Walking Into Strength: My Journey with Chronic Illness and Macs Adventure

If you’d told me years ago that I’d hike 12 miles in a single day, I would have laughed - or maybe cried. Living with multiple chronic illnesses wasn’t something I planned for, and for a long time, it felt like they defined me. But life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes the biggest challenges become the very path to our greatest strengths. This is the story of how I went from being bedridden as a teenager to walking across remarkable landscapes, discovering both the world and me along the way. 

Growing Up Active, Then Losing My Health 

I grew up in Colorado, an active and lively child who loved the outdoors. That all changed when I was 14. My health took a sharp turn: Endometriosis, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome became part of my daily reality. Suddenly, fatigue, pain, fainting spells, and hospital stays replaced the hikes and bike rides I had once enjoyed. I left school, and for a year, I was mostly bedridden, watching life move on without me. 

Over time, I regained some stamina, but the conditions never went away. They shaped how I lived and what I thought I was capable of. Grocery shopping felt daunting, let alone anything adventurous. For years, I believed my world had to stay small. 

Discovering Macs: A New Path Forward 

And then, I found Macs Adventure. 

What Macs gave me was more than itineraries or walking routes - it gave me back my confidence. My first trip was Hadrian’s Wall with my mum. I went in with low expectations, yet there I was, walking 12 miles in a single day. It was a revelation: my body could still surprise me. 

Building Confidence, One Trip at a Time 

The next trip, to the Highlands & Isle of Skye, I took on solo. For someone who once couldn’t imagine navigating daily tasks alone, travelling by myself felt monumental. And then came the King Ludwig Way with my sister - 55 miles of walking, and I only skipped one. With every step, I felt myself rewriting the story I had once accepted as permanent. 

How I Prepared Myself 

Preparation played a big role. One of the best investments I made was a walking pad. I started small, just pulling it out once a day while working or watching TV. Slowly, I increased time and distance, eventually adding outdoor walks with the hiking boots I’d bought for my trips. Training wasn’t just physical - it was mental. Each time I reached a new milestone, my confidence grew. 

The Power of Partnership 

My mum was also a huge part of my journey. Having her as my partner on that first trip gave me motivation on days when I felt like giving up. We pushed each other, shared conversations that distracted us from the long distances, and celebrated victories both big and small. 

Pushing My Limits Further 

After that first trip, I was hooked. I started seeking out steeper trails in state parks, experimenting with nutrition and hydration, and pushing myself further than I thought possible. Macs became more than a travel company for me - it became a mirror, showing me the strength I’d carried all along. 

Redefining What’s Possible 

Now, I find myself addicted to growth. Where I once worried about whether I’d have the stamina to get through a grocery store, I now carry the confidence of someone who’s walked across countries. Each trip leaves me stronger, braver, and more independent in my everyday life. 

Chronic illness is still part of me - the fatigue, the pain, the uncertainty haven’t disappeared. But they no longer define what I can or can’t do. I’ve discovered a rhythm that balances preparation, resilience, and adventure. 

Macs helped me see that the world is still wide open to me. And more importantly, it reminded me that I am stronger than I ever believed.