TIDINGS OF JOY!

2018-completer Joy Conway (“In my fifties, stressed out, I was the very definition of sedentary”) has this great advice for new challengers….

1 FOCUS

Every step you take will lead you to healthy you. Don’t be obsessed with exact mileage and how much others are doing. Stay focused on you and taking the next step.

2 ACHES AND PAINS

You may get them walking every day. DO NOT GIVE UP. Get thee to a good chartered physio. A full assessment of my biomechanics and gait (you can get this done for free at several high street runners shoe suppliers) discovered pronation which stressed my knee. Also some simple strengthening exercises for hips and legs helped enormously.

3 KIT

For me and my biomechanics the best footwear were anti-pronation trainers/walking shoes. I walk in woods and on moors and they are great. The choice is highly individual, but if you don’t have the right footwear the rest is redundant.

4 A COMPANION

A dog! I rehomed a spaniel last summer and he’s been my walking companion. Love him. BUT you can also act as a dog walker. Most owners who work need this and you can develop a great relationship with the dog. Or another human: chatting will make the miles seem easy.

5 RECORD YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

For me that equals photography. I use my phone to video and photograph my ‘journey’. It’s great to look back at where you have come from.

6 JUST GET OUT THERE.

Don’t hesitate, just walk. You will not regret it.