Walk1200km helped this walker to cope with the loss of his wife of 57 years.

After starting Walk1200km in his mid-eighties while recovering from surgery, Pat Sale has just completed the challenge once more, ticking off 3000km at age 89.

Sale read about Walk1200km while convalescing from surgery for a stent placement that had resulted in a perforated artery near the heart. 

“I came pretty close to the line of going to the other side,” Sale recalls.

A regular tramper, however, Sale was motivated to give Walk1200km a go.

“It greatly helped my rehabilitation and positivity and got me back into regular exercise,” he says.

He began regular walks with his wife. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with terminal oesophagus cancer and her health began to decline. 

As the cancer advanced, his wife opted to forego treatment and to enjoy what time she had left.

“It proved to be the right decision because she was very blessed to have no pain from the cancer, and her last year or so was extremely happy. We had fond memories of tramping together for many years, so being able to go for gentle walks made her last days happy and it was great togetherness.”

After his wife died Sale was left “physically and emotionally drained”. However, he kept on with the challenge, which he says helped get him through that difficult time.

“I went for my walks and reflected on my life and I realised how blessed I’d been right through. I found it very positive for recovering from the loss and regaining my drive for life.”

After completing Walk1200km, Sale increased his goal to over 2000km, and last year aimed for 3000km – just over 8km per day.

His daughter helped map the length of his regular walks so he could track his kilometres. He clocks about 5–10km in the morning and completes another walk or two in the afternoon.

Sale’s health began to decline towards the end of the challenge, but he still managed to walk 3070km in 12 months.

Now 90, Sale says he’s getting better and hopes to be back logging more kilometres soon.

“I’m waiting with great anticipation for the body to tell me I can go for a walk again.”

Gear to help you walk more this month

Back Country Cuisine Roast Lamb and Vegetable from $11.99

A light, tasty and fast nourishing meal with lamb and mint gravy with vegetables and creamy mashed potato. Gluten free. www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz

Bridgedale Stormsock Midweight Boot Sock $89.99

A waterproof and breathable sock for activities where additional insulation is desired. www.ampro.co.nz

Montane Sirocco Lite Hoodie $359

This hoodie allows unrestricted movement when walking and has active insulation to help regulate body temperature. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Hawea Honeycomb Granola $21

The caramelised nutty clusters of this extra special granola reflect the 100% New Zealand grown ingredients in it. Great for brekkie and healthy snacking! www.yumnz.co.nz

AKU Trekker Pro II GTX $599.99

This boot, with a suede leather upper, offers a high level of comfort and stability for winter walks. www.gearshop.co.nz

Big Agnes Greystone 30 $749.99

A mummy-shaped sleeping bag with 600FP waterproof down fill that will keep you warm on winter overnighters. www.bigagnes.co.nz