Yay…2 Years…Still Size M (just)! 💪🏼

Hi fitness family! 😀

Can you believe it’s been 2 years today, since i started on my life long health target starting with (“June time to prune”) on 1st June 2020. I wanted to post this on my blogs as a milestone for me, as i like to share all of my ups and downs with you all! 💪🏼 😀 

Now it’s June again and i have some extra pounds to prune! I’m still a size medium (from XXL) but it’s not the easy fitting new clothes i enjoyed a year ago…So yay i have a new goal to smash already, lol! 🤣

It’s great getting back to walking each day after taking a well earned rest with lots of celebrating whilst taking the whole month of May off. But now i’m back focused again on my future fundraisers, lol! 🤣 I still can’t believe in these last 2 years i’ve managed an ‘Ultra Step Challenge‘ and the ‘Trail Marathon‘ along with shrinking down from size XXL to M and having to buy a new set of clothes…My mind still hasn’t caught up! 😲

Talking of walking…I went out on the trail again this morning and managed my usual daily 6 miles in just over 1 hour 30 minutes. There were no dramas at all today, yay so i enjoyed it even more…But not as much as the stupendous Sarah special stack sandwich supreme i have when i get back! 😋

I’d just like to say a huge sorry in advance to my lovely wife Sarah…As she is probably going to hear the phrase “Caloric Deficit” again and again for the rest of the year, lol! 🤣 ❤️

Lets FitBlitz 2022 Together! 💪🏼

Advertisement

‘Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon’ in memory of my mum Valerie ❤️

Hi all, this is the official release for my fundraising towards my brobdingnagian challenge…It’s exactly 7 calendar months until my trail marathon! 💪🏼 

‘Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon’ in memory of my mum Valerie ❤️

I’m planning to step off the sidelines again soon… this time in memory of my wonderful mum, Valerie who died after a 14 yr struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, in the same month that I was registered blind.
I’ve always wanted to do something positive to celebrate her life and as you may know, my lovely wife Sarah has just started work at the MS Society. I can think of no better time or charity to make my fundraising in memory wish come true and I can finally add my mums name to the MS Society fight to stop MS. 💪🏼

I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.

Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS

Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon
Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie

Story…

Hi, I’ve chosen to raise funds for MS Society and I’d love everyone who kindly decides to support me and this amazing charity, to take a moment to remember my lovely Mum Valerie!

She spent so much of her too short life giving to me and my siblings before MS took her independence and eventually her life. This is why I’ve decided to give something positive back. I want her name and face to join the fight so that she can live on through the tireless work the MS Society is doing to find treatments that will stop MS for good. 💪🏼

My beautiful mum passed away from progressive MS, after a courageous and tiring 14 year battle, in July 2000.

As you may know I’ve been registered blind since I was 25. My sight loss happened in the same month my mum finally lost her life and missing her added misery to my own struggle to come to terms with the isolation and insecurities of managing my new life as a blind man.

And so…….

My Challenge…Sunday 24th April 2022

I originally planned to take part in an MS officially organised event but quickly realised that with my sight loss walking an unknown route amongst so many people would create too much external stimuli on my senses and be too confusing for me to manage without serious injury.

I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do the challenge at all but I’ve finally found a safe(ish) trail about 2.5 miles long, in the woods and past a lake near my home. I am hoping this will work well as my walking route, (I’ve now learned it enough to be able to follow it without guided help). I think this trail will work really well for me to do my trail marathon challenge … if I can manage to make my way safely around this uneven, hilly, rough terrain about 11 times! 😰

I’ve begun to realise, as I write about this challenge during the start of my training, that I’ve only managed 2 laps each time so far, after which I collapse, needing water and food, lol! I have no idea how I’m going to continue for 11 laps non-stop but I’ve got seven more months to build up my strength and endurance… I hope. 🙏

It’s slowly dawning on me that this challenge is going to include around 8 hours non-stop blind walking… Ouch that’s going to hurt and take a lot of concentration, mental effort, strength, energy and discipline. And so before I get time to change my mind, I’ve decided to create a JustGiving fundraising page and I’ve notified the MS Society…so no backing out now 🤣.

