Itโs been 2 weeks today since the knee problem started. The first 7 nights were brutal with no sleep because of the pain, but once I started on the painkillers (and they kicked in) I finally managed to get some rest. Iโve been on Naproxen and Co-Codamol, and this morning I went to the physio who checked everything over and had me doing squats and weight tests.
He couldnโt fully pinpoint the issue yet, it could possibly be arthritis starting to flare up, a cartilage issue, or something similar โ so he sent me for an X-ray at the hospital todayโฆNow itโs about a weeks wait for the results. Iโve also been switched onto stronger painkillers now (Dihydrocodeine), so Iโll probably be pretty sleepy and dozy for a while. One of the hardest things for me is that I still canโt sit with a guitar, so I havenโt played at all since this started. Hopefully Iโll get some answers soon. Thanks so much for all the prayers, messages and support โ it really means a lot. ๐ ๐ ๐ธ
I wanted to give a quick update as Iโve been a bit quiet recently. Iโve been dealing with a persistent knee issue thatโs turned out to be more than just a simple strain. The pain is deep inside the joint rather than on the surface, which suggests itโs likely related to wear within the knee itselfโpossibly cartilage or meniscus irritation rather than muscle or tendon trouble.
Itโs been a constant 24/7 pain, which has made rest and recovery a real challenge. In fact i’ve not slept for the last 4 nights due to the constant pain, which has definitely taken its toll.
Iโve now seen both the hospital team and my GP, and Iโm currently on a short course of anti-inflammatory and stronger pain relief to get things settled. The next steps include a physiotherapy assessment to look at how I move and load the joint, and potentially imaging like X-rays or an MRI. The goal is to reduce the inflammation, manage the pain properly, and then work on strengthening and mechanics. Iโm hopeful this is a temporary setback rather than anything long-term, but for now I canโt sit still and starting to annoy Sarah lol.
Your prayers would be really appreciated as I work through this and aim to get back on my feet again soon. ๐
Wow I quickly forget how paralysing that bright, low and early sun can be. It was quiet again out on the trail, so I didn’t hit anyone at least (or they hit me). I had no dramas apart from the sun. So I thought instead of always posting the pond photo every time I’m out…I’ll stop at a audio beacon from you guys and take the photo. ๐
Well I think I’ve finally recovered from the ‘Steve’s BIG 50’ fundraising challenge, lol. So walking out this morning and listening to all of the donation markers was such a blessing. The sun was out but still cold (it is England, lol). At least it makes the photo look nicer with a bit of colour. I had no dramas out on the trail, which was really quiet, yay! ๐
Yay, I’m back out on the trail again…Can you believe it’s been over a week of the worse DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) I’ve ever had! For two days after the 50Km challenge I had to crawl up the stairs on hands and knees, then for a few days after it wasn’t pretty also, lol! But today and yesterday the pain had gone, and I wanted to try and shuffle around 1 lap and see if I was doing ok?!
Also (thanks to you guys) I was bombarded with donations on the day of the challenge, and for the following week…And now I have 49 donations!!! That’s only 1 away from 50, I know you know that, lol…I thought it would be great to get 50 as it’s the name of my ‘Steve’s BIG 50′ challenge, how cool would that be. I seriously can’t thank you guys enough for all you’ve done, and I’m still not sure if I’m just dreaming it all?! ๐ฒ
As I was shuffling around the trail lap, I thought it would be a great chance to name, photograph and place all 49 ‘Donation Motivation Markers’ in one long post in order they are called out on the lap. Then you can see where on the trail your marker is and what it looks like. It’s taking me quite a while to do this, but it’s going to be a great memory to look back on! ๐ Oh and remember your markers are with me all the time, a living legacy of this journey we share as they’re called out every time I’m out on the trail! ๐งก ๐
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:..๐ช๐ผ
The walk might leave you crawling, the muscles might scream, and the journey might slow you to a shuffle…But if you keep showing up, strength returns. Every step forward becomes a story, every supporter becomes a marker on the trail, and what once felt impossible turns into a legacy you carry with you every time you move. Keep walking, keep believing and watch how perseverance turns pain into purpose. ๐ช๐ผ
This morning everything aches. Stairs are now a tactical exercise. Sitting down is fine. Standing back up requires prayer and leverage. Yesterday i completed my ‘Steve’s The BIG 50‘ challenge…And it wasnโt just about distance, it was a fundraiser for the MS Society, and in memory of my mum.
Why 50 Matters…
My mum died at 50 because of Multiple Sclerosis. MS took her mobility long before it took her life. I grew up watching a strong woman gradually lose the ability to walk. To move freely. To trust her own body. Yesterday I walked 50 kilometres at 50 years old โ something she was never physically able to do because of MS.
By mid-afternoon, when my hips were burning and my feet felt like theyโd been introduced to a cheese grater, I reminded myself that this pain is chosen, this pain is temporary…For thousands living with MS, the limitations are not. That perspective changes how I’ve endured this challenge.
The Hardest Thing Iโve Ever Done
This was the hardest physical challenge Iโve ever taken on…
11 hours moving. Over 2,200 feet of elevation. 30.37 miles recorded before my watch shut down just before the finish. Yes, the watch quit…I didnโt, I walked the final 0.7 miles hand in hand with my lovely Wife Sarah.
At 50, eleven hours of constant impact leaves a mark. Today my legs feel every mile. My back is stiff and my feet are tender…But I didnโt collapse.
The Battle Most People Didnโt See
The only photo I’d taken as I wanted to save battery power.
I had never encountered so many cyclists, runners, dog walkers, and entire family convoys walking three abreast across the full width of the trail. When youโre blind, thatโs not an inconvenience, Itโs cognitive load.
Every approaching voice requires processing. Every bike needs direction tracking. Every dog lead is a potential hazard. Every blocked path demands spatial recalculation. For eleven hours…By late afternoon yesterday, the mental fatigue was as real as the physical fatigue. This wasnโt just a leg test. It was a neurological endurance test.
The F1 Pit stops
Now letโs talk about the quiet hero of yesterday, My lovely Wife Sarah. She was extraordinary. Every lap I came in, she was waiting like an F1 pit crew.
Water flasks refilled.
Chocolate Hobnob tubs jammed full. Sausage roll handed over for pit stop fuel.
Hug, kiss and words of encouragement. Minimal delay and back out!
Fast. Slick and Efficient. โค๏ธ
Lap 5 โ Sunshine & The Mosh Pit
On lap five, Sarah and her brother Marshall were waiting at Sarahโs Sunshine Bench (her donation marker on the trail). Marshall (the man behind Marshallโs Mosh Pit marker) was there too. They met me at the bench and we walked a short stretch together before they peeled away so I could stay in rhythm, they didnโt want to disturb the zombie stagger too much, lol.
The Bigger Picture
This wasnโt about proving Iโm tough…It was about honouring my mum Valerie, and raising funds for the MS Society. When it hurt…Especially when it hurt, I remembered that… Temporary pain is not the same as permanent limitation. If this challenge helps raise funds for the MS Society, If it supports research, If it moves us even slightly closer to treatments that spare other families what ours enduredโฆThen every step was worth it.
Thank you ๐ ๐งก
I have to say thank you to God. Truly. There were moments yesterday (especially in the later laps) where strength felt borrowed rather than generated. Where steadiness wasnโt just physical but spiritual. I donโt take that lightly.
And to every single person who donated and placed a motivation GPS marker on the trail (when your names were spoken in my ear as I passed them), it genuinely felt like you were there. Like youโd stepped onto the path and were walking alongside me, offering encouragement stride for stride. Those markers werenโt just fundraising ideas. They were fuel. Presence. Momentum. You carried me further than you probably realise.
Today
Today Iโm under strict orders to stay off these battered feet, so Iโm parked in my chair typing this out. Every part of me has clocked the mileage…Feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, even my neck is chiming in. 11 hours on trail leaves a signature. So instead of pretending Iโm indestructible, Iโm doing the smart thing: recovery mode, front of the computer, reliving yesterday one stiff keystroke at a time. ๐
The ‘Steve’s The BIG 50‘ challenge wasnโt just about distance…It was about perspective, about using what I still have…It was about legacy!
My JustGiving page
And if youโve followed this whole slightly mad adventure, cheered from the sidelines, or just enjoyed picturing me negotiating stairs like a malfunctioning robot this morningโฆ the fundraising page is still open until 30th May 2026. The walk may be done, but the mission isnโt. If youโve been meaning to donate, this is your nudge. Every pound goes toward research, support, and real progress for families living with MS. Letโs not let the momentum stop at the finish line. If 50km at 50 proved anything, itโs that forward movement matters…So letโs keep moving. ๐งก DONATE HERE ๐งก
50Km (31.07 miles), my longest walk ever…One continuous ultra around the trail that has become part of my story.
