Barefoot Walk

Last night in the sunshine I tackled the difficult stage 2 for just the second time.

The terrain was tricky with inclines on loose stones and gravel as well as the nettles having grown considerably too.

It was great having my brother Steve joining me…however I am yet to convince him to go barefoot! 😂

We both agree how not just physically but mentally challenging this is going to be for me to get through on the day with Stage 1 beforehand and Stage 3 to follow. During the toughest parts I will focus on why I am doing this in order to help me through! To raise awareness and donations for those suffering with EB to help make a difference and stop the pain of EB.

There was hardly another person around during the walk however, we did have to go through a herd of cattle. Steve offered little reassurance when he said to me that it would be fine if they charged as all he had to do was outrun me 😂. Brotherly love right there! 😂

A huge thank you for all the continued support! Have a great weekend ♥️

It is now less than six weeks to go until challenge day!

Training continues to go well despite the recent rainfall. On Friday evening I did a brisk 5 mile barefoot walk around Basingstoke and yesterday I practiced the 9 mile first stage with my brother, Steve (map and stats in the pic below). Thankfully the weather was kind on both days and I met some great people along the way.

The previous week I was in sunny Portugal with my family and enjoyed training on location…the only time I wore shoes (my sliders) was at the airport, in the supermarket and at restaurants. The rest of the time I was getting used to walking barefoot on hot surfaces. It has really helped to get my feet ready.

On the last day of holiday I got stung by a bee on the underside of my foot…Ouch!!

Later this week I will be training the extremely challenging stage 2 for only the second time. I will let you know how I get on!

Thank you for the amazing support, shares and donations. Together we can help stop the pain of EB!

Over the past few weeks I have been working on the route I will be taking from my front door in South Ham, Basingstoke to the DEBRA Head Office in Bracknell.

I am pleased to say that I now have the final route locked in for Thursday 16th July. The route comprises of many types of terrain across 26.6 miles (42.8km).

The distance is in excess of a Marathon  and that is fitting because just one step for someone with EB is like doing a Marathon! Please let that sink in for a moment!

I have been training the route barefoot in three stages as follows:

Stage 1 (9.2miles,14.8km )
Basingstoke to Rotherwick:

• South Ham
• Eastrop Park
• Old Basing (past Barton’s Mill)
• Sherfield on Loddon
• Rotherwick (Tylney Hall Golf Club)

Stage 2 (7.8miles,12.53km )
Rotherwick to Eversley:

• Tylney Hall Golf Club, Rotherwick
• West Green Common
• Warren Heath
• Eversley (St Mary’s Church)

Stage 3 (9.6 miles,15.49km )
Eversley to Bracknell:

• St Mary’s Church, Eversley
• Finchampstead
• Easthampstead
• DEBRA Head Office, Bracknell

Of all the stages, stage 2 is brutal with some steep inclines on uneven surfaces and mostly gravel & stones throughout!

Only wish there was more grass and less gravel and stones 😂. I never knew that “green common” and “heath” actually stand for pain and torture!

I have been asked why do I not look at alternatives for stage 2? My response is those with EB did not have a choice, they play the cards that they have been dealt. I have a route that works and I will stick with it and not look for an easier way!

This challenge is monstrous. To date on a single barefoot walk I have completed just shy of 10 miles over 3-4 hours. On challenge day I will complete all stages back-to-back.

At times I have looked at how daunting this is especially with my heart condition and I have doubted myself. Those times  are behind me…I now have a firm route that works, my training is going well and regardless of how much pain I am going to be in I will complete this challenge even if I have to crawl to the finish line!

I am so lucky to have such an amazing support network and you are all playing a part. With all my heart…Thank you! ♥️
We are in this together to make a difference in the fight against EB!

Please keep the donations, shares and support coming 😃