help me enjoy my walk to work

[crochetmonkey74]

I have a 40 min walk to and from work each day- I've been doing it sporadically but inspired by a very fit lady in her 60's who I work with and who can't drive and therefore walks everywhere- I want to make it my default mode of transport. When I do walk currently, I walk with a friend but she won't be doing every day with me. If you walk to work- how to you maintain the enjoyment and motivation? Most mornings i have a normally early start (need to start walking at 7.15am but one morning a week I work a longer day so would need to leave home at 6.45 am- eek!

Podcasts and / or audio books!

I often go for walks in my lunchtime, and I can't wait to listen to a podcast (or catch up with my book). There's some great recommendations in the Podcasts forum here, but my current faves are My Favorite Murder, and sometimes I quite like a bit of Feel Better, Live More (when I'm trying to improve my lifestyle especially!), but there's so many different genres, there's bound to be something you'll love.

Audio books!!! Walking to work gives me the only peaceful, interruption free time in my day. I use it to catch up on what was, until the advent of full on adult life, one of my great joys.

I second the podcasts too for days when I'm fed up with my current book.

The quiet! I love the quiet!

BBC sounds App. Best thing since spiced bread!

Podcasts!
If you want to start the day well informed with useless facts and with a smile on your face, try No Such Thing as a Fish.
Each episode is around 40 minutes.

Podcasts or a bit of quiet time.

I'd love this! What sort of music do you like? You could discover a new album a day with a 40 minute walk if you have Spotify on your phone!

Podcasts/music/audio books.
Take a different route (if possible) to stop the commute from getting boring.
Say hello to the regulars you pass by.
Wear comfy shoes and use a proper rucksack instead of handbag.

oh Yeah ! Spotify- I hadn't thought of the discovering new albums thing- that's a great idea!

Also love podcasts so will check out these recommendations!

Divert your route through parks and green spaces if you can. You'll see more wildlife and changing seasons this way.

Take a different route (if possible) to stop the commute from getting boring.

This is a good idea too as one of the things that puts me off is there is one bit that I just don't like walking (it's not scary or anything- just annoying)

It's audio books for me. Or should I say, normal kindle books being read to me by voice view screen reader. It's the only way I stay sane at my job cleaning a building alone late at night. The silence is deafening there. Creeps me right out.

Audio books for me - I have an Audible subscription, but they also have loads of free shows which are brilliant

I don't work but have a long school run (I don't drive). Podcasts or cheesy 90s music for me

I'm a recent convert to podcasts. Current favourite is Older and Wider with Jenny Eclair. I'm also listening to Philosophise This by Stephen West.
Also how about a tracking app on your phone or a fitness tracker to compare your route /speed? Simply Walking is a good one.

TheLostTargaryen
oooh that sounds so spooky! I'm not sure I could do that job!

Love the idea of Simply Walking app- thanks Dox

Anyone else got an audible ad now?
We are being watched...

I use spotify with fast paced music playing , wheb i can I try to get music that matches my normal walking pace rhythm.
Or radio 4extra ( free app and downloads) and listen to quiz shows, comedys dramas etc . Just be aware you sometimes you get some funny looks if you're walking down the road at 7 in the morning apparently laughing to yourself because you're listening to a comedy

I have a similar distance walk to work. I actually really enjoy the morning walk as it's early so quite quiet and nice but hate the evening one as I am always really tired after working all day and it's uphill.

I try vary the route a bit on the way home, listen to podcasts or music. I also have some old maps of the area and sometimes do a detour to go and look at something of interest.

I like a bit of mindful walking without headphones or anything - just really looking at my surroundings, like a little kid might. The things in people’s windowsills, the car that’s always in the same place and it’s tyres get a bit flatter every day, when the first daffodils come out in the park...it’s a really great opportunity to be completely present in a way that you often don’t get a chance to be in modern life.

Podcasts and Pokemon Go!

Pokemon go here too

I enjoy my own company so wrong person to ask. Always things to mull over. Esp. on walk home!

Good cycle distance, I suspect, if you want to try that.

Try to find things along the route that will cheer you a little, a tree with blossom, a patch of crocus or tulips, beautiful brickwork on a building.

I had quite a boring route to work for many years, but occasionally I saw a buzzard on a gatepost or (even more rarely) a flock of snow geese, so I always used to look out for them.

How about running? You could run for 1 minute, walk for a minute etc. Obviously you'd need to change clothes at work!