#walkacrosslagos...You Made The Pledge, We Donated - Thank You

Walk Across Lagos was initially supposed to be a personal quest where I endure and test myself to do a long distance trek. But a number of very special people came along the journey with me by making it a walk for charity which made it even more worthwhile.

In this post, I'd like to give a special a Thank You to everyone that made pledges and redeemed which enabled me make a donation to the Red Cross Society Motherless Babies Home in Makoko, Yaba (Lagos). This then became an integral part of #walkacrosslagos.

For #walkacrosslagos, I had requested N5/N10 pledges but a number of folks pledged and redeemed a lot more than that amount which ensured we were able to cross the target of N100,000 to accumulate a total of N115,000 for the Motherless Babies Home.

In no particular order...thank you guys, you are awesome...


1.  Babatunde Maculay
2.  Funmi Aluko
3.  Damola Giwa
4.  Adebayo Abiola
5.  Kola Fajimoun
6.  Fashina Oyewale
7.  Funmi Aborishade
8.  Femi Ogunyemi
9.  Sharon Udoh
10.  Sakenat Bakare
11. Leye Babatunde
12. Emmanuel Okochu
13. Kunle Adekola
14. Biyi Adeyemo
15. Mosh Adetoro
16. Akeem Adesina
17. Omowunmi Olabaju
18. Tope Wilcox
19. Oluchi Ogwuegbu
20. Lanre Giwa
21. Ayoade Kalejaiye
22. Kemi Oyeyinka
23. Derenle Ladejobi
24. Francis Nwoboshi
25. Emuobo Okitiakpe
26. Chioma Okoye
27. Norense Esekhaigbe
28. George Brown
29. Nkechi Uchendu
30. Chiwetalu Obikwelu
31. Jaco Viljoen
32. Gboyega Akeredolu
33. Akhere Oyewole
34. Lanre Osibona
35. Onyebuchi Akaniro
36. Dipo Alabede
37. Dr/Mrs. Victoria Agboola
38. Iyabo Akeem-Onikoyi
39. Tony and Adekanla Jiboye


Got some pictures below of when we went to Makoko to donate the cheque for the Motherless Babies Homes. 

The cheque made out to the Nigerian Red Cross Society

Jade and I presenting the cheque to Matron and the kids of the Home

Signing the donation register

Completing my name on the receipt

My sister Kemi with some of the kids

JAS

A Trek For Charity - The Article from The National Mirror

A Trek For Charity By Funmi Johnson

Adeyinka James Shorungbe is not the type of person who treks long distance. But for charity the bank manager did 175 kilometres of trekking in six days.

For the family of Adeyinka James Shorungbe, 3 December through 8 will always be very remarkable. The dates signify when Adeyinka James Shorungbe embarked and completed a six-day journey on foot from one end of Lagos State to the other (Seme boarder in Badagry to Epe, the Ogun State boarder).

Indeed, Adeyinka James Shorungbe can aptly be described as a rare person with even a rarer passion to must have thought of making such a sacrifice in the name of charity.

A bank manager in a reputable bank, Shorungbe is always with the thought of putting smiles on the faces of the inmates of the Red Cross International motherless Children home in Makoko area for the Christmas. While speaking with Saturday Mirror at the Ogun state boarder last week, Shorungbe disclosed that he always engaged in overall fitness sports and it is something he enjoys doing.

More after the break...

After The Walk

The next couple of days after completing the walk, I was treading on my feet with some bit of pain from the blisters. That was about the only reminder telling on my body that I had just completed 175km/6 days walk across Lagos State. Other than that, I was fine.

I have received mad love and support from everyone; colleagues, family, friends, acquaintances, tweeps - unbelievable. My first day back at work, when I walked into the office I received a standing ovation from my colleagues on our floor. It was incredible. I inspire them? Little did they know how their deep support has inspired me.

And there were others…friends and total strangers who came across #walkacrosslagos and simply threw their weight behind the trek morally and by redeeming pledges. Awesome. Sometimes I get introduced as “Do you what this guy did?” Then I get to relay my experience to new friends.

