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!)

I used to be about 3 miles from the office and walked when I didn’t have files to lug around. Loved it.

No stress with traffic or parking or public transport delays.

Exercise and ‘fresh’ air.

I listened to audiobook or music, used the return journey to call people on the phone like my mum to catch up, or just walked with my thoughts.

I saw so much more of the local area and went into different local shops etc that were on my way home.

I have but never to get to a destination by a certain time, only when just out for a walk in general which is not something I do regularly anymore

I second the idea of downloading podcasts and audiobooks - you get get audiobooks free from the library. Walking the same route every day is likely to get dull.

Two pairs of socks on prevents blisters. One thin pair first then a walking pair.

I used to walk to work quite often, when I lived in London and worked near the West End. You might find it easier if you were to introduce the walking in phases. Get off the bus half way there and walk the rest of the way. It's a bit tough at first, but quite quickly you barely notice you're doing it, and then you can get off the bus even earlier and take a longer walk.

I loved walking, found it very relaxing once I'd got to that point where you know exactly where you're going, what obstacles have to be navigated etc, and then your thoughts just run freely and before you know you're there! Great exercise, great for weight loss.

Enjoy it

Start by checking with your Dr

Really don’t do this unless you have some kind of ongoing health concern. Otherwise healthy people do not need to check with their doctor before walking 6 miles!

Re being sweaty, I like to walk fast so would wear a non-work tshirt for the walk and change into my work top on arrival after a wipe down with a wet wipe and a mini treck towel.

I walk about 3 miles a day - before work and on my lunch break. Get good walking shoes and cushioned socks. These are fab:

Women's Walking Socks

Good luck!

A veteran of the Camino de Santiago here re the blisters!

Firstly find a good pair of trainers/trail runners/whatever works for you. Skechers are ok, but I don't use them for longish walks at all, they are far too light and don't have much support.

Test your footwear out. THEN, wear a popsock UNDER your ordinary socks. Works a treat. But if you are very prone to blisters, put vaseline on your feet then the popsocks, or even the similar shoe liners, then your ordinary socks. We hear all the time about "chub rub" on thighs, same thing with feet. Friction causes blisters.

I know it sounds like a faff, but believe me you do NOT want any blisters.

I'd take it in stages if I were you. I walk at least 5 miles a day including school runs and shops etc BUT the first time I walked the school run there and back - 2 miles, I was knackered! I swore I'd never do it again.

Now it's just normal and doesn't register on my worn out radar - I do always walk at a pace though and don't amble. Go for it, just don't go too hard too soon else your lovely walk will become a chore.

I did about 40 minutes twice a day and felt amazing. (I walked LO to nursery, about 20 minutes, then home then collected later.)

It’s probably been said but you could start by getting off an earlier and earlier bus stop, or getting on a later and later one.

Walk there, bus back might be easier way to start. I did about slightly less and it was easy, mainly about giving right clothes, a good backpack (handbag=backache) and some good music/podcast/daydreaming.

I think it is a bit far TBH. I always walk. I used regularly to do about 6-8 miles over the day, and it was good health wise, but I was too tired. I then did about 2.5 miles morning and evening (so 5 miles total), and that felt perfect. These days I walk 3 miles every few days, depending on my toddler DD's routine, and that is not enough.

I would say anything over 5 miles a day is liable to feel like a penance, unless the commute is exceptionally pretty and you're able to relax on it.

(Oh, and ignore people who say they can walk more than this daily by 'going round the shops' or whatever. We all do that, and it doesn't feel the same. You need to choose a distance you can do all in one go, plus whatever other normal exercise you do.)

I do it and more plus 3.1 miles shouldn't take more than 45mins each way

It'll be fine! I used to walk more than that a day taking my small DS to Primary School, and if a four year old can do that, and if I (hefty and unfit) can do that, then so can you.

I have a pair of comfy trainers and padded running socks even though I feel like a fraud for only walking! You won’t regret it.

I would get a bike and cycle. 3.1 miles wouldn't take long at all, and would also increase your fitness.

I love walking, but I find my 30 minute walk to work a little bit of a pain in the ass tbh. Probably because it's mostly along a really busy road with not much scenery. Plus when it gets dark early I get a bit freaked out because a few people I know of have been mugged :/. Sorry to be negative, I do mostly enjoy it in the summer, but when it's cold and dark (and wet!) I'd rather get a bus!

Have you done a practice walk along the route? Has it got plenty of street lights?

How hilly is the route. Three miles on the flat is very different from three miles of hills.

Fabulous idea! Once you’ve done it for a few months download the Couch to 5k app and start running home a few times a week

Start with half the distance, whether that's walk half bus half or walk there, bus back. And have a contingency for vile weather, including strong wind, which will exhaust you, before you build your fitness up.

Sounds like a cracking idea. Work up to it gradually if you aren’t used to that kind of mileage. I can walk the dog 3 miles in around 50 minutes, and that’s with a few hills. I can cycle to work (well I could!) 4 miles in 13 minutes if I really cane it (it’s all downhill on the way there, quickest time home uphill was just over 19 minutes) but I don’t have any traffic lights or roundabouts etc to,deal with (live rural). I quite often walk to work when it’s snowed.
When you are confident with the walking and route then definitely consider cycling in instead.

The first couple of times you do the full route do it on the way home so you don't panic about being late. (That's what would happen with me.) Time it when you're doing the actual walk. Google Maps tells me I can walk into town in 15 minutes. It takes me 30

I’m almost jealous, I used to love my 2 mile walk with music going and feeling alive... not possible due to distance now. 2 pairs of socks, change of clothes if it’s wet, good rainwear and you’ll be fab. Build up to it if you need to. If you prefer company then there might be a local Facebook group where you can ask for others to join you, but I would revel in the solitude myself. Enjoy it!

I used do that and really liked it except for the mornings I was running late :). I found when I walking that I walked briskly in the mornings and tended to dawdle a bit on the way home as I wasn't trying to be home at a certain time. I wore trainers in and out of work and left my office shoes under the desk. I also had no problems with my weight at the time. Go for it!!!!!!!!!