Please help me complete what feels like an impossible challenge in memory of my wonderful mum… because Together we are strong enough to beat MS. 💪🏼

You can follow my training over the next 7 months on my Fitblitz blog and I will use my apple watch to count the steps, miles and elevation etc of the challenge, uploading the screenshots to let you know of my adventures and celebrate with me if I finish, lol! 🙌  

About Multiple Sclerosis Society

Over 130,000 of us in the UK have MS. It’s unpredictable and different for everyone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We’re the MS Society. We understand what life’s like with MS. We’re here for you through the highs, lows and everything in between. Together, we are strong enough to stop MS.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Click HERE for my JustGiving page.

QR Code for my JustGiving page: 

#3 What’s Happening To Me? – “Size XXL to a Medium” 😲

Hi all!

Yay…My early 14th wedding anniversary (post coming on Wednesday) present from my lovely wife Sarah!! I’ve been wearing it for every game so far and it seems to be working lol! 🤣 

 

Size XXL to a Medium… 

 

Since losing 5 stone over this last year, i’ve also gone from a size XXL t-shirt to a size medium. I have never been a medium throughout my whole adult life. I’m loving having to get a new wardrobe and ordering a medium size and it fitting like a glove…Not much beats this feeling! 😀

#2 What’s Happening To Me? – “Sunbathing”🤔

Hi all.

My lovely wife Sarah has always LOVED sunbathing…And i HAVEN’T, lol! If you’ve ever followed us “The Blind Sightseers” on our travels, you’ll know that Sarah is always in the sun and i’m somewhere melting into a puddle of goo! 🤣

I’ve never been comfortable in the sun and always hated the heat, i’d always try and find shade or find some other way out of it but stay as close to Sarah as i could. Just sitting outside a coffee shop or in our own back garden seriously felt like my bones were being steamed in a cauldron of boiling water, whilst my skin was being attacked by a million angry wasps with mini switchblades  cutting into me! 🔥🔥

BUT…

Now i’ve lost 5 stone (70 pounds) i sit out with Sarah everyday in our garden (when the sun is out anyway) and i’m always the one wanting to stay out longer. I also have to think about being out too long and getting sun burnt…This is something i’ve neve had to think about before as i’ve never been sun burnt as it used to hurt me to be in it! 😲 

The sun actually feels nice now and i can finally enjoy it. Now i understand why my lovely wife Sarah enjoys and loves to be out in the hot sun…And it feels fantastic!! ☀️ 💪🏼 😀 

#1 What’s Happening To Me? – “Hay Fever”🤔

Hi all.

Sarah & i were walking through the woods last night on our beautiful evening walk…And i mentioned that i’d not had hay fever at all this year?! It’s been the first year since i’d not suffered from it and i’m wondering if it’s anything to do with losing 5 stone (over this last year) and eating healthier foods etc?! I thought this maybe a question for Ellie at ‘New Creation Ministries” as her blog posts have inspired and motivated me, especially over this last year. 😀 

Sarah also said that i should write a few posts on more of the changes i’ve experienced since losing 5 stone (like this one) and share it with you guys…So here is the first one “hay fever”. I can’t tell you how much easier it’s been this summer without constant watering eyes, runny nose and sneezing my head off! My body still hasn’t adapted properly yet and i walk around expecting the effects…But nothing comes. It would be fantastic if hay fever has left me for good! 💪🏼 😀 

Yay…1 Year…-5 Stone & Size XXL To Medium! 🙌 💪🏼 😀

Hi Friends!!

Can you believe it’s been a year today, since i started my epic adventure aka “June time to prune?!” I wanted to put this post on my blogs as a milestone for me and to share my good news with you all! 😀 

My mind is still having trouble adapting to the body it’s now living in, lol. 

-5 Sone…

I’ve gone from overheating all of the time, wearing shorts through the winter and staying out of the sun as it felt like pins and razor blades cutting my skin…To feeling cold most of the time, wearing normal clothes in the winter and like yesterday…Spent time sitting with my lovely wife Sarah enjoying the sun without the stabbing pains in my skin.

