I have ended up writing this piece slightly before I intended.

I’ve been away, which always gives me a busy brain with lots of ideas… some of which I started straight away; drafting, researching, editing, scheduling. Others I planned to build up to. I banked them. I hoped to mull and consider them for a short while before dusting them off, knowing I would pick them back up at some point in the future when I was ready for them.

I like to use my newsletter as a vehicle to explore themes I’ve been interested in (like, attachment theory or the cost of people-pleasing), or as a way to hold myself to account with personal challenges (a week of pleasing myself shortly followed by a month of pleasing myself).

So it was on a headspace, idea-generating ramble on the South Downs that I settled on the personal challenge of walking 10,000 steps every day for a week.

It’s not a breathtaking challenge. In fact, it’s supposedly what we’re supposed to be doing every day (except this turned out to be a marketing ploy).

I have a Fitbit and I do get a little buzz out of the little buzz on my wrist every time I hit this generic target.

One of my priorities for the month is my physical health and upping my movement. So after two days where 10,000 steps came easily to me as I was essentially on a walking holiday, I began to view this as somewhat of a head start.

One week of 10,000 steps a day it is. Starting… NOW!

Day one: I didn’t even know I’d started

It was my first day away, staying at a Shepherd’s Hut in West Sussex. The host had kindly organised an instruction booklet detailing the essentials like what water is drinking water and where you can do a number two – as well as a couple of local walk recommendations.

I photographed the page with the instructions, and we set about our walk. After the first couple of directions felt rather unlikely in reality, I began to worry about going the wrong way before completely surrendering to the process. I have no deadlines, I’m not due anywhere… even if I end up having to turn back on myself and trace my route home, it doesn’t matter.

I didn’t end up following the walk listed in the booklet. I think I got off to the wrong route from the very start, turning left at the gate as instructed… but as it happens, at the wrong gate.

I managed to walk a circular route, rather than turning back on myself, and we walked through fields, woods, and even over a stream.

End of day step count: 11,123

Day two: the challenge actually begins

The second day of the trip began… damply. The sun was shining and the rain was pouring at the same time. I waited out the morning, in the hope that the weather would make up its mind. Fortunately, it did.

I went off-booklet, instead consulting All Trails where I found a local walk estimated to take about one hour. I didn’t want to drive anywhere, so I added on the short walk to get to the starting point, taking me through some of the same fields I’d crossed yesterday.

I did consider repeating yesterday’s walk. I’d done it, I knew where I was going, and so the ‘stress’ of having to find my way wouldn’t exist. But I chose to challenge myself once again and try another new route. Small challenge, but well done me.

This time, we walked through fields, passed a beautiful lake, and an impressive stately home.

End of day step count: 14,137 – show off!

Day three: a home-based day of admin and chores

I’m embarrassed to say my body is tired. It has been since day two… but my dog is happy and that’s a joy.

It’s a different sort of challenge today. I’m based at home and overflowing with jobs to do and a sudden lack of energy. Can I keep up the discipline?

I look at my watch. It’s 5pm and I’ve done 1,881 steps. I’m facing a crossroads.

A voice in my mind encourages me to take the day off. It’s pouring with rain, I started this challenge somewhat prematurely… just start again another week. This voice was reasonable, I thought. And loud.

But I heaved myself through, pulled on my waterproof jacket, laced up my boots and we were off.

There’s something quite liberating about surrendering to the elements. Cap on, ponytail tucked, hood up and I felt… cosy. Even in the pouring rain. I found myself smiling when the intensity increased, fat droplets splatting and bouncing off my coat.

The good thing about walking in terrible weather is that no one else is there. The bad thing is that when you get home the dog stinks.

End of day step count: 10,811

Day four: a classic commuting day

I’m starting the day feeling fairly confident that this will be a walk in the park. Not literally.

Usually on commuting days I hit 9,000+ steps easily. I walk from the main station down to town which is about 20 minutes, so doing that twice combined with stepping out at lunch time usually equals an easy high step day.

I worked slightly later and missed the opportunity to be able to walk and catch the train. I’d have to get the tube up instead. But once I was home, I knew I wouldn’t have the energy to walk around the block before bed.

So I chose to walk anyway and catch the later train. I felt smug too, proud of myself for sticking with it. But are these choices sustainable? I certainly wouldn’t have been motivated to make that decision if I hadn’t allocated this week to the 10k step challenge…

By bedtime, I was just short of the target. After marching around my room and up and down the stairs a couple of times, I just passed the mark.

End of day step count: 10,050

Day five: rain and blisters

Weather and footwear are proving problematic at this stage.

I wake up and it’s absolutely pouring with rain, the blister on my heel is throbbing. I wasn’t wearing the right socks on the long weekend walks and I am now suffering the consequences.

Double plasters and a change of footwear serves me well, and I make it through the day.

I sail through the day, in fact. No night time stomping for me. The additional steps throughout the day for a couple of meetings have seen me achieve 10k with ease.

End of day step count: 10,460

Day six: an unexpected meeting

I knew I had a morning of meetings and being in the car. However, the meeting over-ran by several hours which threw my whole day out.

I got home late, with time-sensitive commitments I was yet to start. 10,000 steps was not going to be possible today.

I found myself questioning, is this the end of the challenge? Do I need to start again? Do I do more tomorrow to make up for it?

I decided the answer to all of those questions was: no. It’s just real life.

If I want to make this sustainable, it has to be flexible.

End of day step count: 4,339

Day seven: another big car day

Traffic doubled the time I anticipated spending in the car this day which had me wondering if I was going to miss my steps again.

But by some weird miracle, through lots of little trips and tasks, I found myself at over 10k early in the evening.

Combine that with a night spent dancing, and my step count for the day was an enormous…

End of day step count: 18,847

Reflections

Over the past seven days, I have walked 79,767 steps. A daily average of 11,395. The tracker suggests this is a total of 54km, or 33 miles. From central London, this would get me to the seaside (Southend), or to the airport (Luton).

My body feels embarrassingly ‘used’. I did also go for a cycle on one of these days, but I am slightly alarmed by how noticeable the increase in daily steps has been.

I’d like to go for another week and see how sustainable the rise in movement is to incorporate within my daily life.

What I have learnt:

• Increasing your step count is both simple and requires planning
• You have to make an effort, and you have to allocate time for it
• It won’t happen without attention and focus

Easy wins:

• Replace the tube or bus where possible, even if only for a couple of stops
• Step outside during your lunch break, even for just 10 minutes. It all adds up
• Allow more time and walk for local chores rather than drive

Why it’s worth doing:

• Stepping outside and seeing sun is good for us and our sleep
• Connecting with nature is grounding and energy boosting
• Gentle exercise contributes to good overall health

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Living Intentionally is a warm and irreverent guide to modern mindfulness.

I write about happiness, simple pleasures and finding joy in the everyday… without taking it all too seriously 🌿

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