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! π€£
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! π€£
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. π
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! πͺπΌ
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! πͺπΌ
motivational Quote…
When progress isnβt pretty and your body feels like itβs running on fumes, showing up still counts. Dragging, shuffling, zombie-mode laps after injury teach you something comfort never will: resilience isnβt about looking strong, itβs 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 canβt believe I created this challenge (questionable judgement confirmed), the training hurts, and my body is already lodging complaints. Itβs happening whether Iβm ready or notβ¦So 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! π§‘
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! π
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! π 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! π
Each time I reach this part of the lap, I imagine the tree that’s at about 45Λ (photo above) finally falls and squishes me into a pile of bone fleshy mush…I’ll give thanks that it hasn’t yet, lol! π€£
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
Me carrying a Princess! π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, 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. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
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 couldnβt 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 didnβt want me there! π¨
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. πͺπΌ
lap 2 pond photo…
And thenβ¦ 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! π
Now focus…
Let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’.
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“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! π¨ 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 -3ΛC, the paths were iced up and I was snowblind…I wasn’t amused, lol! π€£
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! πͺπΌ π
motivational Quote…
βLife doesnβt promise smooth paths or even a clear start line. Some days the trail is frozen solid, the cold bites at β3Β°C, and the conditions turn you back before youβve even begun. Thatβs when FAITH teaches patience, FITNESS reminds you to live to fight another day, and FOCUS means knowing when stopping is the strongest step forward.βFaith. Fitness. Focus. β 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! πͺπΌ π
Now focus…
Now let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’.
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“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. π€£
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. β π No excuses now so I’m going for 2 laps tomorrow!
motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
It was a nice toasty 4ΛC (39ΛF) 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! πͺπΌ π
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! π€£
EADGBE…πΈ
Me and my butterscotch blonde Fender Telecaster.
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
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! π¨
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. πͺπΌ π
motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
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! π
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 Β£500 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! π§‘
More Motivation…
If youβve already donatedβ¦Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you havenβt yet, thereβs still plenty of road ahead and every pound really does make a difference. Letβs keep this momentum rolling, help me smash through to the next milestone! 𧑠DONATE HERE π§‘
motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
I can’t believe I’m writing this, and I’m going to celebrate once I’ve stopped feeling like a zombie! π€£ 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! π
Lap 2 photos…
The Mental Fatigue Side of a Long Walk
Itβs funny β 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 recoveryβs getting shorter. But the thing thatβs been catching me off guard is how mentally tired I get afterwards β especially when the sunβs blazing like today’s first 3 laps.
When that bright light hits, it feels like my eyeballs and brain are being fried. Itβs not physical exhaustion, itβs mental. Being registered blind, my brainβs already working overtime to process what little I can see. Add in the glare, reflections, and flickering sunlight through the trees, and itβs like someone cranks the sensory volume up to 11. My brainβs visual circuits go into overdrive trying to make sense of it all, and thatβs super draining.
The concentration side of things makes it worse. Iβm not just walking β Iβm navigating, listening, keeping my balance, tracking sounds and surfaces, and staying aware of every step. Other people can zone out and cruise; Iβve got to stay switched on the whole time. That constant focus eats through mental energy faster than my legs ever could.
Itβs kind of like running an amp at full gain for hours β itβll keep working, but itβs going to heat up, or blow up. My brainβs the same. It can just about handle the load (so far), but it needs time to cool down after.
Itβs not a body problem β itβs a sensory load problem. The fitness is slowly coming; now Iβm learning how to manage the mental side too! πͺπΌ
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! π
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. π¨
then crack!!!
My shin bone suddenly cracked against something hard and I instantly said βOUCHβ. 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 βI hope it hasn’t ruined my new UA base layerβ. 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! πͺπΌ
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!! πͺπΌ π
More Motivation…
Screenshot
My watch also beeped after I’d completed this months challenge badge after my walk!
motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
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! π
β§Arthur’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. πͺπΌ π
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! π€£
EADGBE…πΈ
Me and my butterscotch blonde Fender Telecaster.
