Friday 1 February 2019

Walking Group check in. How did you do in January.

Well that month soon went didn't it. Only another eleven more to go of the Walk 1000 Miles in One Year Challenge. So how did it go for you? With extremes of weather happening all over the world, and this being an International Walking Group, there will be some people who are going to be struggling to get out. Parts of the UK have snow, but we are ok at the moment here in the east of the country. We may get some eventually.

Lets have a look at who is taking part in the challenge this year.

Samantha - Sheffield.....Kath K.....Ruth K.....Mrs Off-Grid Feral.....Hazel c UK.....Cherie K.....Slave to a sighthound.....Fiona.....Linda - London.....Anne.....Beachcomber.....Hazel Dxb.....Judith - Switzerland.....Ray Nicholson.....Jeanneke.....Wendy Elisa.....Simone.....Julia.....James Jepson.....Odette.....Hilogene Oltman.....Vickiey.....Alison Central Scotland.....Sue P.....Kay Schmitz.....Hilde.....Jeanette.....Sandi.....Jenette.....Linda Martin.....Jayne.....Kate on the Coast.....Mary Rothfus.....Christina B.....Pam Davis.....Jenny P.....Mut657.....Jacquie.....Nicki.....Jennifer Christie.....Joy - Central Vic Australia.....Connie S.....AT.....Heather.....Alicesav.....Alison - Victoria BC Canada.....Rentintin.....Melanie.....Jo.....Welsh Walker.....Susie W.....Renee.....Bunty Moore.....Patricia in Canada.....Gillian.....Eilidh.....Jana.....Gillie.....Lisa NSW.....Deepti - Auckland.....Sonja North Carolina.....Shelly Williams.....Apartment Cat Katie

What are the rules? There are no hard and fast rules. You are responsible for measuring you own mileage and you can do that whichever is the best way for you. There are electronic gadgets, fitbits, pedometers, GPS on your phone. I measure mine by using a web site Bikehike.co.uk. I have a 2 and a 3 mile route around my village which I walk most days. When I go further afield I take an OS map and mark where I have walked as I am doing it, then check the distance when I get home. If you use this site, you want to toggle the map sizes so the OS map is larger on the right hand side of the screen.

It's up to you whether you record every step you take, or if you only record the distance when you go out for a walk. For instance, I don't record my shopping trips, but when I put boots or trainers on and go for a walk, I count that in. You can do what suits you best. It isn't a competition, isn't a race, you are doing this for the benefit of your good health. The idea is that you do some exercise.

You might not make the 1000 miles, perhaps set your own target a bit lower. I'm impressed by those readers who have been doing this for a while, some are doing more than me. Well done, keep it up. This isn't a short term fix for a few months, something to try then stop when you get fed up. That will not bring you many benefits, and when you stop you will undo all the good work that you have put into it. It's a lifestyle choice, a commitment to do the absolute best that you can for yourself.

63 names on the list, myself makes 64, a fantastic number. So I'll start the ball rolling and declare that I am on 84 miles. Don't forget that February is a shorter month so a bit more effort is needed to stay on target. Good luck everyone and thank you for taking part.  ilona

89 comments:

  1. It's been a good month hear only the odd flurry of snow so been out every day managed to clock 96 miles so off to a good start hope everyone is doing well Kath K

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  2. I think I am just going to have to drop out this year. Until my hip is sorted I am not able to walk very far and will fall well behind everyone. I doubt that I would be able to catch up.

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  3. Good Morning Ilona . Unusual for me I usually post at night but I’m off out today. It’s 84.94 miles for January which is better than last year and on target. Looking forward to reading everyone else’s achievements.

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  4. Hi Ilona

    I am on the same as you this month, 84 miles.
    Hazel Dxb

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  5. So happy with the 108 kilometers in January, Ilona!
    And you know what, this is my third year as a member of your walking group and in the first two years I lost nearly 13 kilos weight and created lots of healthy space in/for brain, breath and emotion 'activities'.
    Thank you!
    Love and hugs,

    Jeanneke.

