Hi friends! Yay i managed to earn this badge for walking 209.4 miles through September…I don’t think i’d have managed it, if it wasn’t for the 500 miles Diabetes UK step challenge i’ve just completed. 😨
Now it’s the start of Q4 and i’ve had a couple of weeks full rest after my challenge so i need to get back on it and end this year back on track! 💪🏼 😀
¨Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.¨
Sylvester Stallone
Wow i can’t believe i’ve already earned this award and it’s only day 17! I normally just sneak the badge in right at the end of the month…But with my ‘One million step challenge‘ which started 1st August, it meant i’ve nailed it already as i’ve been stomping over 10 miles a day without a rest so far! 💪🏼 😀
Yay i’ve walked over 168 miles this month to earn this badge! I thought i wasn’t going to make it but i knew it would be good training for my ‘One Million Step Challenge‘ for Diabetes UK which starts tomorrow. Although it’s way short of the 250 miles a month i need to get to the 500 miles over 2 months…I really need to step it up and get a little more serious and professional about this, lol! 🤣 💪🏼
Hi FitBlitz family! Yay, as you may be aware…I’m celebrating again for losing 6lbs in June! Also i managed to smash the 2 challenges set by my apple watch! 😀 All of my extra focus on walking more and eating more on point has payed off. 💪🏼
But there’s no time to slack off now…Let’s ‘Fly in July’ and annihilate July’s challenge badge, and hopefully i’ll lose another 6lbs…Ad Victorium! 💪🏼 😀
“I will beat him. I will train harder. I will eat cleaner. I know his weaknesses. I know his strengths. I’ve lost to him before, but not this time. He’s going down. I have the advantage because I know him well. He is the old me.”
Unknown, but i could’ve said it, lol! 🤣
Hi FitBlitz family! I just had to share one of this months goals…The June challenge badge. As i started ‘June time to prune’ i looked at the requirements for earning this badge, and it was huge so i kind of dismissed it…I’m sure these challenge badges are getting harder every month now?! Never the less i increased my walking duration and speed most days this month, and i started to see that it just may be achievable…And now here it is!! 😲
“Remember, once you set a goal, it’s all about how hard you’re willing to work, how much you’re willing to sacrifice and how badly you truly want it.”
J.J. Watt
Hi all. Wow that year has passed quickly, i thought i’d only just bought my apple watch the other week, lol! 🤣 Really pleased to have closed my move ring for a whole year though, and i look forwards to seeing if i can do it for another year?!
¨Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.¨
Sylvester Stallone
Hi friends. This is the badge i thought i’d never be achieving, as at the start of the month it said “earn this badge with an average of 89 exercise minutes a day”. Fortunately my trail marathon is next month, so March was going to be the month with the most amount of miles walked. I thought ‘you don’t eat a 50Oz steak in one go…You eat it one bite at a time’…So i just kept walking each day and finally (beyond belief) i earned my award, and there is still about a week to go!! 💪🏼 😀 🙌
¨Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.¨
Sylvester Stallone
Hi all. Can you believe i’ve posted 200 posts on Fitblitz?! 😲 This is a complete shock to me as i’m really not a health and fitness person, and i really didn’t think i’d ever create a fitness blog. I seriously didn’t think you guys would ever read, follow or especially like my blog or posts…I thought you’d think it was all silly flapdoodle! 🤣
A little section from my ‘About’ page…
People who already know me (from my other blogs ‘Rebus Photography‘ & ’iChristian‘) know I’ve been struggling to beat all kinds of obstacles since I was registered blind 20 years ago, at age 24….. BUT now it’s time to face my nemesis… Health & Fitness and it’s many enemies – overeating, obesity, excuses not to exercise and many more…😨
I’m now trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and learning even more about health, fitness, weight training, nutrition and If you want to follow my blog, I’d like to share my adventures with you – So that we can lose weight and get fitter and stronger Together. 😀
What I’m trying to say to all of you guys is… THANK YOU…It means so much to me that you’ve joined me here, and we’re fighting and encouraging each other all of the way…And the fact you’re still here helping, supporting making me smile and motivating me along this crazy journey!! 💪🏼
I hope I can continue to be a small blessing or inspiration to you for another million posts, lol!! 🙏
Hi all. Can you believe i’ve reached 500 likes on Fitblitz?! 😲 This is a complete shock to me as i’m really not a health and fitness person, and i really didn’t think i’d ever create a fitness blog. I seriously didn’t think you guys would ever read, follow or especially like my blog or posts…I thought you’d think it was all silly flapdoodle! 🤣
A little section from my ‘About’ page…
People who already know me (from my other blogs ‘Rebus Photography‘ & ’iChristian‘) know I’ve been struggling to beat all kinds of obstacles since I was registered blind 20 years ago, at age 24….. BUT now it’s time to face my nemesis… Health & Fitness and it’s many enemies – overeating, obesity, excuses not to exercise and many more…😨
