Welcome back to our series of Step Over Hunger guest blogs.
We’ve invited some of our favourite Step Over Hunger participants to answer a few questions for our blog, sharing some top tips and spreading motivation to hit our step goals.
This time, we’re excited to introduce TawakCool Adventures.
We’re delighted to welcome them into our Charity Right family and can’t wait to hear what she has to say.
So, over to you, TawakCool Adventures!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Sahir, co-founder of TawakCool Adventures. I am married with 4 children MashaAllah. I am also a home educator, so life is pretty busy! I live in London, but I am country girl at heart as that’s where I grew up. I love being outdoors, hiking and anything related to nature really.
2. How did you begin TawakCool Adventures; what was your intention for doing so?
TawakCool Adventures was set up by sisters who love nature and are passionate about connecting with the great outdoors and promoting emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
We began with a simple vision to encourage, inspire and share the joy of hiking and other adventures for adults and children. We have organized many family adventure days to bring the community together.
Our hikes started with a small group of sisters as ‘Sisters on The Move’ in June 2021, since then the group grew rapidly and regular weekly hikes were established.
In March 2022 TawakCool Adventures was officially founded and by the Grace of Allah it is growing from strength to strength.
3. Share some funny or sweet walking stories you’ve experienced going out as a group.
Too many stories to share! There is something special about being outdoors, a freedom that allows people to connect on a very spiritual level. I myself have made many good friends since TawakCool began.
We have giggled over sisters on rope swings, one even fell. We have got emotional with sisters sharing their daily struggles and emotional battles. We have laughed as we ran down hills bare foot without a care in the world. We have helped each other climb hills, jump over streams and even chased a water can down a stream.
Whatever we do, we do it together, having fun and making friends along the way.
4. What are the benefits of hiking or walking together opposed to doing it alone?
Hiking together creates a likeminded community where we nurture reflection, gratitude and our connection with Allah. We are essentially providing a safe space where women can offload on a regular basis. Walking together nurtures friendships whilst allowing our inner child to experience fun and excitement. Something we all need more of!
5. Where’s your favourite place to go hiking?
I love exploring the woodlands where deer’s come out of nowhere, jumping across streams and running down rolling hills. The best part is I can enjoy all of these experiences during one hike. I know London is limited for hiking but we are actually exploring many hidden gems a stone’s throw from us.
If I had to pick my favourite place, it would be Wales. However, there is much of the UK still to discover. Insha’Allah I will be able to visit many more places and have many more adventure with TawakCool.
6. What’s your best memory as part of TawakCool Adventures?
My fondest memory is seeing the local community come together, all ages and backgrounds at TawakCool’s Family Adventure Day in September 2022. Creating memories around the campfire, enjoying the BBQ and cooking marshmallows, whilst enjoying a safe space for Muslim women – what more could you ask for.
7. What sort of fitness improving challenges will you be setting your fundraisers?
We are pushing our participants to improve their fitness levels, build healthier habits and adopt a cleaner diet. We are encouraging them to switch from their cars or public transport to walking more.
We are using Strava to measure and determine performance on a leader board to create healthy competition.
The challenges vary from completing fitness routines, taking up new sports, measuring how far you can walk in a specified time and how quickly you can cover a specific distance.
8. Are there any prizes up for grabs?
Of course, what would a competition be without prizes!
It is not just our male counterparts that are competitive, let me tell you.
Our participants have been pushing themselves, using lunch breaks and mosque runs to clock up more time and distance and, no doubt, they have been keeping a close eye on the Strava leadership board.
9. How will fundraisers be supported throughout Step Over Hunger?
Alhamdulillah we have a great relationship with Charity Right that are supporting our work. We have created a WhatsApp group to share ideas and encourage each other. There are regular reminders about why we are fundraising, why we chose Charity Right and where the money is going.
Insha’Allah this will help donors to understand their money is an Amanah and going to a trusted charity that is doing exceptional work in alleviating the needs of the most vulnerable in our society.
10. What top tips do you have for fitness newbies working towards their fitness goal?
Set realistic goals ¬– what you can physically achieve will always be different to those around you, but doing something is better than nothing. Mindset is everything, once you put your mind to something, it becomes far more achievable.
And lastly, don’t give up ¬– adapt your routine, change the activity, do it from home but don’t stop. Consistency is key and will bring long lasting benefits to your health insha’Allah.
11. Why support Charity Right with this campaign?
I have been a keen supporter of Charity Right ever since my days at Alkauthar. I believe those at the top and throughout the charity work with integrity, compassion and empathy for those who do not have a voice.
When I was approached by Charity Right for this campaign, it was hard to say no. I feel we all need the right support, atmosphere and push to establish a better, healthier lifestyle. And by giving myself a better, healthier future and I am also supporting a better, brighter future for the children of this ummah.
May Allah (SWT) accept from all those involved in this campaign. Ameen!
