July – Motivational Issues

If I thought June was bad, I wasn’t prepared for what July would bring.
I fully expected to be back on my feet (literally) by this time but it wasn’t to be.

The knee was one issue, and while it was definitely improving it was still causing me issues. I still have to be careful with distances otherwise I’m in agony. I have started to take a coupel of ibuprofen before every walk. I hate taking tablets – but this has helped me complete the walks in one piece.

The next issue is one that I’m finding harder to overcome. Motivaton and routine.

It surprised me how easy it was to get into a routine when I started this challenge. I was going out in all weathers, all times and walking anywhere just to complete my weekely target. So, to say I’m surprised how easy I have fallen out of the routine is equally, if not more, shocking.

I’m am second-guessing every walk, if it looks liek rain I don’t go. It’s like a vicious circle and I fear it may take me longer to crack this than it will for my knee to heal.

As far as walking goes, I made a slight improvemnet over the previous month, but if I maintain at these numbers I will not complete the challenge.

As my pace quickened towards the end of the month – the universe conspired to give me another injury.

26

Miles
}

7.25

Hours

10

Walks

%

Percentage of walk completed

It’s wake up time

My knee is largely healed. yes there are still twinges but it’s ultimately much better than it was in May. I can walk normally, and I can easily do a few ‘boots on’ miles without any bother. The real problem is the break in routine.

I have now gven upon the 2000 mile target. I’m about 400 miles behind where I should be to complete that – it’s not impossible (i’d just need to walk just under an extra 3 miles per day – on top of my existing target), but to do so will risk another knee injury.

This is my first 1000 mile challenge and I need to not bite off more than I can chew. So I’m focussing on the main challenge at hand.