I’m now trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and learning even more about health, fitness, weight training, nutrition and If you want to follow my blog, I’d like to share my adventures with you – So that we can lose weight and get fitter and stronger Together. 😀
What I’m trying to say to all of you guys is… THANK YOU…It means so much to me that you’ve joined me here, and we’re fighting, motivating and encouraging each other all of the way!! 💪🏼
I hope I can continue to be a small blessing or inspiration to you! 🙏
Hi friends. Wow…After another donation from Canada on Friday (yes Canada, blows my mind!!), i’ve now reached over 50% of my fundraising target!! I thought i’d share this huge milestone with all of you fantastic friends on here! Thank you all so much for donating, supporting and sharing…You guys are the best!! ❤️💪🏼 😲
Hi friends. I was checking my notifications this morning and I was stunned to have found this badge! As you may have guessed…I like to celebrate achievements and goals no matter how big or small! 💪🏼 😀
A little section from my ‘About’ page…
People who already know me (from my other blogs ‘Rebus Photography‘ & ’iChristian‘) know I’ve been struggling to beat all kinds of obstacles since I was registered blind 20 years ago, at age 24….. BUT now it’s time to face my nemesis… Health & Fitness and it’s many enemies – overeating, obesity, excuses not to exercise and many more…😨
I’m now trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and learning even more about health, fitness, weight training, nutrition and If you want to follow my blog, I’d like to share my adventures with you – So that we can lose weight and get fitter and stronger Together. 😀
What I’m trying to say to all of you guys is… THANK YOU…It means so much to me that you’ve joined me here, and we’re fighting, motivating and encouraging each other all of the way!! 💪🏼
I hope I can continue to be a small blessing or inspiration to you!
Hi friends! After a tough day today on the trail, i was extremely pleased to have a notification to say i’ve been awarded this badge! 💪🏼
Do you guys have a fitness tracker of some sort? I’d really like to know what helps and motivates you to keep smashing your health and fitness goals?! 😀
Hi readers! I had resigned myself to not earning this badge this month but then…I smashed it right at the end of January, lol! 💪🏼 😀
Hi readers! Yay it’s “Motivational Monday”, and i hope you’ve smashed your health and fitness goals for last week? Now let’s get ready to take them to new heights this week?! 😀
“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated”
This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! 🤣
Yesterday my lovely wife Sarah came out on the trail with me, and she took some photos of me wearing the amazingly bright t-shirt the MS Society gave me to help promote their great charity during my trail marathon training! It was freezing cold and raining but that didn’t stop us…Until it proper chucked it down and we had to get home fast, lol! 💪🏼 😀
“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”
Hi readers! After a slow start to the month i didn’t think i’d achieve this badge…But i smashed it right at the end, lol! 💪🏼 😀
Hi readers! Yay it’s “Motivational Monday”, and i hope you’ve smashed your health and fitness goals for last week? Now let’s get ready to take them to new heights this week?! 😀
“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated”
This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! 🤣
After a another hard week of doing at least 1 lap each day, i managed to hit my health and fitness goals for last week. I try to hit a personal best once a week, and on the other days i try an do at least 1 lap to hit my 10,000 steps for a normal day. 😀
Yesterday my lovely wife Sarah walked out with me to find out if the nasty tree was still covering the trail track? Once i’d limped all of the way to the location of the tree, lol…Sarah said it had been cut up and cleared from the track to the side, yay! Now i can attempt another personal best later this week! 💪🏼 😀
“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”
I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.
Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS! 💪🏼
Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon
Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie.
Read all about my story and epic challenge HERE
Hi readers! Yay it’s “Motivational Monday”, and I hope you’ve smashed your health and fitness goals for last week?…Are you ready to step a little further and drive them to new heights this week?! 😀
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated” – This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! 🤣
I love weekends as i get to spend lots of time with my lovely wife Sarah! ❤️ This weekend was a resting weekend with no walking workouts or laps of the marathon trail…It was a complete leg, feet and muscle resting and recovery weekend, as i really want to beat my lifetime personal best of walking non stop for 11.28 miles later this week! 💪🏼 😀
Perfect Week (Move)…🙌
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”
Perfect week (Stand)…🙌
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
Do the hard work now so that it is easier later. If you fail to train, you just trained to fail.
The Trail Marathon Challenge…😨
I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.
Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS! 💪🏼
Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon
Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie.
