April Verhorevoort

Do It 4 Youth 120 mile Challenge

My Activity Tracking

120
mi

My target 120 mi

The Beginning Of A Brighter Future

For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed in the power of pushing beyond limits - of setting a challenge and proving to myself that I can achieve it.  The Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award is already helping me do just that. Now, it’s my turn to give back.

This March, I’m taking on the DofE Do It 4 Youth Step Challenge - walking, running, or cycling 120 miles to raise essential funds for young people who, just like me, deserve the chance to grow, explore, and unlock their full potential.

But not everyone gets that chance. Financial barriers hold too many young people back from life-changing opportunities like the DofE. I want to help change that.

Every step I take, every wheel I turn, is a way towards a brighter future for someone who needs it. If my journey inspires even one person to dream bigger, to believe in themselves, then every mile will be worth it.

Join me. Support me.  Every donation will be highly appreciated by not just myself, but by those who will be exposed to more opportunities via the DofE charity. Let’s make a difference together.

My Updates

Mile 120

Saturday 22nd Mar
And that’s a wrap. 10 miles down. 120 in total. Challenge complete. It feels surreal to even say that. When I started this, 120 miles felt like an impossible number - something so far out of reach that I almost didn’t sign up. At the start, every mile felt huge. 10 felt unthinkable, 20 nearly broke me. But I pushed through. And today, I found myself back on the same route I did at miles 10-20, the one that felt like hell the first time around. Back then, I struggled through every push of the pedals, every incline feeling like it would never end. But today? Today was different. I won’t lie or sugarcoat things, it was still hard, my body still ached, but it didn’t break me. It felt doable. And that’s when it really hit me - this challenge didn’t just test me. It changed me. I used to think things like this were for other people - the naturally fit, the ones who had everything figured out. But here I am. I made it with one week to spare. Not because it was easy, not because I never struggled, but because every time it got tough, I didn’t quit. And that’s what I’m most proud of - not just finishing these miles, but proving to myself that I could. But I didn’t do this alone. To every single person who supported me, encouraged me, or even just believed in me - thank you. And to my mum - who, yes, I have complained about relentlessly for her constant cycling commentary - I wouldn’t have wanted to share those 47 miles with anyone else. She has supported me in everything I do, and this was no different. Whether I liked it or not, she was always looking out for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. And now, it’s over. The miles are done. The challenge is complete. But this isn’t just about a number on a screen or a finish line I’ve crossed. It’s about everything I’ve learned along the way. That I am stronger than I thought. That the hardest things in life are often the most worth doing. That even when everything in me wanted to stop, I had more left to give. A few weeks ago, I was just someone who had never cycled more than two miles in one go. Now, I’m someone who has cycled 120. And that’s something no one can take away from me. 120 miles down. 0 left to go. Challenge complete. But what this journey has given me? That will stay with me forever.

Mile 110

Saturday 22nd Mar
10 more miles done. 110 in total. And today was different. The hills didn’t break me, the miles didn’t drag - I felt strong, ready, determined. I wasn’t thinking about the miles behind me, only the ones ahead. And I know now, without a doubt, I’m finishing this. Every push today felt like proof. Proof that I’m not the same person who started this challenge, doubting if 120 miles was even possible. I don’t hesitate anymore. I don’t second-guess. I take on the hills, I fight through the tiredness, and I keep moving forward. Because I’m not just here to finish - I’m here to finish strong. There’s no looking back now. The end is within reach, and I’m going all in. 110 miles down. 10 left to go. Final stretch. Let’s take this home.

Mile 100

Friday 21st Mar
Five more miles down in the gym. 100 in total. And somehow, today felt different. The miles passed quicker, the struggle wasn’t as bad, and for once, I didn’t completely despise the gym. I found a strategy - setting little targets, breaking the ride into smaller goals - and suddenly, the gym miles that once dragged on felt almost… manageable. Almost fun, in a weird, slightly irritating way. It took me until my very last indoor ride to figure that out. Typical. But as I watched the final mile tick down, excitement turned into something else. A quiet, unexpected kind of sadness. Because this was it - the last time I’d be cycling in the gym for this challenge. As much as I’ve complained about these miles, part of me wasn’t ready to let them go. The gym was where I learned patience, where I fought through the boredom, where I kept going when there was nothing but numbers pushing me forward. And now, my era in the gym for this challenge has come to an end. I never planned for this. 120 miles was never something I thought I’d take on. At one point, even 10 miles felt impossible. But somewhere along the way, I learnt to just keep going. And now, I’m sitting at 100 miles, looking back at something I never thought I’d even begin, let alone come this far in. 100 miles down. 20 left to go. I am almost finished. But I am not stopping until the word ‘almost’ is out of that sentence.