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
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! β β€οΈ
More Motivation…
YAY…Iβve 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 isnβt just about covering 50 kilometres in 1 day; itβs about pushing limits, raising awareness, and doing something meaningful together. If youβve already donatedβ¦Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you havenβt yet, thereβs still plenty of road ahead and every pound really does make a difference. Letβs keep this momentum rolling, help me smash through to the next milestone! 𧑠DONATE HERE π§‘
motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
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! π€£
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! π
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! π€£
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
Me carrying a Princess! π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, 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. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
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? π€
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! πͺπΌ
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! π€£
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
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
Yayβ¦..We did it!
From left: Adie, Vini, Me, Josie & Ashley
Tough Mudder 5K β Saturday 13th October 2018β¦β¦.Here Goes!
From left: Adie, Me & Josie Me carrying Adie on the βHero Carryβ
It was amazing to have my friend of nearly 30 years Adie Monk join our βHard As Nailsβ team. I thought weβd sit and catch up over a coffeeβ¦.I didnβt have this in mind, lol!
Thanks John Atherton for taking another great photo. I canβt thank you and Sarah Atherton enough for giving us all these memories to cherish! π
After jogging a little, we came to thisβ¦β¦.
βAt 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 overcomeβ.
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 couldnβt see how high i was, and didnβt freeze like a couple of people i heard up there!
Thenβ¦.When getting to the bottom i hear βYay, Whoop Whoop, Steve, Steve, Steveβ 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! π
Me, Vini & Ashley bigginβ up the cheering team
More joggingβ¦.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 βI tried running with my eyes closed for a few stepsβ¦And there is no way iβd try any of this if i couldnβt seeβ.
Thenβ¦..
βWeβve taken the 10β² 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 sideβ.
Ouch, my leg hasnβt bent that far in about 20 years, lol!
More Joggingβ¦..
βThis 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 willβ.
Youβve guessed itβ¦..More jogging and thenβ¦.
βThe 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 sideβ.
β§ Ashley helping Josie in a display of team work β§
Nextβ¦β¦.
βCanβt go through it, canβt go round it, youβll have to go over it. Work together to boost and shimmy your teammates up and over this 10β² Tough Mudder stapleβ.
Yep, more joggingβ¦..
βTime 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 thisβ.
Really didnβt do well on this oneβ¦And i canβt really blame my sight for lack of strength, lol!
After a little more joggingβ¦β¦
βOne of the most teamwork-inducing obstacles in the Tough Mudder portfolio, this obstacle is difficult to complete alone. Youβre 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 topβ.
As Vini was making everything look so easyβ¦..It was great to look at the photos afterwards and see it wasnβt all too easy!! πͺπΌ
AND NOWβ¦β¦MY NEMESIS!!!!
βA true Tough Mudder legend. Everest will challenge participants to run up a quarter pipe to reach the summit. Canβt do it alone? Not to worry β teammates are encouraged to hang over the top to pull their new friends up and overβ.
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 processβ¦.But i knew i just had to do it before i would really knowβ¦.As running at a half pipe wall thingy when blind is going to be interesting!
Here Goes Nothingβ¦..
I took 1 step too manyβ¦.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 kneesβ¦.Wow that stings, lol. Time to regroup and recalculate!
βOk Steve, just do the same but with 1 step lessβ. Here i go again!
Yayβ¦.Thatβs betterβ¦..And once i had my talon trainers gripped to the ledge, i could just heave myself up. Wow i made it! πͺπΌ
β§ Ashley showing how it should be done! β§π
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 Headbandsβ¦β¦
WE DID ITβ¦β¦
β§ When words fail to say how thankful you are!!! β§
Me, Adie & the headbands β§ Adie, Vini & Me for a final photo β§
WOW WHAT A JOURNEYβ¦β¦
I canβt thank everyone enoughβ¦.