A couple of news articles have been published about #walkacrosslagos. Most notable is Funmi Johnson’s double piece in the National Mirror here and here. I think I’ll C&P the complete article from Saturday National Mirror. #walkacrosslagos also made it to NTA 2 Evening News bulletin on Friday 14^th Dec with an encore on the NTA Network Newsline programme on Sunday 16^th Dec. I’m trying to get the footage reformatted so I post online in a bit.

And lastly the pledges…wow. I’d set out a target of N100,000 to raise for the Red Cross Society Motherless Babies Home in Makoko, Yaba. With pledges of about N182,000 receive, at the end of the day we realized a total redeemed amount of N115,000 – well over the target amount.

I am so pleased and grateful for everyone that donated money for this cause…okay wait, I am going to do a post dedicated to you guys. Without you, we would not have been able to go to the Motherless Babies Home with that cheque topping N100k.

Christmas is here. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead.

JAS

#walkacrosslagos Day 6 in Pictures

Pure Fire Miracle Ministries...they even had Saudi Arabia's flag up. 

Ebele on Epe bridge. She joined me for last day's walk

On Epe Bridge

Epe Junction

More pictures after the break...

#walkacrosslagos Day 5 in Pictures

Stork statuettes on a lawn somewhere near Lakowe

Bogije

Neat looking filling station. The finest I've seen all along my trail

Came across 2 herdsmen, Yusuf and Musa. They were actually fighting over who will hold the stick to appear in the picture

Eleko Junction

More pictures after the break...

#walkacrosslagos Day 4 in Pictures

Checkpoint D was home so Jade was happy to me in the morning 

I had to put bandages on my right foot to protect the blister

Restocked my supplies for the next 3 days, the backpack became quite heavy

Relics of what must have a serious accident just by the Chevron/Conservation Toll Plaza

More pictures after the break...

#walkacrosslagos Day 3 in Pictures

A fruits depot just after Alakija, Festac

Hard to see from this picture, but this is furniture village at Agboju, Festac

Plantain stems dump

Construction work going on. Festac First Gate in the distance

Approaching Mile 2 bus stop

More pictures after the break

#walkacrosslagos Day 2 in Pictures

The sun was out from the get go on Day 2

Can't remember what this is and why I took the picture. I think it was some sort of shine or religious grounds

My water bottle, i mix glucose and water in there everyday

Another shine looking edifice

Three tanks...a long standing landmark

 More pictures after the break

#walkacrosslagos Day 1 in Pictures

I was warned not to take pictures of the custom/immigration officers by the border checkpoint so I took this picture instead  right next to them

I noticed my phone was indicating MTN Benin

Got something to eat at the border - at Mama Calabar's place

About to start walking the long way back - from Seme Border Town

More pictures after the break

#walkacrosslagos Day 6 in Tweets

• Day 6 #walkacrosslagos Up early with a call from Ebele, my walking partner for the final trail today Dec 08, 2012
• Ebele is the runner I mentioned yesterday Dec 08, 2012
• The plan is to return to Checkpoint F and set off to Endpoint G #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/haF0JgOH Dec 08, 2012
• @akalejaiye Today is the last day, I've covered 155km, doing the final 20km today with Ebele #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• RT @akalejaiye @elrufai .Pls kindly help RT for @alldatjas who walked 175km (Badagry to Epe) to raise funds for charity #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• Two feet blisters but that's not stopping #walkacrosslagos, we're getting to Ogun State border today http://t.co/z26cQ5oP Dec 08, 2012
• Started off from Checkpoint F with Ebele. Estimated time to Endpoint G is 2pm to finally complete #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• Last tweet, time check was 09:53 Dec 08, 2012
• 10:25 Pure Fire Ministries, massive grounds with loads of flags #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• @akalejaiye how you sabi? Nah your church be that for vigils and holy ghost night things Dec 08, 2012
• #SimilaritiesBtwBadagryandEpe Coming from West, both have an expressway leading to them #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• #SimilaritiesBtwBadagryandEpe Both have a large body of water next to them #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• #SimilaritiesBtwBadagryandEpe both have curve bridge over the water leading to the town #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• 10:53 Epe Bridge #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• Thats Ebele on Epe Bridge #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/SoWq48qE Dec 08, 2012
• About 14km now...RT @uzomariano Hw far are u 4rm d finish line? @alldatjas Dec 08, 2012
• 11:21 Epe Junction #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/MMGmOjs5 Dec 08, 2012
• Turning right, gonna walk thru Epe Town #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• 11:50 Epe Town Centre #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• 12:02 Tj and @braazeal hooked with our trail. They will be driving ahead to mark out the End Zone #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012
• 12:31 Leave Epe Town, approaching Endpoint G #walkacrosslagos Dec 08, 2012

More after the break...