If you had told me a few years ago that Iโd be preparing for a 50km ultra as a registered blind man, I probably would have smiled politelyโฆ and quietly looked for the nearest coffee shop.
But here we are.
On Tuesdayโs training walk, I hit a problem. A large tree had fallen straight across the trail. Completely blocking it. No easy way through. For a moment, I just stood there thinking โSeriously? This week?โ
Today, I went back out to check (photo at top of post) and it was clear. Fully cleared. Open Path and no obstruction.
That hit me harder than I expected. Obstacles donโt always stay planted in your way. Sometimes theyโre moved before the biggest challenge of all. The timing felt like a gift.
Today I also did something intentional. On this final walk before Sunday, I stopped at every single Donation Motivation marker along the route. Every name. Every bench. I paused, thanked God for that person (you), and prayed for them.
Some of those markers belong to friends and supporters right here at homeโฆAnd some belong to people much further away โ even in Florida, USA, you know who you are, lol!…That blows my mind. ๐ฒ
People across towns, across counties, across the Atlantic, backing a 50km ultra on a local trail in the UK. I didnโt rush those moments. I stood there and genuinely thanked God for each one of them/you.
This walk is deeply personal. Iโm 50 years old. My mum died of MS at 50. So this 50km isnโt random…Itโs intentional. Iโm walking in her memory, and Iโm walking so that other families donโt have to endure what ours did. MS takes enough. We need better treatments. We need breakthroughs. We need research that changes the future, not just manages the present. Thatโs why this matters. And itโs even closer to home because my lovely wife Sarah works for the MS Society and yes, she is genuinely the greatest. The work they do supporting families and driving research forward isnโt theoretical for us. Itโs personal.
If you would like to support the challenge, click HERE for my JustGiving page. At the bottom of this post thereโs also a QR code โ just hold your phone up to it and itโll take you straight there.
Every pound genuinely helps.
And because itโs Thankful Thursday, I want to say this clearly:
I am deeply thankful to God.
For strength in my legs.
For breath in my lungs.
For safety on the trail.
For the tree being moved.
For every donor.
For every prayer.
For Sarah โ who supports every bold, slightly unhinged challenge I dream up.
Sunday will hurt. Fifty kilometres isnโt a casual wander. There will be heavy miles. There will be moments where Iโll need to dig deeper than comfort allows…But Iโm going for it!
If youโre praying, pray for steady legs and sharp focus.
If youโre cheering, cheer loudly, even from Florida Iโll hear you, lol.
Can you believe this? I have just today and Thursday to do 1 lap to walk in my new HOKA Speedgoat 6 trail shoes (my lovely Wife Sarah’s Valentine’s gift), before I do my 50Km walk on Sunday…And I was confronted with this! Obviously I had no idea what it was in front of me, so I opened ChatGPT and took a photo and this is what it said…
“This looks like a woodland footpath that has been temporarily shut off.
Right in the centre there is a red and white sign mounted on a blue folding frame. The sign reads โFOOTWAY CLOSEDโ.
Behind it, stretching across the entire width of the dirt path, is a red plastic safety barrier like the kind you see at roadworks, with yellow feet at the bottom to keep it stable. There is also a sandbag weighing down the front stand so it does not tip over.
Just beyond the barrier is the real reason for the closure. A large tree has fallen directly across the path. A heavy mass of branches and limbs is tangled together, completely blocking the walkway. The trunk appears to be off to the right, with a dense spread of branches reaching across to the left. It does not look passable at all without climbing over serious debris.
In short, the sign says โFOOTWAY CLOSEDโ and the trail is blocked by a substantial fallen tree and heavy branches, making it unsafe or impossible to get through.”
I really hope this is cleared by the weekend, as can you believe it’s only this Sunday when I attempt my longest walk ever! ๐ฒ
I can’t believe I made it around 7 laps yesterday…I’m posting it today as I couldn’t move afterwards, and I’m still very delicate and suffering with DOMS! And of Course it was the perfect day to give thanks with a grateful heart! ๐ ๐งก
pond photo…
I generally kept my iPhone in my pocket as I was too focused on enduring this walk, but I did take it out once and took a photo of the pond that I passed 7 times, lol! ๐
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
Motivational quote…
Today wasnโt just about pace, distance, or stats. It was about gratitude. 7 laps, countless uneven small hills, and a body that kept going when it could’ve stopped. I thank God for the strength to move, the mind to stay focused, and the opportunity to even be out here doing this. Every step is a gift, and I donโt take a single one for granted. ๐ ๐
Photo of the GPS Donation motivation map marker “Arthurs Apex Assault”.
Hi Fitblitzers…
Today’s weather was non stop drizzle, which meant a very quiet trail, flask of hot coffee and of course the ‘Mono’ filtered photos! I’m happy again to report there were no dramas, and I arrived home safe and in one piece! ๐
lap 2 “Thompson’s triumphant triangle”…
Photo of the GPS Donation Motivation Map Marker “Thompson’s Triumphant Triangle”.
I received my latest donation last Sunday evening…And I was hopeing for someone with a name beginning with the letter ‘T’, as I had this triangle section in mind for one of my donations…And then I received the lovely and generous donation! ๐ ๐
Now focus…
Let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’.
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“Some days the trail hits harder than a Drop B breakdown. Rain in my face, wind trying to knock me off the trail, and every step feeling like a fight to stay in tune. But I keep walking. Because when the weather rages, the Lord seems to turn up the monitor mix. His Word cuts through the noise, my footsteps lock into a steady chug, and the storm becomes background reverb. I will keep grinding forward, faith first, head down, fully tuned to the One who leads the way.” – Steve (me)
Can you believe there’s only 29 days to go until my 50K (31.07 miles) trail walk?? It’s getting serious now, especially after another week on walking was halted last week due to calf painaafter I cracked my shin..But today I went out and the rest must have done me good, as I had no calf pain at all! ๐ช๐ผ
lap 2 “Debbie’s wordway” photo…
The weather was also grey and dim which is great for me, and it lasted for the whole 3 laps too.
lap 3 “Dayle’s rest stop” photo…
I’m happy to report there were no dramas today, and the trail was pretty quiet so I managed to walk around eating a few hobnobs, drinking my flask of coffee and sipping my water without damaging myself, yay! ๐
I also tried to slow my pace by around 1 minute per mile, and walk really slow at the beginning and end of my walk…Which helped lots! ๐
motivational Quote…
When progress isnโt pretty and your body feels like itโs running on fumes, showing up still counts. Dragging, shuffling, zombie-mode laps after injury teach you something comfort never will: resilience isnโt about looking strong, itโs about refusing to quit. When your vision blurs and your legs argue back, you learn to move with a different kind of sight…The kind that sees purpose instead of excuses. Faith keeps you grounded, fitness keeps you moving, and focus gets you to the finish. One lap, one step, one stubborn decision at a time. – Steve (me)
I’m happy and a little surprised to be typing this post, as I thought going this far after my two month cracked shin injury was pushing it. I can’t say it was pretty or easy in any way, but I dragged, shuffled and no matter what I was going to finish, lol! ๐คฃ
lap 2 pond photo…
The weather was great and overcast the whole 5 and a half hours, really good for me but not the best for the photos. I knew with the immense cognital load that I’d be in ‘Zombie Mode’ fast, so I thought I’d only get my iPhone out and take a photo of the pond on each lap.
lap 3 pond photo…
I tried to get a few different angles of the pond, as just taking the same shot would drive you guys crazy, lol. I was ready for my pitstop after the third lap. I have 10 minutes to refill my two 500ml soft flasks, my two tubs of chocolate hobnobs and also a much needed toilet break. It’s funny trying to refill flasks and tubs as I have no coordination when in zombie mode! ๐คฃ
lap 4 pond photo…
I was happy to start the fourth lap without stiff legs as they just slowly stomped on and on…I think it was the super sausage roll I’d just had during the pitstop. ๐
lap 5 pond photo…
The overcast weather didn’t keep people in today, as the trail had dog walkers, cyclists, runner and lots of other moving obstacles, but I still managed to get around without any dramas! ๐ช๐ผ
lap 6 pond photo…
Now lap 6 wasn’t pretty, I kept telling myself off and not to stop, collapse or do anything that will keep me from finishing. My legs were hurting, my eyes were just washed out (like rubbing vaseline in your eyes and swimming under water without goggles) and I just wanted to stop…But I’m so glad I didn’t! ๐ช๐ผ
motivational Quote…
When progress isnโt pretty and your body feels like itโs running on fumes, showing up still counts. Dragging, shuffling, zombie-mode laps after injury teach you something comfort never will: resilience isnโt about looking strong, itโs about refusing to quit. When your vision blurs and your legs argue back, you learn to move with a different kind of sight…The kind that sees purpose instead of excuses. Faith keeps you grounded, fitness keeps you moving, and focus gets you to the finish. One lap, one step, one stubborn decision at a time. – Steve (me)
With just 43 days to go, I canโt believe I created this challenge (questionable judgement confirmed), the training hurts, and my body is already lodging complaints. Itโs happening whether Iโm ready or notโฆSo if you fancy supporting a good cause and watching me suffer with purpose, a donation would mean so much. Every pound helps, every share adds pressure, and both are very much appreciated! ๐งก
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.