With more than a week pastβ¦.My knees are still scabbed and bruisedβ¦..But iβd like to give an Elephantine amount of thanks for everyone involved! πͺπΌ
First, Iβd like to give a stupendous amount of thanks to my lovely Wife Sarahβ¦.The amount of love and encouragement was/is mind-blowing! And the βHard As Nailsβ teamβ¦..ββmy muscles were fading but the sense of team work was overwhelming and no matter whatβ¦..We were getting over those obstaclesβ.πͺπΌ
Second, iβd like to give a monumental amount of thanks to the βCrazy Clappersβ team. βWhen iβd finished an obstacle and was about to collapseβ¦β¦Iβd hear the Cheering Team and youβd put a big grin on my face to remind me it was alright and to keep going! π
Third, iβd like to give a gargantuan amount of thanks to all of you guys for your donations to βWorld Cancer Research Fundβ and encouraging me(& the team) every step of the way! βIntention isnβt Preventionβ¦β¦And 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.β
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 allβ¦.Weβve got fantastic memories of the day!
Wow…i hope you enjoyed reading and it’s MOTIVATED you in some way too?!
motivational quote…
βObsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicatedβ – 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! π€£
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. πͺπΌ
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 wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
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! π π
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! π
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!! π²
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, 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. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
After 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! π€£
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. π
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! πβ€οΈ
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! π€£
EADGBE…πΈ
Me on my butterscotch blonde Telecaster! π
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
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! π
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! π
lap 2 pond photo…
The temperature was a little warmer today at 10ΛC, 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! π
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…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, 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. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
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! π€£ 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! π¨
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! πβ€οΈ
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! π€£
Me on my butterscotch blonde Telecaster! π
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
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! π¨
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! π
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! π€£
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 wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
more motivation…π²
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! π€£
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! π¨ After how I felt after today’s walk…That’s too much especially at the moment…But I’m getting stronger week by week. π
It was a cold 7ΛC 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! π€£
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! π
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! π π
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, 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. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Wow summer has gone and it was a biting 7ΛC 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! π€£
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. π§‘
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! π
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! πͺπΌ π
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
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! π€£
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! π€£
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! π π
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, 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. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
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! π
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! π
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. π
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! π
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! β€οΈ
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! πͺπΌ π
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
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! π€£
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! π
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…π€
the fallen tree…π¨
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! πͺπΌ
more motivation…π²
Over the weekend I was sent an email to say I’d unlocked the Β£250 badge, as my last donation to ‘Steve’s BIG 50’ challenge made my total fly past the Β£250 mark…Now that MOTIVATES ME! π² πͺπΌ
motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
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. π π
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, 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. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
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! π€£
‘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! π
‘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! π π
‘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! β€οΈ
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! π€£
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! πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
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! π€£ Well at least my route and Apple Watch are accurate! πͺπΌ
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! πͺπΌ π
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! π
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! π²
motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
When Sarah hits the kitchen, itβs not dinner time…Itβs 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 doesnβt 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 flavourβs 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 didnβt just feed the body…It set the soul on fire. Epic Sarah cooking isnβt just about food…Itβs about creating an experience. This Tamil Black Pepper Chicken wasnβt just tasty. It was a culinary anthem. πΆπ₯π΄
Theyβll 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! π
Todayβs 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! π² ), 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 wasnβt 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! π¨
I snapped a photo and sent it to Sarah. Her reply? βARE YOU OK? Itβs covering the whole trail, youβre not getting around thatβ.
Trail: 1. Steve: 0.
So yeah, I had to turn back and head home. Disappointed? You bet. But thatβs 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! πͺπΌ
Iβm hoping the local nature reserve rangers swoop in and clear the beast out of the way, so by tomorrow itβll 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! πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πΈ
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 β 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:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
I 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! π²
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! πͺπΌ π Here’s a little more about it for any who are interested, lol! π€£
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 wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
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 Iβve 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 slicesΒ 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 couldnβt get more dramatic…Enter the beetroot. Deep crimson, unapologetic and staining everything it touches like a culinary rebel. It doesnβt 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 youβre left with is not just food…Itβs 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 arenβt complicated. Theyβre just layered with love, packed with goodness and bold enough to take risks.
