93
Miles Logged
Please support me!
I’m taking on the Mega Miles Challenge in support of the Charity for Civil Servants. Make a donation to my page and let’s go one step closer to making sure no civil servant faces life’s challenges alone.
Every penny we raise helps to ensure our free, confidential support is there for colleagues when life gets tricky, from money worries and financial help to wellbeing and mental health support.
For colleagues like Hannah, that support can be life-changing: “I couldn’t even put into words how terrible it was. I was really unwell by this point and stress just took me out. I ended up taking time off work from anxiety. It’s about having someone to listen to you and tell you you’re going to be alright”.
Your donations will go further thanks to Baringa
A big thank you to our Supporting Partner Baringa who will match your fundraising pound for pound up to £5,000 - helping your fundraising go further!
“Civil servants play a vital role in delivering essential services and driving long‑term change, often under intense pressure. At Baringa, we are proud to work alongside government and public sector organisations to help them meet these challenges. Partnering with the Charity for Civil Servants on the Mega Miles Challenge is an exciting step forward, allowing us to deepen our support and help make a meaningful difference for civil servants across the UK.”
Sarah Ashley, Head of Government and Public Sector, Baringa
My Achievements
You've uploaded a profile picture
You've shared your fundraising page
You've made a self-donation
You've raised £50
You've raised £150
You've reached 50% of fundraising target
You've reached 90% of fundraising target
You've hit your fundraising goal, you're a MEGA fundraiser
My Updates
Days 10–18: When life said “nice challenge… but also chaos”
So… I accidentally disappeared for a few days.
Not because I gave up , but because life completely took over.
In the space of 9 days I’ve had:
A face-to-face in Liverpool
Staff illnesses to manage
Work priorities flying at me from every direction
And worrying mum mode activated with one of my children losing weight
Safe to say… step counting was competing with everything.
Now, full honesty, I didn’t hit 10k every single day. Some days were more “survival shuffle” than power walk.
BUT… here’s the bit I’m actually proud of:
Over those 9 days = 99,159 steps
That’s an average of 11,017 a day
Which basically means… even when life was lifing, I still kept moving.
Some walks were squeezed in between meetings, some were pure stress walks, and some were just me convincing myself that “this counts” as I paced about thinking through everything.
So no, it hasn’t been perfect.
But it has been consistent.
And that’s what I’m taking as the win
Onwards… slightly tired, slightly chaotic… but still going
Days 5–9 – Survival mode (with cake)
What started as a weekend quickly turned into a full-on marathon of birthday celebrations for my youngest + husband.
Lots of organising, hosting, being on my feet all day… with a few “token” walks thrown in so I could still claim I’m doing the challenge
By Monday?
It genuinely felt like someone was kicking my shins with every step.
BUT… small win – average steps for the week: 8,915
Not quite 10k (so close!), but…
This week is looking stronger already
Two days in and I’m averaging 9,728 – we’re heading in the right direction!
Slowly learning that it’s not about going all in and crashing… it’s about actually pacing myself (who knew?!)
Progress > perfection. I’ve got this.
Day 4: Trying to be fit… but make it birthday edition 🎉
It’s my little boy’s 15th, so naturally today’s priorities are, cake, food… and more cake.
Rain cancelled my walk (rude), so I squeezed in 30 mins on the walking pad.
Briefly considered doing more later… then remembered there’s a party to attend (mine, mainly)
Also, tried new gym exercises this week and have officially unlocked muscles I didn’t know existed…
Today’s approach, do what I can, enjoy the moment, and pretend I’ll make it up tomorrow.
Day 3 – When your step count humbles you
Busy day in the office, lots of screen time, dry eyes… and by 3pm I’d managed a grand total of 1,238 steps
Target - 10k, the reality absolutely nowhere near.
My body is still aching from gym and steps and was basically begging for a rest… but this is my problem, I’m either all in or completely crashed. Pacing? Never heard of her.
So… a compromise, lunchtime walk (sun made a brief appearance) and a “quick” shopping trip.
Side note, why is it SO much easier to get steps in when shopping? Must be the dopamine of buying something pretty
Anyway… I checked my watch = 8,000 steps
Checked Fitbit app = 5,201 steps
Since Google’s taken over, nothing is adding up… so from now on it’s photo evidence only because I’m not having that
Day 3 done… slightly chaotic, but we move
Day 2 – Confidence vs Reality
Thought I’d level up today…
Did a full-body strength workout and then went for my walk.
Immediate learning:
This was a terrible idea.
Checked the weather, spotted a dry window, and finally brought out my long-forgotten Adidas jacket (yes, the “90s shell suit” one my husband laughed at… who’s laughing now? )
90s R&B in my headphones, nostalgia high…
Reality? Pure pain.
Every step was a negotiation, but I kept telling myself there’s always another 20% to give… so I dragged myself home
Day 2 done Let’s see what’s left in the tank for tomorrow…
Day 1 – Civil Service Mega Mile Challenge
Decided to get strategic today… split my steps into two walks (pre-work + lunch) in a heroic attempt to dodge the rain.
Last week I did 81,000 steps and felt very confident going into this…
Today? Two “mini” walks later and I can confirm it felt like I’d climbed a mountain!
It’s only Day 1… legs are already negotiating, but the focus is on the bigger goal.
Let’s see what Day 2 brings!
You got this Thandi!