This isnβt only about chasing numbers or beating records…Itβs about remembering that every mile is a gift, and sometimes the greatest progress comes when we pause, rest and simply give thanks.
This Week in Miles
Monday:Β 6.00 miles
Tuesday:Β 6.00 miles
Wednesday:Β 3.40 miles
Thursday:Β 8.56 miles (my longest walk yet on this journey).
Total: 23.96 miles in just four days. Thatβs almost 24 miles, something I never would have thought possible 2 months ago. But instead of rushing past it, I want to stop here for a moment and reflect.
Reflections from the Trail
Strength isnβt just about pushing harder, itβs also about knowing when to slow down.Β Wednesdayβs shorter walk reminded me that recovery is as important as distance.
Progress is humbling.Β Yes, Thursday was a record for me, but it left me tired in the best way. The kind of tired that reminds you youβreΒ alive,Β learning, and beingΒ stretched.
Recovery matters.Β Muscles need rest, minds need stillness and souls need space to breathe. Sometimes the most powerful progress happens when you sit down, give thanks and allow your body to heal.
Encouragement…
Maybe youβve had a week full of energy, or maybe itβs been heavy and youβve had to slow right down…Both are okay. Progress isnβt always about speed or distance. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to rest, reflect and prepare your heart for the next step.
Motivation…
“The strongest journeys are not measured in miles walked, but in the humility to pause, the courage to continue and the faith to be thankful in it all“.
Scripture snack…
βHe gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.β β Isaiah 40:29
This week has been full of movement…But today, letβs take a moment for gratitude. Rest, reflect, recover and be ready for the road ahead.
My lovely Wife Sarah is working in London again today, so I went out on the trail at 7am. One of the good things about attempting 3 laps today, is that I get to take 6 photos for you.
It was nice and cloudy today so I didn’t have the sun to use as an excuse, lol. I also had a couple of soft flasks, a carb gel and a Grenade protein bar on my person…I want to be prepared and not be left wanting! π
It was also cool at 13Β¬C which is perfect for me. I still have 37 pounds to lose so I’m too insulated at the moment, lol. It was time to let the brakes off my HOKA Speedgoats and just hold on!
When I arrived home and stopped my workout, it’d taken me 2 hours 29 minutes to do 8.56 miles. So I must have been walking around 3.5mph which is fast for me, yay! πͺπΌ
Oh and after I’d picked myself up off the floor (you’ve guessed it) it was time to make my smelly French toast as Sarah’s not here to choke on the smell. I’ll leave it to your imagination on how it turned out, as I really don’t want to take a photo of it, lol! π€£
Scripture snack…
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
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)
After the last 2 days with 2 laps, I decided to try and meander around 1 lap today to prepare for the 3 laps I need to do tomorrow! π¨ Once I engaged ‘Meander Mode’ I tried to stay around 3mph and enjoy myself…But my legs were not having it! For some reason everything just felt off, like I was driving with the brakes on. My HOKA Speedgoats were trying to pull my legs off and don’t like it at slow speeds, and my leg muscles were itching to go faster too…I thought this was meant to be a relaxing walk?!
As I like stats (my Apple Watch gives me plenty) I walked at 3.1mph today. On Monday and Tuesday I walked around 3.6-3.7mph…It doesn’t sound much different but for me it’s like redlining your car and thrashing it! π€£
When I got home and Sarah was handing me one of her Fantastic fresh coffees, I said “Wow…How have I got to the point that I’m saying, I only did 1 lap today”. 1 lap used to about kill me only a month ago, and now it’s “oh I’m only doing 1 lap, lol”. Is the muscle memory thing finally trying to work? I hope so as I need it! π
Scripture snack…
Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Today reminded me that even when my pace feels off or my legs donβt behave how I want them to, God is the one guiding my steps. I might plan my laps, my miles and my speed, but itβs His strength that carries me forward. Trusting Him means every lap (fast or slow) is still progress on the path Heβs laid out. 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)
After yesterday’s 6 mile (2 laps) walk, i really didn’t want to go out and do another 6 miles today..But I did, and I walked even faster as it was nice and overcast. Once my legs knew the sun wasn’t blazing, they seemed to just take off and wouldn’t slow down. I’m happy sat here typing this after doing 2 laps each day instead of 1, and I’m still in one piece, yay! π
I think ‘Thankful Thursday’ will be the day I try for 3 laps, as I have to reach 3 laps in August…So hopefully I’ll be thankful for managing 3 laps on Thursday. π At the moment I have a 500ml soft flask filled with Sarah’s zero sugar orange dilute water (well tasty), and I sip it around the second lap. But going longer I’ll have to take a little bite to eat too! π
Hey…I’ve just remembered it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’, which means I’ll be getting one of Sarah’s monumental TUNA stack salad sarnies…Hopefully!! π²
Now focus…
Let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is going well…I’ve lost 12 pounds so far, just 38 more to go! πͺπΌ
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.
