Of the many life-enhancing things about this challenge, one of the most magical is it provides beautiful moments, often unexpectedly, that stay with you for the rest of your life. That point where you achieved something you never thought possible, a heart-stopping encounter, the sudden realisation that life is so much more glorious than it was 12 months ago. Sometimes it’s enough to overwhelm you…
‘I completed my biggest challenge since going sober’
‘I completed a 10.5-mile walk the other day and got overcome with emotion as I reached the end. It was the biggest challenge I’d completed in years. I felt so determined on the last few miles back, and so proud at the finish. It was hard physically (I'm very overweight) and mentally. My mental health made it difficult to get out of the house, but I’m now six months sober and the outdoors is my higher power to get me through. I'm training to do a 25k at Easter and a 50k on my 40th birthday (and my one-year soberversary!).
Vickie Norris
‘I can’t even put my finger on why it was so special’
My most standout moment was walking into a field full of skylarks during winter with my mum. The birds sang to us all the way along. It was almost a blizzard that day and I can't even put my finger on why it was so special. It was just one moment, one day and one field, and it was priceless. I've shed many a tear remembering that precious moment. It's one I'll cherish for the rest of my life.
Jen Louise
‘I fought a chronic condition to hike an ultra’
‘I’ve used a crutch since 2016 because of a chronic ankle condition. I was told I would never run again which crushed me, but I got into hiking in 2017. I’ve completed #walk1000miles every year since, and my strength and fitness have improved so much! I’m constantly challenging myself and hiked a 50km ultramarathon last summer, which was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I was so emotional crossing the finish line!’
Sarah Ann Curran
‘A rainbow reminded me my friend was still close’
‘I lost my best friend in early April 2022 to the evil disease of cancer. A couple of days later I was walking around a lake, thinking about my friend, and a beautiful rainbow appeared. It made me burst into tears of sadness, but also of joy at the beauty of nature and that those we love never really leave us.’
Joanne Byers
‘I completed something special, somewhere special’
‘When I completed my very first #walk1000miles challenge in 2018, I was sitting on Glastonbury Tor in Somerset with my medal in hand and I just started crying. It was due to the sense of relief and also pride, and I completed it somewhere that holds a special place in my heart.‘
Jeff Sparkes
‘A wave of joy flooded through me’
‘A couple of years ago, my dad dropped me off at the Nick of Pendle in Lancashire so I could walk the five miles home. I'd had a tough few weeks and was feeling low, the rain was driving into my face, it was cold, and I was putting one foot in front of the other on a muddy path with no people or cars anywhere – just me, the fields and the sheep. Suddenly, I got a wave of joy flooding through me. I threw back my head, and shouted "I love walking!" I stood and cried sad and happy tears for a little while, then wiped my face, took a deep breath and carried on with a spring in my step!’
Kathleen Rimmer