As you may have guessed…It was chucking it down with rain when I left the house this morning, so the photos automatically qualified for the mono filter! ๐
I managed another 2 laps this morning in the rain. I had no dramas to report, mainly because there were not many people out again…They seem to hate getting soaked by the heavy rain, lol! ๐ But for me it’s fantastic as it means the blazing sun isn’t ruining my walk.
lap 2 pond photo…
I thought for the second lap pond photo, I’d try and take a photo of myself with my ultra bright yellow jacket…I didn’t use the mono filter for this one as you need to see the colour, lol. I also wanted to show you my new flask filled with Sarah’s hot milky coffee. I got the flask as a Christmas present from Sarah’s friend Ilkay, it works perfectly in the heavy rain as I can stop and have a lovely warm drink in the cold and wet weather…Thankful! ๐
Each time I reach this part of the lap, I imagine the tree that’s at about 45ห (photo above) finally falls and squishes me into a pile of bone fleshy mush…I’ll give thanks that it hasn’t yet, lol! ๐คฃ
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…๐
Me carrying a Princess! ๐
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itโs 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, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iโm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iโm 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)
This mornings walk was pure unrelenting rain pounding down like the sky had some personal vendetta against me. Gusty winds whipped the trees into a wild frenzy. The leaves and branches threatened to take me out at every step.
The trail was deserted (ghostly quiet) and I couldnโt even tell if parts were closed, so every squelchy step felt like a small act of defiance, a battle cry against soggy socks, shoes heavier than my willpower and an unpredictable wilderness that clearly didnโt want me there! ๐จ
Yet somehow, all of this pain seemed to feed the reign. Each gust, each puddle, each precarious tiptoe over the invisible pits was forging me into a conqueror of the storm. ๐ช๐ผ
lap 2 pond photo…
And thenโฆ the blissful feeling…On the back stretch of the trail around the 4 mile mark…I cracked open my new flask of hot coffee, and let the steam mingle with the rain. I tore into a chocolate Hobnob like it was a medal for surviving the apocalypse itself. Every bite, every sip felt like victory in edible form. Honestly, there is no better feeling…Well, except maybe adding another Hobnob! ๐
Now focus…
Let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’.
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“Some days the trail hits harder than a Drop B breakdown. Rain in my face, wind trying to knock me off the trail, and every step feeling like a fight to stay in tune. But I keep walking. Because when the weather rages, the Lord seems to turn up the monitor mix. His Word cuts through the noise, my footsteps lock into a steady chug, and the storm becomes background reverb. I will keep grinding forward, faith first, head down, fully tuned to the One who leads the way.” – Steve (me)
It seems ages since I actually walked down to the pond to capture one of my fave photos! I’m about 2 months behind on my training, and I have less than 2 months until the 50Km (31.07 miles) trail walk! ๐จ Now this is going to be a Brobdingnagian of a challenge for me!
After the last post Sarah & I were completely snowed in for a few days, and I was totally snowblind and it was fully iced up…So no walking at all until this morning. The snow had completely gone this morning and it was a little bit warmer, but raining…That works fine for me as that nasty sunshine was nowhere to be seen, and it didn’t melt my eyeballs and brain to mush!
motivational Quote…
“When your vision is blurred, you learn to walk with a different kind of sight, the kind that sees purpose in every challenge. Faith, Fitness & Focus.” – Steve (me)
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope all of you had a lovely Christmas and are having a great and healthy start to the new year?
I was itching to get back out on the trail after over a month off with my shin (November), then travelling around England through December catching up with family. I’m almost 2 months behind on my training…So when I couldn’t even get to the start of the trail as it was -3หC, the paths were iced up and I was snowblind…I wasn’t amused, lol! ๐คฃ
It took me ages to walk (ice slipping the whole way) to the path (photo above) that leads to the trail start line. But I knew there was no way I could carry on, I just hope the temperature starts to warm up soon and evaporate the snow! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
motivational Quote…
โLife doesnโt promise smooth paths or even a clear start line. Some days the trail is frozen solid, the cold bites at โ3ยฐC, and the conditions turn you back before youโve even begun. Thatโs when FAITH teaches patience, FITNESS reminds you to live to fight another day, and FOCUS means knowing when stopping is the strongest step forward.โFaith. Fitness. Focus. โ Steve (me)
It was raining with gusty winds this morning, just right for a walk on the trail with trees ready for falling on me, lol. And just to amplify that thought…There were no people at all for the first couple of miles. This never happens and I was cautiously walking as I thought I’d fall down a massive pit with every step, as I can’t see if the trail was closed due to bad weather! So it was a tentative, wet and windy walk today, but I made it without any dramas again, yay! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Now focus…
Now let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’.
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“Some days the trail hits harder than a Drop B breakdown. Rain in my face, wind trying to knock me off the trail, and every step feeling like a fight to stay in tune. But I keep walking. Because when the weather rages, the Lord seems to turn up the monitor mix. His Word cuts through the noise, my footsteps lock into a steady chug, and the storm becomes background reverb. I will keep grinding forward, faith first, head down, fully tuned to the One who leads the way.” – Steve (me)
Yay it’s good to be back out on the trail, and there were much less leaves causing mayhem. My shin didn’t fold in half and stayed strong and I managed to walk around the lap and almost enjoy it, lol. ๐คฃ
It was a great feeling to get back out and walk without any dramas. Sarah was very happy too as she had a lovely hot fresh coffee and a cuddle waiting for me. โ ๐ No excuses now so I’m going for 2 laps tomorrow!
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
It was a nice toasty 4หC (39หF) this morning, and as I’m still going steady as I get back on it…I put on my lovely puffer jacket and stayed warm on the trail. The very low sunshine is causing me lots of problems, and there are still lots of fallen leaves spoiling the pathways…But apart from that I made it around the lap and made it back without any injuries! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Now focus…
Now let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is especially going well…I’ve lost 28 pounds so far, just 22 more to go. I could change the tuning to Drop D tuning! ๐คฃ
EADGBE…๐ธ
Me and my butterscotch blonde Fender Telecaster.
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
It’s almost a whole calendar month since I’ve been out on the trail properly. My shin has kept me out for nearly a month and I really didn’t need that! Now this monumental challenge has now got even bigger for me! ๐จ
I tentetivly walked around the lap this morning as a test, to see if the too many leaves were blocking my way (sounds crazy but it really ruins everything). It was better but still not great as I had to do a shortcut right at the end and knock off about 400 metres as the leaves were too much and there is a lamppost somewhere along the path which I really don’t want to hit on my first day back. Good news is that I made it around one lap in one piece, and my leg seems ok so I can hopefully get back on with my training…Only now I’m a month behind. ๐ช๐ผ ๐
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
After my ‘5 Lapper (14.72 miles’ a couple of weeks ago, you may remember I cracked my shin on a fallen tree or rock)…Well I havn’t been out on the trail since, as I’ve had my shin in a large dressing as I try and get the wound to heal. It’s quite a big one and is right up the shin bone, my lovely Wife Sarah has been taking care of it and I’m hoping to try and get out on the trail this Wednesday! ๐
So I hope you can imagine my joy as I received 2 more donations yesterday from our church friend Ken and my lovely Wife Sarah! This was not only fantastic…It meant I also earned the raised over ยฃ500 badge (see above) for the MS Society. It truly is overwhelming how amazing you guys are, who keep believing, praying and encouraging me throughout my rollercoaster challenge! ๐งก
More Motivation…
If youโve already donatedโฆThank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you havenโt yet, thereโs still plenty of road ahead and every pound really does make a difference. Letโs keep this momentum rolling, help me smash through to the next milestone! ๐งก DONATE HERE ๐งก
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
I can’t believe I’m writing this, and I’m going to celebrate once I’ve stopped feeling like a zombie! ๐คฃ The sun was on killer mode this morning for the first few laps and I thought about stopping as It was cooking my brains…But I’m glad I powered through!
