Over the years, and during the last few days especially, many folk have asked me what nordic walking is, and why I seem to be so fanatical about it. In the blog on my training, last Friday, I explained that I took up nordic walking around 12 years ago, and that I soon discovered theContinue reading “The Discipline and Mindfulness of Nordic Walking”
Author Archives: nickletjog
Mind – Mental Health Awareness Week
As you may have seen from fairly extensive media coverage over the last few days, we are now into Mental Health Awareness Week. Mind, one of the three excellent charities that LETJOG is supporting, is a key organisation behind this initiative, so today I am taking a little time to reflect on their mission andContinue reading “Mind – Mental Health Awareness Week”
Getting Ready for LETJOG (5) Communication
Making a commitment to oneself to undertake a project such as LETJOG is the easy bit. Over some months, as I looked at the detail and feasibility of the walk, I pondered my ability, both physically and mentally, to cope with the demands of a long solo trek each day for two to three months.Continue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (5) Communication”
Getting Ready for LETJOG (4) Logistics
Having planned the route, arranging accommodation in the right places is all-important, as every mile off route is potentially two miles further to walk! Add to this the desire to coincide my walking with the opening times of breweries and distilleries, where possible, and quite a complex picture presents. Arranging suitable accommodation in the rightContinue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (4) Logistics”
Getting Ready for LETJOG (3) Kit
The topic of clothing and equipment might be a little mundane for most, but I have included it for those who might be planning walking trips of their own. The summary, for all others, is that I will be travelling light, with the exception of lots of (hopefully) surplus things to keep me safe, dryContinue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (3) Kit”
Getting Ready for LETJOG (2) Route Planning
As a geographer, I have always had a fascination for maps, and I sometimes like to think that I can sit and read them like a story, letting my imagination run wild as I traverse plains, climb hills, and follow rivers from source to mouth. My first ‘real’ job was based opposite Stanfords map shopContinue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (2) Route Planning”
Getting Ready for LETJOG (1) Training
In these next few pieces, I am reflecting on my preparation for LETJOG, in the hope that this might be of idle interest to those supporting me, and/or as a reference for anyone contemplating their own outdoor marathon. I start from the standpoint of a recent 60-year old who stopped participating in regular competitive sportContinue reading “Getting Ready for LETJOG (1) Training”
Why Am I LETJOG-ing?
Good question – where to start?! Well, I have always enjoyed walking – I have done most of the well-known long-distance paths in the UK, and many interesting hikes and climbs overseas. These have not always represented easy option holidays, but I have certainly always returned home having savoured the open air exertion and theContinue reading “Why Am I LETJOG-ing?”
What is LETJOG?*
Land’s End, the most south westerly point on the Cornish peninsula, and John O’Groats on the north east tip of Scotland, are the two most distant points on mainland Great Britain. Therein has lain the challenge for a fair number of walkers, like myself, in attempting a journey under their own steam between these nationalContinue reading “What is LETJOG?*”