Size XXL to a Medium… 

I’ve also gone from a size XXL t-shirt to a size medium. I have never been a medium throughout my whole adult life. I’m loving having to get a new wardrobe and ordering a medium size and it fitting like a glove…Not much beats this feeling! 😀 

My Engine & Body Analogy…

As i used to be a panel beater in a bodyshop, the engine analogy just seemed to click for me when thinking about my nutrition etc. As i needed to be in a healthy calorie deficit to lose weight, i needed to find out what kind of engine i had and how much fuel (calories) it burns.

Hang On…

I’ve just realised i’m going to go on for ages writing about my year of transformation. So before i bore you all to death, i thought i could write about it post by post for a while. This way i can slowly bore you to death and you may not notice, lol! 🤣 

😲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. 💪🏼 😀 

🐾 #25 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Rest Again”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

 

Wow yet another week in lockdown has passed already…Time flies when your boxercised!

 

It’s time to rest yet again, and we can spend this time pampering, sleeping, eating, playing and most of all posing for a good portrait…Very important and it keeps the treats rolling in from the humans who now have some nice photos of their stupendous furry angel! 😀 

Also let’s think once again about rest and sleep. It’s vitally important to take a day of rest to give your body a chance to heal, it helps to de-stress, and also helps our minds focus…On FOOD, lol! 🍔 

 

Fun Quote…“A well trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it.”

 

🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #24 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Long Jumps”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Long Jumps”

Let’s paws for a moment (before you start your long jumps) to have an informed discussion about safety. When we  prepare to explode into take off, we shift weight back into the large muscles of our back legs and onto the back-leg joints.

This activates our muscles and propels us up and forward like a coiled cobra, the action requires a full range of motion in the back leg joints including the stifle and the hip and tarsal (hock), and of course, activation in all the supporting muscles. When we come to land, our front legs are mobilised, flexing and extending to brake and steady us.

These actions are perfectly natural and it takes more out of our joints than walking or running around on level ground. So the lesson is…Be careful with all of the increased load on your bodies! 🐾

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #23 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Guess The Face”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Guess The Face”

This is a great teachable moment…Being the best of the best and the complete stupendous Dog that you are, takes time and effort. However one of the most important aspects(the glue that holds it all together) is…Laughter! One of our main tasks is to make the humans cry with laughter and this can be done by pulling a silly face! 😀 

If you are a human reading this…Please look again at the photo of me pulling a silly face and then comment below with what you think i’m thinking? Or what makes you laugh about my face? 

I’ll be chewing on a “Jumbone” and waiting for the “ bbrrrriinnggg” of the humans WordPress iPhone apps notification alert sound to read your comments! 😀 

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #22 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Noses”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Noses”

I forgot to mention in post “Seek & Destroy” that whilst you are running with a large ball in your mouth…Always make sure your nose is clear so you can still breathe and not pass out! 

Here are a few factoids…

1. Dogs’ olfactory abilities are anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than humans’. In fact, we have roughly 50 smell receptors compared to the humans measly one.
2. Our nose can breathe air in and out at the same time.
3. We have a special scent-detecting organ, called the vomeronasal organ that humans don’t have. This organ helps us detect pheromones secreted by other animals.
4. Each of our nose prints are unique, like each human’s fingerprint.Flat-faced, short-nosed dogs, such as the Boxer, Pekingese, and Pug, have fewer scent-detecting cells than dogs with longer snouts, like Bloodhounds and German Shepherds. But what we lack in scent-detectors, we gain jaw power and can grip for hours without our big nose getting in the way, lol.

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower 

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #21 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Long Runs”

⇧ Bruce demonstrating a long run ⇧   

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Long Runs”

Since we’ve already got “Short Sprints” in our arsenal, it’s time to stretch out that drill into a “Long Run.”

This can be really difficult during lockdown and it’s vital to keep social distancing as you’ll be running for a long time…So be vigilant, and most of all safe! 

I hope you find a place where you can practise this drill because…

A long run burns calories, strengthens/hardens muscles, and tones the body, but more importantly  a long run really pushes you to discover your full athletic potential!