The trail was quite clear for the first lap, and I thought it was a mistake choosing to walk 4 hours 20 minutes today as I was feeling a little sluggish. But I was fully loaded with water, chocolate hobnobs and my new Under Armour HeatGear base layer! ๐
Lap 2 photos…
The Mental Fatigue Side of a Long Walk
Itโs funny โ my body seems to be adapting really well to the long-distance walks now. I can handle the miles better, my legs just about keep up, and even the recoveryโs getting shorter. But the thing thatโs been catching me off guard is how mentally tired I get afterwards โ especially when the sunโs blazing like today’s first 3 laps.
When that bright light hits, it feels like my eyeballs and brain are being fried. Itโs not physical exhaustion, itโs mental. Being registered blind, my brainโs already working overtime to process what little I can see. Add in the glare, reflections, and flickering sunlight through the trees, and itโs like someone cranks the sensory volume up to 11. My brainโs visual circuits go into overdrive trying to make sense of it all, and thatโs super draining.
The concentration side of things makes it worse. Iโm not just walking โ Iโm navigating, listening, keeping my balance, tracking sounds and surfaces, and staying aware of every step. Other people can zone out and cruise; Iโve got to stay switched on the whole time. That constant focus eats through mental energy faster than my legs ever could.
Itโs kind of like running an amp at full gain for hours โ itโll keep working, but itโs going to heat up, or blow up. My brainโs the same. It can just about handle the load (so far), but it needs time to cool down after.
Itโs not a body problem โ itโs a sensory load problem. The fitness is slowly coming; now Iโm learning how to manage the mental side too! ๐ช๐ผ
Towards the end of the second lap I finally found a little boost as I passed the finish line to start lap 3…I think it was me getting excited as I knew I was about to crack open the chocolate hobnobs! ๐
lap 3 photos…
Passing the pond for the third time, I was starting to think about stopping the whole walk as the sunshine was simply exhausting me. My body felt like it could cary on but my brain, eyes and mental overload just wanted me to stop…I really can’t describe the feeling but it makes you want to finish and finish now. ๐จ
then crack!!!
My shin bone suddenly cracked against something hard and I instantly said โOUCHโ. I had no idea where it’d come from or what it was as I was walking on the left hand side of the trail. After a few hobbles I stopped to feel throbbing and pain from my shin. My first thought was โI hope it hasn’t ruined my new UA base layerโ. As I was about 2 miles from home and I knew I had my 10 minute pitstop after this lap I carried on with my shin throbbing and feeling a little wet.
lap 4 photos…
I knew Sarah was in a ‘Teams meeting’ during the pitstop so I had to decide whoever to stop or carry on…I thought I’m NOT doing this on another day this week so I’m going to ‘Man Up’ and carry on.
The pitstop went fantastic as I filled up my soft flasks, put more chocolate hobnobs in my tubs and had a toilet break. It’s the first time that my legs had not felt tight at all when I started out walking again…I really like those UA base layers! ๐ช๐ผ
lap 5 photo…
Yay come on Steve only one more lap to go, it was nice to see the pond again for the 5th time as I knew it was the last, lol! My shin had stopped throbbing finally as I kept walking and didn’t give it time to complain.
As I got home after 4 hours 20 minutes with a average pace of 3.5 miles per hour, I was happy I could finally stop. Sarah welcomed me with a lovely fresh hot coffee as I told her about my shin. She quickly turned Into a medic and got the first aid kit. I’m still not sure what’s happened to my shin, I only know I hit the bone and my skins ripped off…I’m sat typing this with a large dressing and cream over it and it’s throbbing now…But YES I DID IT!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
More Motivation…
Screenshot
My watch also beeped after I’d completed this months challenge badge after my walk!
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
No rain this morning as it was just overcast with a little sunshine poking through. I only managed 1 lap (a shorts malfunction as they’re getting too big) like yesterday, and it was exactly the same amount of miles, fantastic! ๐
โงArthur’s apex assault”…
After the donation from Michael & Ann Arthur at church on Sunday, I had to think about where their ‘Donation Motivation Marker’ would be (after I’d named it) on the trail?
When my watch beeps after the 2 mile mark, I hit the handbrake turn and start the longest hill climb section for about half a mile. Towards the end of this section it starts to become steeper as you take the right hand apex (photo doesn’t do it justice)…And it’s right on this apex that I’ve now placed the “Arthur’s Apex Assault”.see the above photo. ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Now focus…
Now let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is especially going well…I’ve lost 28 pounds so far, just 22 more to go. I could change the tuning to Drop D tuning! ๐คฃ
EADGBE…๐ธ
Me and my butterscotch blonde Fender Telecaster.
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
Wow it was proper chucking it down out on the trail this morning. I havn’t walked in the rain yet since I started at ‘June time to prune’ over 4 months ago. It’s drizzled before but nothing like this. I got to try out just how waterproof my layers are!
The trail was really clear and I think I only seen 2 people, that’s never happened before. I had no dramas and I stayed nice and dry whilst staying warm. And when I arrived home to my lovely Wife Sarah who also had a fresh coffee in hand…Wow just wow! โ โค๏ธ
More Motivation…
YAY…Iโve just hit 25% of my fundraising target! I was sat at church yesterday and Michael & Ann came over to me and handed me an envelope and said “Here is a donation towards your great challenge”. I’m honestly blown away by the support so far. Every donation, every word of encouragement, every prayer and every share has helped keep me going. This challenge isnโt just about covering 50 kilometres in 1 day; itโs about pushing limits, raising awareness, and doing something meaningful together. If youโve already donatedโฆThank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you havenโt yet, thereโs still plenty of road ahead and every pound really does make a difference. Letโs keep this momentum rolling, help me smash through to the next milestone! ๐งก DONATE HERE ๐งก
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Wow…When I ended my walking workout at my front door after walking 2 laps, I couldn’t believe it was exactly 6.00 miles. I think I’ve managed to create a very measured lap, great for my stats, lol! ๐คฃ
As you may have guessed, there was a slight drizzle when I left the house this morning, so the photos automatically qualified for the mono filter! ๐
lap 2 pond photo…
I thought for the second lap pond photo, I’d try and get the usual pond and the path inside one photo. I think I have the path on the right that I usually stop and take the photo on. I don’t often walk across the grass to get close to the pond, as I don’t want to risk twisting my ankle…Or falling in the pond, lol! ๐คฃ
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…๐
Me carrying a Princess! ๐
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itโs 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, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iโm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iโm 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)
Once again I had no idea it was drizzling when I left the house, the weather app doesn’t seem to recognise drizzle. It was the nice stuff though and once I’d warmed up the drizzle kept me at the right temperature without overheating.
As I was walking around the trail I kept thinking of the lovely comment from Dayle last night on yesterday’s post “I know it might not matter to you, but those black and white photos should be framed and hanging where others can enjoy them. They really are gorgeous”.
So as it was drizzling which meant I have to put the mono filter on my photos again today, I was looking for photos that would work well…I hope you like these again Dayle? ๐ค
lap 2 pond photo…
Tuesday always seems to be a struggle for me, as my tanks seem to run out really fast and I struggle round the trail with everything I’ve got. I can’t wait until a few months time when I’m no longer in a calorie deficit, so I can fuel right at the start! ๐ช๐ผ
Now focus…
Now let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is especially going well…I’ve lost 27 pounds so far, just 23 more to go. I could change the tuning to Drop D tuning! ๐คฃ
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
Can you believe it’s been 7 years since i did my first fundraiser?! I thought this would be my first and last! I thought you’d like to look back with me on the day this blindman tackled the Tough Mudder…And survived…Just! Looking back on this post has given me some more motivation to keep smashing away at my current (and 7th) fundraising challenge…”Steve’s The BIG 50“
Tough Mudder
Yayโฆ..We did it!
From left: Adie, Vini, Me, Josie & Ashley
Tough Mudder 5K โ Saturday 13th October 2018โฆโฆ.Here Goes!
From left: Adie, Me & Josie Me carrying Adie on the โHero Carryโ
It was amazing to have my friend of nearly 30 years Adie Monk join our โHard As Nailsโ team. I thought weโd sit and catch up over a coffeeโฆ.I didnโt have this in mind, lol!
Thanks John Atherton for taking another great photo. I canโt thank you and Sarah Atherton enough for giving us all these memories to cherish! ๐
After jogging a little, we came to thisโฆโฆ.
