I want to go for lovely long walks but I can't be arsed.

[LordOfTheThings]

How do I get my arse into gear? Last year I went for lovely long walks and it honestly made me feel so much better physically and mentally. I live in a lovely village with lots of options but I've got myself back into 'sluggish' mode and I don't know how to get out of it. I have a dog but he's very old and his hips are not great so we only have short walks buy often.

Does anyone else want to do something but just can't get themselves started? 'Stop being a lazy bastard' is the advice I'm giving myself but it's not motivating me. 😂

Can you join a group or arrange to go with a friend? Borrow my doggy?

Would something like Geocaching make you go out? There are often circuits that take you on nice walks and it turns it into a walk with a purpose.

Not that a walk necessarily needs a purpose other than the walk itself of course but it can be a good motivator,

Right lady, you need to step out there. However much you don't want to go, you will be twice as glad you went. If I don't hear back today that you have done at least 5k, I am going to get real annoying.

Go on.

Out you go.

waiting for you when you get back.

On a practical note it helps if you have someone to go with as you won't want to let them down. Any walking buddies available?

Can you arrange to meet a friend/neighbour for a planned walk - that way you'll have to go!

I do have friends who walk too but we all seem to work different hours and can rarely get together really. I always feel better when I've been so I'm definitely going today. I feel like I've lost my mojo.

I listen to audiobooks and when I’ve got a good story going it makes me walk further to hear the story. And I only have it on when I walk.

I trick myself by saying that I'll go out for 10 mins and then if I don't want to continue I'll come back. Then I'm usually fine once I'm out. Also, wearing whatever clothes I want to walk in from when I get up so I don't have to change. And if I want to go first thing, putting the clothes out ready, breakfast dishes out, coffee machine set up etc.

I love big hikes but with day to day life being a bit hectic motivation is something I struggle with

Pick your route now, like right now

Pack your map, compass some water, spare socks, sticks, and make a packed lunch, pop it in the fridge

Tomorrow wake up at 6am, transfer your lunch and snacks to your bag and head out as soon as the sun is rising

It works for me, earlier I am planned organised and out the less likely I am to procrastinate and get lost in the housework

You will enjoy it I promise, a whole day walking is the best thing for the soul, always makes me come back feeling a million times better and if mountain scrambling is involved I feel like I have achieved something ( admittedly two big dogs to come with me but don't let your lack of canine buddy put you off, just play with your old woof a bit when you get back

Maybe schedule it for a specific time in your so you don’t keep saying to yourself that you’ll do it later?

Also podcasts or audio books are perfect for a walk, you could download a few short ones to start off with.

I bought one of those fitness trackers ( only a cheap one) and I have a target each day. I find actually recording the few steps I take each day quite motivational and it gets me off my arse and put for a walk

Set yourself a target: a nice view at which point you will crack open your flask of coffee and small cake.

JFDI. Really: JFDI. Once you have done it a few times you will find it easy. The endorphins become their own motivation.

Listen to a podcast. There is no way I'd walk as much as I do without something to listen to.

I play Pokémon go, I’ll happily walk for miles (although not particularly quickly ) the kids have got to age where I feel like I have to drag them to the park - it used to be the other way round...

Relying on motivation is a bad idea, so rely on discipline instead.
Don’t give yourself a choice, tell yourself that even if you can’t be bothered/are too tired/don’t want to go, you’re going to do it anyway.

That’s how I hit over my lazy bastard phase, and I’m now walking daily for an hour.

The fitness tracker is weirdly motivational for me too - I thought I'd hate feeling like it was the boss of me but actually it really made a difference in motivating me to get out there. It gives you pretend rewards and trophies when you reach your target multiple days in a row. It's completely ridiculous and yet useful. Apparently I am very much a giant toddler in the reward-seeking behaviour department

OP, I find listening to podcast series really revolutionises my long walks. I just love them and get totally hooked and in the zone. I often don’t take my dog as she’s reluctant to walk without DH and it’s often a too hot for her (honestly!)

Yes, don't rely on motivation as it is getting started that is the hardest bit!

Try and develop a routine around it that will eventually become second nature. So either do it every day when you first get up, or like me (wfh) every day after (light) lunch.

Also try Conqueror on-line tracking "virtual expeditions" eg you can walk Hadrian's wall (and many other routes) virtually and receive info about steps, the history of the route, medals along the way ; I think you can even do it as a group , not sure, will try and link...

www.theconqueror.events/

@LordOfTheThings I am hoping you return soon from an epic walk to tell us how invigorated you feel.

I was just sat here thinking exactly the same! I'm going to use some of the advice for a walk tomorrow AM.

Did you go in the end OP?

Aim to walk to a nice cafe so you can reward yourself with a nice coffee when you get there!

Anothermountain - that looks really interesting. I'm tempted to have a go. Is there any commitment to continue after you've finished a challenge?

Not sure Pandora206 sorry! It was my nephew who walked Hadrian's Wall virtually in the holidays and raised some money for our local hospice. I must confess I haven't tried it myself yet as although I hate exercise in general, I really quite like walking.

Long walks - what do you all do when you need a toilet stop? This is what holds me back