So hereβs to Sarah, the culinary architect behind this stacked skyscraper of taste…I think youβll agree: this isnβt just a snack. Itβs a statement. π² π β€οΈ
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:Β 3.40 miles
Tuesday:Β 3.41 miles
Wednesday:Β 3.39 miles
Thursday:Β 3.39 miles Total:Β 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 theyβve built a rhythm thatβs worth pausing to give thanks for.
Encouragements Along the Way
Drill Sergeant Bruce: His fiery βno excusesβ 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.
Sarahβs Strength: While Iβve been out on the trail, Sarah has been fighting her own battle at homeβrecovering 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 Iβve walked. β€οΈ
And your comments of encouragement…What more can I say?! πΒ
What This Week Reminds Me
Progress doesnβt 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, itβs 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…
βHe gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.β β Isaiah 40:29
So this week, I give thanks…For the miles walked, for Bruceβs bark that keeps me laughing, for Sarahβs 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! β€οΈ
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! π€£
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, 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. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
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! π
Hey…I’ve just remembered it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’, which means I’ll be getting one of Sarah’s monumental TUNA stack salad sarnies…Hopefully!! π²
Sarahβs Stupendous Scooby Stack Sandwich…π
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 wasnβt just lunch, it was a masterpiece, and Sarah, its brilliant creator.
By the time the last morsel was gone, I wasnβt 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! πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
Well after an emotional weekend, I really didn’t want to leave Sarah and head out on the trail…But Sarah said “GO, I need some sleep, and there is a 2 hour window between each medication, so you can go out for your walk…You’re not letting the FitBlitzers down’…Well I tried my excuses but they didn’t work, lol! π€£
The sunshine was blazing today and it wasn’t an easy walk. But I still managed to keep a 3.5mph pace and I didn’t hit anything or anyone, yay! π
Now I’m back it’s time to switch to ‘Doctor Steve’ mode and look after Sarah some more. It was actually nice to be back out on the trail, especially after spending yesterday sat in a chair on the ward for over 7 hours! π π
Motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Every Friday I like to stop, take a step back and look at the trail behind me before I go charging into the next week. This isnβt only about chasing numbers or beating records…Itβs about remembering that every mile is a gift, and sometimes the greatest progress comes when we pause, rest and simply give thanks.
This Week in Miles
Monday:Β 6.00 miles
Tuesday:Β 6.00 miles
Wednesday:Β 3.40 miles
Thursday:Β 8.56 miles (my longest walk yet on this journey).
Total: 23.96 miles in just four days. Thatβs almost 24 miles, something I never would have thought possible 2 months ago. But instead of rushing past it, I want to stop here for a moment and reflect.
Reflections from the Trail
Strength isnβt just about pushing harder, itβs also about knowing when to slow down.Β Wednesdayβs shorter walk reminded me that recovery is as important as distance.
Progress is humbling.Β Yes, Thursday was a record for me, but it left me tired in the best way. The kind of tired that reminds you youβreΒ alive,Β learning, and beingΒ stretched.
Recovery matters.Β Muscles need rest, minds need stillness and souls need space to breathe. Sometimes the most powerful progress happens when you sit down, give thanks and allow your body to heal.
Encouragement…
Maybe youβve had a week full of energy, or maybe itβs been heavy and youβve had to slow right down…Both are okay. Progress isnβt always about speed or distance. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to rest, reflect and prepare your heart for the next step.
Motivation…
“The strongest journeys are not measured in miles walked, but in the humility to pause, the courage to continue and the faith to be thankful in it all“.
Scripture snack…
βHe gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.β β Isaiah 40:29
This week has been full of movement…But today, letβs take a moment for gratitude. Rest, reflect, recover and be ready for the road ahead.
My lovely Wife Sarah is working in London again today, so I went out on the trail at 7am. One of the good things about attempting 3 laps today, is that I get to take 6 photos for you.
It was nice and cloudy today so I didn’t have the sun to use as an excuse, lol. I also had a couple of soft flasks, a carb gel and a Grenade protein bar on my person…I want to be prepared and not be left wanting! π
It was also cool at 13Β¬C which is perfect for me. I still have 37 pounds to lose so I’m too insulated at the moment, lol. It was time to let the brakes off my HOKA Speedgoats and just hold on!
