I Needed a Reason to Quit - So I Ate All My Chocolate

Jess Day joins Notes From Big Trails to talk about walking the Te Araroa Trail — a 3,000km route stretching the full length of New Zealand.Walking solo over four and a half months, Jess shares what the experience actually felt like — from early nerves and self-doubt, through to trail family, unexpected kindness, and yes, the importance of chocolate.This isn’t just a story about distance. It’s about what happens to your mind when you’re out there for that long — and the small moments that end up meaning the most.In this episode, we cover:How Jess went from shorter UK trails to taking on Te AraroaThe reality of walking 3,000km soloThe mental challenge of long-distance hiking — including dealing with anxiety and PMDD on trailThe contrast between the North and South IslandsExtreme weather — from relentless sun to snow and freezing fogTrail family, shared hardship, and why people bond so quicklyTrail angels and the kindness of strangersWhy she ate all her chocolate — and why it was the right decisionWhat finishing actually feels like (and why it’s not what you expect)Why you don’t need to do something huge to have a meaningful adventureEnjoy!Follow JessJess shares more of her adventures, reflections, and journey into long-distance hiking here:Instagram: @shoes_full_of_feet_Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.