SPORT WALK

When we first created Five A Day February, as a Sport Walk Personal Challenge, we never imagined that anyone would achieve what Jack Durnford has, in just two years. Nor did we ever imagine that anyone would take the approach that Jack has taken! We assumed a few people would give it a go, which they did, and we assumed that they would walk a minimum of 5km every day, which they all did….. except Jack.

Jack’s part of our community on Facebook and he’s also in our Strava Club and he was one of the first to buy into the Five A Day February concept but he also saw an opportunity in the exact wording of the challenge – “walk a minimum of 5km every day through February” – and decided he was going to exploit that opportunity…. and then some!

Jack walked 20k or more each day, both in 2024 (a leap year with 29 days) and again in 2025. Now this distance alone is impressive but it’s even more remarkable when you know where Jack lives and what the weather’s like in February.

Jack lives in Canada and, as you’ll hear from his answers and see from the photos, Five A Day February coincides with snow and freezing temperatures! So, as you can imagine, we were really eager to get the low down on Jack’s outlook, to hear his back story and to generally learn more about him and what made him choose to walk 20k not 5k every day. Luckily for us Jack agreed to answer a few questions, so here’s his story:

Sport Walk: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Jack: I was born in the province of Newfoundland in the small isolated fishing community of Francois. There were less than 200 residents and the only way in was by boat or helicopter. There were no vehicles in my hometown.

I am currently working as a Peer Support Coordinator, helping serving members and veterans who struggle with PTSD.

Sport Walk: What was it about Five A Day February that first appealed to you?

Jack: What first appealed to me about Five a Day February was the simplicity of the challenge — committing to at least five kilometres a day felt like a structured yet flexible goal. But as I started, I quickly realized I wanted to push myself further, and without any planning at all, it kind of took on a life of its own, and there was no turning back once I committed myself.

Sport Walk: Can you expand a little more on what prompted you to walk 20k+ each day – you mentioned it wasn’t pre-planned?

Jack: It actually wasn’t a deliberate plan at first. I started with a 10-15k goal, but after the first couple of days, I realized I had more in the tank, physically and mentally. I’ve always believed in pushing limits, and with my background in the military, I’m no stranger to endurance challenges. So, I decided to see how far I could go each day. 

The 20k daily target kind of evolved naturally. Once I hit that distance a few times, it became my new standard. It was less about the number and more about testing my consistency, discipline, and resilience. Plus, there was something really satisfying about shaping the challenge in a way that kept me motivated. It turned into a personal mission rather than just a daily task.

Sport Walk: What would you say is the hardest aspect of Five A Day February overall, other than walking an extra 15k every day?

Jack: Aside from the extra 15k a day which definitely added its own layer of challenge, the hardest part of Five a Day February was the mental battle of staying consistent.  It wasn’t just about lacing up my shoes when I felt good; it was about getting out there every single day, no matter how tired I was or how busy life got.

On top of that, the time commitment was significant. Walking 20k a day meant carving out hours from my schedule, balancing work, family, and everything else. It really reinforced the importance of discipline over motivation, because some days, that’s all I had to rely on.

Sport Walk: What would you say the challenge in general helps with?

Jack: The Five A Day February challenge helps with so much more than just physical fitness, it’s a powerful mental reset. Physically, of course, it builds endurance and strength, but the real impact is on your mindset.

For me, challenging myself does wonders for my mental health. It reminds me that I’m capable of more than I sometimes believe, and that feeling of accomplishment carries over into other areas of my life. It quiets the noise in my head and replaces it with focus and determination.

The challenge also teaches discipline and consistency because you have to show up every single day, no excuses. You learn how to push through discomfort, whether it’s from sore muscles, freezing weather, or a busy schedule. That daily commitment builds a sense of accountability, not just to the challenge or the community, but to yourself. Ultimately, it strengthens mental resilience.

There were days when motivation was low, but having that goal kept me grounded. Knowing I kept the promise I made to myself, even when it was hard, was incredibly empowering. And let’s not forget the community aspect. Being part of a group all working toward a shared goal adds another layer of encouragement and inspiration. You’re not walking alone, you’re walking with a team, even if you’re miles apart. Many thanks Chis and Kyle! (other participants in 2025 – Ed)

Sport Walk: How much does where you live influence your love of walking, if at all?

Jack: Where I live has a huge influence on my love of walking. Petawawa is surrounded by natural beauty, from scenic trails to peaceful riversides, so there’s no shortage of stunning routes to explore. But it’s more than just the scenery. Being in a place with four distinct seasons means every walk brings something different, from the crisp air and snow-covered trails in winter to the vibrant greens of summer. 

Even during Five a Day February, when I was braving -30°C temperatures and snowstorms, there was a certain satisfaction in tackling the elements head-on. It added to the challenge and made each completed walk feel even more rewarding. Ultimately, walking here isn’t just about the physical act, it’s about connecting with my surroundings. It’s a way to clear my head, push my limits, and appreciate the simple beauty of where I live. That connection makes walking more than just exercise; it’s a part of my daily routine and my mental well-being. 

Sport Walk: What advice would you give someone thinking of taking on Five A Day February next year?

Jack: My advice to anyone thinking about taking on Five a Day February next year is simple: start with a commitment to yourself, not just the kilometers.

The 5k a day goal is a great starting point, but the real challenge is in showing up every single day, no matter the weather, your mood, or how busy life gets. Consistency is key. Some days will feel easy, others will test you, but those tough days are where the real growth happens. Set realistic goals, but don’t be afraid to push yourself. If you find 5k is feeling comfortable, stretch it a little further. The challenge is yours to shape, so make it something meaningful.

For me, that meant walking 20k a day, but for you, it might be simply going a little farther or faster than you thought you could. Also, prepare for the mental side of things. There will be days when motivation is nowhere to be found, that’s when discipline kicks in. Remember why you started, and focus on the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end of each day.

And finally, lean into the community. The support and encouragement from others doing the challenge can be a huge boost. You’re not alone in this, you’re part of a group of people all striving toward the same goal. So lace up, step outside, and take it one day at a time. By the end of February, you’ll not only be stronger physically but mentally too.

Sport Walk: Which day was the hardest and how did you overcome any doubts?

My legs were already sore from the days before, and mentally, I was drained. I remember standing at the door, questioning why I was doing this, wondering if it would really matter if I skipped just one day. But that’s exactly when discipline had to take over. I reminded myself that I didn’t come this far to stop because of a little discomfort. I thought about the promise I made, not to anyone else, but to myself, and how breaking it would feel much worse.

So I layered up, stepped outside, and focused on one step at a time. I didn’t think about the full 20k ahead of me, I just told myself to get moving. Once I found my rhythm, the doubts started to fade. The snowstorm became part of the challenge, not a reason to quit. By the time I finished, I felt frozen but unstoppable. That day taught me that the hardest moments are often the most important, they test your resolve and remind you why you started in the first place.

Thanks Jack!

We’re so grateful to Jack for sharing his story with us but more importantly, sharing his outlook. We can all learn from Jack’s wisdom about discipline taking over when your motivation is struggling. This is so true. You start any challenge with all the motivation you need to carry you through but you can burn through it pretty quickly when things get tough. And you don’t have to be in -30 Petawawa either!

We hope you find Jack’s experiences and his advice helpful for your own challenges, regardless of their distance or duration. Apply Jack’s wisdom to any test and you’re sure to succeed!

Jack’s 2025 Five A Day February Stats:

28 days, 90 hours, 571km, 760,000 steps!