Mile 95

Wednesday 19th Mar
(I completed this yesterday but was so tired I forgot the blog!) Five more miles in the gym. 95 in total. This time, the boredom didn’t hit as hard - maybe because I expected it, maybe because the finish line is finally starting to feel real. Either way, the miles passed, slow but steady, one step closer to the goal. It’s strange to think about where this all started. Before this, I had never cycled more than two miles in one go. The idea of hitting 120? Completely delusional. At least, that’s what it felt like. I think most people assumed I was joking when I said I’d do this. To be fair, I wasn’t entirely sure myself. I used to hate cycling - saw it as nothing more than a struggle, something that drained my energy rather than gave me anything back. But somewhere along the way, that changed. Now, it just feels like a part of life. A challenge, yes, but one I’ve come to enjoy. If all goes to plan, I’ll be finishing by the end of this week. That is, assuming the weather holds up and nothing unexpected gets in the way. But I know by now that plans don’t always go smoothly. The road throws challenges at you, and all you can do is push through them. It’s tempting to start celebrating already, but I’m not done yet. The last few miles won’t complete themselves. And if this challenge has taught me anything, it’s that the hardest part isn’t just starting - it’s finishing strong. 95 miles down. 25 left to go. The finish line is waiting. But I’m not there yet.

Mile 90

Sunday 16th Mar
Another 10 miles down. 90 in total. 3/4 of the way there. The wind hasn’t let up, and neither have I. Every push felt like I was fighting against an invisible wall, but at this point, I’m used to it. I am just waiting for the day the wind finally gives me a break - not that I’m holding my breath on it. It was one of those cycles where everything felt like a test of patience. The wind pushing back, my legs burning, the road stretching endlessly ahead. And, of course, my mother commentating every move. But that’s the thing about tests like these - they don’t wait for perfect conditions. You push through them, whether the wind is against you or not. And today, I did exactly that. 90 miles down. 30 left to go. The final stretch has began. But my determination is stronger than ever.

Mile 80

Saturday 15th Mar
Ten more miles. 80 in total. And the wind was stronger than ever. It wasn’t just a breeze - it was a force, shoving against me, turning every pedal into a struggle. No breaks, no moments of ease, just a constant battle to keep moving forward. But I refused to let it win. It would’ve been easy to slow down, to let the resistance drain my energy, to let frustration creep in. But I didn’t. I kept pushing, kept my focus, kept my motivation locked in. Because this challenge isn’t just about the easy miles. It’s about proving that even the hardest ones won’t break me. 80 miles in, and I’m still here, still moving, still fighting for every single mile. And more than anything, I’m proud. Because today wasn’t about speed or ease - it was about resilience. Today, I proved to myself that I can do this. 80 miles down. 40 left to go. My legs are burning. But so is the fire inside of me.

Mile 70

Friday 14th Mar
Six more miles in the gym, bringing me to 70 in total. The effort wasn’t the challenge today - it was my patience. Watching the numbers climb, slowly, steadily, with nothing around me changing. No wind on my face, no hills to push up, just the quiet hum of the machine and the steady beat of my own determination. But today was more than just another gym session. I got my official T-shirt - a reminder that this is real. That every mile I push through is part of something bigger. This challenge isn’t just about endurance, it’s about purpose. Every step, every ride, every moment of boredom or exhaustion is another step toward making a difference. Tomorrow, I’ll be back outside. Back where the miles feel like movement, where the road stretches out ahead, waiting for me to take it on. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. 70 miles down. 50 left to go. The numbers are changing. And so am I.

Mile 64

Sunday 9th Mar
Four more miles down, bringing me to 64 in total. But this time, it wasn’t about pushing through pain or fighting against the wind. It was about taking it all in - the energy, the movement, the life around me. Borough Market was alive with sound and color, a reminder that not every mile has to be a struggle. Sometimes, they can just be experienced. Walking through the market, hearing the hustle and bustle, weaving through the crowds - it was a different kind of journey. A chance to pause, to appreciate, to reflect, to be present. And in the middle of it all, a small moment of connection: practicing my Spanish with a man at a Venezuelan stall. This challenge isn’t just about reaching my limits. It’s about everything along the way - the places I see, the people I meet, the moments that make each mile more than just a number. 64 miles down. 56 left to go. Some miles test my strength. Others remind me why I’m doing this.

Mile 60

Saturday 8th Mar
I set out for 10 miles. I made it to 3. The wind was merciless, shoving me back, making every push feel impossible. It wasn’t just resistance - it was a fight. And no matter how hard I pushed forward, it pushed me back harder. I could’ve kept going. Forced out the miles, battled through. But sometimes, knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to go. Today wasn’t about quitting. It was about knowing there’s more to come - and saving my strength for when I can give it everything. Halfway is a milestone, but it’s not the finish line. There are still miles ahead, still challenges waiting, still moments that will force me to my limits. And I’ll be ready for them. 60 miles down. 60 left to go. Halfway done. The hard part isn’t over. But neither am I.

