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michael cooling

Moving through May 2026

Help michael raise £1000!

My Activity Tracking

1,407
kms

My target 1309 kms

Thanks for visiting my page.

I am taking part in Kier Group ‘Moving through May 2026’ (#MTM26) challenge to raise funds for the Kier Foundation. This year, I’ve set myself an ambitious target and at 56, I plan to walk an astonishing 1,309 kilometres over the month, which works out to the equivalent of walking a marathon every single day, (42.2Km) all outside of my working hours or counting daily steps!

 

This event is in support of the Kier Group’s charity partner, Action for Children, as well as several other worthy causes chosen by the Kier Eastern & Midlands region, including Animals in Need Northamptonshire, Midland Air Ambulance, and local to me East Anglian Air Ambulance.

 

In these unpredictable times, the need for charitable support has never been greater. Any donation, big or small, will make a tangible difference, enabling these organisations to continue their vital work in our communities. Your support would be hugely appreciated and would help provide crucial aid where it’s needed most.

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£1,956 + £290 GiftAid

My Goal

£1,000

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My Achievements

Uploaded a profile pic

Self donated

Shared fundraising page

Added a Blog Post

Raised £50

Raised £100

Reached fundraising goal

Reached 100km

Reached 300km

Reached 1,000km

Reached distance goal

My Updates

Day 31

Sunday 31st May
Sunday 31st May - Weekend - Can't believe the last day is here, and thoughts already going through my mind, what do I do to fill the void tomorrow? 

Thirty-one days ago, I set myself what felt like an enormous challenge: could an average 56-year-old walk a marathon every day for 31 consecutive days, all outside of work hours?

It turns out I can, and still smile at the end.

What I didn't fully appreciate at the start was just how tough the journey would be. A huge amount of hard work, commitment, and determination has gone into completing this challenge. Things became even more difficult when blisters appeared on Day 5 and stayed with me throughout the month.

There were opportunities to make life easier. I could have worked from home, taken annual leave, or found ways to reduce the pressure. But that wasn't the challenge I had set myself. I wanted to make it as demanding and authentic as possible, balancing the miles with the realities of work and everyday life.

Would I do it again?

The simple answer is no.

But am I proud of what I've achieved?

Absolutely.

Completing a marathon a day for 31 straight days has pushed me further than I thought possible, both physically and mentally. While I may not be rushing to repeat it, I'll always look back on this challenge with immense pride, knowing that I set out to do something extraordinary and saw it through to the very end.

Every mile walked has been driven by the thought that together we can help these charities continue saving and changing lives every single day.

If you have already donated, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you were thinking about supporting the challenge, now is the perfect time to help me not just reach the target but smash it.

Please if you can make a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, genuinely makes a difference

Final Stats on day 31 - start walking 05:30 - finished walking 17:00 - 8hrs 25mins 45.23km walked 

Grand Total of 1407km in 246 hours.

Day 30

Sunday 31st May
Saturday 30th May - Weekend - WOW! can't believe this challenge is nearly over, in some way its been a really long month, but then reflecting back, its gone so quickly.

Sun is out, sun cream on, lets do this. Feet aren't protesting too much today, so slow and steady approach, as please no more blisters!

Stats on day 30 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 20::00 - 8hrs 45mins 45.17km walked 

Day 29

Sunday 31st May
Friday 29th May - Workday - what a final week, by the end of the day, I achieved my challenge in completing >1309km, 1316km currently walked with only 2 more marathon distances to go, nearly done, we've got this!

Stats on day 29 - start walking 06:00 - finished walking 21::50 - 8hrs 15mins 44.86km walked 

Day 28

Friday 29th May

Thursday 28th May – Workday – Turns out giving my feet an 8-hour recovery window was wildly optimistic. The morning walk felt exactly like yesterday’s painful event, however, somehow, through stubbornness, we carried on — and by the end of the day the pain downgraded itself from “medieval torture” to “mildly angry.”

Stats on day 28 - start walking 06:00 - finished walking 22::00 - 8hrs 20mins 44.96km walked 

Day 27

Thursday 28th May
Wednesday 27th May - Workday - but today if different as its volunteering day, as going to The Fields Nursery School in Cambridge, so early start to ensure Km's are in the bag - 17kms achieved before 07:30 - felt good.

Had a amazing day applying preservative treatment to sheds and dark oak staining the lakehouse, and wrapped it up by sweeping their play area.

I then managed to go to East Anglian AIr Ambulance site in Norwich, it was great catching up with Dr Chris & Luke and listen to the amazing inspirational stories, these are true heroes amongst us however, the fun ended and reality set back in as I had 27km to complete, as whilst the head had been distracted, the feet as other plans and a fresh batch of blisters to the heals popped up, so to say was painful is putting it mildly, image waking for 27km with small angular stones under your socks which won't go away and a brutal reminder that this challenge is far from over, so going deeper into reserves to blank out the massive discomfort.

