Monday. The final day of the challenge. 56,000 steps each left to do, for me that amounted to a minimum of 56km or 35miles in one day.

A 6am start again and gentle jog into work – 17,000 done before breakfast. A long walk at lunch and I was up to 22,000 but my legs were really starting to feel it.  At this stage I just had to keep moving to keep the legs warm for the final session after work, I even hand delivered messages I’d normally email.

Shutting the computer down for the day and I still had about 30,000 steps to do. I set off the long way home via the downs. Approaching home I had clocked over 45,000 steps. A good effort but I knew I was still over 10,000 short. The only way was to grab a quick refuel, short break, leg rub and push on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leaving the flat I had no plan, but I knew I just had to keep going until I had reached 56,000 steps, at least.  I headed out to Shoreham, 7 miles away, taking a few back roads that I hadn’t been down before. I found that seeing new things took my mind off the task. It turned it into more of an adventure than a chore. My calves had nearly given up; my legs were getting heavy, thumping with every step. Knees jarring as each foot hit the pavement. I just wanted to sit down and relax.

52,000 Done. I was now back to watching the pedometer every couple of minutes. This was it, the last push. I swigged at my drink and got stuck in. Ignored all the whines from my aching legs and headed towards the beach. The fresh sea breeze gave me the boost I needed.  The cold blast of air was like a refreshing slap in the face.

Then finally our apartment block appeared out of myriad of buildings that defined the skyline like a shining beacon. The finishing straight. Finally. The pain had gone, the excitement had taken over, a beaming grin stretched across my face. People starred at me strangely, like I had just escaped from the priory and staggered out of the nearest pub, legs not totally convinced of their direction or purpose, smiling like a loon.

56,000 steps had passed. I was home. But I couldn’t just stop, I had to make sure with just one more lap around the block to warm down.

252,000 steps/ 250km’s / 155miles / 6 back to back marathons
In just one week.

Exhausted. Stoked. Done