Sunday 1 December 2019

Check in for our International Walking Group.

Here we go, Sunday the first of December, and it's time for the International Walking Group to check in with their progress reports. How many miles are you up to? Some of you have been with me the whole way this year. Some of you have hopped on and hopped off the bus, then hopped back on again. Whichever way you have chosen to do it, the message is to do as much as you can, and then push yourself to do a little bit more, because you never know what you can do until you try.

I have kept up a constant average of three miles a day, sometimes less, sometimes more. I have kept a record on my desk calendar, marking each days progress, or putting a big fat X when I haven't done any walking. Don't want too many of those. My total stands today at 922 miles, on track to reach the 1000 by the end of December. Another whole year of walking, my fourth year of doing this challenge.

So how is everyone else doing? Let's hear your stories, what has the weather been like where you are? Has it held you back, stopped anyone from going out? I wouldn't go out in pouring rain, and if it is slippery underfoot I would be very cautious, don't want to break a leg. Have you found it difficult to keep up the motivation, or have you been sailing through it determined to succeed? I want to know. Also, the big question is why are you doing it? What benefits are you getting from it? I know I feel a lot better for getting out in the fresh air, I feel it is good for my body and mind.

Let's find a nice picture for inspiration. This is in Bamford, Derbyshire. I remember it well.
Now I must fly, got lots to do today. Newsletters to deliver, so more walking.
Toodle pip.  ilona

36 comments:

  1. Hi Ilona and walkers, I haven't checked in for a while as I've got ongoing health issues, however I did 27 miles in September, 46 in October and 47 in November. I haven't given up and have kept at it even though my totals are far short of most of you. I love walking and will be up for the challenge again next year, knowing I've committed to check in keeps me going. My main reason for walking is health and fitness though am thinking of getting an exercise bike to supplement as in the winter the weather can be grim. We get a lot of rain and high winds here.Also it is very dark at night here and not really suitable for evening walking in the winter. I find walking helps my nerves as well as I am an anxious sort of person.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walking helps my anxiety too Kate-I'm pleased you're back here as I was worried where you were x

      Delete
    2. Do what you can, Kate. Sometimes life throws a curved ball and well intentioned plans fall by the wayside. As long as you have the knack of fighting back you will get where you want to be. One foot in front of the other, as much or as little as you like.

      Delete
    3. Thanks for those kind messages Ilona and Flis.

      Delete
  2. Had a lovely year walking with you all. Been very motivating. My bad back is much better for it. Total this year 1027. However far and however many steps you all walk, well done. It's great. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good news about your back. I sometimes have to correct my posture when walking, am prone to slouching when my mind drifts off elsewhere. I don't want to develop an old ladies hump back.

      Delete
    2. I do exactly that too Ilona x

      Delete
  3. Good morning fellow walkers. I am averaging three miles each day on five days a week so i'm pleased to be able to report that I am now up to around sixty miles each month. Not bad going with my poorly limping leg... Next year I will up my game

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good to hear it Cherie. It's been a long haul for you, but you are coming out the other end with a renewed sense of, I can do it and I will do it.

      Delete
  4. Good afternoon, fellow walkers. 68.5 miles only in November but hit my target of 1000 on the 11th and am now up to 1040. How much harder it has been to get out there when the weather was so wet and my favourite walks have been saturated and muddy underfoot! Today was a tonic though and walking in the sunshine a great boost to endorphin levels. I feel so much better both mentally and physically when I walk regularly that it doesn't make sense not to! I now need to develop the same mindset about not eating biscuits! Good luck to everyone for the final month this year and hope you all achieve your targets. Thanks to Ilona as always and hope you will host it again in 2020. Vicki in the East Riding

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very consistent Vicki, well done. I have the same problem with biscuits. Have to close my eyes when I walk past the supermarket shelves laden with all kinds of sweetness. I am winning the battle most of the time, but sometimes I think let's have a treat, I deserve it.

      Delete
  5. Well this last month has been a bit of a wash-out, literally, for me. I have managed a few longish walks, on the days when it has not been tipping it down or icy on the ground - but nothing regular. So this month's total is tiny but I am happy that i have managed to get out in the fresh air at least occasionally. Total for November is 21.4 miles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's good going, Gillian. Sometimes you have to pick your days.

      Delete
  6. Hello Ilona and fellow walkers! I have been out for the weekend, so I just pop in late today to let you know my total so far is 1056 kilometers.
    That daily walking-pleasure-need has become a lifestyle :>) Can't do without anymore.
    Cheers,

    Jeanneke.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same for me Jeanneke. I would miss it if I didn't do it. I would feel terribly guilty and probably become super lazy, I just can't let that happen.