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    1. Good to hear that this is helping you to make big improvements in your life.

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  6. I measure total steps during the day and managed my target of 1’000 all bar one day in January. My total distance works out at 280 km (174 miles), so really pleased with that.

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  7. Oops, I just wrote 1’000 steps a day, it should of course be 10’000

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    1. Oooops, I didn't notice that error, I don't do the stepping thing.

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  8. Hello! We have had a lot of extreme cold and snowy weather here. This month I only did 40 kms of walking. I did a lot more on the elliptical but am not counting that. I am not worried though as I know I will able to catch up in the warmer months.

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  9. Hi Ilona
    Managed to do 80.7 miles in January and already done over 3 today whilst dodging the snow and hail showers! All the best to everyone in February. Regards, Vicki

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    1. Only to be expected of you, Vicki. I know how keen you are

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  10. Ilona: Can one join the group later in the year? I am scheduled for knee replacement surgery in the spring, and would find participation in the group to be wonderful therapy. Until then it's a challenge just to get up a flight of stairs. Thanks

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    1. Yes you can. Maybe the 1st of July at the six month point, or before if you feel well enough. Get your rest first, don't overdo it too soon.

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  11. You are right - where did January go? My total for the month is 23.4 miles. Thanks.

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  12. Best of luck to all of you! I need to start some walking everyday.

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    1. If you are new to this, fifteen minutes every day would be a good start.

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  13. Hello Ilona. Managed 40.8 miles in January, but hampered by having shingles:( Target for February is 56 miles. Thanks for organizing it and motivating me.

    Eilidh x

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    1. Good for you for making your own targets. It gives you something to work towards.

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  14. Ilona,
    I'm sort of embarrassed to say my goal in the midst of all the "real walkers", but I have decided to try for a mile a day this year. At the end of January, I had in the 31 miles.
    Pam T.

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    1. I have done about a mile a day during January,
      Hazel c uk

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    2. Hi Susie,
      One mile a day is the perfect number, so don’t worry about bigger numbers. I joined Ilona’s walking group three years ago and started with a goal of either one mile or 20 minutes. The first year I did that, and each year since, I walk. I am 62 now and wasn’t in good shape when I started. Congratulations on starting, it takes a bit to get into the habit but it changed my life for the better! 30 pounds lighter without any crazy dieting!

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    3. Thank you ladies for supporting Susie. Do what you can, even small numbers add up. It's about getting into the habit of walking.

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  15. I managed 104.23 miles. Very happy to get ahead of myself. Walk every day is my mantra!

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    1. You are well ahead there, Simone. Well done.

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  16. hi ilona heidi mayze and beautiful oscar = i watched your two videos today bargain yellow stickers and the single life. brilliant. they make complete sense to me. thanks to you i have become a bargain hunter and like you i am a huge fan of cats dogs etc. thank you for these lovely videos which are so cheering. snow here today and all over the country. my two fur babies have been in until now they are out at the moment chasing doug the seagull and his offspring. i feed them when there are harsh conditions like today. however they are big enough to see off amy benny being a male is laid back and doesnt bother with any birds or cats for that matter he is chilled out. ps. i love your new guy oscar hes so beautiful and also love your two girls mayze and heidi. wish you well and love and best wishes. liz amy and benny.xxxxxx

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    1. Thank you for your comment, Liz, it's nice to know what you are up to.

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  17. Hilde in Germany1 February 2019 at 18:03

    I had a bad start, due to lots and lots of rain, a bad knee and now 20 cm of snow which makes me afraid to fall and hurt my knee even more. So it´s just 37 miles for January.


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    1. Sometimes the elements are against us, look after that knee.

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  18. Hi Ilona and the walking group. 78 miles for me in january.Roll on Spring, do not like this cold weather.lol.

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    1. Very good start. It takes a bit more effort to get up off the sofa when it's freezing outside.