โAt over 2 stories high, this is one of the most impressive obstacles in the UK. It is a giant A-shaped cargo net that you and your team will have to scramble up and over it. Working together will be the only way to overcomeโ.
This is where my new trainers just hooked perfectly around the rope and it felt completely solid. Also my blindness helped me out for once as i couldnโt see how high i was, and didnโt freeze like a couple of people i heard up there!
Thenโฆ.When getting to the bottom i hear โYay, Whoop Whoop, Steve, Steve, Steveโ and the sound of the plastic clapper hands were going crazy! What a feeling to know my lovely Wife Sarah and the Crazy Clappers team were cheering me all of the way, a great feeling! ๐
Me, Vini & Ashley bigginโ up the cheering team
More joggingโฆ.Adie and the team were excellent at guiding me when jogging. Moving low hanging branches, telling me of tree roots and pulling me in the right direction. Adie said โI tried running with my eyes closed for a few stepsโฆAnd there is no way iโd try any of this if i couldnโt seeโ.
Thenโฆ..
โWeโve taken the 10โฒ Hero Walls and tilted them right at you. By removing the ability for you to climb up and over this wall, you will have to form a strategy with your team, work together and boost each other to the other sideโ.
Ouch, my leg hasnโt bent that far in about 20 years, lol!
More Joggingโฆ..
โThis obstacle will have you crawling on the ground, pinned down by a giant cargo net. Working your way through this one will require lots of communication, teamwork and a strong willโ.
Youโve guessed itโฆ..More jogging and thenโฆ.
โThe aim of the game is to get your team up and over this stack of super-sized hay bales. There is no right or wrong way so boost, shove or yank every last team member over the other sideโ.
โง Ashley helping Josie in a display of team work โง
Nextโฆโฆ.
โCanโt go through it, canโt go round it, youโll have to go over it. Work together to boost and shimmy your teammates up and over this 10โฒ Tough Mudder stapleโ.
Yep, more joggingโฆ..
โTime to get swinging. Grab on, hold tight, feel the momentum and swing yourself from ring to ring like a regular Tarzan. This obstacle will test your strength, coordination and flow. Hang in there, you got thisโ.
Really didnโt do well on this oneโฆAnd i canโt really blame my sight for lack of strength, lol!
After a little more joggingโฆโฆ
โOne of the most teamwork-inducing obstacles in the Tough Mudder portfolio, this obstacle is difficult to complete alone. Youโre going to have to work together to form a human pyramid and, like its namesake, climb up and over your fellow Mudders on the way to the topโ.
As Vini was making everything look so easyโฆ..It was great to look at the photos afterwards and see it wasnโt all too easy!! ๐ช๐ผ
AND NOWโฆโฆMY NEMESIS!!!!
โA true Tough Mudder legend. Everest will challenge participants to run up a quarter pipe to reach the summit. Canโt do it alone? Not to worry โ teammates are encouraged to hang over the top to pull their new friends up and overโ.
I knew this was going to be more difficult for me as i needed to try it and get hands on before i could calculate what exactly i needed to do. Adie & Ashley explained the processโฆ.But i knew i just had to do it before i would really knowโฆ.As running at a half pipe wall thingy when blind is going to be interesting!
Here Goes Nothingโฆ..
I took 1 step too manyโฆ.and before i knew it the wall was in my face! Ooooo i was so close to reaching the ledge.
After hitting the wall i dropped down on both knees, and as the obstacle was made of hardish tyre rubber, it simply burned and ripped the skin off both kneesโฆ.Wow that stings, lol. Time to regroup and recalculate!
โOk Steve, just do the same but with 1 step lessโ. Here i go again!
Yayโฆ.Thatโs betterโฆ..And once i had my talon trainers gripped to the ledge, i could just heave myself up. Wow i made it! ๐ช๐ผ
โง Ashley showing how it should be done! โง๐
The team were fantastic and we all made it up. No-one was being left behind and you could just feel the team growing closer with each obstacle, it was amazing.
Now the final obstacle was overcome, it was time for a short jog to the finish line,Yay!
The Finish Line & The Headbandsโฆโฆ
WE DID ITโฆโฆ
โง When words fail to say how thankful you are!!! โง
Me, Adie & the headbands โง Adie, Vini & Me for a final photo โง
WOW WHAT A JOURNEYโฆโฆ
I canโt thank everyone enoughโฆ.
With more than a week pastโฆ.My knees are still scabbed and bruisedโฆ..But iโd like to give an Elephantine amount of thanks for everyone involved! ๐ช๐ผ
First, Iโd like to give a stupendous amount of thanks to my lovely Wife Sarahโฆ.The amount of love and encouragement was/is mind-blowing! And the โHard As Nailsโ teamโฆ..โโmy muscles were fading but the sense of team work was overwhelming and no matter whatโฆ..We were getting over those obstaclesโ.๐ช๐ผ
Second, iโd like to give a monumental amount of thanks to the โCrazy Clappersโ team. โWhen iโd finished an obstacle and was about to collapseโฆโฆIโd hear the Cheering Team and youโd put a big grin on my face to remind me it was alright and to keep going! ๐
Third, iโd like to give a gargantuan amount of thanks to all of you guys for your donations to โWorld Cancer Research Fundโ and encouraging me(& the team) every step of the way! โIntention isnโt PreventionโฆโฆAnd you all have helped me spread the good news with everyone so we can all be aware and empowered to start fighting the cancers we can prevent.โ
Fourth, A colossal amount of thanks to John & Sarah Atherton(from the Epsom Camera Club) for giving up your Saturday and taking the amazing photos of us allโฆ.Weโve got fantastic memories of the day!
Wow…i hope you enjoyed reading and it’s MOTIVATED you in some way too?!
motivational quote…
โObsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicatedโ – Bak of my INOV8 t-shirt.
It was nice to be back out on the trail after a lovely weekend of rest, reflection and filling up the tanks. Spending time with my lovely Wife Sarah is the most special and blessed thing for me! Once again I had no idea it was drizzling until I left the house, I even checked the weather app and it said there was zero chance of rain, lol! ๐คฃ
It was pretty clear out on the trail as I think the drizzle kept most of them away. This is also good for me as I have to spend most of my concentration on not hitting anyone or any dogs etc…Another win win for me. ๐ช๐ผ
2nd lap pond photo…
I seriously didn’t want to do 2 laps this morning as I just wanted to come home early for my coffee and big hug…But I knew it’s ‘Motivational Monday’ and it wouldn’t be very motivational if I just gave up and put comfort first!
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
I’m so thankful that there is not much to report from today’s walk. The trail was nice and quiet, I didn’t hurt or injure myself and I actually enjoyed myself out there as I slowed down and gave thanks for everything! ๐ ๐
My lovely Wife Sarah welcomed me home with a lovely fresh black coffee, a big hug and that amazing sunshine smile that I can feel as it warms me up instantly! ๐
sarah & the siblings…
From left: Maddie, Sarah, Simon (top), Alfie, Marshall & Corrie
Speaking of Sarah…As you know we were up in Yorkshire for Alfie’s (Sarah’s youngest brother) wedding last weekend, and there was an opportunity to capture a photo of all six siblings in the same place together. The six siblings havn’t been together like this for over 20 years!! ๐ฒ
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…๐
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itโs 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, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iโm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iโm 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 a long weekend up in Yorkshire for Sarah’s youngest brother Alfie’s wedding, it felt like ages since I’d been out on the trail. My goal today was to try and get lots of photos so I could do a post (coming later) on the 12 donation motivation markers I’ve got so far! Sarah had an idea of doing one post with all 12 named markers so I can show you guys, keep updating it, have a reference to look back on and I can share it to my iPhone Home Screen and show every one when I get excited, lol! ๐คฃ
The weather was nice and cloudy so no sun to burn my eyes out. This works great for me but it’s not so good for the photos. It was nice and quiet out on the trail, and I made it back with no injuries. ๐
My lovely Wife Sarah welcomed me with a big cuddle andmade me a hot coffee when I arrived home, and if I’m good, lol…She’ll also spoil me with a TUNA stack sandwich for lunch too! ๐โค๏ธ
Now focus…
Now let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is especially going well…I’ve lost 24 pounds so far, just 26 more to go. I could change the tuning to Drop D tuning, lol! The photo above is me and my lovely Wife Sarah at Alfie’s wedding on Saturday 4th October…And I was very happy as I could finally fit in my suit, yes it even buttoned up! ๐คฃ
EADGBE…๐ธ
Me on my butterscotch blonde Telecaster! ๐
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
It was a 3 lapper this morning, and I was so thankful for the quiet trail and the weather that was cloudy and overcast…Perfect! ๐
I walked at an average pace of 3.60 miles per hour, and I arrived home tired but not in too bad shape. I can’t believe I’m saying this as I couldn’t even imagine a 3 lapper a few months ago! ๐
lap 2 pond photo…
The temperature was a little warmer today at 10หC, so I could just wear my t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms with my INOV8 ultra pack and it was cool but manageable!
