‘parkwalk is still working out’: Victoria’s parkwalk story 

Growing up as the daughter of a professional footballer in South Africa, Victoria was immersed in the world of sports from an early age.

This is how she discovered her love running, which fast became her favourite way to move and feel free.

But with time, things changed. Having children meant her time was taken away from sport and the outdoors.

Now, at 50, she’s making a comeback to the sport she once loved – but in a slightly different way.

“Every time I try [to run], I end up with aches and pains,” explains Victoria, an NHS worker.

So instead, she’s parkwalking.

And while it wasn’t an easy transition going from running to walking at parkrun, Victoria is now grateful for the time she gets to spend outdoors – feeling free once more.

“parkwalking is still getting out, it’s still working out and I feel good, and when I do parkwalk, I still get the benefits of running, expect I don’t have as many aches,” she explains.

Working in a stressful environment for the NHS, Victoria also sees the benefits of parkwalk from a mental health perspective.

It also helped her to cope with the unexpected death of her mum two years ago.

“It was tough,” she says. “But going out that park and doing whatever I can suddenly gave me the boost that I needed.”

“People at parkrun are so friendly, they’re so welcoming, so encouraging. Everyone is there to have a good time.

“When we are there, we are one.”

What started as a tentative step into something new is now Victoria’s – and her husband’s – weekly highlight.

Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to run to feel the benefits of movement and that sometimes, the most meaningful journey can start with one step.

You can watch Victoria’s story below or see more stories from our members giving parkrun and parkwalk a go via the Vitality YouTube channel.

Related: The power of a community walk