Stats on day 27 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22::40 - 8hrs 44.21km walked 

Day 26

Thursday 28th May
Tuesday 26th May - Workday - doesn't feel like a long weekend was just had, due to early morning starts and long hot days, but cautious of what lies ahead, as generally apart from the pain from the ever growing blisters, body & head feeling good, as now on the final stretch.

Stats on day 26 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:30 - 8hrs 44.39km walked 

Day 25

Thursday 28th May
Bank Holiday Monday - another scorcher day planned, which I don't mind, as head is focused on achieving goal, so plenty of sun tan lotion on, as pre-holiday tan coming on nicely.

Alongside the kilometres has come increasingly unhinged foot-care engineering — including using a large plastic bottle top to protect blister the size of a 10p on the side of my feet

Stats on day 25 - start walking 05:30 - finished walking 20;:00 - 8hrs 50mins 45.62km walked 

Day 24

Thursday 28th May
Sunday 24th May - Weekend - and its hotter than yesterday, but its collect Dad from Airport day, as had 3 weeks in the Sun, so focused on what to achieve before collection, and more importantly, planning walks to avoid the midday sun... as would take 5hrs to collect & drop off as due in at 14:30.

However, nothing goes to plan, flight delyed by 3.5hrs, so avoiding the midday sun took the back seat, as rather have the heat over the prospect of completing final 17km walk at  21:30. 5 hour journey turned out to be 6hrs, due to Passport control delays, 

Sunday also had other plans for me and spice things up further when Strava apparently suffered heat stroke and casually forgot to record my kilometres. A “Glitch,” they called it. Convenient. So naturally I had to walk an extra 3km just to make sure the distance counted properly. At this point I’m basically doing bonus levels nobody asked for.

Stats on day 24 - start walking 05:30 - finished walking 22::00 - 8hrs  46.95km walked 

Day 23

Thursday 28th May
Saturday 23rd May - Weekend - and its going to get hot!

I only have 309km to go to meet my goal, but I'm ahead and looking back, if i was just going for the mileage, I would of taken the easy route back on Day 5 when the first blisters came, so marathon a day is still on.

all going well, feet felt light as feathers, spirits sky high… and then Saturday evening arrived like an unpaid debt collector with a fresh batch of blisters and a brutal reminder that this challenge is, in fact, absolutely not a walk in the park.

Stats on day 23 - start walking 06:30 - finished walking 18:00 - 8hrs 45mins 44.87km walked 

Day 22

Friday 22nd May
Friday 22nd May - Week day - Cant believe already week 4 is upon us, and the finishing line isn't too far away - okay, approx 405km, but today will see another milestone with 1000km achieved.

Massive shout out to the family, as had absolutely entered their support-crew era this week. After spending the day speed-waddling my way through yet another marathon, the final 3km hits like I’ve suddenly started walking through wet cement. That’s usually  again I start questioning all my life choices.

But right on cue, the family turns up to walk the last 3km with me — part emotional support, part witness protection in case I collapse into a hedge. Honestly, nothing lifts the spirits quite like moral support and people willing to witness your blister-powered shuffle to the finish line.

Stats on day 22 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:25 - 8hrs 25mins 45km walked 

Day 21

Friday 22nd May
Thursday 21st May - Week day - Week 3 completed! Apart from the troublesome blisters,  morale is still high. The feet may be staging a full-scale protest, but the sun’s back out, so naturally I’ve decided everything is fine again.

Stats on day 21 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:15 - 7hrs 45mins 45km walked 

DAY 20

Friday 22nd May
Wednesday 20th May - Week day - I haven’t yet mentioned that I’m involved in a friendly competition with my colleagues at the SCAPE office. It’s me competing against eight others, and right now their collective distance stands at 501 km. Of course, that’s bound to shift once everyone finishes uploading their latest results.

Stats on day 20 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:25 - 7hrs 45mins 45km walked 

Day 19

Wednesday 20th May
Tuesday 19th May - Week day - Wet windy start

From the high of Monday, Tuesday arrived and my feet said, “Absolutely not.” Now seriously considering reaching out for a sponsorship deal with “Compeed blister plasters” just to keep going.

At this stage, we’ve developed a toxic but functional relationship: they blister, I complain dramatically, and then keep walking anyway. 

Stats on day 19 - start walking 06:30 - finished walking 22:25 - 7hrs 40mins 45km walked 

Day 18

Wednesday 20th May
Monday 18th May - Week day - Massive day over 1 MILLION steps achieved.

For the first time in weeks my feet felt amazing. Honestly, I thought I’d been cured. I was floating along like an Olympic gazelle and this was the turning point I was dreaming off...................