Mile 57

Saturday 8th Mar
10 more miles done. 57 in total. And this time, I felt every single one. My legs ached, every incline tested me, but I didn’t back down. I didn’t just push through the tough parts - I attacked them. Every hill, every burning moment, I pushed harder, faster, stronger. Because this challenge isn’t about comfort. It’s about proving that limits are meant to be broken. It’s about showing up, even when it hurts, and fighting for something bigger than myself. Every mile I complete is another step toward giving young people the opportunities they deserve. 57 miles down. The pain won’t stop me. Nothing will.

Mile 47

Friday 7th Mar
Seven more miles down, taking me to 47 total. The gym didn’t break me last time, but that didn’t make today any easier. The same walls. The same screen. The same burn in my legs with nowhere to go. It wasn’t about effort - it was about endurance. The slow kind. The kind that doesn’t come from pushing harder, but from refusing to stop. And that’s why I’m here. This challenge isn’t about excitement. It’s about purpose. 120 miles to make sure young people, just like me, aren’t held back from opportunities that could change their lives. Some miles feel like progress. Some feel like nothing at all. But all of them count. 47 miles down. 73 to go. If the path forward gets tough, I’ll get tougher.

Mile 40

Tuesday 4th Mar
Seven miles. No wind on my face, no hills to climb, no sense of movement - just the same spot, the same screen, the same four walls. My legs ached but the real struggle? Being trapped in my own head. Outside, every push feels like progress. In the gym, it felt like I was cycling towards nothing. It wasn’t my body that wanted to quit - it was my mind. The boredom, the repetition, the overwhelming urge to just stop. But I didn’t. Because this isn’t about enjoying every mile. It’s about finishing them, finishing this whole thing, finishing everything for the people who deserve the same opportunity as I have now. 40 miles down. 80 more to go. My mentality won’t complete this - I will.

Mile 33

Sunday 2nd Mar
I thought walking 3 miles would be nothing compared to the 30 I’ve already cycled. I was wrong. Walking downhill was somewhat manageable, but the moment I turned around, reality hit. That hill was steep, unforgiving, and my legs were already aching. Every step felt impossible, but stopping wasn’t an option. Some miles test your endurance. Others test your mindset. This one did both. But no matter how tough it got, I kept moving. Because giving up was never on the table. 33 miles down, and I’m still moving forward. That’s all that matters.

Mile 30

Sunday 2nd Mar
A new day, a new 10 miles done (bringing me to 30 in total). I started off aching, every push a reminder of how much I’ve already pushed through. But something changed as I kept going. The discomfort faded, my body adjusted, and by the time I finished, I felt stronger than when I started. That’s the thing about challenges - you don’t always feel strong at the start. Some days, you feel everything weighing on you. But if you keep moving, you realise that progress isn’t about feeling great every step of the way. It’s about showing up and proving to yourself that you can do it. Today reminded me that the tough moments don’t last, but the strength you build from them does. 30 miles down. I’m just getting started. The best is still ahead.

Mile 20

Saturday 1st Mar
These last 10 miles tested me in ways I didn’t expect. The exhaustion hit hard. My body ached, my mind screamed at me to stop, and for a moment, I almost listened. I felt drained, defeated, and so close to shutting this all down - deleting my page, walking away, letting the challenge win. But then I remembered why I started. This was never meant to be easy. Challenges - whether they’re 1 mile or 100 - will push you to your limits. They’ll make you question yourself. But the real test isn’t in how easy the journey is. It’s in whether you keep going when everything in you says to stop. I didn’t quit. I pushed through, even when it felt impossible. Not because it was easy, but because I refuse to let setbacks define me. I refuse to give up. I’m done for today, but I’m not done with this challenge. The miles will keep coming, and so will I.

Mile 10

Saturday 1st Mar
Ten miles done. It’s not just numbers though - it’s proof that progress happens step by step. It’s easy to look ahead and feel overwhelmed by what’s left, but right now, I’m just focused on moving forward. There’s something powerful about this journey. With every mile, I’m not just covering ground - I’m making an actual difference. The tiredness is creeping in, but so is the motivation. Because this isn’t about me. It’s about giving someone else the chance to push their own limits, just like I am now. 10 miles down. 110 to go. No stopping now.

Mile 0

Saturday 1st Mar
Day one. Fresh legs, big goals, and a whole lot of determination. Right now, the path ahead is untouched - 120 miles waiting to be conquered. But this isn’t just about distance. It’s about purpose. Today, I’m not thinking about the miles still to go. I’m thinking about the impact. About the young people this will help. About how something as simple as putting one foot in front of the other can create real change. This is just the beginning, but I’m ready.

Follow us

Follow us