🗻🇯🇵Mount Fuji virtual challenge - January 2021 🇯🇵🗻

January is always a time for resolutions — the ones we never quite stick to, leaving us frustrated and disappointed.

This year, I decided to do something different. I signed up for a virtual challenge: climbing Mount Fuji. The goal? To run, walk, cycle, or swim 46 miles in 28 days and earn a medal at the end. As you may know from my previous blogs, I love a challenge, so I decided to write daily updates on my progress. Here’s how it’s going so far…

Day 1 – The most important day:

I walked 1.3 miles today. Not huge, but it was -2°C with snow everywhere, so I felt proud. You could see your breath in the cold! I only had a few minutes, but it felt great to tick off my first mile.

Day 2:

I helped my manager put up posters at work today, so I managed 2.5 miles in total. Feeling super proud — I know some days won’t be as productive, so every mile counts!

Day 3:

A full day at work from 9 am – 5:30 pm limited me to 1.1 miles. Not a huge distance, but I’m enjoying getting into a routine and gradually building this into my busy life.

Day 4:

Worked full hours again, so no walking today. Tomorrow is my day off, and I’m excited to get some serious miles in!

Day 5:

I smashed it today! 3.3 miles added, bringing my total to just over 9 miles — 20% of the challenge complete! Every milestone also plants a real tree in locations that need it, so two down, four to go! 🌳

Day 6:

Rest day after yesterday’s effort. No walking today, but I’ll be back at it tomorrow with another 2 miles.

Day 7:

One week in! No miles today — worked all day, and it’s too dark to get out.

Rather than daily updates now, I’ll focus on the big milestones. The first one I want to share is 50% completion. When I first saw 46 miles, I was terrified and wondered why I signed up. But halfway through, I realised just how capable I am.

The reason I signed up? To challenge myself and get back to the old me. The journey hasn’t been easy — walking in rain, snow, and mud, pushing myself mentally and physically — but every step reminds me I’m stronger than I thought.

If anyone reading this wants to try something new and push themselves, I cannot recommend virtual challenges enough.

I’ve already signed up for my next one: Mount Everest! I started on February 1st and I’m already 12.9 miles in. These challenges have been amazing for motivation and getting outside, especially during the pandemic.

Stay tuned — I’ll be sharing my Mount Everest journey soon, and I can’t wait to show you my beautiful medal! 🏅

Take care and be safe everyone.

Chloe x