Oh and yes I had my chocolate hobnobs with me too! ๐
lap 3 pond photo…
The trail was nice and quiet so I could focus on walking speed and staying on the trail without all of the distractions.
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…๐
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itโs 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, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iโm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iโm 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)
First of all before I forget, I was asked by a friend when we were talking about my BIG 50 challenge…”So how many miles have you walked during your training so far?”. That was a question I didn’t know the answer to and didn’t think I’d be asked. So yesterday I added up all of the miles from every post on here since I started on 10th June 2024. And the grand total of miles (including today) is: 197.82 miles
I’m going to add that number of miles to the posts from now on so I can keep a record, I love stats, lol! ๐คฃ Back to the walk this morning and I (as usual) didn’t want to go out of my warm house and walk in the cold…But after a hot Sarah special espresso I headed out. As soon as I past the pond on lap 1 my legs instantly slowed a little and I thought “Oh no that’s how it is”. This meant that my legs were empty and they’re not walking any faster, so I had to switch to maintenance mode as I tried to drag them for another 5 miles in this state.
2nd lap pond photo…
On the 2nd lap I managed to walk into a rogue golden Retriever that nearly popped my left knee out (the dog was fine). As I walk on a sandy coloured trail these are the worst dogs as they are like the Predator in the original Predator movie where it’s pretty much invisible! ๐จ
My lovely Wife Sarah welcomed me with a big cuddle andmade me a hot coffee when I arrived home, and she’ll also spoil me with a TUNA stack sandwich for lunch too! ๐โค๏ธ
Now focus…
Now let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is especially going well…I’ve lost 23 pounds so far, just 27 more to go. I could change the tuning to Drop D tuning, lol! ๐คฃ
Me on my butterscotch blonde Telecaster! ๐
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
Today is the start of my 2 lap minimum each day to try and build up more strength and stamina…I’m really going to miss the 1 lapper. After managing 12.12 miles last Thursday(4 laps) it’s time to level up ready for the October 5 lapper which I’m really not looking forwards to! ๐จ
The trail had lots of runners, cyclists and dog walkers and I managed to miss all of them, lol. I even managed to overtake some walkers too…Yay this blindman is getting faster! ๐
2nd lap pond photo…
This photo of the pond through the trees is right next to the path. The photo doesn’t show how bright and blinding it is as I can’t see the trail and try really hard not to walk straight into the pond…Now that would surprise me, and of course I’d try and get you photos from the bottom of the pond, lol! ๐คฃ
I averaged a 3.56 mph pace over 1 hour 41 minutes which is quick for me, and to arrive home without any damage or dramas at that speed is fantastic!
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
more motivation…๐ฒ
After last Thursdays 4 laps (12.12 miles) I achieved the ‘September Challenge’ badge. I don’t think I noticed it until the following day as I was too tired from my trail walk! ๐คฃ
Wow, if that was the fundraising trail walk challenge…I’d be happy that I finished it! BUT this was only 4 laps plus a pitstop and the challenge is 11 laps and 3 pitstops! ๐จ After how I felt after today’s walk…That’s too much especially at the moment…But I’m getting stronger week by week. ๐
It was a cold 7หC again and as I was going to be out for around 3.5 hours, I thought I’d leave my tracksuit bottoms at home, as I’d soon get too warm as I stomp around the trail…I was wrong, my legs were ice blocks for about 2 laps! ๐คฃ
lap 2 pond photo…
As I was cold I think I tried to walk so fast I’d out pace the cold and my legs would warm up nicely…They didn’t.
At least there was some good news. As I’d burn about 1200 calories on this walk I was wearing my trusty INOV8 ultra pack which not only had 2 x 500ml of zero calorie orange water…But 8 chocolate hobnobs (the best biscuit in the world). They are 93 calories each and they should start being absorbed around 30 minutes after that amazing taste! ๐
lap 3 pond photo…
It was overcast mostly for the first 2 laps but then the blazing low hanging sun come out to play (ruin my walk). My pace slowed lots as I tried to stagger around like an extra in a zombie movie.
I only had to do 3 laps before I leave the trail and walk to my pitstop (home). It’s only 0.4 miles to and another 0.4 miles back so quite a quick pitstop. I managed to not collapse (good start), keep moving whilst eating half a sandwich and try to get back out within 10 minutes max. When my 50Km walk starts I have to try and have 3 pitstops whilst doing 11 laps, so today was the first time to see if I sieze up?!
lap 4 pond photo…
My legs were a little tight after destroying my leg stabiliser muscles on the trail, then slowing down in the pitstop. But after about a mile they were broken but still moving! I was simply so thankful and so happy that I’d managed my first pitstop and was back out stomping out the miles!
I was overwhelmed with joy as I arrived home and stopped my workout which was exactly 12.12 miles, that made me smile for some reason. It really felt like I was walking on prayers from you guys! I really had nothing left and was laughing to myself that my legs were still going right to the end when I wanted to just give up! ๐ ๐
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…๐
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itโs 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, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iโm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iโm 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)
Wow summer has gone and it was a biting 7หC this morning. As I’ve lost 22 pounds (1 stone 8lbs) so far in training for the 50K walk…I put on my puffer coat as it was similar to all of the fat I’ve lost as I’m not as insulated now, lol! ๐คฃ
Handbrake turn marker…
I love this part of the trail, as I walk downhill (left of the photo) then blast around the turn and start the three quarter mile uphill part of the trail (right of the photo) and head back towards home. It’s called ‘Handbrake Turn’ as it would be perfect for a rally car to do a handbrake turn here…Oh and it’s also waiting for a kind donation so it can be named with the one who kindly sponsors this challenge. ๐งก
My lovely Wife Sarah made me a hot coffee when I arrived home, and she’ll also spoil me with a TUNA stack sandwich for lunch too! ๐
Now focus…
Oh and speaking of my lovely Wife Sarah…Let’s take a seat on her ‘Donation Motivation Marker’ – “Sarah’s Sunshine Bench” and let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is especially going well…I’ve lost 22 pounds so far, just 28 more to go! Each time I write a ‘Tuner Tuesday’ post, I’m losing 2 pound each week…Perfectly on plan! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
Yay, I managed another 2 laps (6 miles) this morning, and I wasn’t in a total heap when I returned. I must be getting a bit stronger (and lighter) as I have to start doing 2 laps each day and not wimp out for a 1 lapper! ๐คฃ
As this was my last proper trail pounding walk of the week, I do 4 trail walks then have 3 days off to recover, spend time with my lovely Wife Sarah, and also get supplies ready for the next week on the trail! My legs just wanted to give up on lap 2, I think they’re just empty from the last 3 days walk! ๐คฃ
lap 2 pond photo…
I love walking past the pond for the second time, as it means I can get a different angle. What is also fantastic is that all of your markers are called out for the second time, so I get to pray and give thanks for you all over again! ๐ ๐
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…๐
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itโs 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, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iโm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iโm 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)
Yay I managed another 3 laps this morning! In August I needed to do a 3 lapper, and for September I need to do a 4 lapper…But the 3 laps today is a great step towards the 4 lapper I need to do in the next couple of weeks before the end of the month! ๐
My INOV8 ultra pack was nicely loaded up with 2 x 500ml of orange flavoured water and a few chocolate hob nobs. I always walk in the morning.and in a fasted state, as it uses more of my ample fat stores, so I can go 2 laps without eating…Then in comes the best biscuits in the world! ๐
2nd lap pond photo…
I decided to take a photo of the pond on each lap, and maybe you can see the sun slowly rising, or if the pictures are different. ๐
And yes…The fallen tree was still there too. But as I knew where it was and it was easy to stop over, I could manage it and knew when it was coming…And I didn’t go flying on my face which was a real bonus!