Read all about my story and epic challenge HERE
Hi readers…As it’s “Walking Wednesday” it’s time to go for another lifetime personal best…It’s my quest to get a little stronger each week and prepare myself for the monumental challenge! 😲
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated”
This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! i wear to motivate me!🤣
Yay i managed another 4 (and a bit) laps today in the freezing cold and the blinding sun, and i’ve also smashed my lifelong personal best record from last week! I walked non stop for 11.28 miles which is better than last weeks 10.79 miles!! 💪🏼
My lovaly wife Sarah made me one of her strong coffees before my walk, and i had a couple of slices of “Elwood Blues” toast (although i have 7 seed wholemeal and not white, lol). During my walk i didn’t stand still once and i even ate (my lovely Grenade chocolate chip salted caramel bar) and drank on the move too…To say i’m happy is an understatement…My progressive attack approach is working…At the moment, lol! 🤣
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”
New Exercise Record…🙌
229 minutes of exercise today…Old record 213 minutes! 💪🏼
New Move Record…🙌
I managed this walk in just over 3 hours and i’m very happy with the 16’29”/Mile which was faster than last weeks 17’12”/Mile pace. As long as i stay under 18’18”/Mile i’ll finish under 8 hours which is my goal…Well just finishing the trail marathon would be amazing at this stage, lol! 🤣
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
Do the hard work now so that it is easier later. If you fail to train, you just trained to fail.
My Blindman Trail Marathon Challenge…😨
I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.
Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS! 💪🏼
Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon
Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie.
Read all about my story and epic challenge HERE
Hi readers! I hope you’ve smashed your health and fitness goals for last week?…And i hope you’re ready to take them to new heights this week?! 😀
Yay it’s “Motivational Monday”, and i’ve managed to earned some more badges for smashing my health and fitness goals! 💪🏼 😀
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated” – This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! 🤣
After a hard week of doing at least 1 lap each day, i managed to hit my health and fitness goals for last week. I try to hit a personal best once a week, and on the other days i try an do at least 1 lap to hit my 10,000 steps for a normal day. 😀
I love weekends as i get to walk around the trail lap with my lovely wife Sarah, instead of tracking my pace and just stomping around it on my own. But instead we have a lovely walk, and we even stopped at the lake and had coffee and cake! 😋
7-Workout Week…🙌
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”
Perfect week (all activity rings closed)…🙌
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
Do the hard work now so that it is easier later. If you fail to train, you just trained to fail.
The Trail Marathon Challenge…😨
I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.
Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS! 💪🏼
Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon
Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie.
Read all about my story and epic challenge HERE
Hi readers…As it’s “Walking Wednesday” it’s time to go for another lifetime personal best! 😲
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”
Yay i managed another 4 laps today in the blinding sun, and i’ve also smashed my previous lifelong personal best! I walked non stop for 10.79 miles!! I didn’t stand still once and i even ate and drank on the move too…To say i’m happy is an understatement!
New Exercise Record…🙌
New Move Record…🙌
New Walking Workout Record…🙌
I managed this walk in just over 3 hours and i’m very happy with the 17’12”/Mile pace. As long as i stay under 18’18”/Mile i’ll finish under 8 hours which is my goal…Well just finishing the trail marathon would be amazing at this stage, lol! 🤣
Motivational Quote…💪🏼
Do the hard work now so that it is easier later. If you fail to train, you just trained to fail.
The Trail Marathon…😲
I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.
Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS! 💪🏼
Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon
Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie.
