We asked our Walk1200km community how walking helps them to deal with and overcome some of life’s challenges. 

Supporting physical and mental health

Life has dealt me three cruel and unexpected blows this year. My commitment to walking right now is an enjoyable part of my routine that supports my physical and mental health. I was keen to nail the Walk1200km challenge before I even knew what was ahead for meand my family, and little did I know how beneficial the timing would be. The #microchallenges have been a healthy addition to that.

– Andrea 

Finding purpose and strength

I look after my wife who has an incurable illness. I also assist with coronial reports on tramping/hunting deaths and many of my best insights come during walks at night. My favourite outings are the high ridges above the Wakatipu Basin in the early morning or evening. I enjoy walking the lonely places and gazing at the stars. I find so much peace there – the walking is exquisite on clear nights. During the day I enjoy purpose and strength with a clear mind after a walk. My usual is a 10km circuit with 500m+ vertical gain.

– Anonymous

Injury recovery

I retired recently with big plans to hit the gym daily to up my strength. I am a youthful 72 and was out for a glorious 8km beach walk one week before retirement when I fell badly, rupturing my rotator cuff tendon. 

I am having physiotherapy and am still walking as it has always been my go-to activity when things are tough.

– Karen Collings

Staying positive

Life’s been tough lately – redundancy two months ago, still looking for a job, my wife’s Graves’ disease is impacting her wellbeing, and my son’s surgery added to the stress. When it rains, it pours. Walking helps us stay positive and centred.

– Radu Puiu

Keeping motivated

I am soon to be made redundant. I’m apprehensive about what the future holds but also looking forward to some much-needed time with family and friends, walking, camping, tramping and mountain biking while I plan my next move in life.

It’s been a challenging year! Since the restructure was first  announced in March, Walk1200km has helped to keep me sane and grounded, motivated and inspired, even on the darkest days.

– Donna Broome

Walking gives me space, fresh air and freedom to enjoy being in the moment.

– Claire Macdonald

Doing what I love

I was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. My chest hurts all the time, I’m tired a lot, but I have hope because my dad has had it for 45 years. Walking and taking photos as I go gives me something else to focus on. So far this disease hasn’t stolen my ability to walk. In fact, they say walking is really good for me.

– Jen Massey