 🎶 “Don’t let nobody drag your spirit down” – Eric Bibb

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #20 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Pawly”

⇧ Bruce feeling sad after his ear operation ✞  

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Pawly”

I wanted to paws and take a little time to talk about accidents, or if you are pushing too hard on your drills…

If you have been to the vets (no idea why they are called this, they haven’t spent anytime in combat) and they have forced you into the “Helmet Of Shame”…DO NOT be cast down, but keep your chops held high! 😀  

There are other drills and exercises we can do e.g…

Dancing, Yay! Like yesterdays drill “Bust A Move” don’t be afraid to dance through the storms of life!! 🤣   

⇧ Bruce dancing in the storm! 😀 ⇧

🎶 “Don’t let nobody drag your spirit down – Eric Bibb

 ⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🙌 Yay…Snow!!! 💪🏼 🤣

Finally it was our turn for some fun in the snow! 🤣 

After a nice warm coffee (and me getting a little too excited), we started out in our back garden. “Awww it’s the fat snow that make snowballs!!” ☕ 😀

Our back garden… 

The woods…

After an exciting run around, we decided to venture out into the woods for a snow filled adventure.

My lovely wife Sarah started off looking all innocent, and she was guiding my way through the woods nicely…When…

“Hey…They are like bowling balls” i shouted whilst being bombarded!!  

After Sarah unleashed a flurry of blasts…I took a large amount of damage and some of the hits were nearly fatal! I knew i had to return fire…

Here it comes…🤣 

Thankfully i managed to lower the amount of bombs coming my way…And as i’m blind and can’t see Sarah…I can hear her heartbeat and locate her position, lol! 🤣

Anyway, there is no harm in getting closer!

Now it was time for the big guns…Here is a nice (accessible for the blind) monster snowball to finish the job, lol! 🤣 

Wow…I hope you’ve had as much fun as me and Sarah in the snow?! Is it snowing where you are? 😀 

🐾 #19 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Bust A Move”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Bust A Move” 

All of us dogs have a very individualistic personality, just like the humans do. While this varies from breed to breed, a lot of us respond to music based on the genre. You all know what i mean, when that songs starts playing and you just have to “Bust A Move!”

Depending on your groove, and how funky your routine…This will leave your human in stitches, they will laugh their heads off! 🤣   

At this point, i should tell you some benefits of busting a move…

Dancing is a great way to stay combat ready for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including:

• Improves condition of your heart and lungs
• Increases muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
• Increases aerobic fitness
• Improves muscle tone and strength
• Helps weight management
• Stronger bones(that’s our bones and not the bones you normally chew.)
• Better coordination, agility and flexibility
• Improved balance and spatial awareness
• Greater self-confidence and self-esteem
• Better social skills.

💬 “Hit the floor with those groovy paws!” 🎶

 

🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

 ⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #18 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Parrot Rest”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀 

Wow yet another week in lockdown has passed already…Time flies when your boxercised!

Please meet my good friend “Parrot” 

It’s time to rest yet again, so go and grab your favourite toy of the moment and take a day of well earned rest..With plenty of sleeping! 😀 

Also let’s think once again about rest and sleep. It’s vitally important to take a day of rest to give your body a chance to heal, it helps to de-stress, and also helps our minds focus…On FOOD, lol! 🍔 

Fun Quote…“A well trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it.”

🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #17 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Posture”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Posture” 

It’s normal for us to instinctively guard the resources that are important to us. This may include our food, our toys, our beds, our humans and our territory!

‘Territorial aggression’ is important  

First exhibit warning, then perform defensive and offensive behaviors…Your “War Face” is essential at this point! 

 If the enemy proceeds…Continue barking, Growling, doing your “Short Sprints” up and down the perimeter…

If they move even closer…Charge, bite, gnaw, rip, twist whoever or whatever is invading your territory, until the threat is neutralised!!  

 This is why the correct posture is vital…Look harmless…Spring with power!

Here are some benefits of good Posture:

• It keeps bones and joints correctly aligned so our muscles are being used properly.
• Stops excessive wearing of joints.
• Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
• Prevents the spine fixing in abnormal positions.
• Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing us to use less energy.
• Prevents backache and muscular pain. 
• Contributes to a good appearance.

Awareness of your own posture is key, you can even practise in front of the mirror if you like…Practise makes better! 

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#16 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Aerobies & Frisbees”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Aerobies & Frisbees” 

“When will my humans learn that this is my Aerobie…Go and fetch your own if you want one, stop taking this one and throwing it, lol!” 

