my bloghead 2-The First Backwards Walk

On Sunday my wife and I set out to complete the very first 'backwards walk' for our charity Ayrshire Cancer Support. Our aim was to walk from Irvine Beach front to Barassie Pump House, around 11klm there and back of which we duly completed and raised over £600 so far.

But, people constantly ask how did we come up with the idea of a 'backwards walk'?

During a run along the beach, we stopped for a breather and I began to sing an old Goons song 'I'm walking backwards for Christmas'. So, daft me, about turned and began walking backwards singing this song. My wife thought I had lost it but I kept going. I said to Julie, thats it, something completely different that could raise awareness and funds. So we began practicing the walk and after a few blisters and sore calf muscles set a date to do the walk for my charity.

During our practice runs we developed a way to work in tandem. To avoid stumbling into hazards, Julie and I coupled our arms together (see video) where one was acting as a spotter while the other walked backwards. By doing it this way, it meant we could switch around without stopping so as the other person has a go backwards.

Walking backward may seem useless or daft but for people who find regular training difficult due to illness etc, it is a great way to keep fit and socialise. It provides you with both physical and mental well-being and it’s a simple method to challenge your muscles and encourages your mind to focus and operate differently.

For example, Mentally: it can increase your body coordination; certainly takes away the boredom of a gym routine or a long distance run and certainly sharpens your thought processes.

Physically:you are working a new muscle set; helps energy levels and can burn those vital calories.

As you are aware, I have always kept myself fit and I have been running the beach and sand dunes for years (can't shake off the old football training) regularly but since my cancer diagnosis, my energy levels have dropped and some days can be difficult due the effects of the hormone treatment so training patterns have had to changed. Due to the 'backwards walking' routines, i feel my fitness levels have increased and my mind is distracted away from thinking 'cancer' and a great way for you and your partners etc to do something together.

You still have the usual training aches and pains and the odd blister but its better that than sitting on a couch feeling sorry for yourself. So, get out and start 'backwards walking' a great way to develop your fitness for all levels and ages.

Billy Inglis (Vice Chairman Troon FC) with Eddy after they completed the walk.

#backwardswalk