Read all about my story and epic challenge HERE
Hi all! This is a super long post but it gives a great summary of my progress through September as i slowly attack the trail and increase my mileage and strength! I hope you enjoy the monthly updates?! 💪🏼 😀 🙌
3rd September 2021…New walking workout record! 😲
Hi all! I really didn’t expect this badge today! 🤔
After a rest day yesterday, i started another 2 laps of my trail through the woods as part of my ‘Trail Marathon’ training, ready for my MS Society Trail Marathon on 24 April 2022.. I’m going to try 3 laps next week to try an increase my endurance! 😨
When i returned tired and hungry, i checked out my lap times, elevation etc…And guess what??? I’d won this badge for burning 1 more calorie than Wednesdays 2 lap walking record badge. I’d say that was pretty consistent and now that’s what i call progress, lol! 🤣
Sarah’s stupendous post-walk nutritional lunch…😋
I’d like to introduce you to the best pizza i’ve ever had, and i’ve had thousands over the years! This is our protein pizza which we prepare on Sunday evening (we make 1 each), cut into 6 pieces and have a slice each day. We both make our own so we can have our fave toppings (Sarah often puts olives on hers) and i hate olives, lol! 😀 We make the base from turkey mince so it has no carbs but lots of protein which is great for Sarah as she’s a T1 diabetic, then i can have my fave carb source food which is dry 7 seed wholemeal toast (like Elwood Blues) and Sarah doesn’t have to worry about carb counting or her blood sugar shooting up! 💪🏼 😀
As a post walk meal my lovely wife Sarah prepares me with a warm slice of protein pizza (less than 200 calories a slice 😲) my new fave carrot kebab (i used to love donor kebabs but after dumping the junk and eating healthily this is my new fave) it’s a huge iceberg lettuce leaf rammed full of grated carrot and topped with cottage cheese…Mmmm, and of course a salad containing tomatoes, cucumber, apple, spring onion and beetroot…And of course my fave dry seeded wholemeal toast! 💪🏼 😀
I always consider what i’m eating after my long walk so my post-walk recovery meals always consist of carbohydrates and plenty of protein. As your body is designed to extract much-needed nutrients from your food quickly and efficiently after a long walk, protein is important post-walk because it’s necessary for building and repairing muscles. Ultra long walks can cause micro-tears in muscle tissue which must be repaired, hence the need for protein! Plus when you’re as old as me it’s a great way to fight off sarcopenia, lol! 💪🏼 🤣
Wow how amazing is my wife?!! ❤️
These meals are really going to help me on my MS Society Trail Marathon! 💪🏼 😀
6th September 2021…Another walking workout record! 😲
Hi all…You’ll never believe this?! 😲
Today was my first day of increasing the mileage (number of laps) to a distance i’d never walked without stopping before! 😨
Each lap of the trail is 2.5 miles and this month i’m attempting 3 laps without stopping. So today was my first time walking with my backpack and carrying water and a trusty Grenade protein bar supplied by my lovely wife Sarah. I thought after losing 5 stone (70 pounds) my legs would be able to manage an extra couple of pounds or so, lol! 🤣
I knew it was going to be more difficult as the sun was really bright and stopped me seeing most of the trail, i even missed a turning but managed to get back on it…But when i was in the shade i made sure i nailed it! 💪🏼
I drank some of my water at the halfway point of each lap, and i ate my tasty Grenade bar after lap 2 whilst not stopping…Had to check if i could drink and eat on the move, and i was fine with no stitch etc! 😋
I was stupendously surprised (not only for making it round 3 laps) but for managing 8.24 miles at an average pace of 15 Minutes 39 seconds. I need to stay below 18 minutes 18 seconds to do the trail marathon under 8 hours, which is my goal!
During my training i’m trying to keep a quicker pace than the one i’ll have during the trail marathon’m, and hopefully this will get my body in better shape for the challenge….I’m still like a sporty family saloon car but i need to be a ‘Group B’ rally car to pull this off, lol! 🤣
My Personal Best Walking Record…
I still can’t believe i’ve done my lifetime personal best at none stop walking, and i won this badge for burning 784 calories during my walk…Time for some lunch, lol! 🤣
7th September 2021…😲
Hi all! I’m giving thanks again for this ‘New Move Record’ badge. I earned this award yesterday after my longest walk time without stopping during the start of my ‘Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon’.
It’s great to see i’ve burned 1422 calories over my BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), and it means i can have MORE FOOD to stay in my healthy calorie deficit! 🤣
9th September 2021…Goodbye Trainers…Hello Blisters! 😭
Hi all. During my ‘ultra Step Challenge’ through advent 2020, you may have noticed that i was always wearing my fantastic trainers, which were a gift from my lovely wife Sarah for losing 3 stone. They have been my most fav trainers i’ve ever owned, and i’ve owned some cool trainers before, they were just so spongy! 😀
i’ve also been wearing them now i’ve started my ‘Trail Marathon’ training this last week. I thought these have seen me through a gruelling challenge before…So why not get me through this one too!
But…
I think my trainers glamoured me or something, as i hadn’t realised the padding had worn through in a few places inside! I can’t use my blindness as an excuse as i should have noticed this…A school boy mistake! 😨
I’m now sat with a super doughnut shaped fancy plaster creation by Sarah on my foot, and my walking has been cancelled for the rest of this week. 🤕
My trainers are now in the bin…But i still wanted to write this post in memory of these stupendous trainers. They don’t stock any more in my size so these will be the only pair i’ve owned. 😭
But on the positive side…🤣
I’ve just found this ‘Perfect Month’ badge i’d achieved for hitting my move goals every day for August! 💪🏼 🙌
10th September 2021…i newspaper interview! 😲
Hi all! I’ve been interviewed again this week for the annual “Know Your Numbers” week 2021 (this week). I think you’ll remember the ‘Ultra Step Challenge’ i did during advent 2020 for the Blood Pressure UK charity…And they wanted to use the ‘I Newspaper’ to interview me from a slightly different angle for this years case study too! 😀
It’s a great article and it almost makes me sound inspirational, lol! 🤣 Please take a read!
