Supporting Mental Health One Step at a Time
Why We Took on the Challenge
Throughout March, the Calibre team took on the challenge of completing 100 miles in support of Mind, while also encouraging healthier habits across both our drivers and office staff. As many people within the transport industry know, long hours on the road can often lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Spending so much time behind the wheel can make it difficult to stay active, which is why we wanted to challenge ourselves while supporting a charity that means a great deal to us. For us, it was about more than just completing miles. It was about raising awareness, supporting Mind, and encouraging our team to make time for their own physical and mental wellbeing.
How Did Everyone Complete Their 100 Miles?
There wasn’t a single approach to the challenge, with everyone finding their own way to reach the target.
Giles: “Before the challenge I usually aimed for 8,000 steps a day, so I increased this to 10,000. The extra steps only took around 20 minutes of additional walking.”
Giles: “If it was nice weather I’d walk outside, but being quite a miserable March this year I did a lot of it on a treadmill.”
Darryl: “I started with walking and in the last two weeks I got the bike out because the weather improved.”
Matt: “I kept to walking the miles for Mind. If I’d used cycling, I’d probably have finished within two weeks, so the walking kept me honest.”
Fitting Activity Around Busy Schedules
One of the biggest challenges was finding the time.
Matt: “I found myself walking two miles from a customer drop-off to the station rather than getting a taxi.”
Darryl: “I’d walk around the station while waiting for trains and spend weekends walking in the countryside or cycling with friends.”
Giles: “I’m fortunate enough to be able to take an hour out of the afternoon to get the steps in – providing I have my phone with me!”
More Than Physical Health
Although the challenge encouraged people to get moving, the benefits went far beyond simply
counting miles.
Darryl: “I found that a quick walk in the morning really set me up for the day.”
Darryl: “I lost 3.4kg during the month and reached the weight I wanted to lose.”
Matt: “What surprised me most was colleagues enjoying walking with me, even though they weren’t officially doing the challenge themselves.”
Giles: “Driving is a very taxing profession. Getting out of the cab and taking a walk, even for a short time, is incredibly beneficial.”
What Kept Everyone Motivated?
Everyone had different reasons for staying committed throughout the month.
Darryl: “I was doing it for my late sister.”
Giles: “Coffee. Huge amounts of coffee!”
Will The Habits Continue?
Perhaps the most encouraging outcome from the challenge is that many participants plan to continue their new routines.
Matt: “I walk a lot anyway, so I’ll definitely be keeping it up.”
Darryl: “I’m getting to the station 20 minutes earlier to walk while waiting and getting the bike out at weekends.”
Giles: “I’d urge people to do it not just for March, but year-round.”
Looking Beyond March
Across the company, the challenge became about far more than simply reaching 100 miles. It encouraged healthier routines, supported wellbeing, brought colleagues together and reminded us all how important it is to take time away from our desks, vehicles and daily routines to look after ourselves.
As Darryl put it:
“Do it. Challenge yourself. It’s a great way to keep fit physically and mentally. You will surprise yourself.”
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated and supported the challenge throughout March. Most importantly, thank you for helping us support Mind and raise awareness around mental health while encouraging our drivers to stay active while on the road delivering buses, delivering coaches and delivering trucks.