Crossing The Belly of Britain
I plan to journey, solo, across the width of Great Britain by biking, walking and possibly crawling !
WHO AM I?
Hey, my name is Eleanor and I am a 48 year old lass, born in Barnsley and currently residing in Holmfirth.
I have always enjoyed being active and was always doing something (often good but mostly bad!) when I was growing up.
I suffered a back injury at the age of 9 and although it didn’t stop me from being active, it did restrict me. I then suffered from a road traffic accident at the age of 27 which caused a labral tear in my right hip and other issues with my pelvis.
I have learned ways of coping with my back pain while still being as active as I can be.
WHY AM I DOING THIS?
I like to set myself new challenges. I believe that we learn so much more about ourselves when we spend time outside of our comfort zone.
I cannot recall where I got this brilliant idea from to be honest! Most of my silly ideas just pop into my head ☺
I thought it would be something great to look back on when I’m 80 and in my purple rocking chair!
So, here we are, my challenge of crossing what I’ve dubbed the BELLY OF BRITAIN.
MY BACK ISSUES
The above image has been taken from the latest MRI scan completed in September 2021 showing three of the desiccated discs.
This is an image to show what a right hip labral tear looks like.
As mentioned in the WHO AM I section, I have suffered from chronic back pain for all my adult life.
The labral tear has been repaired but does cause intermittent pain and discomfort. The main issues with my back pain are inflammation in my sacroiliac joint, desiccated of vertebral discs and stenosis. The latter being extra bone growth that is narrowing the gap between some of the vertebrae.
I take daily prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Some days are worse than others with the pain level. I do what I can, but I do often feel frustrated that I cannot be as active as I’d like to be.
TRAVELLING SOLO
I will be travelling solo, and my hope is to learn new things about my own self and my capabilities.
I plan to stay in hotel rooms each and every night. This is because I will need a hot bath and a comfortable bed to rest.
I know that there will times when I feel that I cannot complete this challenge. The pain may get so bad that I may question whether I am physically or mentally strong enough.
I do plan to invite my family and friends to record voicemails for me so that I can listen to them whenever I feel it’s too much. Hearing my family and friends voice in my ear will surely spur me on. Unless it’s my dad’s of course, telling me to get a move on !
TRAINING SO FAR…
My original plan was to walk the width of Britain. I worked out that I could take 22 days away from my business and based upon the distance being an estimated 220 miles, I would need to walk an average of 10 miles per day.
I started off by walking a couple of miles per day and then having a rest for a couple of days.
I soon realised that walking 10 miles per day, every day for 22 days would be way too difficult for me.
I then came up with the idea of using a bicycle for some or all of the journey. This could help with taking the pressure off my back and reduce the constant feeling of jarring my lower back.
I haven’t ridden a bicycle in over 30 years, but you never forget…right?!
This video shows me towards the end of a 5-mile walk.
DETAILS OF THE CHALLENGE
This is the route that I plan to take from Southport to Hornsea.
I will be starting this journey on the 21st of July 2023 and should be finished around the 04th of August 2023.
I will be using some of the canal ways, some of the Trans Pennine Trail and the rest will be simply winging it!
The distance will be an estimated 170 to 180 miles and I plan to cover around 15 miles per day.
I have been busy saving my pennies to cover the expenses of this journey.
I have booked the places that I plan to stay which are based upon the number of daily miles that I believe I can cover.
So far I have purchased padded cycling shorts (which look and feel ridiculous), clip in trainers for my bike pedals and some new tops.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Although I will be travelling solo, it will be a huge help to know that people are thinking of me during my journey.
To get involved you can do any (or all) of the following:
- You are welcome to watch my daily updates which will be added to my Facebook Page.
- You can send me a message by completing the “Leave Me A Message” section at the bottom of this page.
- I have already saved up enough funds to cover my challenge. However as a bit of fun and as a simple gesture you can treat me to a cuppa, ice-cream, some choci or a meal.
PLEASE LEAVE ME A MESSAGE
I’d love to hear from you so please feel free to send me a message of support.
Receiving encouragement really does mean the world to me x
(Note: please use plain text without emojis or the message won’t come through to me)
I have recently written this, my first ever poem…
Dear Chronic back pain
You’re with me every single day
A constant nagging pressure
Please pain, just go away
I try to be fit and healthy
Going for walks and riding my bike
Even though you often stop me
Being outdoors and moving is what I like
I am planning an Adventure
One I will be travelling alone
Although you’ll make this journey arduous
Dear pain, I am stronger than you’ll ever know