Stats on day 18 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:30 - 7hrs 40mins 45.9km walked 

Day 17

Wednesday 20th May
Sunday 17th May - Weekend - During the early morning walk, I found myself unexpectedly emotional as I pictured reaching the finishing line, It just goes to show how much this means to me, and with below reviewed, I’m even more determined to see it through and not let anyone down. Still a long way to go.

Stats on day 17 - start walking 06:30 - finished walking 17:30 - 8hrs 45.32km walked 

Day 16

Wednesday 20th May
Saturday 16th May - Weekend has arrived and much needed rest time.

This is my typical work day x5 (90hr Week)

04:35 - Alarm goes off - new day begins
06:00 - arrive on site after 50min car journey
06:10 - first walk of day begins before work begins at 08:00
Lunchtime - squeeze in another short walk
16:15 - work ends, evening walk commences
18:15 - leave work 60min car journey home
19:30 - commence final walk with aim of completing distance by 22:30.

Stats on day 16 - start walking 06:30 - finished walking 17:50 - 8hrs 20mins 44.9km walked 

Day 15

Friday 15th May

Friday 15th May - Work day - Made it into the third week 

My mood lifted considerably on Friday when a colleague got in touch to say what a fantastic effort it is, and how they couldn’t imagine the amount of time and commitment involved, let alone how I’m managing to fit it all in

With 15 marathon distances completed in 14 days, perhaps I'm regretting do more, but feeling good when in the grove. 

Stats on day 15 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:40 - 7.2hrs  46km walked 

Day 14

Friday 15th May

Thursday 14th May - Work day – nearly at the end of the second week.

I hit my first mental roadblock in the evening and started doubting the whole endeavour, I obviously have too much thinking time whilst walking. 

Stats on day 14 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:40 - 7.2hrs  46km walked 


Day 13

Friday 15th May
Wednesday 13th May - Work day - Well I spoke too soon, just had my first heavy shower for the morning walk, but at this point a bit of rain isn’t going to dampen my spirits… just literally everything else I own.

Stats on day 13 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:45 - 7.5hrs  46km walked 

Day 12

Friday 15th May
Tuesday 12th May - Work day - No let up on blisters, It’s basically a rotating cast of foot-based drama. Every time one disappears, another turns up like, “Morning boss, I’m your new problem.” but on the positive, its still dry weather for walking.

Stats on day 12 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:40 - 7.5hrs  46.5km walked 

Day 11

Friday 15th May
Monday 11th May - Work day - I know I have a long week ahead, so head down and away I go.

Stats on day 11 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:30 - 7.5hrs  46.76km walked 

Day 10

Sunday 10th May
Sunday 10th May - Weekend - 13hr recovery between walks was bliss - morning walk felt good, but more blisters appeared in between the toes - ouch! - i'm not on top of these, but doing what i can to ease the pain.

End of day 10, with 10 Marathon's now completed and a total of 453km walked is like traveling from Norwich to Liverpool or Newcastle, Crazy.

Stats on day 10 - start walking 06:40 - finished walking 17:10 - 8.2hrs  44.75km walked 

Day 9

Sunday 10th May
Saturday 9th May - Weekend - lets get some well needed recovery time in

Stats on day 9 - start walking 06:40 - finished walking 17:10 - 8.4hrs  44km walked 

Day 8

Sunday 10th May
Friday 8th May - Work day - Made it into the second week - with 7 marathons completed in 7 days, renewed energy I can do this!

Stats on day 8 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:30 - 8hrs 40mins 44.75km walked 

Day 7

Sunday 10th May
Thursday 7th May - Work day - Now trying to ignore the discomfort of the feet, evening foot spar's working along side the blister plasters, but no time for recovery as only 7hrs between walks

Stats on day 7 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:30 - 8hrs  44km walked 

Day 6

Sunday 10th May
Wednesday 6th May - Work day - The first morning walk felt like this is 'D' day, feet in so much pain, with 5 marathon distances covered, should I amend my challenge as becoming tough, but I'm not giving up - head wins again!

Stats on day 6 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 23:10 - 8hrs 30min 46km walked 

Day 5

Sunday 10th May
Tuesday 5th May - Work day - reality set in, feet blisters extremely sore, first 2km walked like an old man - felt like brain protecting feet, until eventually things back to normal but with discomfort, Legs stiffened up when at work station, so work colleagues questioned if I should carry on and only do the bare minimum as addition Km's had been banked, but I know my body and the hundreds of hours in the gym and 1200km walked in the last 4 months - head wins I now choose to complete the Marathon distance of 42.2km a day 

Stats on day 5 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:45 - 9hrs 15min 42.5km walked.

Day 4

Sunday 10th May
Bank Holiday Monday 4th May - Stats on day 4 - start walking 07:00 - finished walking 17:30 - 8 hrs 46km walked.

End of Day with 185km walked, the blister gods apparently wanted my feet to have their own dramatic storyline, Arhh!!!!