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  19. Hi Ilona I managed 72 miles in January x

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  20. Hi Ilona
    I’m really enjoying the challenge and have clocked up 109 miles in January. Here’s to another month’s bimbles, have fun everyone!

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  21. Hi Ilona and fellow walkers! I walked 86,1 miles in January. I never ever walked this much in my life! I’ve been blessed with a lot of dry days and love the brisk evening walks in the cold weather. You warm up pretty quickly that way which feels just lovely. Listening to podcasts was also a great motivator. But I also wanted to get back to you with a good result. So your group really motivates me! Thank you! Good luck to everyone!

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    1. I sometimes go out in the cold and think, why am I doing this, but 20 minutes of brisk walking and I am warmed up. By the time I am back home I am hot.

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  22. 191 kilometres, I’ll change it to miles at the end.

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    1. As it suits, Off-Grid. My brain hasn't learnt kilometers, ha ha.

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  23. Joy from Central Vic Australia1 February 2019 at 22:24

    Hi everyone. Loving this challenge, am starting off with 79 1/2 miles and pretty pleased. Looking forward to some cooler weather though.

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    1. You can have my -35 this morning, here in Toronto.

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    2. Toronto, Australia, isn't it amazing how people are doing this all over the world.

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  24. I have managed 67 miles so far. Hope to pick up the pace in the warmer months.

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    1. It will be much more comfortable when winter has passed. Plenty of time to catch up.

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  25. I'm still in but slow...trying on the treadmill.

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    1. At your own pace, a little and often is best.

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  26. Hi Ilona,
    I am pretty pleased with my total=140.87 km = 87.5 miles for the month of January. It's not all walking though, I count my short 2.20 km ride to and from work plus the 2 dogs walks I do everyday (a small 0.67 km in the morning and a longer 1.87 km in the late afternoon. It all adds up. It has been terribly hot here in Queensland with no rain decent rain to be seen, the morning and afternoon walks aren't too bad, it's the ride to work that's the killer, I arrive a sweaty mess and it takes me ages to cool down, bring on Autumn! Good on everyone that has achieved their fantastic totals for this month, it gives me motivation to keep going.
    Fi

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    1. Sounds like you have incorporated exercise into your every day life. Good idea.

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  27. Good evening Ilona! Happy February 1st. I did 82 miles in January, so it was a good month, plus you mentioned weather...I live in the desert in Arizona so the days right now are fantastic. Thanks again for creating this group, I do find some motivation by thinking of the walking group when I am feeling lazy and realize other walkers are facing snow or rain. All I am facing is laziness ;)

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    1. Very good month for you. Laziness affects me sometimes, I moan when I have to get up and go out.

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  28. Hi, Ilona or should I say, fearless leader? ;) I managed 80 miles in January.

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    1. 80 is good, multiply by 12 and you get 960 by the end of the year. Add a few more and you can easily make the 1000. Go girl, you can do it.

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  29. Hi Ilona, reporting in for 116.92 km or 73 miles.....I live in the same state as Fiona Chain and yes it has been dreadfully hot!!! Enjoy your blog, thank you

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    1. Cold shower after a walk, eh! ha ha. Good start.

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  30. As Dawn said "I'm still in" but off to really slow start. Better weather and health ahead so hope for better report in February. January -3miles.

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    1. We are with you all the way, Mary, cheering you on.

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  31. Samantha - Sheffield2 February 2019 at 12:06

    Hi Ilona, I walked 106.3 miles in January! That is a lot more than I usually walk, and I did this by changing some of my habits, for example, I walked to work instead of taking the car which is 3.6 mile round trip. I explored new places and local parks by foot rather than driving to them. I feel a lot fitter than when I started in January. I have also found a lot of freebies on my way to and from work, that I wouldn't of found if I had been in the car. I hope it is a habit that I will keep up. Congratulations to everyone else! Many Thanks

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    1. What a good idea of finding ways to add walking to your other daily activities. Keep up with that and you'll easily get to the 1000

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  32. I'm off to a slow start also. I can report 17 miles for January. January weather here in S. Ontario has not been welcoming for walkers. This past week gave us a blizzard which made walking fall into the dangerous to almost impossible range and then was followed by the polar vortex temps ranging from -40 C to -15 C at best. Outdoor walking was definitely off the table. We've reached the mid part of winter; things can only get better right??? Onward!

