A new challenge in Pokémon GO requires players to walk 42 kilometers in one week. MyMMO editor Sophia Weiß is an absolute dirty casual when it comes to the game. However, she has the perfect secret weapon to master the task.
Currently, the limited-time challenge Spring Marathon can be completed in Pokémon GO. However, it is quite demanding: The game requires that you run a total of 42 kilometers within a week. That sounds like far too much for an average mortal with a 40-hour job, friends, family, and hobbies.
I am also an average mortal with a 40-hour job, friends, family, and far too many hobbies – for example, gym, epoxy art, and LARP. In between, I also want to sleep again. However, now, three days before the challenge ends, I have already clocked 26 of the 42 kilometers on the pedometer.
What is my secret weapon? Well, it has four paws and a very wet nose.
Wet-nosed companions for Pokémon GO success
In fact, I have been playing Pokémon GO since it was released in the Australian app stores. I definitely couldn’t wait until the game would launch officially in 2016. However, I am an absolute dirty casual and have not kept up. Accordingly, I am slowly working my way up to level 40 now.
For about five years, I have been making larger progress in the game: in 2020, I adopted my dog Loki. The four-legged friend, being a Labrador and Border Collie mix, needs a lot of activity. We go out for about two hours every day, rain or shine – including sniffing, playing with other dogs, and training.
And being out and about is perfect for slowly eliminating my deficits in Pokémon GO: We run an average of six to seven kilometers on workdays. On weekends, we often go further and for longer.
The game tracks in the background. Thus, the weekly challenges for hatching eggs are an absolute child’s play. I also receive rewards for more than 50 kilometers walked almost every week. You can’t imagine how pleased I am about such a simple challenge as Walk 42 kilometers in a week
.
Do I fail at tasks like Complete 150 field research tasks
or Catch 500 Pokémon
? Absolutely! Because I have to focus on making sure my dog doesn’t accidentally pick up a chicken bone in the grill area.
But running? I can run!
Accordingly, I am very confident that I will walk the remaining 16 kilometers for the challenge without any issues. I will then post a picture of the special Pikachu that will probably be the reward.
The most beautiful place in the world vs. chilly spring weather
But now, should everyone who just can’t make the 42-kilometer run get a dog? No, better not. A dog is a lot of responsibility, veterinary costs are not cheap, and a pet is more than just going out and running.
You also have to make sure that your four-legged friend not only sniffs around and behaves well. Dogs are also so inclined that they pick up much off the ground that they shouldn’t pick up. Instead of looking at your phone screen, you should pay attention to what your dog might be trying to eat next.
But maybe you can borrow a dog from someone in your circle and take a walk now and then. Or your friends will be glad to have your company.
In fact, I have only been so active since I have Loki: People who just wander off and climb mountains fascinate and scare me at the same time. Without a specific reason or goal… why should I leave my absolutely comfortable couch after work or on weekends? My couch is the most beautiful place in the world, especially in bad weather – like right now during the Ice Saints.
I usually need concrete goals to motivate myself to run. Visiting friends, a mountain hut at the end of a hike, a great new café to test out. That’s how I cover the kilometers, even if the dog stays home. Taking the dog for a walk? That’s also a goal: A well-exercised dog will become a tired cuddle monster at home.
Next week, I will report whether I managed to complete the remaining kilometers until the full 42 or if laziness got the better of me. Maybe I will also break the 50-kilometer mark for the maximum weekly reward.
I wish you all good shoes, lots of motivation, and dry weather. By the way, if you are still looking for durable shoes, I have some tips in my article on LARP gear from my acquaintances for shoes that won’t give up in mud and rain: The ultimate packing list D&D in real life – 17 basics and everything else that belongs in the inventory
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