Walking for Health & Happiness
During the lockdowns in the pandemic my special friend Emma Challis asked me if I'd like to go for a walk with her and her friend's dog. I didn't like leaving the house on my own so to get some fresh air I agreed. I have very bad post-traumatic stress disorder with lots of complications and type 2 diabetes. I really enjoyed the walk and Jack the dog was very entertaining
I next found myself walking to the woods at the top of my town. A three-mile round trip. I thought I was going to pass out as one of the hills was so steep and seemed to go on forever, but Emma encouraged me and kept me going. Before I knew it, I was walking up to eight miles and feeling very tired and achy but so happy and exhilarated. The endorphins were an amazing feeling. I found myself standing straighter and feeling mentally stronger.
I next aimed for a half marathon distance and even though it took every scrap of energy I was very pleased to achieve the full distance. Just me and my good friend out in the wilds walking and talking. She is very funny, and I laughed so much that I quickly forgot all my problems. I just felt fantastic enjoying the countryside and blowing off all the stress and anxiety. I completed a 20k distance at a fabulous event called the Stonehenge stomp in 2022, then two months later I easily managed 19 miles at Seven Oaks. I was stunned. I had never dreamed of such a feat of strength.
I told Emma that I now wanted to achieve a marathon distance walk. She was not surprised and with a smile immediately said she had a plan. I had total confidence in her, but life can throw us curved balls and the plan had to be postponed as I developed bowel cancer and spent 18 months fighting to regain my health. All the way through it my friend was there for me and as soon as possible I let her take me out walking again. Very short distances as that was all I could manage at first. But with every scrap of determination, I forged my way back to health and happiness.
I'm now back up to half marathon distance and I won't stop there. I'm on track for full marathon distance and at Clarendon this year I will be walking the half distance not only as part of my journey but to enjoy the lovely route and support from my amazing friend as she completes her 200th marathon. Without Emma I would still be stuck in a mental rut. Because of her confidence in me, her dedication and drive to see me have a happy and quality life, I have now been looking to join a local walking group to meet new people and enjoy the outdoors . Something that would have been impossible for me a few years ago.
I couldn't have come this far without Emma and I'm so glad she is my special friend. I now know just how strong I can be and absolutely love long distance walking. I never want to be without it now. My husband and family all have supported and encouraged me even while thinking I'm completely bonkers which these days is a nice compliment.