When I arrived home and stopped my workout, it’d taken me 2 hours 29 minutes to do 8.56 miles. So I must have been walking around 3.5mph which is fast for me, yay! πͺπΌ
Oh and after I’d picked myself up off the floor (you’ve guessed it) it was time to make my smelly French toast as Sarah’s not here to choke on the smell. I’ll leave it to your imagination on how it turned out, as I really don’t want to take a photo of it, lol! π€£
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
After yesterday’s 6 mile (2 laps) walk, i really didn’t want to go out and do another 6 miles today..But I did, and I walked even faster as it was nice and overcast. Once my legs knew the sun wasn’t blazing, they seemed to just take off and wouldn’t slow down. I’m happy sat here typing this after doing 2 laps each day instead of 1, and I’m still in one piece, yay! π
I think ‘Thankful Thursday’ will be the day I try for 3 laps, as I have to reach 3 laps in August…So hopefully I’ll be thankful for managing 3 laps on Thursday. π At the moment I have a 500ml soft flask filled with Sarah’s zero sugar orange dilute water (well tasty), and I sip it around the second lap. But going longer I’ll have to take a little bite to eat too! π
Hey…I’ve just remembered it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’, which means I’ll be getting one of Sarah’s monumental TUNA stack salad sarnies…Hopefully!! π²
Now focus…
Let’s check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. My D string (Deficit) is going well…I’ve lost 12 pounds so far, just 38 more to go! πͺπΌ
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Scripture snack…
Isaiah 40:31. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
Wow ‘Motivational Monday’ comes around fast! I had no idea it was slightly raining, until I stepped out of the house..It was the fine stuff that soaks you through which was perfect for me, as it meant it was overcast so much better for my vision. But you probably knew it was raining as all of the photos are in monochrome! π€£
It was nice for me out on the trail, there were few people out and the drizzle was keeping me cool even though I had to do 2 laps (6 miles) today…Oh no it’s starting to get serious!
I’ve made another little trail lap rule: 1 lap = 3 photos, 2 laps = 4 photos, 3 laps = 6 photos, 4 laps = 8 photos etc. I thought it would help me stay sane and keep my brain working as I often zone out and hit full zombie mode. And at the same time I’ll get more photos for you guys to enjoy…A win win! πͺπΌ
I need to start doing 2 laps (6 miles) each day now as I slowly progress and crank up the kilometres. My legs are not happy about it but they have no choice. π€£ I hope you enjoy the 4 photos in this post? I’m resting my legs as I post this with a lovely ‘Sarah stack ham, cheese salad sarnie’. π
Motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Picture this: 7 a.m., the streets still yawning, and me stomping back home after walking 6.42 miles (my longest distance so far) like a man on a mission. Sarahβs off to London, so itβs just me…And the lonely kitchen. No kisses, no cuddles, no lovingly made coffee, just the cold hard reality that I have to make my infamous smelly lunch.
Enter my protein french toast…
Imagine 3 innocent slices of 7 seed wholemeal bread…Suddenly colliding head-on with a tanker full of egg whites, with the aroma of a gym locker room. Sarah hates the smell of those egg whites…So I only unleash this monster when sheβs not around.
the result…?
On the plate it looks like the breadβs been in a high-speed chase, taken a wrong turn into a hen house, and then been caught in a murder mystery. That deep red “crime scene“? Donβt panic…Itβs just sugar free maple syrup pooling like suspicious evidence.
Honestly, you wouldnβt think you could make this much visual chaos with only 3 ingredients…But here I am, casually creating my ‘French Toast’ art that looks like it should be taped off by the police. π¨
Still…With 65 grams of protein, 650 calories, and a plate that could double as a true crime documentary prop…It’s a killer meal and I’m very THANKFUL for it! π
From tales to trails…
I hope you enjoyed the ‘French Toast’ story? But I need to finish this post, lol. I walked 6.42 miles today, which is a record distance for me during this training. I’m still waiting for the muscle memory to keck in, as I’d say I’d never walked this far in my life…It was killer, and I was so THANKFUL that I actually made it! home.
