Hiking to 40km in August

Years ago, in my 30s, I took on the 4 Peaks Challenge with a group from work to raise funds for Focus Ireland, a charity that supports the homeless in Ireland. I trained as best I could during the week after work. I walked miles on the road with several litres of water in my backpack. Finishing each walk by climbing the steps on the dock road in Limerick several times. We practised hiking up Carrauntoohil, Ben Bulben and Keeper Hill at the weekend.

But nothing prepared me for 4 peaks in 24 hours. Rising at 5 am to head up Carrauntoohil, the fog and wind were coming in on top of us, blocking our view. The car journeys from peak to peak, eating on the go and that awful feeling of getting out of the car with stiff, sore legs. I was eaten alive on Mweelrea by flies, and as I swotted them off like a mad woman, the 'Connemara Socks' team ran past me in unison like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie. It was beautiful and soul-destroying all in the same day.

Slieve Donard was beautiful with steps to the summit.  As romantic as you get. Lugnaquilla nearly broke me entirely as I had reached a physical wall. One step in front of the other. With some support and encouragement, I was smiling again and running back down.

But nothing compared to walking into the tea hall after the challenge and meeting the  Connemara Socks, who shook my hand and said they thought for a while I wouldn't make it. Oh ye of little faith!

After that, I confined my walking to lower ground until I came across a challenge that I felt I would love to do. I talked myself out of it many times, as I knew it would be hard to manage energy levels. But I then decided to go for it.

During August, I volunteered to hike 40km to raise funds for @Breakthrough Cancer Research. There are over 200 researchers in 13 institutions across Ireland working tirelessly to improve life for people living with cancer. It is incredible to think that treatments could be more targeted, side effects reduced, and life expectancy increased.

When I signed up to hike, the number of people joining was incredible. There are now over 500 people raising much-needed funds hiking across Ireland.

It occurred to me that we are showcasing 4 amazing things about Ireland:

1. How highly skilled our graduates are
2. The generosity of the people who are giving their time to hike, and those who donate money
3. How beautiful this country is from the ground and the top of our highest points
4. How resilient a people we are. It will stand to any person battling cancer and help them hold on tough

I walked at my own pace and challenged myself when I felt I could handle it. I rekindled my love of hiking and the mighty people you meet along the way. I didn't feel the pressure I felt in the past. I had time to appreciate the views, drink coffee, take photos and nourish my soul.

I have completed the challenge. Good luck to all the other hikers.

You have shown me parts of Ireland that I have never seen before and hope to see in the future.

Thanks to everyone who supported this great cause and me personally. All our lives are touched by cancer. Cancer shows no discrimination. That's why we need to raise awareness and funding for Cancer research. Maybe next year you will hike to 40 km too.

My focus will return to my family, coaching and writing, but I won't forget this experience. I feel gratitude for my life and my ability to help and encourage others. 

Aintherese Xxx

My fundraising page will remain open to donations until October. See below

#idonate_ie/AinthereseMadden

@Breakthroughcancerresearch

@aintheresemadden_lifecoach