Steph in her own words:
“Being a very shy and uncoordinated child I used to avoid anything active until a family holiday to the Lake District ignited a passion for walking and the outdoors.
I love to get outside and active and to push my body to see just what it’s capable of.
The excitement of tackling a long-distance trail appeals to me, but I also enjoy discovering the adventure my local area has to offer. I find joy in immersing myself in nature- wherever you are you can find great beauty.
Middle age is a time when people tend to slow down and stop being active. I want to inspire other people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond that you are still capable of doing some pretty amazing things and that it’s never too late for adventure.”
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Show notes
Turning 50 and being passionate about getting outdoors
Wanting to do more and more
Being very shy and uncoordinated while growing up
Doing everything to avoid physical activity
Being inspired by spending time walking in the Lake District
Progressing her walking and joining the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA)
Getting involved in Challenge Walks with the LDWA
Deciding what challenges to do next
Doing the coast to coast walk
Feeling scared at the start
How her confidence grew through experience
Walking with a friend on the Isle of Man
Walking the Pennine Way and why it was challenging due to lockdowns and covid
Dealing with the British Weather….
Planning and preparation for walks
The importance of long training walks
Equipment and gear on a budget
Ways to keep the costs down as a single traveller
Doing her first overnight camping trip
A Pennine Journey (247 miles)
The plan…
Food and nutrition while on the challenge
Training and getting physically ready
Wanting to share her stories with others
Signing up for the Marathon des Sables (MDS) to document the training of the journey
Start small and build up
Running the London Marathon
Building up fitness and training for the MDS
Preparing the mind and getting mentally ready for the challenge
Running the wettest MDS ever!
Lessons learned from finishing the MDS
Dealing with stomach issues
Craving coffee
Follow along with Steph on social media
Part 2
A Pennie Journey
The route
Why things didn’t quite go to plan
Dealing with blisters and the Summer heat wave
Building her confidence with camping and using her tent
The magical moments from the experience
Getting resupply on the route
Going solo and meeting other walkers
Making a few changes to stay out on the trail for 17 days
Dealing with blisters and pain
Feeling a little disappointed at the end
Final words of advice
Starting small and building up
Going on local adventures
Social Media
Website: www.endurance-adventures.co.uk
Instagram: @endurance_adventures
Facebook: @enduranceadventures
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