‘I had to do something to live beyond 42’

“About 11 years ago I found myself worrying about ageing. I wasn’t in the best of shape and knowing my father died suddenly at 42 from a stroke, I was terrified. I couldn’t walk a flight of stairs without having shortness of breath.

I realised I had to do something if I wanted to live beyond 42. I started walking three times a week but wasn’t consistent – always starting and stopping, falling into and out of the habit. Now, with the focus of #walk1000miles here,

I am walking a whole lot more than I’ve ever walked and enjoying it totally. I’ve even lost a few pounds; something I’ve been trying to do for a long time. And I’ve hit 1500 miles!

My daily walk – and working towards my medal – has given me something to look forward to. So far my happiest walking memory was the day I organised a 10.5 mile walk with 15 ladies for my 51st birthday – and I walked the entire distance in a tutu. Can you believe that? I’m very conservative but I was bold enough to do it and heads were turning everywhere, people cheering me on like never before. Walking helps to take my mind off work stress and focus on the simple pleasures of life that otherwise you can be too busy to enjoy. And it feels awesome to be part of the #walk1000miles community. I’m not the only crazy person out there who can’t stop walking!”

Karen Deveaux, Bahamas