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Original poster

I can only manage 6 miles ...what am I doing wrong?

33 replies

redsaidfredd · 11/06/2021 16:55

Trying to get fit.
I went out walking today.
Got to 6 miles and was knackered.
My feet,legs and back were aching.
I want to get up to 10/12 miles per day.
Any tips ?
Is 6 miles enough ?
Or is more recommended

OP posts:
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ThuggeryAffair · 11/06/2021 23:00

10 to 12 miles daily is rather a lot OP and could easily lead to injuries IMO unless you're lucky. Feet, ankles, knees and hips don't always like a lot of repetitive exercise. It would also be time consuming as others have pointed out. I walk about 5 miles most days, with the occasional 8 or 9 mile to change it up and it has helped me lose weight and keep the weight off. So you might not need to do as much as you think to achieve your goals.

Ostara212 · 11/06/2021 20:28

[quote redsaidfredd]@Ostara212 I was averaging around 16 mins per mile.[/quote]
I rather like walking but I wouldn't want to devote 2.5 hours a day to it...if you live somewhere pretty then it's probably very different though!

Original poster
redsaidfredd · 11/06/2021 19:08

@Ostara212 I was averaging around 16 mins per mile.

OP posts:
lakesummer · 11/06/2021 19:07

I honestly think flip flops are going to be a major part of the problem here OP.

Also if you have gone from nothing to this even in decent walking shoes it is going to hurt at first.

Just build gradually as others have said.

AIMummy · 11/06/2021 19:02

Well that's 6 miles more than me today so well done. Smile

Ostara212 · 11/06/2021 18:40

Ignoring the flip flops for a minute

What sort of time do you plan per mile?

I need to lose weight and tbh that sounds like it would be very time consuming. I'd also find it boring unless it was amazing scenery.

DirectionsForUse · 11/06/2021 18:35

I can run a half marathon, I do run about 40 miles every week but I'm still tired after a 6 mile walk, I think that's usual.

I'm sure you could build up to 12 miles but you'll need to do it gradually, as with any exercise.

motogogo · 11/06/2021 18:33

6 miles is good, we all need to start off somewhere, just increase gradually over time. Also remember gradient, terrain, obstacles like stiles all make a difference. I used to be able to walk 20 miles, I'm now exhausted after 6 due to inactivity over lockdown

IdblowJonSnow · 11/06/2021 18:27

13000 steps is 5.5 miles for me. 10000 steps is 3 miles for most, not 5.

6 miles is great if you ask me!

Crappyfridays7 · 11/06/2021 18:27

I pressed post too soon I need some comfy walking shoes I’ve got a dodgy knee so haven’t been walking much. But when I do I do a bit more each time

HaveYouMetMyMateStanley · 11/06/2021 18:16

It's a great amount, well done. I did 8 miles after not walking much and I thought my hips would break. You just have to build up or keep at it. At some point it stops aching.

Crappyfridays7 · 11/06/2021 18:11

I couldn’t walk a mile in flip flops never mind 6 so you’ve done amazing no wonder you ached. I’ve got Nike internationalist trainers love them but they are crap for walking in hurt my back and legs/feet.

HumunaHey · 11/06/2021 18:11

Walking is good excercise but it can have a toll on your joints. Being absolutely knackered and achy after walking so far in flip flops is understandable! Pace yourself and just increase your expectations gradually.

Original poster
redsaidfredd · 11/06/2021 18:09

Well at the min I'm around 9 stone 7 and I'm 5ft 6 so I'm hoping to get down to maybe 8 stone 7 if possible.
Cutting down calories and exercising
I'm not a good runner so walking is my only option

OP posts:
titchy · 11/06/2021 18:07

I reckon 6 miles in flip flops is at least equal to 8 miles in proper shoes!

fellrunner85 · 11/06/2021 18:02

Is 6 miles enough?

It's impossible to answer that question. Enough for what?
I mean, it was clearly enough for you today if you were aching; so you need to build up to it gradually. And not in flip flops! 😄

Is it "enough" in terms of exercise generally? Well again, depends on what you want. For me, 6 miles is around 10,000 steps, so you'd be hitting that benchmark that some people choose to go for.

But then on the flip side, for anyone used to running, six miles isn't far at all. Horses for courses and all that.

Original poster
redsaidfredd · 11/06/2021 18:01

I have 2 pairs of good trainers too 🙈

OP posts:
Redcrayons · 11/06/2021 18:00

😂 at your flip flops

Try doing an out and back walk, so walk 3.5 miles and back the same way. You can’t cut corner even if you wanted to. Gradually increase the out.

And put some proper shoes on.

3dogsnorth · 11/06/2021 18:00

Get some supportive shoes, build up your distance gradually, add about 10% every couple of weeks until you get to your goal distance. Don't do too much too soon, you'll either injure yourself or sicken yourself (or both). Enjoy your walking!

piglet81 · 11/06/2021 17:58

Shock you’ll ruin your feet walking hat far in flip-flops! Please get some proper supportive trainers!

Original poster
redsaidfredd · 11/06/2021 17:54

I know,I wasn't meant to walk that far Blush
I'm fond of a treat aren't I ha ha

OP posts:
lljkk · 11/06/2021 17:43

Flip flops are not good walking shoes.

Bagelsandbrie · 11/06/2021 17:35

6 miles in flip flops?! Are you mad?? Grin Get some proper, supportive trainers. 6 miles is a lot!

Original poster
redsaidfredd · 11/06/2021 17:34

Stupidly today I had flip flops on.
My feet are sore
As I only decided to do a walk once I was out.
It was mostly flat with some hilly areas.
I was planning on doing 4-5 days a week.
Maybe 1 day miss a day
I was thinking every day but might be too much

OP posts:
RockingMyFiftiesNot · 11/06/2021 17:12

6 miles is excellent, so don't beat yourself up. What terrain or mix of terrains were you walking on and as others have said what footwear?