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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think I could walk to work and back in nicer weather?

265 replies

NapQueen · 13/02/2017 00:33

New job is, according to Google maps, 2.3 miles away and the estimated walking time is 53mins.

It's a nice walk there, downhill to the riverside then along and up a little at the end. Obviously the walk home would be harder!

Anyone walk a distance like this?

Nb am hideously bad at cycling so that's a no go!

OP posts:
Original poster
NapQueen · 13/02/2017 06:22

Can't start the walk yet as I've not started the job yet Grin

I will give the walk a go on my next day off - I usually take ds out for a good long walk in his pushchair so that can be it for this week.

OP posts:
BathshebaDarkstone · 13/02/2017 06:28

I could. I used to walk 10 miles to the nearest town, so 2.3 miles would be a doddle. But I walk a lot anyway.

AllTheBabies · 13/02/2017 06:28

Of course you could!

Google maps always overestimate walking time. You could probably do it in 10 - 15 minutes less. My walk to work is 1.2 miles and it takes 22 minutes exactly.

KeyserSophie · 13/02/2017 06:36

Yeah, I reckon it would take closer to 45 mins. Problem is you can't walk too fast or you get sweaty. I used to do this length walk both ways for 2 years through central London. It made a lot of difference to my weight management - no DC then so was going out a lot and living on takeaways and Percy Pigs but didnt put on wine weight. I also found that the walk helped me think about/ prioritise for the day ahead and then sort of debrief myself on the way home, so I'd arrive home having it all filed away mentally and ready to relax.

NeverTwerkNaked · 13/02/2017 06:39

Have you considered getting an adult scooter (like the kind kids use but for adults)

I use one and it has cut my "walking" time from 30 mins to 10mins...

Eatingcheeseontoast · 13/02/2017 06:39

All the jobs I've been happiest in have had lovely commutes, 40 min walk in Winchester including the meadows, a 30 minute walk along the front when I lived by the seaside now it's a 25 min walk through houses, not so great...

Huldra · 13/02/2017 06:41

Go for it.

yeOldeTrout · 13/02/2017 06:46

That's a great distance, it really clears the cobwebs out & you arrive home feeling re-energised & not drained from the commute & work day.

skerrywind · 13/02/2017 06:54

It sounds a luxury.

I can't spare 10 hours a week. Besides I could earn £200 in that time- so £800 a month more than enough to run a car.
I condense my exercise into 3 hours at the gym.

ememem84 · 13/02/2017 06:58

Do it. I walk a similar distance and it takes me about 30 minutes.

Wellies and a waterproof for winter trainers or flip flops for summer and jobs a goodun

n0ne · 13/02/2017 07:01

Yep, that's absolutely doable. I live 6km from work and walk it sometimes in the summer. And when I used to work in London, I'd walk home from work Marble Arch to Kilburn once a week if it was nice.

StealthPolarBear · 13/02/2017 07:01

A couple of people have queried tbe time it takes - plenty of people have an hours commute!
I can't walk on my usual journey into work but when I'm in London I walk as much as I can.

fizzysweetie · 13/02/2017 07:02

Do it! I used to walk pretty much the same distance to and from work in my old job. Listened to podcasts and audiobooks, and frankly it was the best bit of my work-day.

Now I commute into the next city so have to use public transport. But at least I don't hate my job anymore!

skerrywind · 13/02/2017 07:04

No commute here.

StealthPolarBear · 13/02/2017 07:05

But surely you accept others are different :) or do you consider 45 mins in the car or on public transport also a waste?

AuntieStella · 13/02/2017 07:07

I think 53 minutes for 2.3 miles is quite a slow pace (about 2.6mph)

Unless the ground is very rough, I think you'll do it in less time (typical adult walking pace is 3 - 3.5 mph).

It sounds a lovely way to start the day. And you can do it in all weathers, once you sort out some suitable shoes/boots and a warm, waterproof coat.

MakingMerry · 13/02/2017 07:09

Google maps overestimates in my experience, it will take less than that. Also if two buses is the altwrnative_there will always be delays/cancellations and missed connections. One of my favourite things about walking is it's a guaranteed method, no risk of traffic jams etc.

Walking is good for mental and physical health, free and better for the environment, one of the best things I ever did was swap my 80 minute commute for a job where I could walk to work.

skerrywind · 13/02/2017 07:10

Commuting time is a waste.
One of the reasons OH changed his job, he had a 90 minute commute - that's 15 hours a week. He now has a 4 minute commute- he is happier, less stressed, we see more of him.

A huge factor.

contractor6 · 13/02/2017 07:10

Do it, I used to walk home in summer (daylight) when lived in London was really uplifting, ESP in summer when everyone is happy. And when it rained you have the parka to yourself.
Walking is one of the best ways to get fit Imo, and it is easy to maintain.

skerrywind · 13/02/2017 07:13

OP do you have kids? You must have a very leisurely life if you can afford this time strolling to work.

Wheresthattomoibabber · 13/02/2017 07:15

Skerrywind - it's more like 7.5 hrs a week. Take off your gym time it becomes 4.5 hrs. Take off your commute time - half an hour a day?

OP it's a fab idea. You will feel fantastic. And you won't miss the sleep - you'll be fitter so will sleep better and wake up better.

987flowers · 13/02/2017 07:15

skerrywind there are not many people (if any!) that I know who would earn more getting to work early. I'm sure OP won't be 10 hrs better off money wise if she drives! You're very lucky if you can earn more working more whenever it suits you. I earn what I earn no matter how many extra hours I put in a week therefore it comes down to preference how I would want to get to work as it would be in my 'free' time.

user1484226561 · 13/02/2017 07:17

OP do you have kids? You must have a very leisurely life if you can afford this time strolling to work.

its a very short time spent commuting compared to many parents.

skerrywind · 13/02/2017 07:18

I don't commute, so I don't know. As I said my OH switched jobs to cut him commute time to 4 minutes.

Wheresthattomoibabber · 13/02/2017 07:22

Fair enough skerrywind! If you don't commute I expect getting out to the gym keeps you same!