September’s Trail Marathon Training: Full Progress Report! 💪🏼

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! ❤️💪🏼 😀 

Advertisement

😲 Wow…The ‘I Newspaper’ has interviewed me and just published my story today for “Know your Numbers” week by Blood Pressure UK

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.”

😲Yay…-70lb Weight Loss Badge! 🙌

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!

 I can’t thank you guys enough for all of the support you’ve given Sarah & me over the years!! I encourage you to join us on this challenge so that you too can protect yourselves against cancer and lead happier, healthier lives….  Thank you and God Bless. 💪🏼 😀 

💪🏼Yay…-65lb Weight Loss Badge! 🙌

A little progress each day adds up to big results. Keep chipping away at your goal and soon you’ll realise that all those little victories add up to the biggest victory of all…Reaching your goals! 😀  

I love the quote above (although not sure who said it) as i have personal experience of living it…But more importantly, i like to celebrate every little goal and achievement badge i earn. 💪🏼 😀  

I’m still not finished yet though and i would like to get to 5 stone (70lb) weight loss! If i can get to this huge milestone i can then evaluate and see if i’m lean enough, and switch to maintenance calories instead of this healthy calorie deficit i’ve been on since 1st June 2020!!  

Weight loss benefits…

The 2 fantastic health & prevention charities i love are WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund) and BPUK (Blood Pressure UK), because they really help me with their recommendations on living a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few reasons from them on why i now focus on losing (and maintaining) a healthy weight. 😀 

From WCRF…

“Obesity, weight and cancer risk…Our research shows that being overweight or obese is a cause of 12 types of cancer…”

1. Bowel
2. Breast (post-menopausal)
3. Gallbladder
4. Kidney
5. Liver
6. Mouth, pharynx and larynx
7. Oesophagus (adenocarcinoma)
8. Ovary
9. Pancreas
10. Prostate (advanced)
11. Stomach (cardia)
12. Womb

From BPUK…

“Being a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your blood pressure…” 

How does losing weight help lower your blood pressure?

If you are overweight, losing weight will lower your blood pressure because your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump the blood around your body. It lowers your risk of many other health problems, including stroke, diabetes and heart disease, and can make you feel better too, giving you more energy to do the things you want to.

How to lose weight healthily…Read the recommendations.

As i’m a stats person…Reading all the numbers behind what can be achieved and prevented is mind blowing, and this is why i started taking control of the things i CAN change, and not the things i CAN’T.

Now i just want to share all of this good news with everyone so we can all be aware and empowered to start fighting the cancers, strokes, high blood pressure & many more…That we can prevent! 💪🏼 😀 

Yay…My Weight Goal Met Badge! 💪🏼

I stepped off the scales this morning with a mixture of disbelief, excitement and joy, as i’d lost 4½ (63lb) stone! As i entered the numbers into the “MyFitnessPal” app (which syncs with the “Fitbit” app) i was awarded this great achievement badge. 😀

I didn’t have any hopes of achieving this goal as i only set my goal by accident (the fitbit app is not accessible for the blind on entering a weight goal), but i had it stuck in the back of my mind as i focused on the smaller -5lb weight loss, more achievable goals. I’m still not finished yet though and i would like to get to 5 stone (70lb) weight loss! If i can get to this huge milestone i can then evaluate and see if i’m lean enough, and switch to maintenance calories instead of this healthy calorie deficit i’ve been on since 1st June 2020!! 💪🏼 😀 

Weight loss benefits…

The 2 fantastic health & prevention charities i love are WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund) and BPUK (Blood Pressure UK), because they really help me with their recommendations on living a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few reasons from them on why i now focus on losing (and maintaining) a healthy weight. 😀 

From WCRF…

“Obesity, weight and cancer risk…Our research shows that being overweight or obese is a cause of 12 types of cancer…”

1. Bowel
2. Breast (post-menopausal)
3. Gallbladder
4. Kidney
5. Liver
6. Mouth, pharynx and larynx
7. Oesophagus (adenocarcinoma)
8. Ovary
9. Pancreas
10. Prostate (advanced)
11. Stomach (cardia)
12. Womb

From BPUK…

“Being a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your blood pressure…” 

How does losing weight help lower your blood pressure?

If you are overweight, losing weight will lower your blood pressure because your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump the blood around your body. It lowers your risk of many other health problems, including stroke, diabetes and heart disease, and can make you feel better too, giving you more energy to do the things you want to.

How to lose weight healthily…Read the recommendations.

As i’m a stats person…Reading all the numbers behind what can be achieved and prevented is mind blowing, and this is why i started taking control of the things i CAN change, and not the things i CAN’T.

Now i just want to share all of this good news with everyone so we can all be aware and empowered to start fighting the cancers, strokes, high blood pressure & many more…That we can prevent! 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ Thank You!! 💪🏼 😀

 Wow…I’m still filled with ineffable joy as i think back over my gruelling step challenge, and as i sit reading all of your encouraging, loving and inspiring messages i’m getting quite emotional!

All of your cheering, sharing and kind comments have helped carry me through one of the hardest things i’ve ever done…And now it’s time to try and say a huge thank you to you all without having enough words to describe how you’ve all made me feel throughout this challenge. So i’ve posted a list of thanks to you below which i’ll cherish forever! 😀  

1. I’d like to give a gargantuan amount of thanks to you Ambber (my sister) for your understanding, support and encouragement…Especially as you’ve just been into hospital with severely high blood pressure! ❤️ Message: “Blood pressure as us as a family know is a life changing deadly illness, we’ll done Bro for raising awareness of this invisible killer, so proud of you xx xx”
2. A colossal thanks to Charis & Adam for your donation and relentless kindness. 😀 Message: “Good luck!”
3. A huge thanks to Dora for always believing i can do it…Whatever the challenge!  💪🏼
4. A heart warming thanks to Christine for always being here to cheer me on! Message: “Good luck Steve, you’ll be amazing 👟👟👟 🏃🏃🏃” 
5. A massive thanks to Alan for completely silencing  me with a mind blowing donation that equates to £20 a day for 24 days! Message: “Great to help. Fundraising for this often overlooked charity I admit your stamina. And pray for good weather!”
6. I’d like to give a huge thanks to Sheila for her support and encouragement. 💪🏼  
7. A colossal amount of thanks to Sarah A who just keeps on supporting me no matter what! 💪🏼 Is it too early to ask for her to take some photos with her stupendous camera skills? 🤣 Message: “Good luck Steve, this is a really good cause and I’m sure you’ll smash it!” 
8. I’d like to give a huge thanks to Linda & Charlie for all of their support and encouragement. 💪🏼 Message: “Good luck Steve x” 
9. A powersliding thanks to Ben W who always turbocharges my challenges!! 🏎
10. I’d like to give a monumental amount of thanks to Anita & Mark for their relentless encouragement! With you guys cheering me on, i know i’ll smash it like at Tough Mudder! 💪🏼 Message: “Go Steve! I know you will smash this like you did Tough Mudder.” 
11. A huge thanks to Laurence for her kind donation & share! 💪🏼 Message: “Good luck Steve, all the best x”
12. A mind-boggling amount of thanks to Ben & Rosie for their staggering display of kindness! 💪🏼 Message: “Well done Steve – amazing stuff!” 
13. I’d like to give a stupendous amount of thanks to Rachel K for her support and donation! Message: “Good luck Steve, what an amazing challenge and great charity.”
14. I’d like to give a Joyful, Tropical, Caribbean and of course ‘Red Belly (the best cake in the world)’ amount of thanks to George and Cynthia, for their kind donation last night. I simply can’t believe just how kind, loving and generous hearted you guys are…❤️ I think i’ll need some red belly during this challenge which will give me the power, boost and a smile all along the way, lol! 🤣
15. An enormous amount of thanks to Lynda for her kind and loving donation. Message: “Good luck Steve. You will smash it”
16. Please turn your Marshall amp volume knobs up to 11, and make a joyful, riff rocking noise as we need to thank Phil for his guitar blitzing donation! 🎸🎶🎤 Message: “Well done Steve, you’re a Warrior for a very good cause.”
17. I’d like to give an elephantine amount of thanks to Peter and Kathryn for their kind, love and support for this challenge!
18. I’d like to give a stupendous amount of thanks to Sandie for her support and donation! 😀 Message: “may the Lord keep you safe and strong.”
19. I’d like to give an elephantine amount of thanks to Janine Lewis, for their kind, love and support for this challenge! Message: “I’d walk every step with you Steve! You are an amazing man. Good luck x”
20. A huge amount of thanks to Daniel Arthur for his kind donation and inspiring message: “Keep on walking….”
21. A huge thanks to Charlotte Smith for her fantastic donation and support! Message: “Congratulations Steve (& Sarah as your support team), fantastic achievement & really important cause. Good luck for the remaining days.”
22. A massive thanks to Lorna for her donation and inspiring message! Message: “You and Sarah are bloody legends and the biggest inspiration to us all ❤️ Your latest adventure took me back to getting very lost training for RNIB’s South Downs 30K last year!! Loving your spirit xxx”
23. A brobdingnagian amount of thanks to my lovely wife Sarah, who has made this challenge possible with her tireless support and encouragement! Message: “I know how hard this has been for you Steve….. But keep pushing on…. YOU ARE NEARLY THERE!!!! Xxxx”
24. Wow…The inspiring Lynda Russell has donated for a second time! Message: “Steve you are such an inspiration. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you but you will certainly smash it. I’m donating again because you deserve to have the encouragement for all your hard work.”
25. A huge thanks to Ella for her loving donation! Message: “Hi Steve, we are so very proud… fantastic achievement! Lots of love Ella & Pete XX”

