Pam is Walking 10k Steps a Day for Cancer Research UK
Pam Gruskin, part of our fabulous Accounts Team, is walking 10,000 steps every day in March. She’s walking for Cancer Research UK as part of their Walk All Over Cancer challenge, raising money for life-saving research.
When you think that the average person walks around 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day, Pam will need to double that and keep up the consistency – walking every day during March. Yet if you plan ahead and make a few lifestyle changes, those steps can rack up quickly. Walking whenever possible will get your total flying up towards 10,000 (around 5 miles or 8km based on an average stride).
Here we catch up with Pam to see how she’s getting on.
Why did you decide to take part in the challenge?
Like many people, Cancer Research is close to my heart, after losing two close friends to cancer. Also, I was looking for something to push me, exercise-wise, and I like walking so thought why not? My goal was to get fitter, push my walking ability and raise some money for a good cause in the process.
Do you exercise regularly normally?
I’m fairly active and would normally hit over 10k probably 2-3 times a week. So, the challenge is definitely to keep going and be able to maintain that every single day.
What training and preparation did you do?
I am planning my daily activity in advance so that I know I will be able to achieve my daily goal. Like many people, my job requires a lot of sitting – so making sure I can get the steps in during the working week is probably the hardest challenge. Especially as the weather can be quite unpredictable this time of year! I am 16 days in and so far I have experienced all weather – even snow!
What are you enjoying about the challenge?
I am enjoying pushing myself to complete the task, even when I don’t want to go out. And my clothes feeling a little less snug!
What are you finding hard about the challenge?
The work-life balance is the hardest aspect I would say. Some days it is difficult to factor in exercise as well as normal daily tasks.
Has it given you the bug to take part in further fundraising challenges?
Many years ago, I did a 10k walk for Cancer Research too. So yes definitely, I would do something similar again. It gives you a sense of achievement, reaching and exceeding the steps every day. I would like to take on a walking challenge, maybe Snowdon or Ben Nevis.
How much money will you raise if you stay on target?
I set the target at the minimum (£150) because I was unsure in the current climate how much I could fundraise. I’m halfway through and have already raised £235 plus gift aid, which is fantastic. I’m so pleased people are supporting the challenge.
How will you celebrate if you stay on target and complete the challenge?
On my last day of the challenge I go on holiday – so that’s a pretty good reward! I am keeping a track of my weekly steps:
- Week 1 – Steps 104,937 (average 14,991 per day) Miles 46.5
- Week 2 – Steps 112,460 (average 16,065 per day) Miles 49.7
What support has Total Office given you?
We have walking treadmills in the office, so I can use these if needed, and both my wonderful work colleagues, and Total Office, have been very generous in sponsoring me.
Sponsor Pam to keep walking
Help Pam to keep walking – you can donate to Pam’s fundraising page here:
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/pamelas-walk-all-over-cancer-giving-page-41
Feeling inspired?
If you’re feeling inspired to take up the challenge, you can still register at Cancer Research UK. Or if you’d just like to clock up extra steps as part of your daily routine, here are some ways that you can up your daily step count.
- Do a fitness class at home or at the gym
- Take the dog for an extra walk
- Get off the train or bus a stop early
- Always take the stairs
- Explore your local area
- Meet a friend for a walk.
Good luck!
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