Day 3

Sunday 10th May
Sunday 3rd May - Early morning start Family duties - driving Dad to Airport - 210 mile round trip 4.5 hrs 02:30 - 07:00.

Stats on day 3 - start walking 08:00 - finished walking 20.50 - 9hrs 50km walked. 

The journey has gone pretty much as expected: equal parts “wow, this is amazing” and “why do my legs hate me?”

Day 2

Sunday 10th May
Saturday 2nd May - Stats on day 2 - start walking 06:40 - finished walking 20:30 - 8 hrs 45.5km walked.

Day 1

Friday 1st May
First km completed at 06:20, photo moment, now only another 1,308 to go. Work day, so know it will be a long one! Stats on day 1 - start walking 06:10 - finished walking 22:36 - 7 hrs 41 mins 45km walked.

Thank you to my Sponsors

£100

Dylan - Wernick Mod Hire

Well done on your challenge! Keep up the excellent work! From Dylan and all the Wernick team.

£100

Narford Scaffolding

Huge achievement Michael, well done from all at Narford Scaffolding

£100

Lcm Environmental

What a fantastic effort! Well done Michael, from all of us at LCM!

£100

Geosphere Environmental Ltd

Well done Michael! - All at Geosphere Environmental Ltd!

£100

Tim Bellamy

Well done Michael, an amazing achievement!

£100

Sotham Engineering

Good luck Michael; an incredible challenge!

£100

Liz And Ian

Incredible achievement, Michael. Well done!

£60

Wally

phew, at least I now get a cup of coffee in the mornings, now your back at work, ha ha.

£50

Ben Leach

£50

Karen

My brother an absolute legend. I'm so proud of you. What you have achieved for these well deserved charities is incredible. You're my hero.

£50

Ecology Link

£50

Martin Lewis

Well done Michael from all at Chaplin Farrant

£50

Anonymous

£50

Ceetech Limited

Well Done Michael!

£50

Ben Leach - Ppsl District Heating Ltd

Good Luck with your challenge from all at PPSL District Heating Ltd

£50

Michael Cooling

£50

Mark Mears

Come on Michael and at 56

£31

Tom Collier

Wow. What a challenge! Well done mate 👌

£30

Chris Smith

Good luck with the Blisters!

£30

Steen Bryant

This is extraordinary! Covering this distance by walking every day is beyond comprehension. Keep plodding on!

£25

Ritesh Mistry

Fantastic challenge Micheal. Wish you all the best every step of the way!

£25

Roisin Byrne

The design team are rooting for you Michael!! I hope you have a good pair of shoes.

£25

Alasdair.

Go Go Cooling!!!!!!!!

£25

Karl E & K

One day to go, you’re doing great. Final push tomorrow, what an amazing achievement. 😁

£25

Richard Bradshaw

Fantastic effort Michael, Well Done.

£25

Nick Leonard

Well done mate

£25

Mark Rust

Well done marathon man

£25

Phil Clark

Well Done!

£25

Giles Williams

£25

Chris Clifton

Well done Michael, through those early days of May when you were feeling the pain and I asked you “are you sure you’re okay” you stood tall, and FairPlay to you, you smashed it and should be proud 👍

£25

Anonymous

£25

Steve Smith

Just the thought of walking a marathon a day is painful enough! Keep going Michael - Incredible effort! 👏

£25

Adam Cooper

£20

James Wood

Great challenge Michael, lots of thinking time and podcast i'm sure.

£20

Stefania Tammaro

Go Michael! Incredible dedication for such great causes.

£20

Allie & Graham

Great job! Keep it up

£20

Lee Smart

£20

Aswin Prakash

Keep going Forrest , you've got this !

£20

Jim Dawson

Well done Michael! If you've walked around the bases you'll know them even better now! ATB Jim D

£20

Zoe Clarke-smith

£20

Duncan Roberts

Well done, Michael, fantastic achievement!

£20

Nicci Girkin

An absolutely crazy challenge for an amazing cause. A marathon a day for a month and you are smashing through it. Well done Michael

£20

Dorin P.

Impressive work Michael you are raising the bar for the rest of us. Keep it up !

£20

Jon Church

Fantastic Michael!!! Remember, your pain is temporary - bragging rights are forever! Well done you absolute Legend!!!!

£20

Ros & Trevor Dockray

Keep it up, so proud of you.

£15

James Warrington

You’re mental and AMAZING! Following your 8 days of rest back to the gym later!

£15

Jamie Downie

£10

Jacob Harker

£10

James Warrington

Go smash it Michael!!

£10

Janet Warmsley

Good Job Michael! hope your feet recover soon,

£10

Steve Marrison

Quite some achievement and definitely a life moment to look back on with pride.

£10

Nick Calton

£10

Kev Ross

Well Done!