Finally…I’d like to give a monumental amount of thanks to 11 mysterious strangers for their kind, loving and supportive donations…And fantastic messages!

• YOU DID IT !!! Ordinary people know their limits, YOU continue to push what you can achieve higher and higher. Congratulations on your amazing tenacity & motivation…you are a winner Stevie Rebus xxx
• Nearly there Steve, you’ve got this!
• You are an inspiration! What an adventure. Go Steve 🙂
• I wondered why you kept walking past our property.
• What a challenge!! May God go with you as you walk in His service.
• Steve Look good – 20,000 steps a day for 24 days will be a great achievement
• Go Steve Rebus 🙂🥳😎
• Well done Steve!
• Good luck and enjoy the step challenge Steve! 🙂 

Even more thanks…

And of course i want to thank Blood Pressure UK for their vital work, encouragement and for supporting and cheering me on the whole time. They were always with me and never failed to leave me messages, emails and of course…The T-Shirts! 😀  

Thanks…And thanks again (to 36 sponsors) for this overwhelming encouragement towards this challenge, and the vital life changing cause that’s close to my heart…And effects me in my day to day life! ❤️

I hope you’ve been inspired to keep a healthier heart?! ❤️❤️❤️ 

It’s still not too late…

If you’re reading this and would like to be a part of this challenge and cause…Then my fundraising page is still open for a few months…CLICK HERE and join the team!💪🏼 😀 

 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 

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❤️ #24 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: YAY…I DID IT!! 💪🏼 😀

 

Hi friends! 

I’m filled with such ineffable joy as i complete my gruelling step challenge, and my lovely wife Sarah presents me with a surprise winners trophy! 💪🏼 😀 ❤️ I simply can’t believe i’ve done it?! 

Once i’ve finished celebrating…And sleeping, i’ll follow up with a thank you post. A post to thank all of you fantastic donors and supporters for making all of this happen…I can’t thank all of you enough…Merry Christmas, have a lovely time and stay safe!! 🎄 😀 

My final Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Cookies & Cream Bar…Mmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with chocolate caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies. Packed with protein, with over 23g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 516,168
• Total miles: 266.67

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows, ears, eyes, metatarsals, biceps femoris, blistered feet…And also try and clean my trainers, lol! 🤣 

An Advent For Change…❤️

Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can to this cause that is so personal to me in my day to day life. 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #23 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: TIRED & EXPIRED!! 😰

 

Hi friends! 

Yay…Well at least it’s nice weather for ducks…Or a blindman kitted out in his sports waterproof gear, lol! 

Apart from lack of energy and aching eyes from too much focusing, today went quite well with no dramas. I’m not sure if everybody has seen my challenge and got inspired to get healthy…But i’ve never seen so many people, dogs cyclists and runners in my life, lol! I’m hoping they’ve checked their numbers and are making the right changes to their lifestyles, lol! 🤣 

You may have noticed that i’ve been 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. But they are starting to feel exactly like i feel…Tired and expired!! 🤣 

Trainers before my challenge… 

 Trainers after my challenge today, and with 1 more day to go if they hold on… 

 I love this quote… 

“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated” – Russel Warren (cricketer)

 Are you feeling inspired yet? I’m not sure i can give much more…And there is still 1 more day to go, also i’m never going to give up asking you guys if you “Know your numbers?!:. 

Guitar lesson…

I was falling asleep during my guitar lesson today, as after i’d finished my walk. Sarah and me had to walk into town for some Christmas food shopping. I was only halfway through creating this post, when i had to stop and do an hour long guitar lesson.

And then…

Yay…The muppets fun theme song blasted out of my phone! It was another kind donation towards this challenge. I’d like to thank Ella and Peter for also leaving me an inspirational message…And i’d also like to thank you all for donating, encouraging and motivating me all of the way!! 💪🏼 😀

I can’t believe i’ve made it this far, and i’m so close to smashing my 262 (10 marathons) goal. 😀 With only 1 day left…It’s not too late to donate to this vital and life changing cause, which is so personal to me and my day to day life. ❤️ 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Cookies & Cream Bar…Mmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with chocolate caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies. Packed with protein, with over 23g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 495,115
• Total miles: 255.70

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows, ears, eyes, metatarsals, biceps femoris and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #22 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: HUMBLED & SPEECHLESS!!

 

Hi friends! 

After yesterdays rain, 20mph winds and lack of energy…It was time the gloves came off…And they did literally, as there was no rain, no wind and it’s a lot warmer!! 🤣 Even the beanie hat stayed at home today. I also meant business when putting on the shorts…They felt like i was coming home and i was very happy to be wearing them again! 💪🏼

As i leave for my walk at the same time everyday, i know it’s a similar time when i arrive at the crossroads just before i call Sarah. Yesterday as i was double tapping my AirPods to evoke Siri a piercing siren screamed past which upset Siri somewhat, lol. But that’s not the fun part because at exactly the same time and place as i was about to call Sarah again today…A siren started coming from behind me again, so i whipped my phone out as quick as i could to see if i could get a photo of whatever it was. It just seemed strange that it would happen twice like this…Not sure why i mentioned this too, lol. 🤣 

The 9 mile marker…??!!   

 You’ll never guess what happened at the 9 mile marker..???

