Walking 2 hours a day?

[Shartnado]

Am I off my rocker thinking I could walk for 2 hours a day for getting to and from work?

I've checked on google maps and work is 3.1 miles away which it calculates as a 1 hour 2 min walk. Is it sensible to be considering walking there and back or have I got no chance?

Stats are 5ft 2 currently weighing around 15stone so trying to look at ways to incorporate exercise into daily life. My commute on the bus currently takes 45 mins so it's only slightly more time effective potentially (providing that the maps estimate is accurate!)

Wow this is giving me loads of encouragement

So I definitely need to look at weather gear. I'm planning to take my makeup plus wipes, deodorant etc in a backpack so that I can freshen up when I get to work. Hopefully after while I won't find it so sweat inducing haha!

I did think about a bike but I'm a very nervy rider after a bad accident when I was a child. But it's not something I will rule out once I am completely familiar with my route from walking it.

As far as I know, it looks safe but perhaps my winter plan could be walk in and bus back if I'm nervous

I agree, start by going on the bus and walking home. If I walked that far to work I'd be a sweaty wreck on arrival. You can work up to walking both ways. Well done, good luck

I'd get the bus in and walk home to start with. You might find you're a bit sweaty and worn out for your day at work otherwise.
I walk 40 minutes to and from work and love it. I invested in some really good headphones, listen to terrible music and daydream the whole way. It's the most relaxing part of my day and it's surprising how infrequently I get rained on.

If you are not already used to walking, then start off by doing some of the route walking and some on public transport, increasing over three or four weeks IYSWIM. So first week walk a couple of bus stops, catch bus, get off a couple of bus stops away from work and walk the rest of the way. Second week increase to half and half, third week half bus to work and walk all the way home. Forth week you should be fit enough to walk both ways, and have speeded up.
Good comfy shoes and a raincoat essential.

@FadedRed that sounds like a really good plan actually. My month bus pass has just renewed, so could be a good time to do that and work up to when it runs out, then just not replace it!

Probably sound like an idiot but what is a podcast? I've obviously heard the word a lot but I have no idea what they actually are

Podcasts are like shows you listen to. Some are comedy or current affairs based. If you like random facts and info, crime stories, cults etc there's a good one called sofa king, there will be a podcast for pretty much anything you're interested in, I also like audiobooks (makes you eager to walk so you can listen to the next bit). You can always start just getting the BBC iPlayer radio app and listening to radio 4 stuff. If you've got plenty of data you can stream them or download when you're at home on WiFi

What a fantastic idea OP. That's brilliant. I'm super envious of you living a walking distance from your work. You get fit and you save money.

Forgive the expression but isn't that a win-win?

You might need to get an umbrella though.

I do it. It can be a pain sometimes but I feel great for it

I do it! Or did, pre mat leave.

I'm currently walking back from work (about 2.5 miles) in an attempt to lose weight, and today, i totally regret it. I have massive blisters on both my feet... think i'll get a taxi back tomorrow.

Great idea. I live 3.5 miles from work and walked in the snow, took me 50 mins (ran a bit of it).

The only reason I don't walk more often is that I need to be home more quickly than an hour. otherwise walking to work is great - free, healthy and you know how long it takes so no worries with delays!

I regularly did that kind of distance every day, took me 40 minutes and we live in a hilly city, so it was downhill and uphill both ways! Do it, you'll soon feel fab.

Brilliant idea - and cheaper and better than the gym. Just make sure youhave some really good walking shoes, and maybe a hiking stick with anti-shock too.

Another jealous one here! Sounds like a total treat. Before you know it, you may even decide to start running home. Or there and back! Enjoy.

I walk in every day - takes 45 mins and is just under 3 miles. Google maps tends to give a slow walking pace.
I can't face it on the way home - its much easier just to get up and out i the morning then you are halfway there before you really wake up!
On the way home I walk a few stops and then get the bus depending on weather/time/energy levels
Definitely doable

Oh do it! I love it. I listen to audiobooks and feel like I’m properly having some me time, not particularly pampered but just switching off. I definitely had to force myself to at first but now feel like I’ve missed out if I don’t.

Crisis kitten

I have a problem with blisters when I walk too.

I was wearing merells walking shoes recommended on here but they didn't help.

Anyone know if Skechers are any good?

Absolutely fine.

Wear comfy supportive trainers and get a decent rain jacket for winter.

It’s free exercise and downtime between work and home. Both excellent things. And it’s only going to take you an extra 30 minutes a day. That’s win, win, win.

I bet you won’t be 15 stone this time next year with this new regime!

Do it! Sounds a great idea.

I walk 4 miles every day. I don't see It as a big deal.

Good for you, sounds like a plan!

But have you walked for an hour straight before now? Maybe build it up over a week or two and get your stride. Walking is just great, get comfortable shoes and break them in.

I used to walk 45 minutes home, then eventually did both in and out. But I wore a scabby old T shirt on the way in, and had a no iron top/cardi in the backpack to change into at work.(plus the smellies and wipes like you said).

Often had a bit of a red face, but the benefits are enormous!

I enjoyed listening to Rick Steves podcasts and all the places to travel to. Was in Zen mode listening to it, and his voice is just so soothing. There are many more too. You will find some to suit your interests.

My mum's in her mid 60's and she walks 2/2.5 hours a day. I recommend audiobooks to keep you entertained! It won't be many weeks now before it's dark by half 4 so you might want to think about high vis gear and a mini torch (you can get tinny ones that are surprisingly bright!).

@serbska I swear by Skechers but I wonder if wearing a different type of sock might help you with your blister problem?