If you feel in need of some motivation and inspiration this year – look no further

Read on and be inspired by some of the amazing walkers who shared their stories of achievements in 2020 with us.

Why not take their lead and make 2021 the year you take on a challenge and do something amazing?

Instructor MALCOLM CHURCH managed to walk 3,200 miles in 2020 the equivalent of walking the same distance as 120 marathons in 12 months (1 every 3 days) or quite simply an average of 9 miles every day. Malcolm told us

What started as a New Year 1000 mile challenge escalated into a much larger one and this extended challenge was definitely not for the feint hearted, it would have been very difficult for me to achieve in non Covid-19 lockdown conditions. I added the extra 2,000 miles between June 1st and December and actually completed the extended challenge on my Birthday which made it extra special.

Malcolm had massive support from his local group Mercian Nordic Walking and credits his Instructor Ian for helping him boost his overall fitness with strength and conditioning sessions that complimented the cardio benefits of the varied walks

He adds

I am proud of what I have achieved in 2020 and it proves that with the correct preparation and positive mental attitude, you can achieve almost anything that you set out to do in life. Last but by no means least I would like to thank everyone who has kindly sponsored me on this challenge on behalf of Ian’s charity Socks and Chocs. I have raised a total of £1284.00 to date which will be put to good use to help provide much needed food, clothing, shelter and facilities for those people across the UK that are less fortunate than ourselves. All charities are struggling for funds during these especially trying times and hopefully I gave them a boost for Xmas.

Meanwhile JUSTIN MOORS from Dorset told how his Sisters terminal illness spurred him into tackling his morbid obesity and subsequent diagnosis of a heart condition. Justin lost an amazing 8 stone in 2020 and has now signed up to the 26 mile MIGHTY HIKE in September to keep his motivation high in 2021 and also in memory of his Sister. Read his amazing story in full HERE to find out how it is possible to make massive changes to health and fitness by walking.

Mel Davis, another Instructor from the WALX Ridgeway group based in Buckinghamshire also made the most of a difficult 2020 by clocking up 2020 miles and that’s without having the usual group sessions to lead for much of the year. It’s worth mentioning all those who joined our virtual classes as they were unable to go outside because we have seen some amazing transformations (weight loss and tone) where walkers tried different ways to be active indoors with their Instructors. Our message is…. give it a go, try something new and connect with others for some motivation for 2021 – we are here to help where we can

Just look at all these lovely folk from Harmony Health and Fitness who smashed their goal and walked 1000 miles plus in 2020. 17 of them clocking up over 23,500 miles in total

Being part of a group is a great way to help you to stick to a challenge so lot’s of our clubs include these in their programmes as ways to keep motivation and spirits high! This has been especially important during lockdown where groups have also been able to get together virtually with relays and long distance walks including the SW Coast path and Lands end to John O Groats – There are too many amazing stories to share here so check out our blog and Facebook page for more

We know just how much this motivation has helped people and we also know how setting a goal can make a huge difference to sticking to your resolution.

SO, This year to help everybody during lockdown three and as we emerge back out into groups we thought we would set a challenge that can be completed by groups or lone walkers with an exciting final event where hopefully we can all be together to celebrate how far we have come ( in more ways than one!)

And just in case we cant get together we have made sure we will be able to complete the final distance virtually

Join the HQ team and and local groups to train for a choice of 16 or 27 miles in stunning coastal scenery at our FESTIVAL in Dorset this September (18th )

We have a team of virtual and local coaches who will support you to build up the miles in a supportive community where you can share your progress and by inspired and motivated with every step you take  FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN JOIN US HERE