 Just as the progress announcement speaks into my ear (it does this every 5 minutes)…The muppets fun theme song starts playing at the same time…And you know what that means??!!! I’m sure i’m going to have a heart attack one of these days when i hear that sound, as i get so excited i nearly explode, lol! 🤣 

I stopped walking instantly and checked (once the whole theme song had finished of course)…It’s not only an amazing donation from our lovely friend Lynda…But this was her SECOND donation!! And this was the encouraging, supportive and motivating message she’d left…

“Steve you are such an inspiration. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you but you will certainly smash it. I’m donating again because you deserve to have the encouragement for all your hard work.”

I was simply stunned, and i’m still stunned as i type this…So i think i’ll end this post here completely humbled and speechless. 😀 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Caramel Chaos bar…Mmmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies. Packed with protein, with over 23g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 473,978
• Total miles: 244.54

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows, ears, eyes, metatarsals, biceps femoris and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #21 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: HARDEST DAY SO FAR!! 😰

 

Hi friends! 

Waking up and hearing the rain lashing the windows, it was really hard to get up for the 21st day on the trot without proper rest.

“GET UP AND GET READY” screamed my inner drill sergent to the inner lazy me who just wanted to go back to sleep! My legs felt like concrete and i didn’t seem to have any energy at all, and knowing it was going to be raining the whole walk didn’t help!

Eventually i rustled (had all my waterproofs on) and slowly dragged my concrete legs out into the rain.

I was 0.8 miles (it’s good to be precise) when my “Messi” audiobook stopped and the happy muppets theme song started playing. I instantly stopped walking and my screenreader voice told me..I had another donation!!!! 💪🏼  😀 I investigated a little further and…It was from my lovely wife Sarah! She’d left this message to…”I know how hard this has been for you Steve….. But keep pushing on…. YOU ARE NEARLY THERE!!!! Xxxx”.

I phoned her straight away and thanked her profusely, and that donation and message was exactly the lift i needed to keep battling on. Sarah told me that she knew how hard it was for me this morning, and she could hear the rain crashing on the windows…And i’d still got the determination to head out on my walk! Wow thank you Sarah…The best wife in the world!! ❤️❤️❤️ 

Help…

I was halfway through the woods and it felt like my beta blockers were really crushing the life out of me, i had no energy, my feet felt like concrete blocks and…If i could see (or even find a bench) i’d just sit down and give up! ☹️

It was about this time when i started to think about my lovely wife Sarah and her loving, supportive and generous donation…And the 31 other amazing supporters who have also kindly donated! I was breathing heavy, my legs felt even heavier and i was getting quite emotional as i dragged myself up another muddy, wet and sloshy hill…I just kept thinking of all of your messages (i have a good memory) and all of the cheering on from around the country, and realised why i was putting myself through this, and how important it is to know your numbers and have a healthy lifestyle with a happy heart! 💪🏼 😀 ❤️

I still have no idea how i made it home today, but i’m glad i’m sat down creating this post, lol!  

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel bar…Yay, my fave bar ever! A triple-layered treat, featuring a tasty salted caramel layer, soft nougat and a delicious milk chocolate coating Packed with protein, with over 20g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 452,009
• Total miles: 233.01

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows, ears, eyes, and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #20 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: KNOW YOUR NUMBERS??!! ❤️

 

Hi friends! 

With not even a day of rest on a Sunday…I dragged myself out of bed and braced myself for the freezing cold. The sun was absolutely blinding today and made my walk 10 times worse..If that’s possible? Oh one good thing though…I managed to take a photo of my shadow, lol! 🤣 

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS…

Oh yes…Just to make sure i’m not doing this 24 day gruelling challenge for nothing…DO YOU KNOW YOUR NUMBERS?? Has all of this inspired you in the slightest to get a blood pressure check and keep a healthy heart? I hope so, as it’s for you (and anyone who’ll listen) that i’m doing this for! 💪🏼 🤣 ❤️

This is why i chose the charity Blood Pressure UK as they are the only UK charity dedicated to lowering the nation’s blood pressure to prevent stroke and heart disease. Their vision is for everyone to know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height or weight and take steps to keep them healthy, both now and in the future. 

And who doesn’t want that??!! 💪🏼 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Fudge Brownie Bar…Mmmmmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with chocolate caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies! Packed with protein, with over 22g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 430,377
• Total miles: 222.01

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #19 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: 200 MILES! 💪🏼

 

Hi friends! 

 

Wow can you believe it? The 200 mile marker has been smashed today! 💪🏼 😀 

The day started like yesterday…Grey, raining and wind that feels like you’re being held back by a bungee rope! After 50 minutes walking up the long road and hoping no cars (going about 70mph about 2 feet away) mount the kerb and take me out, i arrived at the crossroads.

Not the most photogenic of places but i’ve not shared a pic with you guys yet. Once arriving here i call Sarah and let her know everything is alright and i’ve not been mown down, lol. 💪🏼

I did about 7 miles before arriving home for a coffee and a Grenade bar. As it’s Saturday we go into town and get some food shopping ready for the coming week. Saturdays are my worst and most tiring days for some reason, maybe because my walks are split up and sometimes last into the dark evenings. Once we’d been into town and got lots of goodies, i went back out to finish my miles…And of course it was raining, but getting soaked everyday isn’t going to stop me from reaching the 262 mile (exactly 10 marathons) goal that i’ve set for myself! 💪🏼  

Still no sign of a white Christmas yet…And there is only 5 days left to go. I’m really going to miss you guys cheering me on, lol! 🤣 💪🏼 

At least the dark evenings create a great backdrop for my amazingly bright Christmas jumper lights! Oh and also the cheesy Christmas movie and the enormous bowl (it’s like a sink bowl size) of freshly popped popcorn tonight, yay…Nothing like carb loading on low calorie high dense food! 😀 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Raspberry.…Oh no it’s the Raspberry one again…I really don’t like this one at all…But i still ate it, lol as it’s packed with protein, with over 20g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 408,627
• Total miles: 210.89

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #18 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: -60lbWeight Loss!

 

Hi friends! 

After cheering and a few fist pumps from stepping on the scales this morning, i quickly opened the Fitbit app to see what colour my new -60lb badge would be. Of course i had to ask Sarah as i’m also colour blind too, lol! 💪🏼 😀  

To say i was excited is an understatement. I’m getting closer with each badge of maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, healthy nutrition and a healthy weight. I’m no expert at all as i’ve just tried to change things little by little so i don’t rebound and put on more weight than i’ve lost because i’m starving! 😀 

I really like what Blood Pressure UK (i love wearing the t-shirt and being a fan) recommends on their website, and when i first read it i thought “That’s exactly what i think as i’m experiencing it at the moment”…. 

 How does losing weight help lower your blood pressure?
If you are overweight, losing weight will lower your blood pressure because your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump the blood around your body. It lowers your risk of many other health problems, including stroke, diabetes and heart disease, and can make you feel better too, giving you more energy to do the things you want to. Read much more HERE.

