for those who love the outdoors
18 December, 2023
The quickest time to move 5 MILLION STEPS. That’s the challenge retired Great Britain Ice Hockey player Monica Petrosino is embarking on. To achieve this mission, Monica has been running and walking a staggering 40,000 to 50,000 steps every day since 1st September 2023.
With the national average step count predicted to be in the region of 5,000 steps per day, Monica will be doing up to TEN TIMES the national average each day!
Monica hopes to break the record for the fastest time to move 5 million steps with a genetic disorder. Monica is diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and it has impacted her life in many ways.
The motivation behind this event is to raise awareness and funds for Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, a charity close to Monica’s heart.
So what is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)? It is a group of genetic disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls.
Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in your body.
Due to the global effect the condition can have on your body, it can literally affect every body system. For Monica, the worst parts affected are her digestive system and joints.
Raising awareness and understanding is crucial for individuals living with EDS to receive appropriate care and support.
Managing digestive symptoms in EDS, for example, can require the help of many healthcare professionals including gastroenterologists, dietitians and surgeons.
Despite having this lifelong genetic condition, Monica continues to inspire those around her with her continued motivation to increase awareness for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
After just 23 days Monica had hit a monumental milestone of 1 million steps. Monica has now accomplished 4 million steps’ meaning she is on track to complete her challenge before the year is out.
Having run 4 million steps, one thing is for sure, Monica is definitely experiencing some aches and pains!
She tells us that deep heat, ice therapy and physiotherapy all help, but her best soother for her aches and pains is SLEEP! She is making sure a good nights sleep is a priority each day.
Monica is an experienced Personal Trainer who loves to help others. Having found her passion for running in 2020, Monica is also a Running Coach after realising she was so absorbed by it that she absolutely wanted to help others feel that enjoyment too.
Follow Monica’s progress on her Instagram account @monicapetrosinopt or website https://www.mptpersonaltraining.co.uk/charity-event.
If you would like to support this fantastic cause, Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, please donate on Monica’s JustGiving page.
Outside & Active is the home for those who love the outdoors. Our mission is to inspire, inform and educate people about being active outdoors in a fun, safe and sustainable way. We provide inspiration, kit, tech and advice on adventure, camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, running water and winter.
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