If you listen to the humans, they will call this  a “Sport”…But it’s a “Drill”

The reason this drill is important: It gives you a good workout and improves your speed, gives you fantastic muscle tone, increases paw to eye coordination and quickens your reflexes! 🐾

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#15 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Eyeballing”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Eyeballing” 

“Are you eyeballing me?! Don’t eyeball me! Never eyeball me!! Keep your eyes front and don’t move them until i call them!” 

You may have thought i’ve been going soft on you as the last few posts have been a little squishy…But that ends now…Go hard or be soft! 😖

The burning pain of discipline is nothing to the anguish of disappointment! 

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

💪🏼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! 💪🏼 😀 

#14 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Steve’s Birthday”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Steve’s Birthday” 

As it’s Steve’s birthday today (April 15) i think we should all take a little time to grab one of our fave treats(as he won’t share any cake) and sing out loud on his special day! 🎵

Remember: Humans are fragile…So it’s important for us to give them love that they can only receive from us! ♥️

💬 “I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.” Doris Day

🎶 Birthday singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, even your birthday cake I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#13 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Ears”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Ears” 

Let’s paws for a moment to talk about ear placement. Some of you will be aware that whilst running really fast during your drills, your ears flop around like crazy…This will not apply to some breeds, and will definitely not apply to those of you who are too lazy to hit full speed. It is vital to keep your ears disciplined! 

I’m only mentioning this as some of us(like me) have owners that are obsessed about capturing our photo to keep for sentimental purposes or something even more soppy like posting on WordPress etc…If you’re going to spend all of this time training, you might as well give them a nice photo! 🤣  

So just be aware…The cameras are out there and they’re pointed at you!!

💬 “If you think us dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving us only two of them.” 

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#12 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Choir Of Cadence”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Choir Of Cadence” 

Let’s paws for a moment to talk about singing. Many humans are uneducated on this topic and say that we howl…what a vulgar display of ignorance! 

Our choir of cadence can also be used when we train and that is exactly what i want you to do during all of our drills. Please revert to singing your fave songs on Sundays which is your day of rest. 😀 

Here is a short cadence to help with your PT…

ME: 1, 2, 3, 4, let me run with every paw….YOU: 1, 2, 3, 4, let me run with every paw

ME: 1, 2, 3, 4, I won’t quit give me some more….YOU: 1, 2, 3, 4, I won’t quit give me some more

ME: I won’t quit unless i’m ill…YOU: I won’t quit unless i’m ill

ME: I just want my favourite drill…YOU: I just want my favourite drill 

If you can extend this cadence please leave some suggestions in the comments, i’d love to hear your ideas…And it will help extend your PT! 😀 

Here are some physical Benefits of Singing…

• Singing strengthens the immune system. … 
• Singing is a workout. … 
• Singing improves your posture. … 
• Singing helps with sleep. … 
• Singing is a natural anti-depressant. … 
• Singing lowers stress levels. … 
• Singing improves mental alertness. … 
• Singing can widen your circle of friends.

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#11 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Paws For Reflection”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀 

Wow another week in lockdown has passed already…Time flies when your boxercised!

Let’s paws once more and think about how much you’ve achieved in just one week. 

Also let’s think once again about rest and sleep. It’s vitally important to take a day of rest to give your body a chance to heal, it helps to de-stress, and also helps our minds focus…On FOOD, lol! 🍔 

Fun Quote…“A well trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it.”

🎶 Our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #10 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Legacy Of Love”

I love the look of complete adoration in Bruce’s eyes for Sarah! 😍

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Legacy Of Love” 

Take time today to work on leaving your own “Legacy Of Love” your humans will be blessed for years and years. ❤️

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

If you need inspiration…Just look at my adorable puppy eyes! Try and perfect this look, as it will make your human putty in your paws! 🤣

 🎶 Our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, even your chocolate cake I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #9 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Snow Dives”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Snow Dives” 

Before you start to complain and make excuses because there is too much snow around (we haven’t had our 2021 snow yet), or you live in cold climates…Get out of your warm home and start drilling your laziness!

First things first…Please make sure your owner is appropriately dressed for the cold weather, as a lazy or frozen owner is detriment to your health! 😀 

Snow dives are fantastic at burning calories, stretching muscles and above all they are fun.