 Today’s Walk…

After yesterdays blinding sun, today was grey, windy and raining. I hadn’t taken any photos whilst out on my walk as i didn’t want to get my phone soaked, and have the possibility of the app crashing again. It was a battle of wills too as i pushed hard with every step to fight the hammering rain in my face, and the strong wind pushing me back…It felt like i was being held back by a bungee rope, lol. 🤣

When i returned my lovely wife Sarah already had a present wrapped up and waiting for me. “Here is your -60lb badge winners gift” Sarah said as she handed me the present. I have no idea how she knew? Or how she even got it here so quickly? But Sarah had bought me a box of 12 salted caramel Grenade protein bars! I had only tried one the other day from my amazing advent calendar for the first time, and i loved it! 😀 

 While we are on the topic of food…Yay it’s time for thee amazing Turkey breast mince base, onion, mushroom, peppers, cheese and tomato protein pizza! Under 200 calories for a big slice and over 30g of protein! 💪🏼 😀 

I can’t believe there’s only 6 more days of this challenge left. My body is confused (i think) and doesn’t know whever to be full of pain, or totally numb from all the pain?! So After 18 days my legs seem to have a mind of their own too, as they lead the way and i just try on hold on and follow, like the scene from Wallace and Gromit and the wrong trousers, it feels like someone else is in control, lol. 🤣 

I will say one thing though…If i hadn’t lost this much weight, there is no way i could do this challenge! 💪🏼 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Birthday Cake.…Mmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with a vanilla layer, coated in white chocolate and sprinkles! Packed with protein, with over 20g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 386,984
• Total miles: 199.41

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #17 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: BP & SCENERY!

 

Hi friends! 

I was just walking out of the front door when i realised i hadn’t got my Fitbit on! it was still plugged in and charging up as i didn’t want it to go flat whilst out walking, lol, phew! 🤣  

Today was the worst day for me weather wise as the sun was absolutely blinding! I had to stop so many times as the glare made everything disappear…And when you’re right on the kerb next to a busy road, it’s not a good idea to risk anything. 

There was one good thing though…As i kept stopping whilst in the woods stage of my walk…I managed to take more photos than usual. If you’re fed up with seeing photos of trees, paths and scenery then look away now, lol! 🤣 

 I’d found this beautiful new path and decided to seee how far i could go before i’d have to turn back, when i heard the sound of running water. I thought it sounded like a stream so pointed my camera towards the noise! 💪🏼   

 Continuing along the path i eventually came to the end. The sun was so bright i couldn’t make anything out at all, so i took a photo to see if you could describe what my camera is looking at? Maybe i could go further on this path?! 😀  

I turned around to go back in the direction i came and almost walked up a wrong path, it became so sludgy i knew i hadn’t walked that way…That could’ve been another sloppy and slippy adventure! 🤣 Getting back on track i found the beautiful scenery again. 

  Yay…I’ve made it out of the woods, i hope you don’t mind all of the photos? I think even though I can’t see what i’m looking at…It doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the view instead, lol! 🤣

now it’s time to return home for…Yes you’ve guessed it…The amazing protein pizza! 💪🏼 😀 

 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS…

Taken from the fantastic article on the Blood Pressure UK’s website. Read full article HERE…

Taking control of his health
Since his wife Sarah started working for WCRF, he’s learned the difference a healthy diet and exercise can make to your health and happiness. He’s learned about the right balance of nutrients for his body, watching the calories (“they sneak them into everything”) and how to exercise safely. He’s recently received his 50lb weight loss badge from FitBit, a wrist band he uses to track how far he’s walked, and his doctors have lowered the dose of his medicines.

“When you exercise, you feel happier because of the release of endorphins. Then those around you feel happier too. Who wouldn’t want that?”

Steve wants everyone to know their blood pressure numbers 

Ready for a new challenge, Steve wanted to raise awareness of high blood pressure no matter what your age. “I wouldn’t wish the consequences on anyone. It’s so easy to get a blood pressure check and know your numbers, just go to the chemist or get a home monitor, then you can relax. 

“If I can inspire one person to get out and get active it’s worth it. I hope someone will think, ‘if he can do it, I can do it.’”

My Blood Pressure Is…???

104/68mmHg. Wow if it stays like this i’ll be going to the doctors again to discuss lowering the dosage of my medicines again, yay! 💪🏼 😀 

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NUMBERS?? Sorry but i’m not going to stop asking, lol! 🤣 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.…Mmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in milk chocolate, peanuts and chocolate chips! Packed with protein, with over 20g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 364,653
• Total miles: 187.85

Now to try and rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, knees and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #16 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: GROUNDHOG DAY, LOOPS & AUDIOBOOKS! 🤣

 

Hi friends! 

As my alarm went off for the 16th day running, it started to feel like ‘Groundhog Day’ and i was caught in a never-ending loop of tiredness, muscle pain and foot blisters (yes Mr Blister now has company with Mrs Blister on the opposite foot, lol). Although that’s 16 days of sharing my challenge and getting the message of how important ‘Knowing your numbers’ is to keeping a healthy blood pressure through health and fitness. Then we can all be empowered to fight the silent killer that could b lurking inside us! 💪🏼 😀 ❤️

I started out this morning with a secret mission…I needed to make a complete loop from my walks. If you’ve been reading my posts you’ll know i’ve been lost a few times in the woods. This is from me trying to find the right paths that complete my loop. I use a few routes where i walk as far as it’s safe for me to go and then i turn around and walk back the same way…But i didn’t want to walk back every time but make a big loop. So today was the day. I’d memorised the turns where i’d gone wrong and was determined not to get lost this time! 😀 

Audiobboks…

Whilst walking around for nearly 4 hours a day i get to listen to a lot of audiobooks. For some reason i’ve gone mad on football biographies. I havn’t played football since the 90’s before i went blind, and during my walks so far i’ve already read:

1. A life too short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke
2. Das Reboot: How German Football Reinvented Itself and Conquered the World
3. My life in football: The Autobiography by Kevin Keegan
4. Reboot by Michael Owen
5. My turn: The Autobiography by Johan Cruyff
6. The second half by Roy Keane

I’m currently listening to ‘Messi: The Autobiography’ as i know nothing of the current players as i’m stuck in the 90’s, lol! 🤣  

 In the voice of Rocky…”I DID IT!!”

I had no idea if i was going in the right direction or not, but i kept telling myself to go left whenever the path split. It worked a treat and it wasn’t long before i recognised the end of the other route which meant after 16 days i’d finally smashed the loop challenge! Just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke i’ll try it again tomorrow! 💪🏼 😀 

As i’m concentrating so hard, with the sun blasting through the trees and blinding me further and slipping in the mud…It’s easy to forget just how beautiful this local nature reserve is. I hope my photos do it justice and you’re enjoying them?! 

I returned home exhausted but feeling good that i’d smashed the loop challenge. Sarah seemed to already know and had prepared one of my favourite meals…Protein Pizza, Carrot & Cottage Cheese Kebab & a Stupendous Salad!! I wonder if i’ll get this for the last 8 days of this challenge??  💪🏼 🤣  

Once i’d eaten my fantastic lunch and replenished the nutrients, i thought the day couldn’t get any better…BUT…

As i caught up on my emails before starting to create todays post, Kay from Blood Pressure UK had emailed to say that i was on their website!! Yay my challenge to make everyone ‘know there numbers’ has gone even further and it looks an reads great! Please take a look HERE.

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Jaffa Quake.…Mmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with a chocolate orange layer, coated in milk chocolate and crispies! Packed with protein, with over 21g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 342,822
• Total miles: 176.68

Now to try and rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, knees and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #15 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: THE LIFT! 💪🏼

 

Hi friends! 

As i was gently woken with the smart lights fading in with an orange hue, the sound of gentle acoustic Christmas songs playing…The thunderous rain was pounding the window with a ferocious flurry of noise! “Oh man, it can’t be 7am already?!” i said as Sarah tried to hear my voice over the hammering on the window. 😲

Fuelling up on coffee, seeded wholemeal toast and water and after the rain had finished taunting me one last time (yes it had actually stopped) i was ready to head off for another days adventure! 💪🏼 

After the app crash yesterday i managed to log out of Fitbit and log back in again which seemed to sort it without losing data, phew! 