As I did 2 laps today, the 2 photos above were when I decided to walk down the side of the usual pond (smaller one) to get to the steps that lead up to the larger pond (see photo below). I’ve got other ‘audio beacons’ on my Soundscape app which are not on my trail lap route…And the steps is one of them. So when I got to the usual pond photo spot, I selected the ‘Top Pond Steps’ audio beacon, listened to the radar sound as I turned my head, and when my head is facing the beacon (steps) it makes a different beep so I start walking towards it…Hoping I don’t fall into the pond or hit lots of other obstacles! π¨ Wow I’m THANKFUL for the Soundscape app!
Once getting to the top of the steps, you’re greeted with a lovely view of the larger pond.
Back on the trail on lap 2…
I love walking along feeling so small as the towering trees keep me company. Not only do they ensconce me with some shade, make smile noises as the wind tickles them, but it just feels so good walking along (zombie shuffling) surroundedd by lots of trees. π
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wow I thought lack of motivation was yesterday, but it hit me again this morning. After I tried some excuses (they never work with Sarah, lol) I put on my HOKA Speedgoats and got out on the trail.
Once the Speedgoats touch the trail, I know it’s time for business, it’s like hitting sports mode in a car and it hunkers down ready to race. π€£ The only trouble is that it’s going to be over 30ΛC today so I needed to walk slow, as yesterday was horrific and I was over heated and could hardly talk when I got back.
I have no idea what happened to the photo above? I was walking along a straight part of the trail, and the sun was shining beautifully through the trees…So I stopped and took the photo. It usually works and you’ll get a lovely shot…But when I got home and saw this one on my big screen…I’m sorry, lol! π
Sarah’s Sunshine Bench…βοΈ
Awww my lovely Wife Sarah isn’t sat on her bench! π I was missing her lots today as I was hot, sweaty and ready for a hug and a coffee. So I thought I’d stop and take this photo when my Soundscape app shouted out the ‘Sarah’s Sunshine Bench’ audio beacon in my ear. π
Now focus…
Anyway, i’d better stop rambling on (pun intended) and let us check if we’re in tune as it’s ‘Tuner Tuesday’. I’ve added ‘Blood Pressure’ to the ‘B’ string as I now take my blood pressure every week, as it’s so important to know your blood pressure numbers!
EADGBE…πΈ
E –Β Endurance: Tortoise NOT Hare…This is forΒ LIFE!
A –Β Activity Rings:Β CloseΒ my daily apple fitness watch rings.
D –Β Deficit: Make sure i’m in a healthyΒ calorieΒ deficitΒ each day until healthy weight.
B –Β BodyΒ & BP: Check blood pressure & listen to my body and look after it (it’s not young anymore).
E β Edification: Feeding my mind and soul fuels me toΒ serve,Β encourage, andΒ inspireΒ others.
Motivational Quote:..πͺπΌ
“I donβt need to see the full trail to know itβs worth walking. Every step I take is a statement that the challenges I face wonβt hold me back. Some days the climb feels endless…But thatβs when faith kicks in, my fitness keeps me moving and my focus reminds me why I started…Faith, Fitness& Focus“. – Steve (me)
Wow…I think the weekend stole my motivation! I really didn’t want to go out on the trai this morning, but with Sarah gently encouraging me, and the fact I have to write this post for you fantastic FitBlitzers…I knew I had to man up and get out there! π€£
I think all of the other people around here didn’t know (or forgot) it’s ‘Motivational Monday’, as it was really quiet on the trail. It was better for me though as it was blazing sunshine, and I was all over the trail as I couldn’t see a thing with the crazy glare that proper mashes my brains. π¨ But it does make for sunnier photos, lol! π€£
When I arrived home and my lovely Wife Sarah had one of her stupendous fresh coffees for me, I could hardly speak. It wasn’t my body that was so tired, it was my mental exhaustion through concentrating through the glare! After I’d sat down for about 15 minutes I was back to my usual self! π
Motivational Quote…
“Life wonβt always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes itβs mud, sweat and grit. Thatβs when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me) π
I’ve just got to share this tasty Pizza with you guys. On ‘FitBlitzing Friday’ me and Sarah like to go to our local Picture House and have this Pepperoni Pizza, we call it ‘The Picture House Pepperoni’. After 4 days of FitBlitzing the trail lap (and Sarah does compressed working so has Friday’s free) we go and have one of these bad boys!
