Key Takeaways
- Pat and Valerie walked thousands of miles together locally, nationally, and overseas before her passing in 2022.
- Pat participated in the Walk1200km challenge, walking 7300km in three years, to cope with his grief and stay active.
- The Walk1200km challenge, created by Wilderness Magazine, encourages participants to walk 1200km in 12 months, promoting a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being.
- Over 7100 people have participated in the challenge since its launch in 2021.
- Regular walking can help individuals cope with trauma, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and improve mental well-being.
Introduction to Pat and Valerie’s Walking Journey
Pat and Valerie spent many years walking together, exploring trails locally, nationally, and overseas. Their favorite trails included the Kaimanawa Ranges in the Central North Island and the Rees-Dart Track in Mt Aspiring National Park. One of their most memorable walks was the Tour de Mont Blanc, which they considered a gem. Pat cherished the time spent walking with his wife, believing that activities that require energy and perseverance bring couples closer together. Unfortunately, Valerie passed away in April 2022, 11 months after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
Coping with Grief through Walking
After Valerie’s passing, Pat found solace in walking, which helped him come to terms with his loss and reflect on his life. He discovered the Walk1200km challenge, an annual nationwide challenge created by Wilderness Magazine, which encourages participants to walk or hike 1200km in 12 months. This challenge, equivalent to walking approximately 3.3km per day, helped Pat stay active and focused. Over three years, Pat walked an impressive 7300km, almost two-and-a-half times the length of New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail. He participated in the challenge in 2022, 2023, and 2024, clocking 1500km, 2800km, and 3000km, respectively.
The Importance of Staying Active
Pat emphasizes the importance of staying active as one ages, citing the maxim "use it or lose it." He finds tremendous pleasure in walking, enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, and opportunity to observe the changing seasons and wildlife. Despite facing health issues this year, Pat hopes to participate in the challenge again next year. His experience highlights the benefits of regular walking, not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. By making walking a daily habit, individuals can maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve their overall quality of life.
The Walk1200km Challenge
Wilderness Magazine editor Alistair Hall launched the Walk1200km challenge in 2021 to celebrate the publication’s 30th anniversary with its readers. The challenge aims to make walking a daily habit and promote a healthy lifestyle. Hall notes that walking can help individuals reset their thinking, focus on the positive, and cope with traumatic experiences. The challenge is free and open to everyone, with over 7100 people participating since its inception. By signing up on the magazine’s website, individuals can join the challenge and start their walking journey.
Conclusion
Pat’s story and the Walk1200km challenge demonstrate the benefits of regular walking for both physical and mental health. By making walking a daily habit, individuals can improve their overall well-being, cope with trauma, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As Pat and Valerie’s walking journey shows, shared activities can bring people closer together, and walking can be a great way to spend quality time with loved ones. The Walk1200km challenge provides a motivating and achievable goal for individuals to stay active, and with over 7100 participants, it has become a popular and successful initiative.