      Delete
  7. patricia in canada1 December 2019 at 21:23

    Hello walking group: 54 miles for me in November in spite of many days that were just too slippery to venture out. Total for the year 648, not going to reach to 1000 mark, however as I have mentioned previously some is better than none.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're doing well Patricia. I sometimes wonder if I take my walking pole out with me to assist my balance would it help. But I probably wouldn't use it because it would slow me down even more. I look for rough surfaces to place my feet, sometimes on a grass verge next to an icy pavement.

      Delete
    2. Patricia in Canada4 December 2019 at 18:01

      It is the snow and icy conditions which make it very difficult to walk during the Winter months.

      Delete
  8. Only 79 miles this month (total to date 1,029). I was aiming for 100 a month so the pressure is on! I haven't walked much this month due to the rain and floods and mud afterwards. I'm not keen walking in the rain due to not being able to see all the snails, slugs and worms on the path as I hate accidentally squashing them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have the same problem with the slugs and snails, we are swamped with them here. It's horrible to step on one. 100 a month is hard going, I did it one year and got to 1200 miles, then I dropped back down to 1000. It all depends on what else you are doing with your time. I think it's about finding a comfortable balance.

      Delete
  9. Hello all!,Although I am not part of the walking group,due to family commitments...I do walk every where though,lol..I just want to say a massive well done to you all.I am hoping to join you all in Jan.xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Allison in Victoria1 December 2019 at 23:30

    141 for November, which brings my total for the year to 1361. If I can do 139 miles in December I will be able to reach my 1500 mile goal. I will really give it a try. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Give it a go Alison, but don't be sad if you don't quite make it. Your enthusiasm will carry you along. Good luck.

      Delete
  11. Still no idea how far I'm walking Ilona,but I think it's more now as I've a new dog and I'm hurrying backwards and forwards trying to catch them all.It is hectic.At least 1 and a half hours a day and quite fast.Today my lovely lily ran off and then I had to hurry through trees after her and then she ran back the way she went.The mud was deep and by the time we finished the walk I looked a real mess and then I went to Tesco with muddy hands and clothes.For the first time in ages I was there for the yellow stickers -2•45pm-3pm.Salad,bit of fruit,bread,and cake.I'm vegetarian but apparently the meat was going out about half hour later the lad said x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's good that you have your dogs to get you out and about. I'm sure you all benefit from your adventures.

      Delete
  12. Joy Central Vic Australia2 December 2019 at 00:35

    Hi fellow walkers, 81 miles for this month, totalling 789 miles. More than anticipated, so happy with that !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walk tall, walk proud, Joy. That's fantastic.

      Delete
  13. Just read your comments - thx for the encouragement all! I am enjoying being part of our wee online group of walkers; gives me the necessary boot up the bum to stick with it. Going to try a new routine today as it starts to get dark & chilled around 3ish now; so have been up early, got the cats sorted, and will head out soon. Happy walking all!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Ilona and the walking group,91 miles in november bringing my total to 938.Well done everyone so easy to just sit on your bum and go to pot. Thanks Ilona for all your hard work.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello Ilona and the group. I managed 79 miles in November. Not too bad considering the amount of rain we have had. That leaves me 32 miles still to walk to reach my 1000 mile goal. Today I did 5 miles on a beautiful sunny and frosty morning. My favourite walking weather I think.
    Happy walking everybody.
    Jacquie x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Really inspired by everyone's comments that I'm going to join in January. I have a really bad back and walking does help but I have to be careful, so my New Years resolution is 500 miles for the year. Not huge I know but I think for me realistic, just too frosty at the moment and I'm scared of slipping. I broke my back 10 years ago slipping on ice so have a real fear. Determined to meet my goal next year. Walking is free and good for mind and body so going to give it a go. Thanks Ilona

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good morning to Ilona and all fellow walkers! My total 92miles.Hoping for a more.settled year,next year and a bigger effort.We have had unseasonably cool and windy weather here in southern Victoria, while further north they have had heat waves and large bushfires,so can't complain about the weather.Well done to all the inspirational participants.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good evening Ilona,

    I had posted to the blog using anonymous but then remembered that would be an issue.

    My November year to date total is 737 miles! Ahead of last year. Walking right now in the Arizona desert is wonderful. Temperatures are lovely and we even had rain the last two weeks! I am walking shorter walks twice a day now, enjoying sunrises at 7 am, then later afternoon sunny times. Our dog is in heaven ;). I don’t walk fast, mostly due to the dog and her need to explore, but know that this walking improves my health and happiness. Thank you again for organizing this happy group ;)

    Hilogene in Arizona.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your update.
      You can post as Anonymous, but you must include your name in your text. Every comment is assessed on it's merits.
      Or you can click on 'Comment as', and put your name in the Name option in the drop down box, as some of the others above have. It helps me to check them more quickly. Thanks, and well done with the miles.

      Delete
  19. 67 miles for november, a bit short on account of the flu. I make it 870.5 so far. good going really and i have enjoyed every bit of it.

    ReplyDelete

Some comments will be accepted. I decide which are published.

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.