#walkacrosslagos Day 5 in Tweets

• Day 5 Feeling renewed again after 7 hrs sleep. Got another blister on my second foot, minor and treated. I keep on walking #walkacrosslagos Dec 07, 2012
• Long stretch of trail ahead thru Ibeju Lekki to get to Checkpoint F #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/qeq9Un8Q Dec 07, 2012
• Thanks bro RT @kpeetee But if CNN covers #walkacrosslagos now, all those hacks that can't even string a proper sentence will jump... Dec 07, 2012
• Starting off about an hour later than usual today. I got Checkpoint F and beyond as my target today #walkacrosslagos Dec 07, 2012
• Shout out to Zainab, Ladi, Tobi for the mad hospitality #walkacrosslagos Dec 07, 2012
• Thanks for love RT @MobileMoneyshow @alldatjas hello sir. were you able to listen to d show yesterday? had a little accident, but we thk God Dec 07, 2012
• Wanna know the Checkpoints and the story behind #walkacrosslagos? http://t.co/xp7K8rIL Dec 07, 2012
• @lekan2me Day 5 of 6... http://t.co/xp7K8rIL Dec 07, 2012
• 10:29 Imaletalafia Town #walkacrosslagos Dec 07, 2012
• Thanks my brother RT @George_brown01 @alldatjas Best of Luck Today chief. All The best sir Dec 07, 2012
• 10:41 Shapati Town. Familiar trail for me, about comforting cos I know whats ahead for the next 30km #walkacrosslagos Dec 07, 2012
• Mad love and support from Dare. Stopped by on the trail 2 days in a row #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/yKDlvKyp Dec 07, 2012
• Dude, sup? You bac at work? RT @akalejaiye RT @alldatjas: 10:29 Imaletalafia Town#walkacrosslagos.So how many kms have covered now? Dec 07, 2012
• 10:56 Alaun Village Woooooow, am on fire this morning. The pain from my blisters and my brain have become one, insane #walkacrosslagos Dec 07, 2012

More after the break...

#walkacrosslagos Day 4 in Tweets

•  Very true. Track me on my blog or my TL. Day 4 2day RT @realityweb @Gidi_Traffic How tru is this >> @alldatjas is walkin from Seme to Epe.. Dec 06, 2012
• Thanks dude, done RT @uzomariano I hear u are trekkin 4rm seme border 2 epe 4charity? Thumbs man. I m ffg u kindly ffbk Dec 06, 2012
• Got a few on my TL, different views. Try dis http://t.co/KSIpq31u RT @realityweb Tweetpic pls "@alldatjas: Very true. Track me... Dec 06, 2012
• Up now, still at Checkpoint D. Having breakfast Dec 06, 2012
• The blister has healed a bit, but still a little 'discomforting'. Soldiering on #walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• Day 4, setting off from Checkpoint D #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/qeq9Un8Q Dec 06, 2012
• Blister bandaged and padded, 24km to Checkpoint E, steady does it #walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• Familiar trail to Ajah, then Awoyaya, done the walk close to ten times Dec 06, 2012
• With my colleagues at Stanbic when I stopped over at work yesterday#walkacrosslagos http://t.co/aN2stmBw Dec 06, 2012
• Ok, first time I'm pressed to do a No. 2 while walking. Where's a bush when you need one #walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• 10:09 VGC #walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• 10:30 Ajah My backpack is a little heavy cos I got supplies for the next days stashed in #walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• A little confession... Checkpoint D was actually by my house, so Jade was happy to see daddy #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/YD26eNKd Dec 06, 2012
• 11:02 Abraham Adesanya, rest stop Dec 06, 2012
• Walked into the city, walked in the city, now walking away from the city... #walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• Thanks Mayowa RT @MayowaAkinjo Nice one going yinka..really motivating.#walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• 11:49 Lagos Business School. My pace as slowed considerably from Monday/Tuesday's pace #walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• After 4 days and over 100km, I have renewed respect for @thesmiletrek (5,000km), Mark Moxon 1,750 km), Stratford (8,000km) #walkacrosslagos Dec 06, 2012
• @e_porsche not yet, Day 4 today. Thereafter, 2 more days to go Dec 06, 2012
• 12:28 Ogidan Town Dec 06, 2012
• 
  
  More after the break...

