Text contributed by Anneliese; pics by Pete, Johnny, Rachael, Anneliese and Roy.
I know it’s unusual to have two write ups about the same trip but on this occasion every participant has a different story. As far as I witnessed, Johnny’s experience, for example, was a breeze; he bounced along on both days chatting and laughing as if it were a Friday social walk. My journey, however, was one of self-discovery and pain, culminating in the realisation that we are all winners – we just have to find our personal race.
I have, up till now, taken my above-average fitness for granted and embraced the longer IOG walks with pleasure. However, upping the distance of our walks in order to “train” for the Sandlings Walk became a hard physical and mental challenge for me, removing the fun I had always associated with walking with the IOG. Those extra miles heading towards 20 and above seemed to be the wall which I hit each time, feeling mentally distressed and physically in pain.
The decision as to whether to continue with the training or not was taken away in the end when new insoles (I was still looking for the miracle boost) gave me horrendous blisters and bruising, leaving me with no option but to pull out of the Sandlings Walk.
This is where the journey took a really positive turn as I volunteered to be a general cheerleader and support on the walk, with my car being available in case of emergencies. I discovered my natural role, getting a buzz knowing I was making a difference to the comfort of my friends.
I started the walk with them, going as far as Woodbridge before getting in my car to drive back to Ipswich to collect the overnight bags and extra food, an added bonus for the walkers as they now only had to carry what they needed on the day. I felt privileged seeing the group come round the corner towards the Blaxhall Ship on schedule in time for our Saturday night dinner, waving the gang off on Sunday morning after a superb fry up, surprising them in Dunwich at the Priory and cheering them in at two points in Southwold.
A nasty fall meant one participant needed a trip to A&E on Saturday and then another needed to go home on Sunday due a stomach bug. Not what I would have wanted for them but an affirmation that support is a vital role on walks and trips. Of course, this support was not just me arriving within 25 minutes to ferry someone to the hospital in my car, but also the competent First Aiders within the group, who had the correct kit with them in case of emergencies, of which this was one.
I was so impressed and proud of every participant – the whole group finished this nearly 60 mile challenge within a minute of each other, looking surprisingly fresh. There were aches and pains, of course, but the team spirit and encouragement pulled them through.
So, sometimes we go into something in one direction and exit a different way, but it was the right way. I found my place on this trip and loved it.