Article…
‘It felt like my head was exploding’: Blind man describes how he lost his sight at 24 after brain haemorrhage
Steve Rebus’s optic nerve burst because his blood pressure was so high, causing him to suffer two brain haemorrhages
Steve walked 266 miles to raise money for Blood Pressure UK in December 2020.
Steve Rebus knew he had a family history of high blood pressure but never expected it would leave him blind following two brain haemorrhages in March 2000 when he was just 24 years old.
“I woke up and I literally couldn’t move,” Mr Rebus, now 46, told i. “Luckily my mobile was on the table next to me, and I could just move my arm across to call for help, otherwise the doctors said that would’ve been it.
“The ambulance rushed me straight to hospital and my blood pressure was 280/220mmHg [a normal reading is 120/80mmHg]. It was that night when my optic nerve burst because my blood pressure was so high and I had two brain haemorrhages.”
Richard Francis, Head of Research at the Stroke Association, said high blood pressure puts a strain on all blood vessels, including ones leading to the brain.
“In some cases the extra strain may cause a weakened blood vessel to burst inside the brain, causing bleeding into surrounding tissues. This is called a haemorrhagic stroke,” said Mr Francis.
Mr Rebus said it was “the most painful thing I’ve ever gone through” and added: “It was like a movie when you see a head explode, it was that kind of pressure.
“I put my head under the pillow and tried to squeeze it until the pain went away two or three days later.”
Steve and his wife Sarah on holiday in Roatán, a Caribbean island.
Steve and his wife Sarah on holiday in Roatán, a Caribbean island (Photo: Supplied)
More than one third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and another one third of adults are unaware that their blood pressure is high, according to CEO of Blood Pressure UK Phil Pyatt.
High blood pressure is almost entirely treatable but it kills thousands of people per year as it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Mr Rebus has his own blood pressure monitor and regularly checks himself as well as his friends and family: “I check everyone’s blood pressure now.
“You don’t realise how energetic and happy you can be when you’ve not got that worry of heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure,” he said.
“It’s really nice not living on that danger line. It’s way less stressful.”
Before his brain haemorrhages, he played football, went to the gym and worked at a body shop repairing cars.
Doctors initially told him that his sight would eventually come back and he has noticed some improvements in his vision but at a regular check-up in July 2000 he was given the news that he was registered blind.
“As a gym-going footballer nothing really phased me until then,” he said. “I walked out the room and I just fell on the floor bawling my eyes out.”
The first few years after losing his sight were incredibly tough, Mr Rebus said. “I was suicidal non-stop with dark depression. They sent me to all kinds of therapy that didn’t work and I was getting drunk so I wouldn’t hear the voices in my head saying ‘no one wants you you’re rubbish’.
“I didn’t have the strength to live but I didn’t have the strength to kill myself either.
Steve ‘pushes the barriers’ of what he thinks a blind man can do by taking on physical challenges for charity.
In 2004, he met his now wife Sarah who “changed everything” at an annual sight-loss conference called Sight Village. “We always call it ‘love at first Sight Village’,” Mr Rebus said.
“Sarah worked for the Royal National Institute of Blind People. She came to our stall because she’d written an article in a magazine about our charity, Look UK, which I was volunteering for at the time.
“We were looking through the article together but then I said: ‘You do know I didn’t see any of that because I’m blind?’ She looked at my face to see whether I was joking or not, and that was it…she liked my sense of humour apparently.”
After 21 years, Mr Rebus said he has learned to live with being blind and said he likes to “push the barrier” of what a blind person is expected to do, completing a Tough Mudder challenge in October 2018 and a 266 mile charity walk during December 2020 for Blood Pressure UK.
In April 2022, he is taking on a trail marathon through the woods near his house in aid of the MS Society, in memory of his mother, who died of progressive multiple sclerosis the same year he was registered as blind.
What should your blood pressure be?
‘Know Your Numbers! Week’ is a campaign by Blood Pressure UK with the aim “reaching the millions of people who have high blood pressure but don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control,” the charity’s CEO Phil Pyatt said.
Everyone is encouraged to routinely check their blood pressure either with a home monitor or a GP check up.
Anyone with normal blood pressure of 120/80mmHg is recommended to have a check up every five years.
Anyone above the age of 50 or anyone on the upper end of normal between 130/85 and 139/89 should get checked at least once a year.
Although there are some risk factors for high blood pressure such as old age, ethnic group, family history or underlying conditions like kidney disease, “mostly it’s due to lifestyle”, said Mr Pyatt.
