71. Diwrnod Gorffwys – Rest Day

71. Diwrnod Gorffwys – Rest Day

I awoke feeling like I’d been hit by a sledgehammer. I was shattered despite sleeping for ten hours. A sure fire sign that I needed to rest. I’ve been resisting taking a rest day for two and a half weeks but have had to give in. 

So that is what I decided to do today. Nothing. 

At the start of the day, I felt guilty. I thought I should be out there, making progress. 

However, I then checked my stats, which is something I haven’t done for a while. I saw that since I started walking, I have climbed more than 43,000 feet on the Offa’s Dyke Path and Wales Coast Path in accumulative terms. To put it in perspective, Everest is 29,000 feet. And I’ve lugged a 20KG the whole way too. 

After this realisation, I decided not to be so hard on myself when I’m walking, and to stop being disappointed with what I perceive to be short distances. This isn’t a weekend’s ramble or even a week-long backpacking trek. People who think it is probably haven’t walked more than a thousand miles carrying almost half their body weight on their backs. The only people who understand what this is like is the other people who’ve done it, frankly. 

So in sum, I don’t think I’m doing half bad, all things considered. 

Oh, and I’ve loved doing nothing today too.

6 thoughts on “71. Diwrnod Gorffwys – Rest Day

  1. Lovely lady, what you say is true. I’m a big believer in the proverb – “Never judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.”

    There are so many factors that make this challenge, for you, harder or easier than for another person.

    You have to do what is best for you and above all enjoy the experience! Not many people get to do what you are doing – so enjoy every moment!!

    You are an inspiration to many and a role model to others. I’m privileged to know you as a friend and send you lots of positivity and love.
    Safe trip
    El
    Xx

  2. Sounds to me like you have made the right decision! Your trip is a HUGE undertaking and if you are shattered and pole axed of course you need to rest! So, enjoy your recuperation day, look after yourself and do some nice gentle stretches.

  3. You make me smile Siriol.
    Your body has been telling you for some time to rest as I’m sure friends and family have (privately). But even in your blog your stubborn determination is bubblng angrily below the surface.
    A few days ago your post questioned what your dad may have made of your efforts.
    I have a daughter a little older than you, and as a dad I know, like me with my daughter (albeit for different reasons) he would have been filled with immense pride.

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