3rd lap pond photo…
Yay I got to stop at the pond 3 times today…I think I’m going to donate to my challenge as I really want that pond marker! I have also timed when I have my chocolate hob nobs, and as I was at the pond for the 3rd time, it meant I could have my 2nd hob nob! ๐
My lovely Wife Sarah gave me cuddles, coffee and a stupendous tuna stack sandwich when I arrived home…Can’t tell you how much I needed them! โค๏ธ
Oh and speaking of my lovely Wife Sarah…Let’s take a seat on her ‘Donation Motivation Marker’ – “Sarah’s Sunshine Bench” and let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is especially going well…I’ve lost 20 pounds so far, just 30 more to go! Each time I write a ‘Tuner Tuesday’ post, I’m losing 2 pound each week…Perfectly on plan! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
The gusty winds were blowing loudly against the windows this morning, and the weather app had given out weather warnings for strong winds…But thatj’s not very ‘MOTIVATIONAL’ is it?! I thought the trees on the trail don’t need much wind to blow them over, but I’ve got a challenge to prepare for so I don’t have time for excuses, lol! ๐คฃ
As it was very windy today I decided to leave the shorts at home and put on my cosy tracksuit bottoms. I also put on my cosy yellow wind proof jacket too. I was very warm and cosy out there, totally wind proof…I just had to walk slow as I was a little too warm, but well worth it! ๐
I was quite enjoying being blown around whilst staying wind proof and warm, it was a nice feeling. It was also nice that there were no fallen trees, especially as the sun was blazing so it was extremely difficult to see the trail at all. I was about three quarters around the lap when…๐ค
the fallen tree…๐จ
Thankfully as I was so warm I couldn’t walk very fast at all, so I managed to stop instantly when my foot connected with the tree. I quickly felt it with my foot and stepped over it…Yay I didn’t have to try and find another way out! ๐ช๐ผ
more motivation…๐ฒ
Over the weekend I was sent an email to say I’d unlocked the ยฃ250 badge, as my last donation to ‘Steve’s BIG 50’ challenge made my total fly past the ยฃ250 mark…Now that MOTIVATES ME! ๐ฒ ๐ช๐ผ
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Today I headed out on my last FitBlitz walk of the week, and I was certainly thankful for this beautiful place. I walked nice and slow actually enjoying (instead of racing) around the trail.
I took the time to listen properly to the markers in my ear, and say prayers for the people who’s marker it was named after as I walked towards, and past the marker. It really was a beautiful, relaxing and prayerful walk. ๐ ๐
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…๐
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itโs 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, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iโm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iโm 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)
Wow, I should’ve called it ‘The Immobilising Tuesday’ as the sun was so bright I kept stopping lots of times. It’s not like just not being able to see where you’re going…It’s much worse but I don’t have a way of explaining how bad it is.
Dayle’s Rest Stop’ Marker
On the plus side, I had my INOV8 ultra pack pro with plenty of water so I could sip away whilst I was immobilised…And the super bright sun makes the photos look better, lol! ๐คฃ
‘Christine’s Calm Meadow Rise’ Marker
I also had the idea of taking all of the photos (except the pond photo) where I’d named the markers on my trail. I’ll keep stopping as the days, weeks and months roll on at your named markers and takes photos on and around the area so you can see how beautiful the place is! ๐
‘Paul’s Powersurge’ Marker
After yesterday’s 2 laps I was the best I’d ever felt and I thought I was starting to get better as I improved…But today’s 2 laps were the opposite, but it wasn’t my body but my mind that was smashed! Simply way too much concentration, glare and struggling that my brains gave up first. Disappointing as I’m trying to get my body in shape to attempt the 50km, I don’t want my brains to let me down! ๐ ๐
‘Sarah’s Sunshine Bench’ Marker
My lovely Wife Sarah gave me cuddles, coffee and a stupendous tuna stack sandwich when I arrived home…Can’t tell you how much I needed them! โค๏ธ
Tomorrow it’s going to chuck it down with rain, so at least my brains should be ok, it will bring other dangers instead…But I love adapting to whatever tries to ruin my walks! ๐คฃ
Now focus…
Let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is especially going well…I’ve lost 18 pounds so far, just 32 more to go! ๐ช๐ผ
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
No matter what I do, when I walk 2 laps around the trail from door to door…I always hit 5.99 miles and not 6.00 miles! ๐คฃ Well at least my route and Apple Watch are accurate! ๐ช๐ผ
I’ve had plenty of MOTIVATION this weekend ready for today. On Friday I’d lost exactly 2 stone (28 pounds) in total in around 3.5 months…And 18 pounds in total on my BIG 50 challenge, I only had the challenge idea after I already started losing some weight, lol. This meant that I could finally use the gift Sarah had bought me a year ago but it didn’t fit…So today was the first day I wore my INOV8 Ultra Pack Pro 2in1 (5ltr or 12ltr thanks to it’s removable 7ltr pack). It also has 2x 500ml soft flasks which is perfect for my training as I’m now doing a minimum of 2 laps a day! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
I managed 2 laps today which meant 4 photos of my trail, and when I arrived home after sipping my water, I’d felt better (and didn’t collapse)…A BIG thanks to my lovely Wife Sarah for her amazing gift! ๐
And the best thing about walking 2 laps is that I get to take a different photo of the pond. I’m writing another MOTIVATION post at the moment to tell you about a massive dose of MOTIVATION I received this weekend too…I know I’m spoilt beyond belief! ๐ฒ
motivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
When Sarah hits the kitchen, itโs not dinner time…Itโs showtime. And this time, she turned out a plate so bold it felt like a headliner at Wembley.
Front and centre: chicken breasts. Not just any chicken breasts, but juicy, golden seared beauties marinated in that black pepper paste with coconut, belting out heat and aroma like a Marshall stack cranked to eleven. Every bite had punch, swagger, and enough kick to make you sit up and take notice.
Then came the pilau rice, rich and spiced with that deep Tamil-style stock, laying down the rhythm section like a phat bassline, keeping the whole dish grooving.
But Sarah doesnโt stop at rhythm, oh no. She brings in solos. Caramelised onions swirled through the rice like molten guitar licks, then…Out of nowhere, she threw down fried mushrooms and lettuce, sizzling away like pyrotechnics on stage. Totally unexpected. Totally EPIC. Totally Sarah!
And just when you think the flavourโs going to take your head clean off, in comes the turmeric yoghurt seasoning…Creamy, fragrant, and cooling, like the encore that leaves you wanting more.
The result? A dish that didnโt just feed the body…It set the soul on fire. Epic Sarah cooking isnโt just about food…Itโs about creating an experience. This Tamil Black Pepper Chicken wasnโt just tasty. It was a culinary anthem. ๐ถ๐ฅ๐ด
Theyโll be talking about this meal for centuries. The night Sarah took the humble chicken breast and forged it into a weapon of pure flavour will go down in history as one of the great culinary creations ever made! ๐
Todayโs walk was supposed to be a big win, armed with my new VoiceVista navigation app, I hit the trail with one mission in mind: plant more ‘Donation Motivation Markers’ (9 donations so far! ๐ฒ ), and make FitBlitz history with around 50. markers in total around the trail.
But the trail had other ideas…
There I was, moving at full speed, HOKA Speedgoats pounding the trail…When…WHAM! I walked straight into a fallen tree (see photo above). Being registered blind, by the time you feel the branches hit the front of you…It’s time for an emergency stop! But this wasnโt just any branch…This thing was a full-on fortress. Thankfully I stopped in time instead of flying into it and falling face first all over it in a heap! ๐จ
I snapped a photo and sent it to Sarah. Her reply? โARE YOU OK? Itโs covering the whole trail, youโre not getting around thatโ.
Trail: 1. Steve: 0.
So yeah, I had to turn back and head home. Disappointed? You bet. But thatโs the beauty of the FitBlitz adventure…Not every battle is won on the day. Sometimes the trail fights back. Sometimes you get knocked down…But don’t stay down! ๐ช๐ผ
Iโm hoping the local nature reserve rangers swoop in and clear the beast out of the way, so by tomorrow itโll be back to a normal walk, ready for me to drop those markers where they belong.
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 16 pounds so far, just 34 more to go! ๐ช๐ผ
EADGBE…๐ธ
E – Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is for LIFE!
A – Activity Rings: Close my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D – Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthy caloriedeficit each day until healthy weight.
G – Goals: Focus (and celebrate) small, medium and BIG goals.
B – Body & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me to serve, encourage, and inspire others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
I really don’t like leaving my lovely Wife Sarah to head out on the trail…But after I made her a coffee (inferior to her amazing ones) I headed out on a mission.
The Soundscape app I always go on about, as it’s what gets me around the trail and sets the markers (I couldn’t walk on the trail without it)…Has been replaced. I’ve spent days setting up routes, markers and useful obstacles, and now I have to start all over again! ๐ฒ
Thankfully the new (and improved app) is current and being updated with new features all of the time, unlike the Soundscape app that had just been left with little features etc.
