Fifteen months ago, John Eaton was sedentary, glum and didn’t believe he could be anything else. But thanks to walking, the challenge and the camaraderie that goes with it, the fog has cleared, and he’s now helping others on their journeys.
‘Over the last 10 years I’d allowed myself to become more and more sedentary to the point of not being capable of taking on a couple of flights of stairs. And I believed I was also incapable of changing it. Although outwardly alright, in my head I was fraught and at times I checked out. Even my biggest trousers and shirt didn’t fit. I realised I had to do something. During an appointment, my GP asked: “Are you okay?” and I finally admitted for the first time I wasn’t.
She listened and offered a referral to ‘Healthy U’ – an NHS nutrition and exercise programme. I joined #walk1000miles and signed up for my local ‘Walk & Talk 4 Men’ group, agreeing to take part in a virtual Land’s End to John o’Groats team walk. I realised too late it required me to walk 42 miles in a week – at the time a walk of a couple of miles was a problem!
If I wasn’t to let my group down I needed to get some practice in, so I started walking every day without fail. The challenge was tough, but I managed 50 miles that week, and realised I needed to keep going.
#Walk1000miles has been game changing. I’ve lost 24kg so far and gained the confidence to climb mountains metaphorical and real. The greatest change is in my personal headspace, and the clarity walking has brought. It’s like the removal of fog from my head and I firmly believe it has made me realise what I can do.
Using walking to reorder my thoughts, whether working through them on a solo walk or talking them through with others, has brought a discernible difference to the point where my better half will always suggest a wander to clear my head!
Doing #walk1000miles has helped me to help others and do things that I would never have done. It’s given me the confidence to get more engaged with the Walk and Talk group, and support a growing group of people to get out and help others in their struggles. I never fail to be amazed by the therapeutic power of a wander, a one-to-one natter and a cup of coffee.
I completed my personal Land’s End to John o’Groats journey stood on Stanage Edge in the Peak District and, the following day, walked the Dragon’s Back with my children… just brilliant memories, and things I never could have done before! If you’re struggling, keep at it – by doing what you’re doing, you’re succeeding. It’s truly one step at a time and there will be lows with the highs. Don’t be afraid of asking for help!’
Nothing lubricates conversation like walking shoulder to shoulder.
John hit his 1000 on Stanage Edge – a long way from where he started.
