Mindful Miles

With a week-long holiday on the horizon, my thoughts naturally turn to how best to spend that precious time. This introspection has led me to reflect on the tapestry of activities I’ve woven into my life recently, each step a story in itself. My adventures have often begun with the simplest of intentions, like the time I walked 9km just to lay on a wooden bench in the park and soak in the sun’s warmth. Sometimes, the impetus for movement comes from unexpected places.

The path hasn’t always been smooth. I recall a day where I wrestled with procrastination and emerged victorious, Feeling low on energy, an unusual nudge from a postman dropping off a missed parcel in the shed was all it took to get me walking. There was another day. Pregnant with rain, when I chose to turn the setback into a slingshot, prioritizing sleep and waking up refreshed, ready for my walk as the skies coincidentally cleared. And then, there was a time I truly overcame the elements, going for my walk in the rain, clothed not just in a raincoat, but in pure determination. A powerful lesson learned: the hardest part of any self-improvement journey is simply showing up.

I’ve also had the joy of capturing beautiful moments during my walks. I vividly remember stopping dead in my tracks once to photograph a stunning leopard moth, perched perfectly on a soft, low branch. Another memorable outing saw me walk a beautiful 8km from Poole to Caffe Nero in Bournemouth on a bright, sunny day, soaking in the coastal charm. These journeys have also been deeply personal. On June 1^st, I embarked on a 10,000-step walk to honour the memory of a loved one, someone truly special who taught me the simple pleasure of tea without sugar.

My efforts have even extended to other achievements, like winning the Tokyo Adizero Gold, for my home city, through a combination of walking, running & trail running. And most recently, with the rain pouring outside, I found pure joy dancing my way to 8,000 steps right in my own living room. Each of these experiences, whether a planned trek or an impromptu dance, highlights the diverse ways I’ve embraced movement and discovery. As my holiday approaches, I’m excited to see where my next steps will take me.