Surface Ripples

Walking For Jack's Place

A couple of weeks ago, my nine-year old daughter and I completed 12 miles of the Clarendon Walk from Broughton in Hampshire to Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire in aid of Jack's Place at Naomi House. This was our first big fundraiser together and I'm glad to say that we managed the whole course!

What impressed me most was my daughter's willingness to put in the effort for this. She needed to have the right equipment (a good pair of boots and socks, as well as a daddy with a rucksack full of extra rations, drinks, first-aid kit, spare socks), training and - most importantly - attitude. By the time we started, she had the equipment and the training and knew that she could do it. Half the battle was won!

As in many cases, the journey is part of reaching your goal. A group of friends and parents were also on the walk, and we all encouraged and supported each other along the way. The weather was fantastic with scattered clouds, a good breeze, and firm, dry going on the way. Preparation paid off as blisters came up, drinks were needed, and other minor distractions arose where "Daddy" was needed. We kept going, guided by others on the route and by a wonderful group of marshalls who encouraged us as we passed with updates of how far we had to go. We all had each other for company, so could share conversation and not notice the miles as they passed.

The time I really knew that we were going to do it was when, cresting a rise, we saw the spire of Salisbury Cathedral about two miles away. It was all "downhill" from there. As we finally crossed the line, we were applauded and told where to go to get our medals. For my daughter, she had certainly achieved a physical goal over which she had doubts at the beginning (as did I over my own physical abilities!).

Lessons? Preparation, attitude, and a willingness to support others help you not only reach your goal, but actually enjoy getting there. We sometimes forget to enjoy the journey, so focused are we on getting to its end. It's the journey that teaches us more about ourselves and others, the end is the icing on the cake.

Labels: Leisure, Social

posted by William Martin @ 17:34