Since Doctors in Distress started its annual 5K in May fundraiser four years ago, I made a promise – to walk 5K every day of that month.
Walking is one of my passions- it’s how I relax, keep fit and manage pain, however as a busy chief executive, with plenty of meetings and travelling to fit in, it is a time-consuming hobby.
When I was a teenager, suggesting a walk to me was almost like swearing and I was very good at avoiding it, but now, walking has become a vital part of my life.
I took up serious walking about 10 years ago and found that I became much more aware of my surroundings. I listen to birdsong, look at skyscrapers and very often lose myself to the extent that I will suddenly arrive at my destination. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the world around me and my inner thoughts that I end up lost and have to find my route again.
During the pandemic, I had to shield but was allowed to go on solitary walks. These early morning jaunts through empty streets proved to be my lifeline. I suffer with a number of musculoskeletal problems and it is completely true to say that walking is often the only way I can get going.
On occasions I listen to audible books, which enables me to use my walking time productively – so I can ‘read’ two books, one on my kindle and one when I am walking.
Walking gives me genuine me-time – time to think and plan. I often have to record thoughts while I am walking so I don’t forget. And if the weather is too bad for me to go out, I don’t let it stop me. I will do walking at home exercise sessions.
To have walking as a serious hobby is very time consuming – and the only way I can fit this in with my day job is to sacrifice personal time. It means I get up at the crack of dawn, walk after work in the evenings and often also at lunch time.
This year’s 5K in May challenge began on the day I returned from my holiday to America. I left the sunny climes of Florida and arrived to the grey damp skies of London. Exhausted after little sleep and a long flight, I made my way home and jumped straight onto the treadmill. I was determined to start the month of May in the right way.
I know that by doing my little bit for Doctors in Distress it makes all the difference to the lives of healthcare workers. Our charity continues to work tirelessly to reduce the stigma around suicide in healthcare workers and to help protect the mental wellbeing of staff.
If you can sponsor me, please click here 5K In May – JustGiving