I make sure I’m still in a calorie deficit so I keep losing nearly 2 pound a week…I can’t believe this super tasty pizza is in my meal plan, and I look forwards to it
I was out proper early at 7am this morning, as Sarah is working in London today so I followed her out. This also means that when I arrive home with no cuddles, kisses or coffee I have to make my ‘Protein French Toast’. I use a carton of egg whites (50 grams of protein but they are smelly, and Sarah isn’t a fan of the smell so I save them for when she’s in London! There isn’t a photo of them as they are not pretty and look like 3 pieces of toast has crashed into some eggs with blood every where (well sugar free maple farm grove syrup). You wouldn’t think I could make such devastation with just 3 ingredients, lol! π€£ I’m thankful for the 65 grams of protein and just 650 calories! πͺπΌ
The trail was very quiet this morning, I think going out extra early kept every one away. Either way it meant that the blinding sun wasn’t quite fully awake yet, so I could go out and enjoy the walk…I’m thankful for that! π
I couldn’t get this Robin Mark song out of my head πΆ “Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King…His love endures forever. For He is good, He is above all things, his love endures forever. Sing praise, sing praise!β πΆ but as it’s ‘Thankful Thursday’ I couldn’t ask for a better song to be singing around the trail. π
I’m super thankful that I can now get around 1 lap (2.6 miles, but it’s another 0.8 miles to and from my house) without completely collapsing when I get home. It’s only been about 2 months since I’ve been FitBlitzing the trails again, and I’m so happy it’s finally starting to get a little easier (I really didn’t want to use the word easier), but I’m also getting lighter which can only help! π
Give thanks with a grateful heart…
How might you pause to give thanks today, whether it’s through a prayer, a bible verse that jumps out at you, a walk in nature, or a quiet moment of reflection? π€
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Me and my lovely Wife Sarah (The Blind Sightseers) were chatting today about what i’d like to do for my 50th birthday next April 2025? I mentioned that i’d never been to America and i’d love to go there one day. Sarah said that she’d also love to go to America and we both talked about maybe Florida?!
I said i’d write this post to ask all of you amazing people about what you guys thought about ‘The Blind Sightseers’ travelling Stateside? Can you guys think of where we could visit, places to go and see and points of interest we could explore? I’m thinking of Florida at the moment but i’m open to any other ideas too? I’ve heard of the enormous crocodiles, snakes and spiders over there…And this could only make the adventure more exciting if we survived, lol! π€£
Please could you leave a comment with all of your thoughts as i’d love to hear them…I’m getting excited already! π
The beautiful Benagil caves in the Algarve taken from our RIB boat tour!
Hi WordPress Family…
Me and my lovely Wife Sarah (The Blind Sightseers) have not forgotten you…We’ve just had the chance to celebrate both of our birthdays in the Algarve, Portugal, our first holiday in 5 years!! π
We have taken lots of photos for our amazing memories, and i hope you can enjoy them too?! Here are a few i’ve managed to edit for a little taster until i can post more as i edit them. π
Our holiday doesn’t properly start until Sarah has her feet on the beach!My lovely Wife Sarah at Vilamoura marina, Portugal.Me & Sarah sat at the front of the RIB boat on our tour of the Benagil caves!Wow a dolphin! π²
On our boat trip to the caves we stopped to see some dolphins. Sarah was saying that the dolphins were popping up everywhere…I whipped out my camera and randomly clicked, i didn’t dream i’d ever catch one in my shot, lol! π² β€οΈ
January 19, 2026 
β§ Ashley showing how it should be done! β§π 
iChristian 
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