#walkacross Day 3 in Tweets

·        *          Day 3, slept well, no funny aches this morning. Only problem is my blocked nose, I got carrtah from all the dust inhaled #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012
·         Leaving Checkpoint C, Festac. My route 2day will take me thru Mile 2, Orile, Iganmu, Eko Brigde, CMS, Bonny Camp up 2 Lekki #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012
·         Looks like a rat has nibbled into my shortbread. I might as well share... Dec 05, 2012
·         Big shout out this morning to friends, colleagues and supporters who have pledged N5/N10 for every km I walk. You drive me #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012
·         Thanks Edu RT @BraaZeal @alldatjas keep on moving *thumbs up! Dec 05, 2012
·         I hear iTunes don land RT @AO1379 Only a matter of time till BRF sets his sight on street tradin. We'll c how music is distributed then. Dec 05, 2012
·         RT @mashable Newark Mayor Booker wil just spend $29.78 on food this week, in solidarity with pple living on food stamps http://t.co/lOeVmCOq Dec 05, 2012
·         Cool. I like the Twitter handle you got RT @mythots @alldatjas HOW IS OUR WAKA GOING?, WILL LOOK OUT FOR YOU WHEN U REACH MARINA Dec 05, 2012
·         Nice one Biggie RT @ask4gbolabo @alldatjas We are right behind u Jazzy. Shout out from the IIM crew. Keep representing bro #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012
·         Setting off from Checkpoint C, activating Path Tracking #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012
·         Alakija onwards to Agboju is a minefield of roadside poopoo #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012
·         09:39 Festac First Gate. Am starting to see firsthand the overground rail and road expansion works. Eko o ni baje #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012
·         The Chinese have learnt from previous bridge construction. No aluminum railing, no mysterious thefts. All concrete railings #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012
·         09:57 Mile 2. I'm the only one using umbrella, then again I'm the only one walking 10s of kilometres #walkacrosslagos Dec 05, 2012

More after the break

#walkacrosslagos Day 2 in Tweets

*       #walkacrosslagos Day 2 - Continue from Checkpoint B and walk to Festac Town Checkpoint C http://t.co/22NK1BSF Dec 04, 2012
·      Thanks bro. How did the migration go? Called you on Sunday RT @LadejobiAde @alldatjas be safe... #walkacrosslagos Dec 04, 2012
·         Heading back to where I stopped yesterday, its quite some distance still to Agbara Dec 04, 2012
·         Started off from my last stop point yesterday (abt 7km from Agbara) destination Festac Town, Checkpoint C #walkacrosslagos Dec 04, 2012
·         Its a little sunny this morning so I got my 'keffiyeh' out #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/jUBbzuoD Dec 04, 2012 
·         My last stop yesterday was a place called MTN, not sure where dat kid got Emma from. Dec 04, 2012
·         09:30 Oko-Afo #walkacrosslagos Dec 04, 2012
·         How faat/slow am I walk? Distance covered? Time walking? #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/nM2DLiRM Dec 04, 2012
·         09:48 Ilogbo-Eremi Dec 04, 2012
·         10:18 Toll Gate, approaching Agbara #walkacrosslagos Dec 04, 2012
·         Former Toll Gate, not functional RT @e_porsche Aw r u gon pay for toll?“@alldatjas: 10:18 Toll Gate, approaching Agbara #walkacrosslagos” Dec 04, 2012
·         Very sunny today, had to ditch the keffiyeh now under my umbrella shade #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/LDdVOMcZ Dec 04, 2012
·         11:25 Agbara, reststop #walkacrosslagos Dec 04, 2012

