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 am jealous! In my 20s had a 45min walk to and from work. Loved it whatever the weather as time to psyche self up for the day and plan, then winding down time on the way back. Gradually increasing the distance is a great idea.
Podcasts ease my 1hr commute: don’t know the name of the app I use (just says ‘Podcasts’ on the icon) but can recommend ‘Fortunatly’, ‘Friday Night Comedy’, ‘The Infinate Monkey Cage’ (all 3 Radio 4) and ‘The Guilty Feminist’

Been looking at Audible and the apple podcasts app this morning in preparation! Hit me with your recommendations

Sounds like a perfect plan tbh! Be aware though that with that amount of mileage you'll probably need to replace trainers or walking shoes at least every six months if not every four months, so do budget for it if you make it work. Good quality functional support trainers are at least £70-£100.

Cycle?

Build up to it but yes.

I've done a mixture in the past and got the bus in really bad weather or used it half way (at a lower fare) if I wanted to save time.

True about costing in shoes. I buy hikers/ trainers when they are reduced.

So long as you aren't walking through dodgy parts of town I don't see any issues.

MNers are amazons, I wouldn't expect 3.1 miles to take less than an hour even though I walk faster than almost everyone I see. Just see how it goes. Most people I know wouldn't bother with waterproofs or special footwear until they were sure they enjoyed the walk.

I hate to be realistic but I'm not sure you can do that from the off at 15 stone and 5' 2". How about just walking home for a few months? How about a bike? Less (no) impact, beneficial to your health but easier than the walk.

I cycle to work almost every day. It's 20 miles each way and I love it. Crash diets etc don't work. It's about lifestyle changes and it sounds like that's exactly what you're trying to do.

Good on you.

It's a great idea; go for it !
At the very least, it will improve your health & fitness, so important for quality of life and mood.

I'm 62 and I cycle 8 miles each way, very safe safe cycle route
I've just moved and I used to have to only walk or cycle 3 miles.
Both easy journeys, as I am quite fit

Really important: comfy shoes
I found trainers much better than hiking shoes, which were heavy and unnecessarily expensive for such a short easy walk.
You can take office shoes in your backpack if trainers don't suit your place of work.

Also, NO brolly - they are a nightmare in wind and your arm could get tired anyway
Just check the weather forecast and if need be, take lightweight waterproof jacket & trousers that roll up in your backpack

On the occasional day of bad storms etc, or if you feel unwell, you always have the option of the bus that day.

Just thought OP, if you live somewhere that's really cold in winter you will also need good base layers. I used to walk to work and it was routinely between -5 and 2°. The base layer was my saving grace with a fleece on top and then a Gore Tex jacket.

Great idea! But would work up to it or space it out in case you do too much too soon (don’t want to burn out or get bored quickly). Try a couple of times a week to start and then perhaps walk one way each day, that will be more than enough to get fit!

Podcasts:
Up and Vanished
Hip hop saved my life (Romesh ranganathan)
Guilty Feminist
Serial
Woman’s Hour
Adam Buxton Podcast
All Killa No filla
Dear Joan and Jericha

I think walking or cycling to work is one of the best ways to get fit. Eventually it’s judt a normal part of your day and you don’t notice it. Enjoy!

Sounds great!

My commute used to be 25m by car, but I moved closer, and now it's 25m on foot.

You need GOOD shoes - sturdy, supportive trainers that won't let the wet in, and a good, large umbrella.

I personally eschew waterproofs, as I find that no matter how breathable they claim to be, I still find myself sweaty and clammy. I wear a double layer windproof coat instead with a top layer of cotton and an inner of thick natural fibre. I find that keeps any drips out that get past my mega umbrella, and feels more comfortable than synthetic materials.

whackAMoleAgain

I'm not sure you have a realistic idea of what overweight people are capable of!

I have NEVER struggled to walk that distance. My peak weight was 21st, and I happily did 15 mile mountain hikes (not tame urban ones!), and that was before I started any fitness kick. Yes, it was a strain, but overweight does not equal incapable!

Be miserable in the winter. Can you not cycle ?

I walk home from work 7 miles across London. I love it. Audible is my friend

I do it. NO problems

I would do it in a heartbeat as long as it's a safe walk in busy enough areas. Night will be drawing in soon!! Childcare fucks this type of thing up for me as I'm always dashing at the last possible moment to collect a child from somewhere....

I would say you can but be aware carrying extra weight walking puts strain on lower back, knees and hips (I am 16 st) so make sure you look after those, so good shoes for knees and feet - foot care e.g. athletes foot powder and a good moisturise/massage, watch out for plantar facilititis etc. If you do get an injury rest it up quickly don't try and walk through it to start with (you will learn what can be walked through etc). I need music for this length of walking. But a great way to add it into your routine and making it useful

Do it. I have always walked to work and invested in a fit bit 2 years ago. I now love walking and do so as much as possible. I am a lot fitter now and helped me lose weight also.