Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.
Today we passed the 1000 kilometre milestone on the way to The Sweat Shop to buy my next pair of shoes. I have already done 500km in my first pair and need to walk in new shoes for our August Eco Ventures Ultra Walk.
When I look back to the first walk, which was on the 9th January, a walk along the sea path at Kalk Bay, and which marked the start of the preparation for the Ultra Walk, I am so pleased with progress.
I have persevered, I have learnt so much, I have gotten fitter and stronger, I have been exhausted and sore, I have been disheartened, I have been so thankful for Fred and his support even though he can be a most annoying coach, I have enjoyed walking with friends and family too; but mostly it has been about the pleasure of being outdoors, finding that great cappuccino and the commitment to my declaration to push myself physically.
We are averaging 200km per month, combining long walks with shorter speed walks as well as power walks when we can find a good hill or two.
On the 1st April I did my first 21km half marathon walk along the Durban Promenade and the first 30km walk was in Cape Town on the 10 May.
Our walking has taken us from the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town to the Promenade in Durban to the Cliff Path in Hermanus; to beach walks in Noordhoek and in Warner Beach; to the mountains in the Magaliesburg, as well as in Greyton and in Cape Point and to the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town; from high altitude grassland walking on Millstream Farm, Mpumalanga to the semi desert of the Karoo; from the Newlands Forest in Cape Town to the Rondebosch Common; from gentle Natal Midlands walking to farm walking in Greyton; to an early morning walk in Bloemfontein; and in between the many, many kilometres of harsh and mostly hot urban pavements of Johannesburg, Amanzimtoti and Cape Town as we go about our daily lives in our homes.
The 301 kilometre walk over 10 days is now two and a half months away. The preparation continues....
- Walking log: 31 May
14km urban walk for new shoes.
Total kilometres to date: 1009