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:..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)
As it’s ‘Motivational Monday’ I just wanted to share with you the 2 (7 in total already) donations I received over the weekend…What a way to get motivated! Whilst I was out walking this morning and wondering where to take my daily photos…A thought came to my mind about my audio beacons.
As you may know, I’ve been making some audio beacons and labeling them with the names of close friends, family and past loved ones etc…But I thought “What if I named them with the people who donate?”, then they can be with me every day I’m out there, and have there name called out in my ear through the Soundscape navigation app I use…So I started today with the 2 donations I received over the weekend…π§‘
Sheila’s Boulevard…
My thank you message…
A BIG thanks to Sheila! Your donation means the world to me, and Iβm so grateful for your kindness and support. Youβve made this my 6th donation for the challengeβ¦And every gift like yours lifts me and keeps me moving forward. Just like your singing and guitar playing bring joy and encouragement, your generosity here has struck the right chord and given me such a boost! Thank you for standing with meβ¦Together weβre making a real difference for those affected by MS. π§‘
Harry & Susie’s Helter Skelter…
My thank you message…
A BIG thanks to Harry & Susie! Your donation has cranked things up to 11..Now thatβs amped me up! Together youβve dropped a thunderous groove that takes this challenge to the next level. With your support, you havenβt just turned up the volumeβ¦Youβve unleashed the full stack (cranked to 11), driving me forward with serious riff-rocking excellence. You guys are legendsβ¦Thank you so much! π§‘
Now I’d better go and sort out audio beacons for the other 5 donations! π
Wow ‘Motivational Monday’ comes around fast! I had no idea it was slightly raining, until I stepped out of the house..It was the fine stuff that soaks you through which was perfect for me, as it meant it was overcast so much better for my vision. But you probably knew it was raining as all of the photos are in monochrome! π€£
It was nice for me out on the trail, there were few people out and the drizzle was keeping me cool even though I had to do 2 laps (6 miles) today…Oh no it’s starting to get serious!
I’ve made another little trail lap rule: 1 lap = 3 photos, 2 laps = 4 photos, 3 laps = 6 photos, 4 laps = 8 photos etc. I thought it would help me stay sane and keep my brain working as I often zone out and hit full zombie mode. And at the same time I’ll get more photos for you guys to enjoy…A win win! πͺπΌ
I need to start doing 2 laps (6 miles) each day now as I slowly progress and crank up the kilometres. My legs are not happy about it but they have no choice. π€£ I hope you enjoy the 4 photos in this post? I’m resting my legs as I post this with a lovely ‘Sarah stack ham, cheese salad sarnie’. 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)
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!
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.
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 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)
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
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
As I approached the pond this morning, my ears were suddenly blasted with the sound of chainsaws! My first thought “I really donβt want to walk into one of those!” Then I wonderedβ¦maybe #BlindSteveβs 7th fundraising challenge could involve a chainsaw somehow? (What do you think, mad idea or brilliant?) π€£
Thankfully, I wasnβt sawn in half, and after those thoughts flew by, I simply stopped and snapped a photo of the peaceful pond.
Today I was itching to hit the trail and try out my new HOKA Speedgoat trail shoes and wow, they did not disappoint! Thereβs no going back nowβ¦Theyβre fantastic, and just glide over stones, gravel, cracks, holes, and dips like theyβre not even there. I was so excited after breezing over a particularly stony stretch that I had to stop and take a photo of the shoe in its natural habitat! π€£
The Start & Finish line audio beacon…
As I walk the trail, one of my 32 audio beacons calls out every so often. I often want to take a photo for you guys when I pass one, but usually forget as my focus flips to the small matter of, well…staying alive! π€£ But today, as I reached the Start & Finish Line beacon, I remembered and got the shot. I love reaching the finish line, because it means one glorious thing…I get to go home and enjoy one of Sarahβs stupendous coffees! β
Biblical Blessing…
As we step into a new week, Iβm reminded that each day is a gift from God. A fresh opportunity to walk in His strength, not just our own. Whether youβre soaring or stumbling today, remember: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31).
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
This has got to be one of my fave posts every year. Not only because it’s all about God and my lovely Wife Sarah, but it’s such a blessing and a reminder to count my blessings with this tremendous gift of marriage that God has given us.
Hi all! Each time our wedding anniversary comes round, i canβt believe how much our marriage has grown more and more fruitful. Our love keeps blossoming through every season…And i always thank God for my lovely wife Sarah!! β€οΈ
One of the things i say all of the time is ‘Think Bigger’. This is mainly about someone’s view about God, or their view on a situation that they see as only subjective…But i thought i could never love Sarah more than i did on our wedding day, and somehow (no idea how) my love grows bigger and bigger each year! God seems to say to me ‘Think Bigger’ and opens my heart just a little bit more every wedding anniversary!