More after the break

#walkacrosslagos Day 1 in Tweets

·        Heading out to the border, Checkpoint A http://t.co/22NK1BSF Dec 03, 2012
·         Seme Border an hour ago. Started off at 08:25 @dupekilla @jeremyweate @AO1379 #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/XXAmXeUW Dec 03, 2012
·         Sweating a little more than usual. The "magnitude" of this got me a bit nervous. Starting to get into my stride now Dec 03, 2012
·         RT @George_brown01 God Bless and Protect my Brother @alldatjas as he embarks on his Journey. Wish You all The best. Stay Safe. Gods Speed. Dec 03, 2012
·         I got locations activated, you can track me on http://t.co/hXWQXstL. You will require desktop view #walkacrosslagos Dec 03, 2012
·         Haven't walked pass any distinct town or village but I figure am about 6km away from the border now Dec 03, 2012
·         09:55 Am literally walking along the coast now, I can 'see' the shoreline. Still no town/village, just long road #walkacrosslagos Dec 03, 2012
·         @NkechiObieri ok cool, a page on http://t.co/GHYvlFRs will be nice. Dec 03, 2012
·         @NkechiObieri at the border #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/XXAmXeUW Dec 03, 2012
·         10:40 A quick check on the map indicates am half way to Badagry #walkacrosslagos Dec 03, 2012
·         @NkechiObieri Holla at E-Business, big thanks to the team for the massive support. Dec 03, 2012
·         #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/pP40cJkP Dec 03, 2012
·         Sometimes water is the sweetest drink Dec 03, 2012
·         @charlesayanleke how does this craze man look? http://t.co/XXAmXeUW @Funlayo For Lagos?,dem go mistake am for craze man o. #walkacrosslagos Dec 03, 2012
·         The famous Badagry palm trees. Am walking not too far from the beach line #walkacrosslagos http://t.co/sU4AUqY1 Dec 03, 2012

More after the break

#walkacrosslagos...Make a Pledge

So I’ve received a lot of urgings (I think thats a valid word) to make #lagosacrosswalk worthwhile and do something for charity. I’ve always thought about it but never really figured out how to get people involved in my walk and raise funds. I got a little idea from a friend who’s into branding and corporate sponsorship things and things so I decide to come up with this…

#walkacrosslagos is a distance of 175km that will take me from the Seme Border through, Badagry, Ojo, Mile 2/Orile, Lagos Island, Lekki, Epe up to the boundary with Ogun State. I expect to complete the walk in 6 days.

So I am reaching out to friends, colleagues, acquaintances, supporters, etc  to CHALLENGE me to #walkacrosslagos. By this challenge, you can pledge to donate either N10.00 or N5.00 for every kilometre I walk. At the end of trail (or wherever I walk up to), I will ask you to redeem your pledge and I will donate funds raised to the Red Cross Society’s Motherless Home in Makoko, Yaba. The Makoko Home because that was the first orphanage home I ever visited (in 2009) and the beautiful babies there just melt my heart. Since then I’ve visited a few times and each time I just wish I could do more. So I am hoping we’ll be able to raise N100,000 together for them.

To make a pledge, you can send me an email to alldatjas@gmail.com stating the category you wish to pledge (either N10.00 or N5.00 per Kilometer). I will contact you after my walk to let you know how far I was able to walk and how you can redeem your pledge.

From Monday 3rd December, you will be able to follow my progress in real time with the Google Map badge on this blog page (the left side column) or via updates on my Twitter handle @alldatjas.

Below is my route and checkpoints. Wish me luck.


JAS

Walk route and checkpoints from 3rd to 8th December, 2012

#walkacrosslagos Checkpoints

A.      Start of Point – Seme Border

B.      End of Day 1 – Approach to Agbara Town

C.      End of Day 2 – Festac Town

D.      End of Day 3 – Chevron, Lekki

E.       End of Day 4 – Awoyaya, Ibeju Lekki

F.       End of Day 5 – Approach to Epe Town

G.     End Point, End of Day 6 – Lagos/Ogun Boundary

#walkacrosslagos...The Build Up

One of the most important thing to focus and build on when planning long distance walks is one's fitness level in order to sustain endurance. I had started intense preparation for #walkacrosslagos in the month of November mostly cardios. I have also manage to squeeze in a couple of medium distance walks (13km) during the weekends.

Also in November, I received the gears I'd order to aid treks. These include Karrimor walking shoes, power bank to juice up my phone, etc. Starting to get more professional at this, right?

