The dreary days of winter are soon to be replaced with the brighter days of spring. By Diana Ward

Winter: the season’s cold and rain may have kept you from regular Walk1200km excursions. But spring is the perfect time for a reset, and what better place to look for inspiration than within the Walk1200km community?

Fitness trainer Dee Owers

“Exercise, in particular walking, has been a lifesaver in my battle with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, depression and joint pain. 

“I have gifted my husband a subscription to Wilderness for many years. That’s how I came to join Walk1200km. The challenge slots in perfectly alongside my work as a fitness trainer and a hillwalking guide for Crater Rim Walks in Christchurch.

“You might think I would have no problems with motivation, but we all do at times. When it’s wet and I feel lazy, I turn to our community for encouragement. Walk1200km people remind me that I’m not the only one facing barriers and difficulty with motivation. I’ve ‘bonded’ with several others. For instance, if I see someone out walking despite recent surgery, I ask myself, ‘I’m physically able, why am I not out there, too?’

“Preparedness is the key for me when contemplating a long walk or tramp. My mantra is: ‘Mind over matter: be prepared. There is no bad weather – just wear the right clothing.’ 

“I really like that we can make the Walk1200km challenge our own. I don’t beat myself up if I have off days. I turn back if I’m tired or rest if I’m sick. 

“Being amongst nature can be calming, uplifting and exhilarating. I look forward to walking in the warmth and sunshine!”

Roger White

“I’ve been an orchardist for most of my life so I’m used to being out in all weathers and am acutely aware of the changing seasons. Spring is my favourite. Since moving indoors to work as a massage therapist, however, I’ve needed to get outdoors in my leisure time to gain life balance. Walking ensures I get ‘me-time’ after giving out to others every day. I’m a creature of habit. I head out early every morning. If it’s bucketing down, I wear a rain jacket.

“I usually walk alone but joined Walk1200km two years ago as I thought it would be beneficial to belong to a group: it does me good to see what others are up to. Until recently I had no issues keeping fit, but I now suffer from hip pain, which has tested my resilience. If my hip is sore when I start out, I find it eases once I’ve warmed up. 

“Older friends and clients inspire and motivate me. Two are in their eighties: one regularly climbs Mt Tauhara or Ruapehu, the other walks, swims and plays croquet. A younger client has fought to compete at the Paralympics since having a leg amputated. Seeing what others can do makes me realise I have much to be grateful for. I just need to get out and do it! 

“Being grateful has spurred me to use my walking for good. For four years I’ve fundraised annually for local charities by walking 50km in a day. That definitely ups my Walk1200km totals.

“My wife surprised me recently by saying our daughters and their families were noticing my walking. I realised I was having an influence. They sometimes join me – wonderful!”

Spring walking tips

→ Warm up and stretch your whole body (not just your legs) before setting out, especially if you haven’t exercised over winter. For variety, try this outside using park benches, walls and trees as gym equipment.

→ Savour the sights and sounds of spring – bulbs and blossoms, calves and lambs, birdlife.

→ Establish a routine. Prioritise walks as you would a meeting or medical appointment. Make it harder to wriggle out by buddying up with someone or walking a dog.

→ Introduce novelty or playfulness. Pause midway to fly a kite, juggle
hacky sacks, skim a stone, play frisbee.

→ Celebrate effort and goals attained. On your Walk1200km progress tracker, highlight days you matched or exceeded your target. If dispirited by the zeros, try extending each walk by a few hundred metres to catch up.

→ Smile! Research shows that even a forced smile puts us in a more positive emotional state.

→ Not everyone is invigorated by spring. If you suffer allergies, sleep disturbances or find the pressure to socialise doesn’t suit, go easy.

→ Head out the door! You’ll be glad you did.

Can you walk 1200km in 12 months? Sign up here.