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    1. I would not walk in a blizzard, and I don't go out in the pouring rain. Wait till the weather improves.

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  33. 55.8 miles Has been rather warm expecting 39c today several days over40c for Jan but don't think I could cope with Canadian snow well done all!

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    1. Well done, Jenny. I am craving warmer weather.

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  34. I did 75 miles in January. This is my third year of walking twice a day for three years - doing a mile in the morning and a mile and half in the afternoon. I have never felt so well and it's literally minutes to do this. Feel really encouraged by you Ilona and the group. x

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    1. WOW alice, I am dead impressed. Good idea to split it up into smaller chunks, it all adds up.

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  35. To hot for much walking this month, only 40 miles, but did some swimming instead. Congratulations to everyone on our first month

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    1. Swimming is a good alternative, you are still getting your exercise.

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  36. I was sick the whole month of January with a horrible respiratory illness, and only got one 30-minute walk in. That's 2 miles! Hope to do better in February. I'm only counting specific exercise time, not how much I walk around in a day.

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    1. Look after yourself, hope you are better soon.

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  37. Allison - Victoria, Canada3 February 2019 at 01:29

    First time participant here. Total for January 179.3 km = 111.4 miles. Really glad to be keeping track this year! I use a combination of the step tracker on my watch and an app on my phone, so it's tracking not just my "walks" but almost all steps during my day (other than when one or other is plugged in charging ;-). Congrats to everyone!

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    1. Hi Alison. Keep track whichever way suits you best. Anything that monitors your distances/steps is a good incentive to keep going.

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  38. Allison - Victoria, Canada3 February 2019 at 02:03

    Oops! Missed a whole week! Thought my total sounded a bit low compared to what I figured a week ago or so. Actually should be 243.86 km = 151.5 miles.

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  39. Hi Ilona, mileage for January 257.77 i use my fitbit to count my steps, congrats to everyone on their mileage for January.

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    1. Good numbers, James. Everyone is doing so well. Let's hope this is a new year resolution that is not going to fizzle out.

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  40. Hello Ilona. What a wonderful lists of starters this year!
    We walked 102 miles in January so that has stocked a few miles for later if I’m struggling as I do sometimes.
    We are aiming for 1000 miles but getting out is the main thing.
    Lovely to read the enthusiasm from everyone!
    Sue

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    1. Yes, it is a good list, isn't it. I am chuffed that so many people are catching on to this, and want to improve their fitness and health. You've got a few miles in the bank there, a fantastic start.

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  41. only 23 miles. I have been following you for a while and am amazed with your great walkers. I tried last year but wasn't able to do it. So I am trying again. I am aiming for a mile a day even though I didn't even manage it this month. I do want to get healthier though.

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  42. Hi everybody. January was a great walking month for me. I managed 110.5 outdoor miles which must be about my best month ever.
    The weather was great for walking most of the month here in the midlands UK
    Jacquie x

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  43. Sorry for being late Ilona, I walked 85 miles in Jan. Thx again for hosting the walking group. Sonja, NC in USA. (Happy New Year & soon Happy Valentine’s Day)

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  44. Hi all, I ve done 37 miles, which is less than I hoped for but as I have chronic health conditions, I reckon that it's better than no walking at all �� ��

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  45. good start with 97 miles in January.

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  46. Hello! I only did 25.1kms in January, but I had some logistical difficulties, plus it's VERY hot here in Australia at the moment.
    Happy walking everyone!

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  47. Sorry for the late check in, I did 42 miles in January. Am having great difficulty commenting as my computer doesn't seem to be compatible with blogger for some reason!However am fully committed to walking on and will keep recording my miles each month even if I can't post them!

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