Then yesterday (Sunday), the Mrs and I took a drive down to Badagry to case out the first and most critical half of the walk trail. We left very early in the morning, the journey appeared endless. I had been to Badagry and Seme a few times but this time I felt a sense of "fear" (not sure if that's the right word) but I was definitely apprehensive as we just keep driving.

On the way back, we stopped over at Agbara and Festac Town to case out overnight rest stops for Days 0, 1 and 2. I expect to get to Victoria Island and possible Lekki by Day 3 to familiar territory.

So, just one week to go now...I think am getting in the zone.

JAS

Finally retired my old trainers this month...

New gear and gizmos

5,000 Miles Walk Across Asia

Today on Mashable, I read about the US Marine Sgt Winston Fiore who just completed a 5,000 mile (8,000km) walk across 9 countries in Asia.

Impressive and inspiring stuff. And while at it, he was able to raise quite a bit of money for charity as well.

Check out his site www.smiletrek.org and the original story from Mashable

JAS

The Hotel Didn't Have CNN...

My line of work can be stressful at times...so stressful that I sometimes do not have time to go to the gym as often as I would like. But the profession also offers interesting trips abroad. So a break from the tedious routine and Lagos hustle came about with a welcome 6-day trip to Joburg.

It was an official trip from the office packed with meetings, workshops and remote work...but I still manage to get some "me time" in, plus I wanted to get serious about training. A few days before leaving for SA, I had completed the online order for some of the gear I'd be needing so mentally and preparation wise, I started counting down. With about a month to go to #walkacrosslagos, I had to start focusing on getting fit training.

After the daily meetings, my hotel offered cool facilities to unwind. A good gym with a lovely pool just outside. This was my second time staying at this particular hotel so I kinda felt at home...

Met up S. He was just rounding up his internship and had time to hang out in the evenings. Drinks, dinner, more drinks. Hung-out with some of his crew from school, tried out a flashy looking local brew: Steph Weiss, sisi-sounding name right, but tasted alright.

Oh yeah, Obama got re-elected. I was initially fuming that my hotel some how didn't have CNN (can you beat that, a 4-star hotel with no CNN). I made quite a fuss about this - Room Service sent the maintenance  guys to come around, the hotel group's account noticed my rant on Twitter and replied. I later had to settle for NBC which I later discovered did a very good coverage of the election (albeit no John King's magic wall). Plus, the station made a number of early calls even before CNN.

The day before I left was the Joburg leg of Linkin Park's Living Things concert at the FNB Stadium. Got a couple of tickets and went with S. Mad evening out. We temporarily lost our voices screaming to all the insane hits from Hybrid Theory to Living Things.

LP didn't disappoint.

Serious stuff right here. Got up to stretch my legs...OK and to also take a picture

The pool just outside the gym, lots of night swimming 

Reactions I Get

You're joking...
Are you serious?
Na lie o...
Wetin happen nau?
You don mad?
You are too oyibo...
You must be suicidal...

Quite frankly, right from the onset I've been prepared for the kind of reactions I will get from family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and strangers. I am all too aware of the culture and belief system of the society I call home.

Even my wife. I remember last year when I bought home a map of trail I wanted to walk and I started discussing my #walkacross quests with her, she started laughing, made jest...but slowly started taking me seriously. Now, she knows better and is supportive.

My mum...now that's the ultimate freak-out "Adeyinka kin lo se e, sho fe pa mi ni". I understand my mum's reaction, she still thinks of me as the 1 year old son she's still nurturing into the world. Not sure if she's ever come across my blog but she has a fair idea of what I've been up to through conversations with my wife and my sister Kemi.

Along The Trodden Trail

In doing my long distance quests, I have never kid myself that am breaking new grounds here or setting new records. Stellar records were set tens of thousands of years ago when the greatest trekkers of all time left Africa and walked all the way to Europe, then to Asia, Australia, North America.

In more recent times, a few people have achieved similar feats. When I initially decided to do the #walkacross quests, most of my online research was focused on preparations, what to expect, how to deal with chaffing, what to eat, etc. I never focused much on the experience of other people who had done similar exercises...until today.

For one, after my 72km walk, I guess could now relate more because it was now real experience for me. I still remember being about 4km away from the end point and all I could think of was "1 more hour of this" when I was sore, legs were heavy and I was drained.