Don’t forget at the end of this exercise you can combine some of my other drills. The “Wet Dog Shake” is a perfect one to finish and you’ll make it snow for anyone who’s nearby…Fun for the whole family! 😀

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

If you need inspiration…The photo of me (top of post) taking a dive, is a great example of how it’s done. Even short haired dogs can stay warm as the heart gets pumping! 🤣   

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #8 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Seek & Destroy”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Seek & Destroy” 

Seeking and destroying oversize tennis balls, footballs, rugby balls etc is a fantastic way to strengthen our already powerful jaws…Ooohh that popping sound, or the slow hiss of death. Nothing feels much better than when we conquer a ball! 😀

Beware…If you like the oversized tennis ball(like me) or tennis balls of any size, they can sometimes bite back.

The ball itself can be a choking risk…But some of us enjoy shredding the yellow-green fuzz that surrounds the tennis ball. Eating this fuzz can lead to increased choking hazards and intestinal blockages that could require surgery. Do not let this happen, just paw your owner until they get you another ball! 🐾

 

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

 

The photo of me (top of post) is in the ‘Old Hunstanton Lighthouse’ garden. My humans stayed their on their honeymoon and then for 5 following anniversaries! It was a nice large sealed area where i had plenty of room to run, jump and rip up toys! Each year we visited…They bought me a new holiday ball! Don’t let holidays destroy your health! ❤️

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #7 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Let Me See Your War Face”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today let’s talk about your War Face 

To make sure you smash your goals each day, is to make sure you make war with the enemy of health and fitness….Kryptonite! This can manifest itself in many ways (it’s like a shapeshifter) e.g: junk food, tempting marketing, excuses and many more! It’s entire aim is for you to stop being healthy and becoming the best version of you, you can be.  

Don’t forget…Whilst practising your war face…This too is a great exercise for training your face muscles…A win win, lol! 🤣 So to get every drill performed each day…is to make war with Kryptonite! There is no better way to do this than to show your war face.

Show me your war face! Now show everyone your war face!

Let’s come together and destroy the evil lair of laziness! 🐾

 

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

 

If you need inspiration…The photo of me (top of post) performing yesterdays drill (short sprints) is a great example of a ‘War Face’. Don’t be afraid to add a little growl (the deeper the better) to add more drama! 🤣 

 

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #6 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Short Sprints”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today is my fave…Short sprints! 

The benefits of sprinting are endless. It is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, it increases your stamina, burns lot of calories in a short time and moreover, it gives a boost to your metabolism so even when your workout is over, it keeps on burning calories…Mmmm so make sure your owner keeps the treats coming! 🐾 

Sprinting releases surges of happy endorphins called dopamine, meaning we too can experience a ‘human runner’s high’. 

If we are under stimulated and under exercised, we can be prone to destructive behaviours such as chewing, digging and rubbish rummaging. We can become hyper, overly excitable and restless at night. It can be the cause of attention-seeking behaviour, like whining, jumping up and barking. Do not let this happen…Drag your lazy owner outside and get them moving! 🐾

 

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

 

If you need inspiration…The photo of me (top of post) performing this exercise was once again taken on Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk. My human had to dive out of the way a few times, as i kept sprinting right towards the camera so i could get the best angle for the shot, lol…Who said sprinting can’t be fun! 🤣 

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #5 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Wet Dog Shake”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Now that you’ve had your day of rest…Let’s get straight back into beating these lockdown blues. 🐾

There is no better way to shake off the lockdown blues than a full “Wet Dog Shake”. This will definitely put the fun into fat burn! You can try this outside or for more laughs indoors! It’s an full body workout that will guarantee your other family members will stay at least 2 metres away whilst maintaining the social distancing laws! 😀

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…

If you need inspiration…The photo of me (top of post) performing this exercise was taken on Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk. My human used a 400mm zoom lens so he didn’t get soaked, as i really got carried away! 🤣 

🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.”  

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #4 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Day Of Rest”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀 

Now let’s talk about rest and sleep. It’s vitally important to take a day of rest to give your body a chance to heal, All of these Boxercise classes may leave you exhausted (if you’re putting in the effort) and needing rest…Well i have good news!  