Eating healthily, cutting down on salt intake, being active, not drinking too much alcohol and not smoking can keep your blood pressure down, he added.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) backs the Know Your Numbers! Week campaign. Julie Ward, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the BHF said: “There are up to 4.8 million adults in the UK who are undiagnosed with the high blood pressure, which is sometimes referred to as a silent killer because it often doesn’t present with any symptoms.
“If you are living with high blood pressure but don’t get diagnosed or treated then it can lead to other health issues such as heart attack or stroke.
“Anybody can be living with the condition, that’s why it’s important that you regularly get your blood pressure checked and know your numbers. It could end up saving your life.
The Stroke Association also supports the campaign. Richard Francis, Head of Research at the Stroke Association, said: “High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it is a contributing factor in around half of all strokes, making it the biggest single risk factor for stroke.
“Measuring your blood pressure is quick, simple and painless, and can be carried out at your doctor’s surgery or at some pharmacies.”
17th September 2021…Another 3 laps! 😲
Hi all…Yay i managed another 3 laps! 💪🏼
I recalculated my water intake after my last 3 laps (so i wouldn’t be desperate for the toilet like last time, lol) and all went well! I felt better than my first attempt and even had a lovely Grenade chocolate mint protein bar after lap 2! 😋
I walked slower than last time (blisters about healed) as i wanted to see how slow i can walk before i hit 18 minutes a mile as that is the slowest i can walk during my trail marathon. Thankfully i thought i was going pretty slow…But to my surprise i was still doing 16:40 minutes a mile, fantastic! 😲
Also the sun was blinding (pun intended) and i had to stop lots of times as my vision was completely smashed! Everything completely disappeared into a yellow out (like a white out in the snow) and i simply couldn’t continue…Thankfully i didn’t hit any trees which was a bonus!! 🤣
22nd September 2021…Motivated! 💪🏼 😀
Hi all…Yay i managed another 3 laps (just), and i also smashed my ‘health and fitness goal’ for September! 💪🏼
I managed just over 8 miles (3 laps) non stop this morning, and i was very happy i survived! I can’t believe this was my idea, lol…If doing these 3 laps were my challenge, i’d be happy i’d managed it as i was completely exhausted! BUT i know there would be no chance of anyone sponsoring me for such a small challenge, lol! 🤣
As next month is coming up fast, i’m filled with trepidation as i have to up my laps to 4 in October (over 10 miles non stop). I seriously don’t know how i’m going to do 4 laps never mind nearly 11!! 😨 My feet also don’t need any more blisters too, as the few i have are plenty! 🤣
Motivation…
I’m totally motivated by the amazingly kind 7 supporters who’ve sponsored me already, and each time i’m out training i can hear them cheering me on through their kind words they left on my fundraising page! 😀
Also winning my badges and smashing my ‘health and fitness goals helps a little too! 💪🏼
29th September 2021…Lifetime Walking Record!! 😲
Hi all…Yay i managed 4 laps today in the blinding sun, and i’ve also smashed my lifelong personal best of walking non stop for 10.22 miles!! I didn’t stand still once and i even ate and drank on the move too…To say i’m happy is an understatement! 😀
New Exercise Record…🙌
New Walking Workout Record…🙌
I managed this walk in just under 3 hours and i’m very happy with the 17’01”/Mile pace. As long as i stay under 18’18”/Mile i’ll finish under 8 hours which is my goal…Well just finishing the trail marathon would be amazing at this stage, lol! 🤣
30th September 2021…Memorising the trail! 🤔
Hi all! I’m going to ask you to engage your imagination to the max, before you make the link i’m suggesting for the first corner that i’ve named today on my trail marathon track, lol! 🤣
The photo (above) in no way shows the rough incline which pops your hip out if you hit it wrong (done it a few times), but as i walk up it (not down like the race track) i always think about ’The Corkscrew’ at Laguna Seca. 😲
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – From Wikipedia…
The famous Turn 8 and 8A combination, popularly referred to as ‘the Corkscrew’, is considered one of the motorsport world’s most challenging turns, due to the 18-metre drop in elevation as well as its blind crest and apex on the uphill approach.
Memorising race tracks…🤔
Since playing ‘Le Man 24Hr’, ‘Pole Position’, ‘Outrun’ and many more in the arcades as a child, then playing racing games on the Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, PS1, PS2, PS3 & PS4 i’ve always been good at memorising tracks. This didn’t stop when i was registered blind either! Using my memorisation skills i can still drive around some of my fave tracks like Spa Francorchamps, Monza, Suzuka, Interlagos and Le man…But after all these years, i still havn’t managed to memorise the full Nürburgring! 😭
This sets me up nicely for naming lots of the straights, corners and chicanes whilst trying to memorise the trail marathon track. I just hope i don’t bore you to death with all of the motorsport references before i finish, lol! 🤣
If you’ve read this far…Then i hope you’ve enjoyed catching up on my epic battle to conquer this trail marathon!