So I came across Mark Moxon and his walking adventures. He's a veteran at this and he's done some really amazing walks. I honestly share of his passion and reasons for getting up and just walk and walk and walk...I also learnt a lot from him and his website. The meticulous planning, the right gears to take along, pacing oneself, etc.

Mark did the 1144 miles walk across the length of UK in 3 months. Mad inspiration right there.

Then there's Peter Jerkins and he did, wait for it....#walkacrossUS way back in 1973. His walk took 6 years albeit it was more of walking location to location and sharing experiences with people along the way. He's currently on similar travels and writing a book. I decided to follow him on Facebook - Peter Jenkins.

There are thousands of people worldwide who have done (and are doing) long distance walking to draw inspirations from...and I intend to tap as much as possible from their experiences.

JAS

WalkAcross Peninsula - Day 3 in Pictures

08:30 Ibeju Lekki Local Govt Office

09:03 Abulepanu

09:19 These guys got me jealous a little, riding with a support crew trailing behind

WalkAcross Lekki Peninsula - Day 3 in Tweets

Passed the night before Day 3 at LD's place. It was a drive of about 15km from the checkpoint at the end of Day 2. Rested well and was re-energize by a sumptuous meal and a hot shower.

Take off time was approx 08:00 and I got to Igando Oloja 25 minutes later. At this stage I still had about 24km to cover on the last. The day started of as very cloudy and cool.



- #walkacross Day 3, heading out to the last check point (Igando Oloja) to continue
- #walkacross 08:28 setting off.
- 08:44 Just witnessed a 'near accident'. Driver lost control of the SUV, all safe but shaken
- TosOil filling station, selling petrol but not a single car in the forecourt #fuelscarcity. Albeit +55km out
- #walkacross 09:24 Eleko
- Its raining now, no shelter close by
- #walkacross 10:02 Idiorogbo
- #walkacross #walkacrosspeninsula http://t.co/CwSeXKSY
- #walkacross 10:22 Aiyegbami Ibeju. I reckon am about 15km to destination now
- #walkacross 10:35 Long Bridge. Rest break
- @LadejobiAde almost done. Looking at 14:00 as ETA
- Rest break over, taking on the Long Bridge
- This bridge should be called 'Palmy Bridge'
- #walkacross 11:34 crossed the Long (Palmy) bridge in 42 mijs
- #walkacross 11:45 Eleran-Egbe
- Very sunny now, using one of my t-shirts as a head cover
- #walkacross 12:01 another rest break. My feet were getting numb. Am at Oke Igunbale
- #walkacross 13:26 Ilamija Nla Village
- This shit is tough and difficult. The last 4-5km looking like Mount Everest
- @Kemmzy thanks Kemi. I am taking pictures, will upload them later. Data service and juice won't permit me now
- #walkacross 14:31 I see THA BRIDGE.
- I can also see the end zone too. Wow...am almost limping now, my pace has is close to snail speed.
- @Kemmzy ok. Almost done now
- #walkacross #walkacrosspeninsula 15:22 Epe Junction
- #walkacross Done http://t.co/CJRPInkU

JAS

WalkAcross Lekki Peninsula - Day 2 in Pictures

09:12 My supplies for the next 2 days

13:53 Close to Sangotedo

15:06 The 'Jesus' Electrician

WalkAcross Lekki Peninsula - Day 2 in Tweets

Day 2 started from home. I took a bike to Ikota, Mega Chicken where I'd stopped the previous night. By now I was quite fresh, tummy full and energize to take on the long day. My sights were set on getting to Eleko Junction.