It turns out that sleep is crucial for strength training recovery and helps with muscle repair after a strenuous workout. On the flip side, inadequate sleep can interfere with the body’s ability to recover after lifting weights and inhibits the body’s ability to build maximum muscle strength.

This is why having a healthy meal plan with enough dietary protein to aid in muscle repair and new muscle growth is vital. As many of the critical restorative functions in the body, like tissue repair and muscle growth—occur mostly or only during sleep.

So the bottom line is…Sleep can help de-stress, build muscle and also help our minds focus…On FOOD, lol! 😀 🥩

🎶 Here’s a happy singalong to share with your human…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 😀    

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #3 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Tug O’ War”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Tug O’ War”

One of my fave games is playing Tug O’ War with Sarah (or against anyone who was willing), My string of sausages was a great toy to use in this game, but anything you can get in your mouth will do. As it’s not wise to use the arm or leg of your human, and it’s not helpful to rip, tear and shred an animal carcass all over the house or garden as this would be way too messy (although it’d increase your humans NEAT – Non-exercise activity thermogenesis whilst cleaning up, lol)…But a simple dog toy will suffice! 💪🏼 

This is a great exercise for building jaw, neck and shoulder strength, and for building up powerful tugs as your muscles get bigger and harder. Oh and it gives your lazy human a workout too…Why should you always be the one to exercise, lol! 🤣  

It’s a great endurance test to see who could keep going the longest, and it will burn lots and lots of calories! I Can’t remember who won this game…Me or Sarah?! I’m sure I did!! 🐾  

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

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! 💪🏼 😀 

🐾 #2 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Getting Air”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Getting Air” 

You may be thinking of Michael Jordan or a BMX dude getting air on a half-pipe…But let’s put the spring in YOUR step and see how much air you can get! Don’t stop until you’ve reached your own height in getting that air! Once you do…It’s a great way of getting lots of healthy treats as your human will be impressed! 😀

Jumping, aka (plyometric training), consists of fast, explosive movements which activate the fast-twitch muscle fibres associated with building muscle, strength and power. These jumps will  help to activate fast-twitch muscle fibres. These fast-twitch fibres have a big part to play when the muscle contracts against resistance; they are longer and stronger than the short endurance based slow-twitch fibres. We recruit more fast-twitch fibres during plyometric training resulting in muscle growth, strength and power. 💪🏼 

Now it’s time to get your human moving and see who can get the most air?! 🤣 

If you need inspiration…The photo above is me getting air on Old Hunstanton beach in Norfolk. Once you get enough air the entire beach disappears! 💪🏼  

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day  ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #1 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Meet Bruce”

🐾 Hi, I’m “Bruce THE Boxer”, Steve has kindly let me use this new FitBlitz blog to post my health & Fitness classes. I’ll be your ‘Boxercise’ instructor and I’ll help you paw away your 2021 COVID-19 lockdown blues. Also i’ll get you in shape this new year by helping you smash your 2021 health and fitness goals! 💪🏼 

Don’t be fooled by my cute baby face…I’m here to teach you recruits (i mean clients) discipline, nutrition, correct form, security detail, accurate attack methods, basic knowledge of weird humans, grooming and best of all…Real Boxercise drills.

 

Please don’t forget to bring a bottle (or bowl) of water with you to ensure you stay hydrated. You’ll sweat a lot, if you work hard enough! So hydration is vital. 

 

It’s been a pleasure meeting with you here, and i can’t wait to get these classes started. I’ll give you until tomorrow to prepare yourself for your first drill! 💪🏼 😀 

Description from Steve…

I may be more than a little biased as Boxer dogs are my fave, but sharing a fun daily photo (from my archive) of “Bruce THE Boxer” will not only put a smile on my face(and help keep his memory alive) for me…But also put a smile on your face(or even LOL) and this may help a little to help paw away some of the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown blues! 😀 

Next Day 🐾  ➡ 

🐾 Special Guest Boxercise Instructor: Smash Your 2021 Fitness Goals With 50 Days Of Boxercise Classes With “Bruce THE Boxer” 🐾

I’d like to introduce you to “Bruce THE Boxer”, a boxercise instructor like no other! He is kindly gifting us with 50 days of boxercise posts right here on FitBlitz, to help us get motivated and energised so we can smash our 2021 health and fitness goals during this new lockdown! 💪🏼 😀 

The first class (then daily afterwards) will start tomorrow, so If you’re after a fat-blitzing workout, harder muscles and to learn a little about nutrition, these Boxercise classes are a great way to add a little ‘punch’ towards smashing those goals! 