So today had to start completely from scratch, and shuffle around the lap setting all of the markers, donation Motivation Markers, Obstacles and benches I could remember…It’ll take me the rest of this week to set it up properly and set custom settings…But it’ll be worth it! ๐ช๐ผ ๐ Here’s a little more about it for any who are interested, lol! ๐คฃ
VoiceVista iphone app…?
VoiceVista is an iOS navigation app for people who are blind or visually impaired, offering real-time audio cues to help them navigate their surroundings by providing information about locations, points of interest, and routes. It was designed by Dr. Wu and is a successor to Microsoft’s Soundscape app, allowing users to create custom “markers” (saved locations) and set up audio beacons to guide them back to those points or along specific routes.
What is VoiceVista? Audio-based Navigation: VoiceVista provides audio guidance and information to help blind and visually impaired users build a mental map of their environment and navigate unfamiliar places.
Feature-rich: It offers turn-by-turn navigation with integration to Google and Apple maps, announces intersections, and can even announce street numbers.
Customizable: Users can control the level of detail they receive, from general information about surroundings to specific points of interest like bus stops or shops.
Location-based Technology: It uses iOS advanced 3D audio and precise location services to provide directional audio cues through headphones, indicating when a location is to the user’s right or left.
What are markers? Saved Locations: A marker in VoiceVista is a saved, or “pinned,” location that the user creates to mark important places in their environment.
Navigation Tools: Users can set up an audible “beacon” on a marker to guide them to that location. Purpose: Markers can represent anything from a friend’s house entrance to an obstacle or a familiar building entrance, acting as a reference point for safer navigation.
Creation: A marker can be added by saving the user’s current location, searching for a specific address, or by using an “Auto Marker” to mark a recorded segment of time.
tivational Quote…
“Life wonโt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itโs mud, sweat and grit. Thatโs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
There are sandwiches, and then there are monuments of flavour. Today, I bring you the latter, a creation so mighty, so vibrant, so unapologetically stuffed to the rafters, that Iโve officially christened it: Sarah’s Super Saturday Sandwich.
At its foundation lies the humble but heroic Hovis Wholemeal Seven Seed bread. Forget your flimsy supermarket slices, this is bread with backbone. Each bite brings the crunch of sunflower, flax, and poppy whispering tales of wholesome power while standing tall under the weight of everything it holds.
Between these sturdy slabs of seeded armour sits a layer of creamy (fat free) cottage cheese, spreading smooth comfort across the battlefield of flavours. Then comes the ham, a salty, savoury punch that demands attention.
But this is no one-note wonder. Sarah has engineered a rainbow riot of freshness:
Juicy tomato slicesย that burst like little grenades of summer.
Cool cucumber, slicing through the richness like a refreshing breeze.
Mixed salad leaves, adding crunch, colour and a leafy swagger.
Shredded carrots, sweet and earthy, sneaking in extra crunch with every bite.
And just when you thought it couldnโt get more dramatic…Enter the beetroot. Deep crimson, unapologetic and staining everything it touches like a culinary rebel. It doesnโt just sit there quietly, it shouts its presence, painting the cottage cheese in wild streaks of magenta and giving this sandwich the swagger of a rock star mid-guitar solo.
What youโre left with is not just food…Itโs a stacked masterpiece, a sandwich so mighty it has to be cut in half just to reveal its inner glory. Each cross-section looks like a geological dig of flavour: strata of pinks, reds, oranges, and greens pressed together by the seed-studded cliffs of bread.
The Super Sarah Snack is proof that sometimes, the greatest meals arenโt complicated. Theyโre just layered with love, packed with goodness and bold enough to take risks.
So hereโs to Sarah, the culinary architect behind this stacked skyscraper of taste…I think youโll agree: this isnโt just a snack. Itโs a statement. ๐ฒ ๐ โค๏ธ
Fridays are my chance to take a step back, not to push harder, but to breathe, reflect and recognise what God has already carried me through this week.
This Week in Miles
Monday:ย 3.40 miles
Tuesday:ย 3.41 miles
Wednesday:ย 3.39 miles
Thursday:ย 3.39 miles Total:ย 13.59 miles
Not a record-breaking week, but a faithful one…Each walk reminding me that consistency matters more than speed. Some days the miles felt smooth, others were harder, but together theyโve built a rhythm thatโs worth pausing to give thanks for.
Encouragements Along the Way
Drill Sergeant Bruce: His fiery โno excusesโ motivation keeps echoing in my head when my legs drag. But even he knows (somewhere deep down under that war face!) that rest and recovery are just as vital as the push.
Sarahโs Strength: While Iโve been out on the trail, Sarah has been fighting her own battle at homeโrecovering from her eye operation. Pain, discomfort, and that relentless itch have tested her all week. Yet she carries herself with such faith and patience. Honestly, she inspires me far more than any miles Iโve walked. โค๏ธ
And your comments of encouragement…What more can I say?! ๐ย
What This Week Reminds Me
Progress doesnโt always roar, sometimes it whispers in steady, faithful steps.
Motivation is helpful, but true strength is found in humility and patience.
Rest is not weakness, itโs part of the design.
Encouragement…
The trail teaches me that strength is not only found in motion but in stillness, not only in pressing forward but in waiting well. Both the walk and the pause are part of the journey.
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…
โHe gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.โ โ Isaiah 40:29
So this week, I give thanks…For the miles walked, for Bruceโs bark that keeps me laughing, for Sarahโs love, support and quiet endurance, for all of you out there sending me motivation and most of all for the God who meets us in both movement and rest.
Well I’m certainly thankful that I’ve done all 4 trail walks this week, and had no dramas, accidents or collapsing! I’m also thankful for all of the motivation from my lovely Wife Sarah (even after her surgery), Drill Sergent Bruce and of course all of you guys…It’s humbling to say the least that I have so much support, love and encouragement! โค๏ธ
As I’ve walked around only 1 lap per day this week, I’ve been carefully listening out to see where I can place lots of new ‘Donation Motivation Markers’. I’m so thankful that I’ve actually made it out this week (even though I didn’t want to), but I needed to stomp and put my legs in to action, as I don’t want them getting lazy, lol.
As you know my lovely Wife Sarah is in recovery mode after her surgery, so this meant she wasn’t working in the London office…Which also means there will be no ‘Steve’s Smelly French Toast’ today…Sorry Dayle but no EPIC descriptions, lol! ๐คฃ
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…๐
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itโs 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, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iโm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iโm 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)
Once again I didn’t want to go out, but stay as ‘Doctor Steve’ and look after my lovely Wife Sarah. And once again my excuses didn’t work, as I have a 2 hour window between Sarah’s eye drops…She sent me out again so she can get some much needed sleep.
It was super sonny this morning which made for nice photos hopefully? But it wasn’t good for me as I like overcast. But it’s not all about me, lol, it’s about getting you some nice photos to look at! ๐
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!! ๐ฒ
Sarahโs Stupendous Scooby Stack Sandwich…๐
Sorry no photo of the sandwich…So I used the fruit dumbbell pic I like!
The moment it landed on the plate, it was obvious this was no ordinary sandwich. The wholemeal bread, dotted with seven seeds like a constellation of crunchy gems, held secrets within its soft, nutty embrace. Sarah had layered it with precision. A tin of tender tuna, each flake perfectly seasoned, nestled beside the creamy coolness of fat free cottage cheese, a gentle tang dancing across every bite.
Lettuce leaves and slices of tomato and cucumber added a crisp, refreshing crunch, while beetroot brought a sweet, earthy depth. And then, oh yes, the slice of ham, subtly smoky, draped over it like a satin ribbon.
The first bite was symphony: the nutty seeds gave a satisfying crunch, the tuna mingled with cottage cheese in silky harmony, and the salad popped with freshness.
Each subsequent bite was a journey: the earthiness of beetroot grounding the soul, the seeds sparking tiny bursts of flavor, and the ham whispering just the right note of indulgence. It wasnโt just lunch, it was a masterpiece, and Sarah, its brilliant creator.
By the time the last morsel was gone, I wasnโt just full, I was grateful. Grateful for flavors that danced, textures that delighted, and a sandwich that somehow tasted like love.
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 14 pounds (1 stone) so far, just 36 more to go! ๐ช๐ผ
EADGBE…๐ธ
E –ย Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forย LIFE!
A –ย Activity Rings:ย Closeย my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –ย Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyย calorieย deficitย each day until healthy weight.
B –ย Bodyย & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E โ Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toย serve,ย encourage, andย inspireย 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:..๐ช๐ผ
“I donโt need to see the full trail to know itโs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonโt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatโs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
May 12, 2026 
โง Ashley showing how it should be done! โง๐ 
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