- #walkacross Day 2 10:30, continue from Ikota
- #walkacross 10:59 Ajah
- Fuel situation exacerbating, Ajah bus stop kinda rowdy for a weekend
- Ajah traffic (leaving Eti Osa) #stunning @gidi_traffic
- #walkacross 11:30 Abraham Adesanya
- #walkacross the rain this morning makes for a cool walk, cloudy skier
- #walkacross 11:54 #LBS
- #walkacross 12:25 Ogidan
- #walkacross 12:37 Sangotedo taking a #break
- #walkacross a nice man, Lambert allowed me to take my rest break on a sofa in his shop. Igbo kwenu
- #walkacross 13:53 Abijo
- By my rough calculation, I shld hit the half way mark in about an hour #walkacross
- But I will have to strive on to cover more grounds today in order to complete this tomorrow #walkacross
- Am looking at getting to #Eleko before 18:00
- #Walkacross 14:17 Abijo GRA
- I think my brain is getting used to the pain and telling my legs and feet to just carry on till ya'll fully drain #walkacross
- Rain??? Doesn't look too cloudy
- #walkacross 14:52 Awoyaya
- #walkacross Am officially halfway there...and the Black Eye Peas song comes to mind
- #walkacross 15:19 Mayfair Gardens
- Walking pass Victoria Court. RIP Obinna
- #walkacross 15:31 Eputu Town. Rest break
- Just checked the scores HT and we're 2 up, cool @LFC
- Loving the scores @LFC #walkacross
- #walkacross I've just been informed that I've gone pass Lakowe. Now in Kajola
- #walkacross 16:46 Elemoro. Low on juice
- I think Eleko cannot be too far away now but not sure. All energy supplies are running low, going trek 4 another hour and will call it a day
- #walkacross 17:02 Laporaga
- #walkacross 17:16 Imaletalafia Town
- #walkacross 17:50 Desa Town. Its looking doubtful that I'll make Eleko.
- #walkacross 18:08 Igando Oloja
- 18:09 Calling it Day 2. Am out


JAS

WalkAcross Lekki Peninsula - Day 1 in Pictures

18:55 Start off point - Bonny Camp, VI at dusk

19:21 Law School

19:25 Strolling on

WalkAcross Lekki Peninsula - Day 1 in Tweets

Just woke up, still I got some aches on my feet but they are easing. I managed to complete 17km on Day 1, 55km to go.

Day 2 is Environmental Saturday and the time now is almost 08:00 so I have a couple of hours before setting out. Some updates on Day 1 below using tweets from yesterday. I got a few pictures which I'll upload later.

-          -  #wallacross #walkcrosspeninsula 1.5hrs behind schedule

-          -  18:55 Bonny Camp, Ozumba Mbadiwe

-          -  #walkacross seen a couple of people with back-packs also walking...in the opposite direction though. Am thinking #notransport

-          -  19:22 Law School. I recall a colleague telling us he got robbed around here. I better cross to the other side of the road

-          -  19:39 Where am I? I got my GPS locator up now

-          -  19:47 Mobil V/I

-          -  #walkacross approaching the Toll Gate, Oniru. No need to take the alternative route

-          -  19:54 Oriental Hotel, walking pass #Club23

-          -  20:14 1st Roundabout, Lekki Phase 1

-          -  It starts getting lonely from here, no other pedestrian around

-          -  20:33 2nd Roundabout, Lekki

-          -  #walkacross am clocking an average of 4.5km/h

-          -  #walkacross Two hours deep, approx 9km. 63km to go

-          -  20:58 3rd Roundabout, Lekki

-          -  #walkacross Oando (Elegushi) filling station traffic, 3 straight nights @gidi_traffic

-          -  21:11 4th Roundabout, Elegushi

-          -  #walkacross Am starting to slow down, slight aches settling in

-          -  I wonder why one foot aches more than the other...maybe my left butt cheek is heavier #walkacross

-          -  21:38 6th Roundabout, Jakande

-          -  I think am o go for #Ajah. Make or break decision

-          -  Ops, last checkpoint was actually 5th Roundabout #walkacross

-          -  21:59 Idado. For the records, I've now walked from the office, home.

-          -  I've lost my face towel. Lucky this is a night walk else my face sweat will drown me

-          -  @LadejobiAde and I left the office together. He drove, I walked. 3 hours later, walking pass his hood #walkacross

-          -  I can see lightning in the clouds ahead. Rain? I miss my #ICS weather widget

-          -  22:14 7th Roundabout, Chevron

-          -  The last time I walked 3 hours straight, I legs were almost giving way. This time around, just aching feet #newshoes

-          -  #walkacross The 'Christmas' lights of Chevron Toll gate ahead

-          -  #Ajah is close, yet f&¥king far

-          -  22:53 Ikota, Mega Chicken. Calling it Day One, am out

   JAS