To think I CAN do this walking challenge in 2026... 7 million steps

[HippopotamusForChristmas]

I'm a pretty regular walker, I did 4.5 million this year. So I'm challenging myself to 7 million for 2026 and there's a £50 bet on this! Just under 135k steps per week.

No more slobby non wash TV Sundays
Walking pad ordered for home... can even use it when I'm in my dressing gown waiting for my hash browns to cook
Going for a 15 minute stroll on lunch breaks
10/15 mile walks on non working days (Fridays and Saturdays. This isn't unusual for me).

This isn't out of reach is it?!

Merry Christmas ❤️

Imagine being this fit

I think you can do it.

What I don't understand is why you'd want to. It sounds like you're going to take something you enjoy and make it a chore. Why do that to yourself? Life is best with balance, walk as much as you want but enjoy the occasional slobby Sunday and stand still while your hash browns cook.

I've done just over 5m this year so far 2800 miles.

Of course you can do it, it will be (I guess) about 7m a day, so quite a big time commitment.

You'll need to aim higher, to allow for weeks when you don't do much because of health, travel or other time pressures.

Because deep down I don't really believe I can do it and I want the challenge.

It’s definitely doable, I’ve just looked and I’m at about 7.5 million steps for the year so far, I run as well as walk though so that helps!

The only issue is, as a pp suggested, not to neglect other stuff that is good for you. I weight train, and don't always walk as much as I could so I have time and energy for that - the benefits health-wise are probably greater than my going from 15k-20k steps on a particular day, say.

19000 steps every single day? That’s is a lot….

so Monday to Thursday… with an office job, how many steps do you estimate?

How many steps have you done today? Dare you to post a screen shot!

I hate weight training I tried it loads this year but I'm just shit at it, there are people half my age lifting weights and discs and bar bells. I just can't do it, my arms are weak. I actually love walking... hate running and cycling. I can run for about 3/4 of a mile but it's so boring. Cycling is shit! I'm a walker. Also do HIIT classes now and then plus kick boxing. But next year it's all about the steps. I will throw in a bit of jogging especially on my holidays when I'm by beautiful bodies of water, but it will be 90% walking. Whether it's strolling, brisk walking or hiking. I'm pretty active but not hugely "fit" if that makes sense?
When I visited the States last year (West Coast) I walked 10/15 miles per day easily.

Here’s mine at 5.10pm. Lower than normal today because I didn’t take the dog for a walk (DS did) . Usually around 14000 by end of day. When I was a runner it was 18/19k
when I had children at different schools…. 25k most days

Sorry I missed, how old are you?

Depends.

Ive had several different types of brands of fitness trackers.

Some this would be easy. Some this would be a massive challenge. I’m someone who enjoys walking running and hiking. I’m usually training for an event or something, currently training for a half marathon. And I have an active job. Some fitness trackers over estimate. Some under.

I wore two of mine for the same hike this summer. Fitbit tracked 63000 steps. Garmin 46000. Same walk.

Day at work, Fitbit says 9000, Samsung says 8000, Garmin 4500.

You can see this happening on this thread too. What are you using to track?

Who can fit 4h walking a day into a normal routine? Was that sarcasm?

If I did nursery run both ends that'd be 45 min, 30 min on my lunch break (guess that'd help the diet as i only get 30 min!), so I still need to find 2h45 around childcare. I could get up an hour early. Still 1h45 to find, not sure I'm up for almost 2h walking every evening and not sure my husband would appreciate that either.

With the exception of a friend who is a dog walker...

All the people I know who apparently do 20k steps through daily life are actually recording micro movements like drinking a cup of tea or washing up. Not actual walking.

I did 7.4 million last year as a postie walking 10-15 miles a day 5 days a week, plus my dog walks and just general steps through the week.

It's not unachievable but you'll have to walk a hell of a lot.

Become a postie and you'll walk it though 😁

I don’t imagine it’s sarcasm. Just that you are assuming your routine is the normal one.

It’s relatively easy to fit 15-20k steps a day into my specific normal routine and it would be for lots of people, OP clearly being one of them. It’s fine if it wouldn’t work for you and there are times in my life it wouldn’t work either but for now, sure, no issues.

I probably am wrongly assuming most people have desk-bound office jobs and, on mumsnet, have partners (or are single) with kids.

Just turned 41

I have kids, one likes running, one likes hiking, one isn’t bothered. I go running with one (junior parkrun) I go hiking with the other (long distance). They are old enough to be left at home on their own, because I’ve been on mumsnet for 20 years. I have a partner who isn’t fussed for hiking but likes to run and cycle. I’m part of a running club that meets twice a week, and a walking group that meets one a week and both do ad hoc walks and run challenges. My most common night out is to meet a friend for a run or hike and end up in a pub for a drink or meal.

I don’t know anyone who has a desk job or works in an office.

What’s today’s step count as of right now for you?

I believe you can do it. Although, maybe not while remaining happy, well rested and not a walking bore.

I don't think you need to though. I think you could put that energy to more use somewhere else probably.

But if you're going to enjoy marching on the spot whilst waiting for hash browns to cook, go for it. Whatever floats your boat!

Today was 13k
Yesterday was 24k

But I'm not really "trying" until January 1st

Not sarcasm at all. I live in London and don't have a car. Four hours really isn't a lot when it's broken up throughout the day. I don't track my steps at home, only when I am actually out walking. My counts for last month in case you think I'm just making it up.

Op, it's definitely doable if you are intentional

If this is current daily steps on a weekend, then “trying” is going to involve a huge jump in step count to reach 7 million steps