After about an hour of walking i found my first obstacle… 

 I could hear it was some kind of bin lorry and someone was crashing bottles into the back. I just stopped and tried to enjoy the rest and hoped the lorry would drive away soon. There was no way of walking around as the road was really busy and the cars fly past at about 60mph…I tried to time the photo so no cars were in the pic! 😀 

After about 5 minutes (seemed like an hour, lol) the lorry pulled away and i started walking again…Well i say walking, my legs appeared to have malfunctioned and wouldn’t do what my mind was telling them. I think they needed some WD40 spraying on them to loosen them up, lol! 🤣

I returned home after nearly 7 miles of walking and i was still really tired. After the rain this morning, the sun was absolutely blinding (pun intended) and made for my worst conditions for seeing in. I can’t explain how mentally draining it is to be straining to see for hours on end. If it was just physical pain then i think i’d get through it…But as it’s mentally battering me i know i have to dig really deep! 💪🏼 😀 

When i arrived home Sarah greeted me with one of her stupendous coffees (after i’d paused my Fitbit) and i opened todays Grenade protein bar and said to Sarah “Wow the sun is way too bright and i don’t want to go back out there for another couple of hours”. She reassured me as i put my soggy trainers back on. I always know my legs seize up if i have a pit stop but i need the fuel so i just have to push through! 😀 

I started my second half walk and i was not feeling confident when…

You’ll never guess…???

The fun muppets theme song went off in my ears! I quickly stopped walking, paused my audiobook and turned my voiceover on to read my email. YES..It was another donation and the person said “You are an inspiration! What an adventure. Go Steve :)”. Wow i am not only humbled but i simply can’t believe how kind, generous and supportive you guys are…It was the perfect lift that i needed and it seemed to carry me through to the end of this gruelling walk, thank you!! 💪🏼 😀   

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa White Chocolate Salted Peanut Bar…Mmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in white chocolate and peanut chunks! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 321,094
• Total miles: 165.46

Now to try and rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, knees and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #14 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: HOSPITAL, APP CRASH, RAIN! & Exhaustion! 😰

 

Hi friends! 

Well there was no time to mess about this morning…We were up at 6am as we had to go into London for an eye appointment at hospital for Sarah. As we armed ouselves for the day trip (it usually takes hours, if not all day) i’d thought i’d track my walking starting from when we had to walk to the train station etc. Sounded like a great idea…Until it wasn’t, lol.

I paused Fitbit when we stepped onto the train and resumed when we got off. Then paused again as we got on the second train, and so on. It was working fine until…As we got to Clapham Junction (on our return journey) i opened the ’Trains’ app to find the next train home which worked great…But when i switched to the Fitbit app it had cancelled my tracking and wouldn’t respond to any other action. I tried everything including closing the app etc but the app had crashed! It still counts my overall steps and i’ll do as many as i know will make it for the daily challenge but then i’ll have to log out tonight as i don’t want to lose any information. Let’s hope it’s back and working ready for tomorrows challenge! I managed to salvage the total daily step count from the app crash. 💪🏼 😀

As Sarah started back at work (she has to have more laser surgery in Jan) i rushed out to try and get some hours in before it got dark. I was only out about 10 minutes when it absolutely tipped it down!! My top half was completely fine as i had my amazing yellow Dortmund jacket on…But my bottom half was drenched as i was only wearing my normal tracksuit bottoms. They were stuck to me like i’d been shrink wrapped! I quickly went home and switched into my adidas adizero full waterproofs and headed back out! 💪🏼 

I’m not sure if it was the hospital trip, the app crashing, the heavy rain or the fact that this challenge is just relentless at draining me everyday without rest…But i’m completely exhausted!! 😰

I will leave you with a few photos i managed to take today whilst trying not to get my phone too wet! Hopefully see you tomorrow if i can move, lol! 💪🏼 😀 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar…Mmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in milk chocolate, peanuts and chocolate chips! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 300,445
• Total miles: 154.67

Now to try and rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, knees and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #13 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: OH NO…I’M LOST AGAIN!! 😲

 

Hi friends! 

Wow…What a rainy, muddy and navigationally challenging day…Just another fun day in the life of this really tired blindman, lol! 🤣

My day started really well although it was chucking it down but the light was good for my sight, fantastic! I always walk for about an hour then i phone Sarah as she likes to know i’m safe and all is going to plan?! It was all going great until i had a great idea…I wasn’t going to go back and cover the same ground i’d already walked, but i was going to cut through the woods and make a huge loop out of my walk on the GPS map. This meant i’d also count more steps too. Well it sounded like a good plan, lol….

After walking, then still walking, and then walking some more i said “I think if i keep on this track that i can amazingly still see, i’ll join at the crossroads where i normally walk to as part of my route”. The crossroads never arrived and i was hearing the sound of a main road again. I eventually arrived at a T-junction. I could hear the cars flying past to the right but i was sure i had to go left…But what did i know as i was lost again, lol! 🤣 

I stood looking around when i heard from behind me “Are you lost??” i spun around and a lady had walked up to me. I enquired where the road with the traffic would take me, and she said it would eventually end up at the place i’d walked to already. Then i pointed the other way and she said it would end up in Ashstead which is where the crossroads are. After saying thank you i headed off in the direction of Ashstead. It wasn’t long until the path became much too hazardous to walk along as it was deep slushy mud from edge to edge. My feet were getting stuck as it became too deep (i kept hearing that sucking popping sound)and i was sliding around like a dog on ice! After staying upright (no idea how) i told Sarah (who was still on the phone with me) i’m turning round and trying the main road way which will lead me al the way back to the place i started from. ☹️

I found the pavement next to the main road and kept walking again…A lot slower as i don’t know this path or if any posts are lurking in wait for me. After what seemed like ages i still wasn’t getting back to where i started from. Sarah said i’m just ending the call and i’ll check where you are using the ‘Find My’ app. She called back after a few minutes and said “Yes you’re on the right road and if you keep walking you’ll recognise where you are”. I kept walking and of course, she was right, i was back at the furthest point of my walk…How cool is that app?! Now just a few miles to go until i get home, lol. 😰

When i’d arrive back home (in serious need of a warm coffee) i’d completed nearly 10 wet and sloppy miles. Here is a photo i took when i arrived home of my not so bright trainers… 

After my lovely wife Sarah gave me a huge hug for making it back home, she took my trainers and cleaned them until they looked brand new! Whilst they were drying i found my old pair of dull trainers and we nipped out together for the last couple of thousand steps. I was so tired, achy and in pain from my blisters (oh yes i have them on both feet now), i simply didn’t have enough calories left to even smile…But i tried my best! 💪🏼 😀 

 And Then…

Just as i was about to collapse with a warm coffee after a gruelling time…My phone blasted out with the fun sound of the muppets theme song. I have this tone set as the alert for any donations so when i heard it, my heart jumped. I couldn’t believe it was the donation that would hit my £1,000 target!! It was a donation from Charlotte who Sarah used to work with at RNIB and she’s still kindly supporting us now. It was the perfect lift i needed! 💪🏼 😀 

And if that wasn’t enough…The muppetts sounded off again!! It was another donation. You’ll love what the anonymous person’s message said “I wondered why you kept walking past our property?”. Yay, they must have read my article in the local newspaper…Proof i’m not a stalker, lol! 🤣  

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Jaffa Quake Bar…Mmmmmm This is one of my faves! A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with a chocolate orange layer, coated in milk chocolate and crispies! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 280.445
• Total miles: 144.67

Now to try and rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, knees and feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #12 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: HALFWAY SPARKLES!!

