
Meet last year's autumn Step Count Champion
Donna, from team Step in the Rx Direction, won last year's autumn Step Count Champion competition. Donna shared with us how taking part in the challenge gave her the motivation to spend time connecting with nature after a busy working day.
I initially joined the Autumn step challenge to boost my fitness but also found I enjoyed the friendly competition between teams at work. As someone with a desk job, it motivated me to walk more, whether before or after work, or during lunch breaks. Setting weekly step targets kept me focused, and I aimed to beat my previous week’s count, even by a few hundred steps.
Starting my day just forty minutes earlier and going for a walk before work not only increased my steps but helped improved my mindset before starting my day and a quick walk at lunchtime helped me re-focus. Walking allowed me to reflect on challenges from the day and see things from new perspectives. To reach my step target I walked whilst my children were at their clubs and occasionally I would either leave the car at home or park further away from my destination and walk instead.
During the challenge I explored different routes; in the woods, along the beach, country lanes, through local towns and villages, which kept things interesting. Living in Scotland, the weather can be unpredictable at times but as long as I was dressed appropriately the weather didn’t matter and my mood always felt better after walking. Walking with my children was a lovely way to connect with them away from the daily busyness and kept them away from screens. During my walks I was lucky enough to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets, meet other walkers and an array of wildlife. I did get a fright early one morning when three deer jumped onto the path just a few meters in front of me!
My favourite route was a peaceful woodland walk with my dog, offering a quiet escape from a busy week, leaving me feeling closer to nature.
As my steps increased, I slept better and felt fitter and stronger. I highly recommend the walking challenge for its many benefits and would definitely participate again.