85-year-old trouper David Bulbeck introduced himself to the challenge in January – and six months later he was ringing the bell and asking ‘What’s next?’
‘I joined this lovely Group in January and was warmly welcomed when I mentioned that I was 85’ wrote David. ‘At that time, I had walked some 150 miles. I have to report that I passed the 1,000 mile mark yesterday!’
In common with a lot of Completers, after the elation of success came something of a feeling of loss. ‘Today I feel strangely deflated as hitherto I've had a focus. Should I go on to see if I can walk 2,000 miles this year bearing in mind I'm getting that much older?’ Advice was what he needed, and as ever the 1000-mile community was happy to share it….
“‘I wouldn’t go for ‘just more miles’. The excitement of a target has worn off, so look for something where you can do more miles to achieve other goals. Walking all the footpaths in your neighbourhood is a good one (ever wondered where that path into the woods went? now’s the time to find out). Or visit all the churches or historic places around you or in a particular place. Or go for a walk around the compass - heading off in a different direction each day. Or get a bus or train out and walk back. Have you joined your local Ramblers Group? Or you could volunteer to lead Health Walks. Or be a tail walker at a Park Run. By adding another interest you will be surprised how the miles mount up - and then you’ll be ready for 2000 next year.’”
“‘Fantastic David, perhaps aim for another 500 miles, if you reach that you can decide if you have time for another goal. Whatever you decide, don’t stop walking’”
Whatever your ambition, there’s a medal for that.
“‘You could pick somewhere special and walk the miles it would take to travel there. A few years ago I visited Rwanda but prior to the trip I set myself the goal of walking 893km which is the length of the Rwandan border. It was simply a goal to work towards to help maintain my focus. Congratulations on the 1000 miles.’”
“‘If you feel that it’s a massive chunk to take on another 1000, why not break it in to fun chunks, your age, your best friends age, the combined age of children or grandchildren, or simply break it into 100s. Just keep going, it’s such an uplifting thing to do.’ ”
“‘Why not aim for your year of birth? I’m guessing 1936. It will allow for you tapering off a tiny bit in the winter months. And then you can do 2000 anyway.’”
“‘I hope I’m in as good shape at 85. One option would be to set yourself a target for, say, this year and the next two. Maybe 3k miles in total, which will allow for some slowing down if you carry on this year. I’ve adopted a similar approach, aiming for 12k miles by the time I’m 70. Which gave me 11.5 years when I started. Im ahead so far which is good, as I’m bound to have some time out.’”
Thanks for the inspiration David! Join the conversation.
