One thing I love is walking and not just because I can’t drive. I did try and learn, but I went through two instructors and six tests before realising that I was putting myself under all this pressure and not actually getting any pleasure out of it.
So, I continue to get around on foot, by public transport, and convincing friends and family that they like me enough to give me lifts. It often works as well.
I enjoy walking most of all, because it lets me see the world unfettered by speed and a fixed route. I can use all the short-cuts and discover new areas even now, despite having lived in Thanet for all of my 36 years.
When I started doing walking marathons, I used to occasionally get asked when I was going to “move on to” running marathons; the assumption clearly being that one was merely a warm-up for the other, which is complete tosh of course. My friend Chelby runs – she knows that I have absolutely no desire in joining her – and I doubt very much she’d want to join me on a walking marathon either. We each keep fit with our respective styles and each is as valid as the other.
My buddy Di and I have done a number of walking marathons together, but she’s now cleared off to live with her family in Bournemouth (good for her – an exciting new chapter awaits), I have made A Decision. I plan to do a walking marathon entirely by myself, in September this year, and then have a break for a while due to other plans coming to the fore.
I was nervous back when I did my very first marathon with Di and our other pal Lorraine, because I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to complete it. I was far heavier than I am now and hadn’t practised (I thought) as much as I should. But we did it and caught the bug – Di and I have done quite a few over the subsequent years – and always practised obsessively; from once or twice a week up to four times a week as we got close to the date.
I’m about four months away from the Shine Marathon, which I always enjoy, and because I’m so familiar with it, it’s the one I’ve decided to do by myself. I feel comfortable in the environment, know where I’m going and the atmosphere is always brilliant. But, of course, I’ll miss the company of having a fellow walker and friend with me every step of the way.
I have to force myself to get over that and start practising in earnest – it’s never too early and I want to make sure I’m properly fit for the marathon. At least one weekend morning is now spent going for walks around Thanet at a decent pace; whilst I miss the company, I get a chance to catch up on some podcasts, which is a bonus (there’s a history one I’m particularly taken with right now).
I’m always open to learning more routes, so if anyone has anyone to recommend, do share them with me – and if anyone wants to join me for the occasional walk, and perhaps help inspire me for my next column, I’ll always welcome you along.
Why on earth is this guy given a platform to churn out such boring and meaningless drivel? Reading this is like trying to get off the phone from your most tedious acquaintance.