Not to take up running. Not even to walk more. But to learn to drive!
This will sound bizarre to people from car-centric places, but I’m 41 and never bothered learning. I lived in a city for my early adult years so it just wasn’t necessary even if I could’ve afforded it (which I could not).
Fast forward all these years and I’m living in a small semi-rural town with bad public transport. But honestly, still thought learning to drive would be a waste. It’s a very expensive and long process here and really, we’re in such an awkward place geographically that it wouldn’t unlock much of interest.
But then, CityStrides. Because we’re in a fairly rural bit of England, our “city” is an entire ceremonial county with a few small towns, lots of villages, and miles upon miles of winding country road. Fair to say it’s going to take a while, and “completing” it will not involve walking the more dangerous roads.
At the moment, my husband drives us and we’ll go walking to collect a village in one go, or a decent chunk of a town. But he’s not all that interested in one day completing our “city”, only the bits that are actually scenic to walk around.
So finally, I have my motivation. I’m learning to drive, literally so I can drive myself out to the far-flung corners and get weird looks from the people living in cul-de-sacs there.
Yesterday I passed my driving theory test, and this morning I booked my first practical test (for September). So fingers crossed my completion % shoots up in the Autumn!
Just wanted to share this random story as I know there’s been a bit of frustration around here lately with all the tech issues so it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that projects like this can really impact people’s lives for the better.
Cheers!