 

Hi friends! 

Wow…Can you believe it’s the halfway point already?? I can, i’m dying here, lol! 🤣 🚑

Well i managed to find a new friend for ‘Mr Blister’ today. I literally opened the fridge door to get a drink of water as i wanted to hydrate the tanks before heading out…When as the door opened a glass bottle fell out and landed on my big toe on the opposite foot from ‘Mr Blister’…Ouch…At least i have equal pain when putting each foot down now, lol! 🤣

As it’s a Saturday today, i decided to do the walk in the afternoon as me and Sarah needed to go and get some shopping ready to make the amazing protein pizzas (see yesterdays post). This meant it would be dark for the last hour of the walk.

I didn’t take any photos until the shadows grew long and the sun had fallen away. Sarah also joined me on the last hour of the walk as she is amazingly lovely! ❤️    

The main reason for having a night walk was hopefully seeing if anyone had put twinkly Christmas lights up in their gardens and around their houses…??? They had and they were fantastic, yay!! 😀 🎄  

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar…Mmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in milk chocolate, peanuts and chocolate chips! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 259.787
• Total miles: 134.26

Now to try and rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, knees and feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #11 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: “KEEP ON WALKING!”

 

Hi friends! 

Woah is it only day 11?! It was around 9˚C this morning so much warmer than i’m used to, i seem to function better when it’s around the 1˚C mark. I also travelled with my new friend “Mr Blister” for the first time today…I don’t think the extra weight slowed me down but the constant stinging on every step was an extra challenge, lol! 🤣 

I split my walk by having a short pitstop after i’ve walked for 2 hours…I always pause my tracker every time at my front door so any of my lazy steps around the house do not get counted in with my racing steps, lol.

After an amazing fresh and warm Sarah coffee, some mineral water and my secret advent Grenade bar (see near bottom of post) i was just getting ready to leave, when i heard it was hammering it down with rain! So with a quick waterproof outfit change i headed out for the second stage. 💪🏼 

I took my first couple of photos when it was chucking it down but i’m not sure if you can tell in the images below?! 

 Walking a little further and trying not to slip on this super wet stage of my walk, i stopped to take another photo… 

 The rain only lasted about half an hour, and i started missing it as i got overheated with my full waterproof gear on…But come on Steve is this a challenge or not, lol! 🤣  

“Keep on walking”…

I’m not sure if it was my new found fame after the newspaper article, or the rise to stardom from the Pride of Britain awards acknowledgement…But as i was walking up one of the roads (for about the 5th time) i heard “Keep on walking” from about my 4 ‘O clock. I instantly started smiling and stuck my thumb out to acknowledge the kind man who was cheering me on! 👏🏻 🤣 

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 i returned home today after walking through the rain…My lovely wife Sarah had prepared 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?!! ❤️ 

 Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Peanut Nutter Bar…Mmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in milk chocolate and peanuts! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 238.630
• Total miles: 123.40

Now to try and rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, knees and feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #10 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: CROSSROADS?!

 

Hi friends! 

It’s a little bit warmer today…About 5˚C so i didn’t need my super warm gloves for half of the adventure. It was also another dry day (which was nice) although i think it might rain for tomorrows walk! ☹️

I would also like to inform you…I have my first blister on the back of my right foot! I can’t believe i’ve managed it this far without getting one…But Sarah bought me some super duper running socks for this challenge and they are fantastic, and combined with my reward for losing 3 stone…My Puma Ultra Running Shoes…These are the best trainers i’ve ever owned, so cushioned and springy…

When i returned home today i called for the medic…And my lovely wife Sarah treated my stinging wound. ❤️

Oh…In case i didn’t tell you…My fave jacket ever (below) was the kind reward i received for losing 4 stone…

As i mentioned yesterday i’d found a new path to add to my routes…But i didn’t really explore past the crossroads i’d ended up at. This is where i ask for your help! 

 🎶 I’m standing at the crossroads 🎶 in the image above and i decided to turn right and see how far down the path i could go before either my eyesight failed or the path got too bad or disappeared. I hadn’t walked very far until i walked into this…It seems to my eyes like a huge military fence with top secret weapons etc inside…But could you please describe for me what the camera is seeing but which my eyes cannot see?  

 Once i realised my route was blocked (I wasn’t waiting around for the doberman guard dogs or the sniper red laser sights, lol) i turned round and tried the 2nd path which quickly turned into an obstacle too. I thought i could just about make out a very blurry white picket fence which seemed to block the entire path. Could you please help me out at describing the image below too as i’ve no idea what i’ve taken? 😀  

 Well there is only 1 more path left to try and it was a nice yellow brick road type of path which was nice and straight. I walked as far as i could go and turned to take the last photo of the day… 

 Now it was time to head back and see what flavour Grenade bar was waiting for me behind door number 10?! 💪🏼

 Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Bar…Mmmmmm A triple-layered treat, featuring a tasty salted caramel layer, soft nougat and a delicious milk chocolate coating. Now this was the business…I’m defo getting a box of these! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 217.545
• Total miles: 112.52

Now to try and rest and repair these aching legs ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

Wow…My ‘Ultra Step Challenge’ Has Just Hit The News Stand! 😲

Wow…My ‘Ultra Step Challenge’ has hit the news stand!!! 😲The amazing team at Blood Pressure UK interviewed me for their ‘Positive Pressure’ magazine and they’ve also sent the article to Surrey Comet! 

Please CLICK HERE and read all about it! 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ #9 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: 100 Miles! 💪🏼

 

Hi friends! 

Yay…I’ve smashed the first 100 mile marker! 💪🏼 😀 

Unfortunately my legs know it too, they feel like concrete and seem to have flames burning up inside of them, lol! 🔥 I simply don’t have enough time to let them recover as i didn’t give myself a rest day at all…But don’t worry…I’ll crawl round if it means getting to the finish! 💪🏼 😀 

It was another dry day today although still very cold. I had no dramas and didn’t even get lost in the woods…But i did accidentally find a new path which i’m going to use from now on…Yay! 

Today’s photos…  

 Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

Grenade Carb Killa Dark Chocolate Mint Bar…Mmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with a mint fondant layer, coated in dark chocolate and crispies! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 195.861
• Total miles: 101.30

Now to try and rest and repair these aching legs ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #8 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: THE BPUK T-SHIRT

 

Hi friends! First things first…How cool is this T-Shirt?! 🤣 

 

 

 

A huge thanks once again for Blood Pressure Uk for sending me this t-shirt! 💪🏼  

It was a blistering 1˚C this morning and in typical English fashion, the weather started out super foggy (like yesterday) and during the walk, it became super sunny! ☀️ 😀 

I have aches in my lower right leg and in my back and it’s only day 8 of 24, lol….Well at least that’s a ⅓ complete! 💪🏼 

I didn’t have to do all of my routes today as i got lost in the woods when the fog stopped me from choosing the right path, so i ended up back at a point i’d already walked…At least i managed to get out of there by using the road noise as a guide.

I am more conscious of needing to take photos along my journey and at different points as i don’t want you to see the same boring shots. I normally forget when my legs switch to auto pilot and i find it hard to stop them, lol! I hope you enjoy today’s photos?!  

Today’s photos…  

 Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

Grenade Carb Killa White Chocolate Cookie Bar…Mmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with white caramel, coated in white chocolate and cookie crispies. 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 174.208
• Total miles: 90.11

Now to try and rest and repair these aching legs ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #7 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: THE FOG! 😨

 

Hi friends!