I’d just like to say another brobdingnagian thanks to you for your continue support, kindness and generosity…It means so much to me! ❤️💪🏼 😀
Hi all…Yay i managed 4 laps today in the blinding sun, and i’ve also smashed my lifelong personal best of walking non stop for 10.22 miles!! I didn’t stand still once and i even ate and drank on the move too…To say i’m happy is an understatement! 😀
New Exercise Record…🙌
New Walking Workout Record…🙌
I managed this walk in just under 3 hours and i’m very happy with the 17’01”/Mile pace. As long as i stay under 18’18”/Mile i’ll finish under 8 hours which is my goal…Well just finishing the trail marathon would be amazing at this stage, lol! 🤣
The Trail Marathon…😲
I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.
Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS! 💪🏼
Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon
Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie.
Read all about my story and epic challenge HERE
Hi all…Yay i managed another 3 laps (just), and i also smashed my ‘health and fitness goal’ for September! 💪🏼
I managed just over 8 miles (3 laps) non stop this morning, and i was very happy i survived! I can’t believe this was my idea, lol…If doing these 3 laps were my challenge, i’d be happy i’d managed it as i was completely exhausted! BUT i know there would be no chance of anyone sponsoring me for such a small challenge, lol! 🤣
As next month is coming up fast, i’m filled with trepidation as i have to up my laps to 4 in October (over 10 miles non stop). I seriously don’t know how i’m going to do 4 laps never mind nearly 11!! 😨 My feet also don’t need any more blisters too, as the few i have are plenty! 🤣
Motivation…
I’m totally motivated by the amazingly kind 7 supporters who’ve sponsored me already, and each time i’m out training i can hear them cheering me on through their kind words they left on my fundraising page! 😀
Also winning my badges and smashing my ‘health and fitness goals helps a little too! 💪🏼
The Trail Marathon…😨
As the ‘Trail Marathon’ will be 26.2 miles (nearly 11 laps) I’m going for a progressive attack approach and increasing the laps by 1 (2.5 miles) each month until April 2022…Well that’s my plan anyway, lol! 😰
I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.
Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS! 💪🏼
Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon
Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie.
Read all about my story and epic challenge HERE
Hi all, i just wanted to give a huge shout out to all of you kind friends! It was lovely to wake up this morning to this 1,000 all time views on this new blog. Thanks so much for taking precious time to read, like and chat with me on FitBlitz! God bless you all! 🙏 😀
Hi all.
During my ‘ultra Step Challenge’ through advent 2020, you may have noticed that i was always wearing my fantastic trainers, which were a gift from my lovely wife Sarah for losing 3 stone. They have been my most fav trainers i’ve ever owned, and i’ve owned some cool trainers before, they were just so spongy! 😀
i’ve also been wearing them now i’ve started my ‘Trail Marathon’ training this last week. I thought these have seen me through a gruelling challenge before…So why not get me through this one too!
But…
I think my trainers glamoured me or something, as i hadn’t realised the padding had worn through in a few places inside! I can’t use my blindness as an excuse as i should have noticed this…A school boy mistake! 😨
I’m now sat with a super doughnut shaped fancy plaster creation by Sarah on my foot, and my walking has been cancelled for the rest of this week. 🤕
My trainers are now in the bin…But i still wanted to write this post in memory of these stupendous trainers. They don’t stock any more in my size so these will be the only pair i’ve owned. 😭
But on the positive side…🤣
I’ve just found this ‘Perfect Month’ badge i’d achieved for hitting my move goals every day for August! 💪🏼 🙌
Hi all!
I’m giving thanks again for this ‘New Move Record’ badge. I earned this award yesterday after my longest walk time without stopping during the start of my ‘Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon’.