Who are these classes for…?

Everyone! Whatever your age, gender, dog breed or sporting ability, these Boxercise classes are ideal for all and are perfect for beginners. It’s great for anyone (with feet or paws) planning on weight loss, improving their overall fitness and families who love to workout as a group.

What do i need for the classes…?

Please remember to bring a bottle (or bowl) of water with you to ensure you stay hydrated. You’ll sweat a lot, if you work hard enough! So hydration is vital. 

Oh…And don’t forget to have fun! It’ll be a tough, challenging yet totally enjoyable workout that will leave you wanting more!!💪🏼 😀 

Can’t wait to meet you on Day 1…

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! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Yay -50lb Weight Loss Badge!

Yay another fitness goal smashed! Being lighter will help me on my stupendous advent walking challenge…And won’t wear out my new trainers as fast! 🤣 

💪🏼 Blindman 20,000 Steps, Every Day, For 24 Days This Advent 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!! 💪🏼   

Hi friends!

I’ve chosen to raise funds this advent for Blood Pressure Uk. I want to help raise awareness of how vitally important it is that we all know what our blood pressure is and understand that we need to take action now to keep it at a healthy range and protect our hearts. I would love everyone who donates to me to “know their numbers!”. It will only take five minutes to get a check but could change everything and help you live much healthier and happier lives. 

When I was 24 (and fully sighted) I had two brain haemorrhages that burst my optic nerve and left me blind due to Grade 4 severe hypertensive retinopathy (caused by my high blood pressure, that I’ve since discovered is something my family suffers with). So I can’t stress enough how important it is to be aware of this creeping death! Please don’t be complacent about your blood pressure, and if your numbers are too high please do something about it. I know I was very lucky to survive this silent killer…But you might not be”.  

The Challenge…1st Dec – 24th Dec 2020… 

I found a safe local road about half a mile long, near my home, that could work as my walking route (and I can follow without guided help). I then thought it would be great for me to do an ‘advent positive pressure challenge’ …and i’d only have to do 20 laps every day! 🤣  So I quickly set up this fundraising page and created a challenge that would raise funds and generate awareness for this very important message! 💪🏼😀  

Then…It slowly dawned on me that this challenge will include walking nearly a half marathon a day for 24 days…Awww that’s going to hurt and take a lot of effort/strength/energy/discipline to complete. But before I had time to change my mind, i’d created this page and notified the charity…Please help me complete what feels like and impossible challenge, lol! 🤣  

I’m using my Fitbit to count the steps, and upload the screenshots  to keep you updated each day with my progress on here, and my other social media sites…

Follow me and my challenge and say hi! Facebook, Twitter  Share and make everyone aware…😀   

Blood Pressure UK… 

Blood Pressure UK, is the UK charity dedicated to lowering the nation’s blood pressure to prevent disability and death from stroke and heart disease. Our vision is that everyone will know their blood pressure numbers, and take steps to keep them healthy both now and in the future. Funds raised from events like this make a huge difference to the work we can do, helping us to offer advice and support to more people, preventing strokes and heart attacks. 

Know your numbers and help me to help others know theirs, thanks in advance – Steve. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity….DONATE NOW 

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

Blindman Tough Mudder Update – 5 Days To Go!

Oh no……With only 5 days left until “Tough Mudder”, Sarah and i went into the woods to try out my new trail shoes and also try and get some photos of me jogging/training for World Cancer Research Fund as they want some promotional shots.

Sarah did an amazing job getting me to run in a straight line…..She had to walk with me to get into position….Then walk away until she was in position. Then after Sarah shouts “GO!” I hopefully run in a straight line towards her(not through her) and she can get some shots.

I’m not sure how she did it…..But it looks like i’m jogging on my own and also looks like i’e been jogging for miles, lol…..Not just 50 feet at a time! 😎 💪🏼 

Be inspired…

My Tough Mudder Challenge

Who Is Bananaman?