Before discovering Slimpod, Loopy Lou (as we know her in the group) was battling some significant challenges. She was a heavy drinker, struggling with deep unhappiness and a lack of desire to exercise.
The weight of feeling “too old” to change her exercise habits hung heavily over her.
But everything shifted when she joined Slimpod. For over three years now, she hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol, and her transformation has been truly remarkable. It has been a joy to watch!
Fast forward to today, Loopy Lou is globe-trotting, or should I say, globe-hiking, Simpodder! She set the group five walking challenges for 2024 (Aberdeen was added later). Her “Plodding Podders World Tour” made waves, having recently conquered her last hike: Sydney Bloody Long Walk 22 miles.
Four of the five hikes Loopy Lou is doing this year (Aberdeens’ wee wander was added after)
Loopy Lou is a true inspiration to Podders everywhere, Loopy Lou’s journey isn’t just about the miles she’s walked or the challenges she’s faced—it’s about her unyielding positivity, her humour, and her remarkable ability to lift others up, even while climbing her own mountains.
From doodling delightful sketches that bring smiles, to leading the charge with uplifting comments and inspiring hikes, Loopy Lou embodies the heart of what it means to be a Slimpodder. It’s no surprise she has been crowned the first-ever Inspirational Podder of the Month in our brand-new Wall of Fame.
Cast your vote for the next Podder of the Month here!
Walking with Determination: Loopy Lou’s Challenges in 2024
Loopy Lou’s adventures kicked off with the London Moonwalk—26 miles through the vibrant streets of the UK’s capital. The Plodding Podders World Tour 2024 then swept across stunning landscapes and challenging terrains:
- Aberdeen Kiltwalk: Under gloriously sunny Scottish skies, Loopy Lou celebrated each step with a grateful heart.
- Gower Peninsula Mighty Hike (26 miles): Joining forces with her walking partner, Lisa Sinclair, this hike tested her both mentally and physically.
- Bristol 10K: Another incredible feat to add to her growing list of achievements.
- Sydney Bloody Long Walk (22 miles): Loopy Lou wrapped up her marathon season Down Under, battling jetlag and heat with her trademark grit.
Not every challenge went as planned—Loopy Lou had to step back from the South West Mighty Hike due to a blood clot scare. But true to her character, she reframed this setback as a moment to rest, recover, and return stronger. The silver lining? She still completed her Sydney walk with determination and joy!
Pushing Through Fear and Doubt
Loopy Lou’s ability to turn fear into fuel is awe-inspiring. Reflecting on one of her hikes, she shared:
“The old me would’ve ignored my entry and never bothered going. But now? I embrace my fears head-on. Whether it’s a snail’s pace up a hill or a wobble down the other side, I know I can keep going—and so can you!”
At one particularly tough moment during the mighty hike, she paused, reflecting deeply. It was her determination not to let her walking partner Lisa finish alone that pushed her through.
“Around mile 12, I had never looked so hard at myself. Could I really quit? No! We were in this together. I sat, breathed deeply, and reminded myself of all the reasons I started.”
Loopy Lou and Lisa at the start of the walk
The Power of Community: Walking Together
Loopy Lou’s journey has been made even more special by the friendships formed along the way. Countless Slimpodders have joined Loopy Lou on her hikes this year, with words of encouragement and humour keeping their spirits high.
When Loopy Lou and Lisa were on their mighty gower hike, Lyn joined the cheering squad, presenting Loopy Lou with a small but meaningful gift—“positive pants”—that Loopy Lou now carries with her on every challenge.
Loopy Lou and Lisa at the finish line.
“The fact Lyn bought us the positive pants little gift meant more than she will ever know. It will come with me on every single challenge in the future!”
Positive pants gift for Loopy Lou and Lisa from Lyn and Lyn supporting Loopy Lou and Lisa on their walk.
Lisa said “If Trevor sets a seed in your head podders he usually wins and wow what a win it can be. This was one of my goals on my latest goal map so now for an updated one. Keep podding, keep winning and never give up.”
Loopy Lou’s Message to You: “Don’t Doubt Yourself!”
To anyone standing at the foot of their own metaphorical mountain, Loopy Lou offers these words of encouragement:
“Podders….never doubt yourself, dig deep, get support, (I couldn’t have done it without Lisa spouting words of encouragement and swear words as we went up and down cliffs) keep going Podders, in whatever you do. Believe you can do anything, (from ditching the scales to climbing a mountain) You really can do things you never imagined!“
What’s Next?
Loopy Lou isn’t stopping here. She’s already setting her sights on her 2025 challenges and encouraging others to join her. As she says, “Let a little of your inner loopy loose! Who knows what adventures await when you do?”
If you are interested in joining Loopy Lou on her hikes, check her out in the private facebook group.
Loopy Lou’s journey this year has covered thousands of miles and has been filled with moments of laughter, tears, and triumphs. Through it all, she’s shown us that with belief, determination, and a little humour, anything is possible. Let’s celebrate her incredible achievements and the inspiration she brings to us all.
Do you have your own “loopy” goals for 2025? Share them in the comments below, and let Loopy Lou’s story be the spark that lights your way forward!
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2 thoughts on “From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief: How Loopy Lou Found Joy in the Journey”
Loupy Lou has been an inspiration to me and embracing my walking challenges. She has supported and encouraged me to walk and join challenges and setting my 2025 goals and I know I can do it…. Thank you Loopy Lou. You are an inspiration and mentor to me
As I’m reading this I’m thinking hey perhaps I could walk a marathon.. unheard of in this brain previously..thanks Loopy Lou.., you inspire us 🙏😊