I added a simple walk around the block because my block is 10 kilometres! I wanted some physical challenges on the Top 40 list along with the things I’d never done and the various food indulgences. Walking 10km is a challenge because it’s much further than I usually go, but it’s not too great a challenge because it is still just walking.

I knew it would take me about two hours to complete my block. Half the route is quite hilly and the rest is mostly flat. It was a hot day, so I took a bottle of water but promised myself I wouldn’t have any until I was done at least a third of the walk, which worked well. I finished my water on the home stretch, but it was really warm by then.

On the third side of my rectangular block, I was passed by two pairs of cyclists. I could hear their entire conversation because it’s so quiet in the country, and I learned that triathletes should train with multiple swimming strokes, not just the front crawl that they’ll use in the race. Apparently this will make them an overall better swimmer, which will improve their performance. I have no idea if this is true. The cyclist who was listening may have been rolling his eyes, for all I know, but it’s what I heard.

I managed to keep up a respectable pace throughout the walk. By the half-way point my feet hurt. They hurt at the best of times but when walking such a long distance the bottom of my heels started to hurt, feeling like a blister was developing. From the top of my feet up to my shins started to stiffen up as well.

It was a good challenge and I’m glad I completed it.

This is the view facing east, on the first leg of my walk.

This is the view facing west, on the first leg.