Well another 0˚C start this morning, and when Sarah told me she couldn’t see up the drive as the fog was so thick…I knew it was going to be even more of a challenge today! 😨

But with 2 slices of dry super seeded toast (i like it with no butter just like Elwood Blues from the Blues Brothers movies) and with one of Sarah’s amazing espresso coffees…I was ready to face whatever today’s challenge had to throw at me. 💪🏼 😀 ☕ 

I managed to take 8 photos along my routes today as i kept having to stop as the fog completely ensconced me, although my iPhone must be altering the image as it takes the photo as it doesn’t look anything like how bad it really was!  

Today’s photos…  

 Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

Grenade Carb Killa Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bar…Didn’t enjoy this flavour much at all but i still managed to eat it all, lol! A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with a raspberry layer, coated in dark chocolate and dark chocolate chunks. 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 152.642
• Total miles: 78.92

Now to try and rest and repair these aching legs ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #6 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: 0˚C & Rain!

 

Hi friends!

I woke up this morning to a frosty 0˚C and as i opened the front door i heard the rain pouring down…Fantastic! 🤣 

The rain only lasted for about an hour and i was warming up nicely too. The sun was nowhere to be seen which is great for my eyes and i found the conditions ideal as long as my legs can handle it! 😀 

My lovely wife Sarah was also going to get her hair done, so this meant i had another couple of hours walking…BTW…Her hair looks beautiful, what a princess! ❤️ I actually smashed my 20,000 step total for today…And once i stopped tracking my challenge, my overall total steps for today counted over 30,000 steps…I have never reached that amount in the 4½  years since i’ve had my Fitbit! I was so motivated thanks to this step challenge, and for Blood Pressure UK for joining me everyday and cheering me along! 🤣 💪🏼

Oh and i also earned myself a badge too…

Today’s photos…  

 As i was walking further down this path that i’d ever been before, as the light conditions were really good for my eyes and it hadn’t just all disappeared…I remembered i needed to get some photos of my walk for you guys to have a look at. So i stood still and simply took a photo looking towards where i was walking, then i turned around and took one from where i’d been, lol! 🤣  

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

Grenade Carb Killa Caramel Chaos Bar…Mmmmm, A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 132.520
• Total miles: 68.39

Now to try and rest and repair ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #5 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge:

 

Hi friends!

Awwww i totally didn’t think about having rest days during this gruelling ultra step challenge…It was super hard getting up and ready for another day of walking for hours. But i’m not going to let my laziness let any of you guys down!!! 💪🏼 😀 

My legs were on auto pilot as i edged my way through todays miles…Then the super bright sun came out and the glare was so bright it completely blinded me and the pathways in front of me simply disappeared! It stopped play for a couple of times but there is no way it was going to beat me, lol! 💪🏼 🤣 

I try to get as near to 11 miles each day, as i’m trying to get the total miles walked to equal or pass 262 miles…Which is exactly 10 marathons! That’s my target anyway, i just hope my legs can take it! 🤣 💪🏼 

Today’s photos… 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

Grenade Carb Killa Birthday Cake Bar…Mmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with a vanilla layer, coated in white chocolate and sprinkles! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 106,387
• Total miles: 54.79

Now to rest and repair ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #4 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: WOOF!

 Hi friends!

Wow, it was hard to get up this morning…But that sort of attitude isn’t going to get this challenge done is it?! 🤣 I’d done 3 days back to back last week in my training but this was hard to get going on this 4th day…This is such a relentless challenge, who came up with this idea?! 😕

After all of the rain yesterday the paths were very wet but the day was nice and clear…Well for the first half anyway…Then it rained. 

My highlight of the day was completely jumping out of my skin when a massive dog sneaked up beside me and WOOFED so loudly with a booming deep bass of a blast, i jumped so much and laughed out loud as i tried to catch my heart from flying out of my chest! 🤣 

When out on my walk i realised that i hadn’t taken my blood pressure tablets with my coffee this morning, i completely forgot. When i got home after completing my steps for the 4th day running…I said to Sarah that i felt better than for the last few days, maybe the lack of beta blockers didn’t squash me as much?! I took my tablets and had my lunch, then after feeling my legs tighten up i went and took my blood pressure…As we all need to know our numbers!! My blood pressure was 107/72…Fantastic! 💪🏼 😀 

Today’s photos… 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

Grenade Carb Killa Dark Chocolate Mint Bar…Mmmmm! A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with a mint fondant layer, coated in dark chocolate and crispies!   💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 85,011
• Total miles: 43.84

Now to dry off, rest and repair ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #3 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: Rain!

 

Hi friends!

Woah i can hear the rain pounding the window and i havn’t even got out of bed yet…It’s beating down harder than my beta-blockers! 🤣 

I was excited about trying my new fully waterproof adidas adizero tracksuit bottoms but i didn’t want to get soaked in the process…But i suppose that’s the point of wearing them, lol. I knew my stupendously bright Dortmund jacket was waterproof but i still wasn’t sure how it was going to go today. 🤔

Although it rained for the full duration of my walk and the sound of the rain on my hood was stopping me hearing my surroundings properly…It was a nice day for me. The heavy clouds made the light evenly dull which was really good for my sight as there were no sunny patches that means my eyes have to keep adjusting and that plays havoc with my sight…And there were much less people out in this stormy weather which is fantastic, as it’s the moving obstacles that make it much harder, not the static ones! 🤣 

When i returned home i was soaking wet…But only on the outer layer, yay! I was completely dry underneath…Fantastic…My clothes stood up to the job! And when Sarah made me a hot fresh espresso…I’d made it through another days challenge! ☕ 💪🏼 

I now have even more aches than yesterday and the weather app has given freezing temperatures and even the chance of snow tomorrow, so it sounds like it could be another fun adventure! 🤣 

Today’s photo… 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Fudge Brownie bar…Mmmmm! A decadent Chocolate, triple layered treat with a soft brownie centre with walnuts & chocolate chips. Wow what a treat after a cold and wet walk!   💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 63,929
• Total miles: 32.75

Now to dry off, rest and repair ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #2 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: A Furry Friend! 😀

 

Hi friends!

Wow this is going to be a gruelling challenge and it’s only day 2, lol! It’s another cold one but it’s a cloudy day which is good for me as no glare from the sun like yesterday. 😀 

No dramas to report today as the drivers, runners and cyclists kept their distance (for once) and i wasn’t rewarded with a usual smashed shoulder as they blast past! 🤣

I did have a furry friend for about 10 minutes along my journey today though…I was walking through the woods when i heard little paws padding up behind me, then i could just make out a very blurry black small dog as it stopped right in front of me. I expected it’s owner to pass me and catch up with the dog…But no owner. The dog stayed with me for about 10 minutes guiding me along the path until a lady shouted “Has she been following you all of this way? She gets scared and i’d lost her” I said “she’s been good company and i’m glad you’ve found her again”. I was just happy i had a blurry black dot to follow as i nearly got lost again once she’d gone, lol! 

I now have a few more aches than yesterday and the weather app has given freezing rain all day tomorrow, so it sounds like it could be a fun adventure! 🤣 

Today’s photos… 

I managed to time the end of my walk so my lovely wife Sarah could join me again at the beginning of her lunch hour. She took some photos of me to share with you guys! 😀 ❤️

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

 

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Peanut Nutter bar…Mmmmm  i never knew they did one of these and it was fantastically tasty!   💪🏼  

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 43,394
• Total miles: 22.13

Now to rest and repair ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #1 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: ‘And We’re Off! 😀

Hi friends!