It’s great to see i’ve burned 1422 calories over my BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), and it means i can have MORE FOOD to stay in my healthy calorie deficit! 🤣
Hi all…You’ll never believe this?! 😲
Today was my first day of increasing the mileage (number of laps) to a distance i’d never walked without stopping before! 😨
Each lap of the trail is 2.5 miles and this month i’m attempting 3 laps without stopping. So today was my first time walking with my backpack and carrying water and a trusty Grenade protein bar supplied by my lovely wife Sarah. I thought after losing 5 stone (70 pounds) my legs would be able to manage an extra couple of pounds or so, lol! 🤣
I knew it was going to be more difficult as the sun was really bright and stopped me seeing most of the trail, i even missed a turning but managed to get back on it…But when i was in the shade i made sure i nailed it! 💪🏼
I drank some of my water at the halfway point of each lap, and i ate my tasty Grenade bar after lap 2 whilst not stopping…Had to check if i could drink and eat on the move, and i was fine with no stitch etc! 😋
The Trail Marathon…😨
As the ‘Trail Marathon’ will be 26.2 miles (over 10 laps) I’m going for a progressive attack approach and increasing the laps by 1 each month until April 2022…Well that’s my plan anyway, lol! 🤣
I was stupendously surprised (not only for making it round 3 laps) but for managing 8.24 miles at an average pace of 15 Minutes 39 seconds. I need to stay below 18 minutes 18 seconds to do the trail marathon under 8 hours, which is my goal!
During my training i’m trying to keep a quicker pace than the one i’ll have during the trail marathon’m, and hopefully this will get my body in better shape for the challenge….I’m still like a sporty family saloon car but i need to be a ‘Group B’ rally car to pull this off, lol! 🤣
My Personal Best Walking Record…
I still can’t believe i’ve done my lifetime personal best at none stop walking, and i won this badge for burning 784 calories during my walk…Time for some lunch, lol! 🤣
I’m not expecting to win another badge until October when i’ll try and attempt 4 laps..But you never know! 💪🏼
Today’s Quick Stats…📈
Distance: 8.24 Miles
Time: 2h 9mins
Pace: 15 Mins 39 Sec per Mile
Calories: 874
Elevation Gain: 424 feet
Hi all!
I really didn’t expect this badge today! 🤔
After a rest day yesterday, i started another 2 laps of my trail through the woods as part of my ‘Trail Marathon’ training, ready for my MS Society Trail Marathon on 24 April 2022.. I’m going to try 3 laps next week to try an increase my endurance! 😨
When i returned tired and hungry, i checked out my lap times, elevation etc…And guess what??? I’d won this badge for burning 1 more calorie than Wednesdays 2 lap walking record badge. I’d say that was pretty consistent and now that’s what i call progress, lol! 🤣
Hi all!
I knew i could bore you to death with another award badge already! 🤣
I’d just finished my 2 lap walk through the woods near my home, when i was notified of winning this badge for burning 543 Kilocalories in one walk. As i’m training for a Marathon walk in April i hope to win many more of this style of badge…Or maybe i’ll just fall to pieces instead, one of these two will happen! 🤣
Hi all.
As you may (or may not) know i like to give thanks when i hit a health and fitness goal no matter how big or small. 💪🏼
I’ve recently moved over from a Fitbit to an apple watch, and i’m taking some time to adapt and get my head around all of the settings, analytics and how accessible it all is…But in the meantime…I’ve found this award which was a lovely find! 😀
I’m sure i can achieve some more badges soon that i can bore you to death with, lol! 🤣 💪🏼
Wow…I simply can’t believe i’ve achieved this goal, after stepping off the scales this morning. To say i’m excited is an understatement!! 😲
It’s taken me about 2 months to reach this next -5 pound badge as i’m almost at maintenance calories now. I absolutely love the food i eat now and wouldn’t change it back for anything. I don’t feel hungry (never thought it was possible) and most important of all…I can live on this healthy meal plan for the rest of my life!! 💪🏼 😀
It’s not too late, to sign up for Activ8…!!! 💪🏼 😀
You can still sign up for the next 2 weeks.
Hi friends…💪🏼 😀
Are you making yourself attractive to Cancer? 🤔
Sarah and I have just signed up for the “Activ8 Plan” with World Cancer Research Fund as part of Cancer Prevention Awareness Week. So for once I’m not fundraising and bombarding you with donation asks, just sharing information to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle lol! 🤣
You may not be aware (like me) of all the lifestyle choices we make that can affect our cancer risk. 😲
Info taken from the World Cancer Research Fund website…
What is Cancer Prevention Awareness Week?
Cancer Prevention Awareness Week is an annual event where we draw awareness to cancer and cancer prevention. Currently, 40% of people diagnosed are diagnosed with a cancer that could have been prevented.
Knowing what you need to do and making small, consistent changes to the lives of you and your loved ones can help you avoid preventable cancers. …..
Activ8: Eat Well, Move More…
We’ve also launched a healthy living programme to support people who want to eat better and move more.By signing up, you’ll get 8 weeks’ worth of motivational emails, which will include links to specific nutrition and physical activity resources such as tip-sheets and videos, as well as live support from our experts.
Make preventing cancer part of your everyday life. By following our Cancer Prevention Recommendations you’re giving yourself the best chance of reducing the risk of at least 12 types of cancer. Take action today!
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