Hi! I’d like to share a story with you that forever changed my outlook on my own possibilities and the meaning of helping others. Sometimes in life, challenges appear that pull us out of our comfort zone and allow us to discover how much we can achieve when we act with passion and for the good of others.
For me, such a breakthrough moment was the charity march through the Main Świętokrzyski Trail – a route covering about 100 kilometers, which I decided to complete in three days. Every kilometer traveled had its value – 5 PLN, which I donated to charity. This experience became not only a test of endurance but also an opportunity to reflect on the power of cooperation and support.
Genesis of the Challenge
The idea was born spontaneously, but its realization required solid preparation. My inspiration was the “Szybkie Podróże” (Fast Travels) channel on YouTube, which showed me that such challenges are within reach for everyone – all it takes is a bit of determination and goodwill. I decided to combine two things that are fundamental to me: physical activity and helping others. I believe that combining passion with acting for others has invaluable value and builds true community strength.
The start date was set for December 2, 2019. The route? The famous Edmund Massalski Main Świętokrzyski Trail – a trail that has attracted tourists for years with its charm and picturesque views of the Świętokrzyski Mountains.
Three Days on the Trail
The march lasted from December 2 to 4 and was an intense but extremely satisfying experience. In total, I spent 24 hours and 46 minutes on the trail, covering 102.06 kilometers and completing 124,759 steps. Each of the three days had its unique character and offered different challenges – from the euphoria of the first day, through the struggle with pain, to final satisfaction.
Day One – Start and First Doubts
The first day was full of enthusiasm but also uncertainty. Would I make it? How would my body react to such intensity? These questions accompanied me at the start, but with every kilometer I gained confidence.
Day Two – Struggle with Pain
The second day was a true test of endurance. The body began to protest, and every step reminded me of the previous day. That’s when I appreciated how crucial mental strength and the support of others are. Conversations, words of encouragement, and awareness of the goal allowed me to overcome crises and keep going despite exhaustion.
Day Three – Final Satisfaction
The last day was the culmination of the entire undertaking. Fatigue reached its peak, but at the same time I felt incredible excitement – the goal was within reach. Each final step was confirmation that you can cross your own boundaries if only there is determination and support from others.
Reflections and Lessons
This challenge taught me a few fundamental things:
First – boundaries are mainly in our heads. What seemed impossible at the beginning became achievable thanks to:
- Determination – persistence in pursuing the goal
- Consistency – systematic action
- Support of others – community strength
Second – charitable goals are excellent motivation. Awareness that every step has meaning not only for me but also for others gave me wings in the most difficult moments.
Cooperation and knowledge sharing proved invaluable – both on the trail and in preparation.
The three-day march through the Świętokrzyski Mountains also showed me the beauty of Polish nature in winter. The views, silence, fresh air – all of this made me feel mentally refreshed despite the physical effort.
Summary – 653 PLN for Good
I am extremely grateful that we managed to collect as much as 653 PLN. This is much more than I assumed at the beginning (5 PLN × 102 km = 510 PLN), which shows the great power of collective action and openness to helping others. Thank you to all donors for your support, faith in this project, and every good thought sent during the march!
This experience showed me that you can combine passion with helping others, and physical challenges can be a pretext for something bigger. If you are considering a similar project – go ahead! Support each other, share knowledge and don’t be afraid to dream boldly. The world needs people who are not afraid of challenges and want to change reality for the better. I hope my story inspires you to your own initiatives and discovering new possibilities.
Links
- Główny Szlak Świętokrzyski on Wikipedia – detailed information about the route and history of the trail
- “Szybkie Podróże” Channel on YouTube – inspiration for taking on the challenge
- Summary Video of the entire march – full video account of the expedition