I’ll carry my Princess anywhere she wants to go!
Striving to be a Godly husbandβ¦
I strive daily to love Sarah biblically and extravagantly, but to love her biblically i always first ask βWhat is Godβs love for us like?β
God’s Word…π
Husbands, you must love your wives so deeply, purely, and sacrificially that we can understand it only when we compare it to the love that Jesus Christ has for His bride, the church..
βLove is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never failsβ¦β β1 Corinthians 13:4β8
Our Prayer…π
Father God, Thank You for the gift and design of marriage. Nothing has brought greater joy to me than the spouse You created for me. Because You designed my marriage and are the author, perfector, and the foundation of marriage, I bring us before You today to bless this bond. In a world that has twisted what marriage is intended to reflect, in a world that tries to tear at the very fabric of our union, we ask that You continue to keep our eyes wide open to the enemyβs tactics, strategies, and distractions. May we always fight for our marriage and each other. Today, we come before and ask that You bless our marriage…Amen.
A Godly Marriage Post…
The post (below) on marriage is beautiful and is writen far better than anything i can come up with, lol…So i hope you enjoy it as much as me! π
Marriage is meant to be a miniature of Heaven–a fragment of the celestial blessedness, let down into this world.
Marriage is meant to be a little sanctuary, into which husband and wife may flee from earth’s storms and dangers, where in love’s shelter, their hearts fed with affection’s daily bread–they may dwell in quiet peace.
Marriage is meant to be a shelter in which, covered from the frosts of the world and shielded from its cold and tempests–two lives may grow together into richest beauty, realizing their sweetest dreams of happiness, blending in whatever things are true, whatever things are pure, and attaining the finest possibilities of godly character.
Marriage is meant to be a holy ark, floating on the wild floods of human life–like Noah’s ark on the deluge, bearing to Heaven’s gates, to the harbor of glory–the lives which God has shut within its doors.
A godly marriage is a little nook in the very heart of God, where faithful souls are held close to the Father’s heart, and carried safely, amid dangers and sorrows, to the home above!
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
I walked out on the beautiful trail and managed 1 lap with the lovely bird song (and the Soundscape audio navigation app jabbering in my ear) keeping me company. I was very pleased that i had no dramas with runners, cyclists, dog walkers or snapped ankles…Even though it’s so bright as it’s going to be 30ΛC today. That’s a win in my book! π
As I added the photos to this post, I realised that I hadn’t cleaned the lenses on my iPhone for ages! I hope the lens is clean and the pictures are sharp? I’ll get on with cleaning them today so I can keep annoying you with super sharp photos, lol! π€£
Motivational Quote…
“There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Donβt allow yourself to become one of them”. β Ralph Marston
Wow…I’d seriously forgotten how difficult it was walking around the trail lap! But I’ve finally started again after about a year, and it feels good once I made it back home in one piece, lol. I bet you’ve really missed the ‘Today’s Pond Photo’ but it’s back and I managed to stop and take the photo for you! π
The beautiful woods…
About half a mile after the pond (see first photo) I stopped to take some trees that help shade me from the glaring sun! I’d also forgotten the amount of times my whole vision simply goes completely green, it’s like a whiteout but I call it greenout. If you can imagine walking through a gigantic carton of mushy peas from the chip shop (maybe this is just in England, UK), I simply have to put one foot in front of the other, listen really hard and wait until the super blurry path comes back!
Anyway enough rambling on, i hope you have had a blessed week and have a great weekend! π π
Inspirational Quote…πͺπΌ
βOnce you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.β β Vince Lombardi
Whoop Whoop, i’ve finally finished! I can’t believe how much time, effort and energy this challenge stole from me, lol. I’ve just got to say a huge thank you to all of you guys. You’ve made this challenge mean so much with your loving donations, prayers, cheering and kind comment during this monumental challenge…I can only say thank you and God bless you all for your support for me and the Diabetes UK charity! π π
I can tell you now that i’m not doing another challenge like this again, lol! I think i’ll do a music marathon or something next year where i can sit down with my guitar…Only my fingers will bleed but at least i’ll be able to sit as it’s also my 50th net year! π€£
Every donation counts…β€οΈ
It’s still not too late to donate…So please help and hit the donate button and support my stepping challenge. Every step and every donation counts. Join me and letβs help my lovely Wife Sarah and everybody living with diabetes. For all the mums, dads, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, grandparents, and best friends, creating a world where diabetes can do no harm.
Every penny given will go towards Diabetes UK care and support services, advice and guidance, and pioneering research. Together, weβre changing the world for people with diabetes.
August 25, 2025 
iChristian 
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