Wow this day came around quickly! The weather app says “feels like 0˚C”  think i’ll definitely wear my gloves, lol! The sun was so bright and low which made this the worst day with the poorest conditions for my sight loss. None of the training days were this bad..And this is only the first day of my challenge!  

I had to stop and turn around a couple of times as the glare completely stopped me seeing anything. But getting lost in the woods again made up for any lost steps, lol! 😀 

Today’s photo…

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…

 

Mmmmm it’s one of my faves on the first day too: Grenade Carb Killa White Chocolate Salted Peanut bar! 💪🏼  

My lovely wife Sarah joined me towards the end of my challenge…She gave me such a boost that i went past my daily step challenge goal of 20,000 steps! 😀 ❤️

 

Stats so far…

 

• Total steps: 21,931
• Total miles: 11.18

Now to rest and repair ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge training: Update #10 – Off With A Bang!

Wow!!! It looks like my ultra step challenge is going to go off with a BANG tomorrow!!! A huge thanks to my lovely wife Sarah! 😀 💪🏼 ❤️Even if this challenge kills me…At least it’ll be tasty! 

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge training: Update #9 – 😰

Hi friends!

Wow…Can you believe there is only 4 days to go! I thought i’d try and do 3 days on the trot of walking the full 10.5 miles everyday so i can reach 20,000 steps…Phew i’ve just got back from my 3rd day of cold, rain and even thick fog this morning…But I’ve managed it…Just! 🤣 This is going to be a really tough challenge! 💪🏼 

Also it’s a great way of testing the Fitbit app properly and see if it’s consistent…And it was, yay! 

I’d like to give a brobdingnagian amount of thanks to my lovely wife Sarah for always making me a fantastic fresh coffee before, during and after my walks. Also preparing my food which fuels me each day…And for being my number 1 supporter and encourager all of the time! 💪🏼 😀 ❤️

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼

Please don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge training: Update #8 – Shine

Hi friends…

Wow…With only 12 days to go, I just had to show you this fantasicly bright rain jacket that my lovely wife Sarah Rebus bought me for smashing my 4 stone weight loss goal yesterday! What an amazing surprise! 💪🏼 😀 

I think Sarah and my sister must have been chatting about me being careful when i’m out walking, lol! I don’t think the cars will have any trouble seeing me now!  

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge training: Update #7

Hi friends…

With just 16 days to go, my lovely wife Sarah took me on a walk through the woods today. It’s a different walk to the one i’ll be using for my challenge as i can’t do this on my own. Hopefully it won’t be so rainy and sludgy…But we can’t let the weather stop us from smashing our health and fitness goals can we! 💪🏼 😀 

 

An Advent For Change…❤️

 

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼 

 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge training: Update #6

 Hi friends!

Yesterday i went for my 3rd full length walk of the week. I’m keeping rest days in-between at the moment as i won’t have the chance once i start my challenge in just 17 days!! 😱

It was my first rainy walk and it was hard for me to see as everything turned greyscale…But i made it to the end with only a light headache and tight legs. I’ve increased my calorie intake and i’m feeling fine and not light headed or anything…But energised all of the way whilst still in a healthy calorie deficit! 💪🏼 😀

Now to rest and repair over the weekend!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Yay -55lb Weight Loss Badge! 💪🏼

Yay my next fitness goal smashed! Being lighter will help me on my stupendous advent walking challenge. I can’t believe the journey so far and all of the walking i’m doing as preparation for my step challenge is making it even easier to stay in the healthy calorie deficit! 💪🏼 😀 

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge training: Update #5

 Hi friends!

Yesterday i went for my second full walk and thankfully there were no dramas this time. 😀 

As i track the walk each time, the app doesn’t give me the amount of steps i have reached (which is the whole point) but if i can stay between 18 & 19 minutes pace, and make sure i walk about 10.5 miles it seems to be just over 20,000 steps! Yay!

  I have to hold my breath though when i hit finish and reveal the step count, as i don’t want it to be below the 20,000 mark. I know i could just record another one and add them together…But i’m trying to get it on 1 stat page. 💪🏼 

An Advent For Change…❤️
Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK! That’s around 250 miles!!

Please DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼 

 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge training: Update #4 – “Ouch”

Yay i did it!! 😰

Hi friends! Yesterday i completed the whole 20,000 steps as my ‘Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge’ starts in only 21 days!

The accident and the AirPods…?

Woah, it doesn’t half make you jump when you hit a post…Especially when you’re blind and everything is so blurry or just vanishes! 🤕

As i walk i have only 1 AirPod in which plays my audiobook really low so i can hear my surroundings with my other ear. Also it plays the important announcements from my Fitbit app as the GPS is tracking me along my walk. So when i suddenly felt the cold hard post graze the side of my forehead then hit me square on the right shoulder that stopped me in my tracks…You could say it made me jump, lol!

⇧ Photo of the road i was walking down ⇧ 

As it didn’t knock me out, i kept on walking for about another ten steps until i realised…My book wasn’t playing. “Oh no” i said as i knew my AirPod had flown out of my ear and into the endless green mass at the side of the road. As my stomach dropped with the thought of me losing my AirPods on my first 20,000 step attempt, i pulled out my iPhone and turned on Voiceover (i can’t see to use the phone so Voiceover is fantastic for blind users).

I thought it was the sound of the traffic that was stopping me from hearing the voice through my phone speakers…Until i realised it would be still connected to the AirPod that was lost in the bushes! “Wait a minute” i did as i remembered i had the other AirPod in my pocket. Quickly i placed it in my ear and quickly launched ‘Find My’ app where i could hopefully play a sound through my AirPods. When i heard the radar like sound start quietly at first i quickly placed the AirPod from my ear back into the case, as i don’t want to be deaf too, lol. I heard nothing at first as the traffic was so loud…But then…I could hear the radar sound coming from the dirty, wet and deep brush. I used my homing skills until i was stood right next to it, then pushed my hand into what felt like one of those scenes from Indiana Jones with all of the bugs…And pulled out my AirPod! “No way” i said “I can’t believe i’ve found it”. 😀 

The stats of the challenge…

I always record my walks for this challenge as i don’t want the other steps i do throughout the day to be recorded as being part of my challenge…I think that’s cheating. So i’ve found a way to share with you guys my stats for my walk which i’ll post each day during my challenge (see stats image above). I like the way it separates my walk steps from my total steps. 😀 

I wonder what excitement the next walk will bring, lol! 🤣 

An Advent For Change…❤️
Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK! That’s around 250 miles!! 

 Please DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼 

 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

❤️ Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge training: Update #3

Wow…That was hard…😰

Hi friends! Today i did about ⅔ of my total steps i need everyday for 24 days during my ‘Blindman Advent For Change Step Challenge’ which starts in only 27 days! 

I’m happy i managed to walk for 2 hours without getting too mentally tired. The sun was so low and bright which gave me such a headache, as it took so much more concentration for me to focus on where i was going whilst not falling into the road etc. 😨

As i use a Fitbit Inspire HR that my lovely wife Sarah bought me for our wedding anniversary in July…All of the hills along my route are not counted or the stats page, and although this sounds like an excuse, lol it really does take it out of you! I’m planning on hitting the 20,000 steps mark very soon and i’m adjusting my food and liquid intake accordingly as i make small steps to conquer the challenge! 💪🏼

An Advent For Change…❤️

Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK! That’s around 250 miles!! 

Please DONATE and help me smash my £1,000 target! 💪🏼 

 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