DAY 13: We had a nice afternoon walk today, walking up and down some of the hills of Tawa. I forgot to wear my weighted vest so it felt quite easy. Today’s topics were pop music, my neighbours in Kapiti, ‘imagine if we all died on the same day’, and nicknames. Then to our absolute delight we bumped into our friend Dot from Tawa school, so I paused the timer and we had a great catch up with her. Hope you’ve all had a great Sunday 🥰

DAY 13: We’re reunited! It was lovely to be out after dark walking the streets with Jess and chatting again. We talked a lot about music today. How the Brown kids got so into music, about LOVING music, about ongoing musical pursuits. We detoured into lamenting being the ones in the family that tend to beat ourselves up feeling terrible about unnecessary things, but decided in pursuit of not doing a crying-walk, we’d not go too far into that topic! We agreed that swing is a wonderful word (try saying it out loud, you might come around), that it’s beautiful looking up into trees, and that it’s a bit magical to see sunbeams breaking through the clouds. So nice to be back together 🥰

DAY 12: So that’s Poppy walking ahead with Paul in the photo. She’s our very old girl. Paul has had her 14.5 years, and she’s really hobbling now, but still loves to get out for a tiny walk before we drop her home and go out longer with Fern. We did maybe 10 slow mins with her, and then an hour after that. It was a beautiful afternoon. Back to Tawa and walks with Jess tomorrow 🧡

DAY 11: I came into town late this afternoon to see Arlo performing with Blue Notes in the Big Sing this evening, so I took my half hour walk around the waterfront and city. I hardly ever come into the city anymore, it was such a nice treat to be in the big smoke. Didn’t get to see Jesse though who was also here. A missed opportunity 🫤. Back to dog walking on the coast tomorrow, but this was a fun break from routine. ♥️ RB

DAY 10: It was an early evening walk for Fern and me today. I had my headphones so I could listen to my audiobook. We went a new route so Fern could go wild with sniffing things. And after yesterday, it was amazing that there wasn’t a breath of wind. It was beautiful seeing the sun go down behind Kapiti Island. Sending lots of love to you all. RB

Phew! Windy! I didn’t see any other dog walkers out today! Gale force southerlies happening in our region, although worse in Wellington than up here in Kapiti. We still got out for 40 minutes and had a good chat about a course Paul is on for the next few days. And it didn’t rain on us, just blew us about a bit. I liked being out.

I nipped out at lunchtime for a brisk 35 minute walk (I say brisk, but honestly, there’s quite a lot of standing around while Fern sniffs stuff). This photo is taken on a path close to home though where I can let Fern off the lead for a while so that’s always good. It was a bit grey and cold, and I’d walked out without my headphones (I’ve got too used to walking with other people!), so it wasn’t my favourite walk but it was ok. Thanks so much for all your support.

DAY 7: what a beautiful day for a long walk on the beach. Here’s a portrait of the three of us enjoying our walk. I hope you’re all having a beautiful day too. Thank you so much to our latest sponsors. So so generous. With love, RB

It was back up to Paraparaumu for me last night, so the end of Jess & Rach walks for a wee bit. I’m sad about that. I was loving those walks! I am back with Paul though, who is my other excellent chatter, and four legged Fern, who would do anything for a walk (but doesn’t rate chat) (and definitely doesn’t rate stopping for a photo) (actually neither does Paul). Fern was happy to see me back and no matter how far I walk her, she’ll always want more so I think she’s going to be a great Sweat with Pride participant. And today the sun shone! A treat! I hope you all have a great weekend. Lots of love, RB

It was a very rainy walk we took today. We did 52 minutes though and it was lovely with our umbrellas in the rain. So many great topics were covered. We started at the coziness of being under an umbrella; branched into nostalgia for childhood (and stayed there for ages, not even being deterred when I walked into a low hanging sign 🤦‍♀️). Then by request from Kristybelle we discussed Epic (highly thought of by Jess) and Eurovision (which neither of us know much about, but Jesse has some views on, regarding the exclusion of Russia but inclusion of Israel. He said “they made the wrong decision or at least an inconsistent decision”.) Then Jesse said “I don’t know how I picture my brain” And off we launched into where we feel feelings, head vs heart, trauma, and EMDR therapy. Finally we hit on football coaching and I learnt about training + tactics + morale. And heard for the first time about a ‘vein of form’. Do you know what that is? Well done if you do. And for the record it is so pleasing to have an 18 year old cleverer than me. It makes me proud🥰

DAY 4: Firstly - Big shout out to our esteemed son/brother @joedabrooooo who is 20 today. Happy birthday Joey! We were out again only 10 hours after our last walk. It was lovely being out as the sky lit up. Because of my tendency to wake up and start talking, I held the floor for about 35 of our 40 minutes, telling a long rambling story about my brother. Bless Jess for being such a good listener. And for being willing to go out at 6.30 in the morning! Back to sharing the talking tomorrow I’d say. Have a great day everyone! xRB

DAY 3: Firstly thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored us. We’ve easily shot past our target and we’re very grateful. It was dark before we got out for today’s walk. Far easier to get yourself out in the dark when you’re with a walking buddy though. Our conversations today started with football talk (a favourite topic of ours), then straight on to singing (another favorite topic of ours). We pondered if it’s necessary to do things people have asked you nicely to do (landing on yes, if possible, but sometimes no.) We covered how quickly days pass, how you can still tell a great tree even if it’s dark, and the merits of learning to drive vs public transport, which naturally led us to considering best looking train lines. (Opinions welcomed in the comments.) Lastly people, exciting news for you all, we floated the idea of guest speakers on our walks! Although it appears we talk nonstop, we know we could make room for somebody else to tell us about their stuff. Apply below. We’ll prepare questions for you! Or make a donation. It’s a great cause!

Another great, slightly rainy walk. We did 3.5km today. Our discussions came four times round to musical theatre: songs, singing techniques, the joys of performance, and more. We discussed employment vs self employment; running, and bush walking. It might not sound fascinating but it actually was! More tomorrow after a walk in the dark.