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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To hate "going for a walk?"

184 replies

Crazyladee · 23/09/2019 19:40

I wish I didn't but I just find it so boring! Walking around the same streets, passing the same lamp posts and houses. We live in a fairly decent area and have two lovely dogs. DH walks the dogs twice a day and absolutely loves it but I just find walking so tedious. I wish I didn't hate it as its great to get out and get fresh air etc but I find it such a chore. Anyone else feel the same?

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 24/09/2019 08:03

I don’t like walking to get places, it takes too long...

But walking the dog is different, I’m doing stuff with the dog not just walking.

Crazyladee · 24/09/2019 08:23

To the person who asked whether dog ownership was right for me..

There's a lot more to dog ownership than taking them for a walk .. plus DH loves it and walks them twice a day.

Were going to the countryside for a week in a few weeks time and taking the dogs with us. I'm looking forward to getting my walking boots on and exploring a new place.

OP posts:
Marzipane · 24/09/2019 08:28

I'm recovering from an op and missing my walks and hikes terribly!

Day to day I usually walk around 5 miles, sometimes I love it and sometimes it's boring. Podcasts, music, chatting to someone while walking, all help!

When I'm in London I prefer to walk rather than take the tube (time permitting) as you just see so much more of the city.

Everything is so fast now, got to get here or there; by walking I feel unrushed, relaxed and I think it helps my mental health.

Madmumof7 · 24/09/2019 17:32

I'm with OP. The words "a nice walk" don't ever make me want to leave the house. I'm not overweight or lazy, I just largely don't get the appeal of it.

Princessfaffalot · 24/09/2019 17:47

See I hate just walking for no reason, when it’s walking the dog or walking to the shops or walking to coffee shop etc I’m fine, it’s the aimless walking I hate!

Shhhhh223 · 24/09/2019 17:52

I love to walk the dogs listening to podcasts and Audible books, sometimes I’ve extended the walk so I can finish listening

Diva66 · 24/09/2019 18:05

17 years ago I was left 75% paralysed following a brain injury. It took me 12 long painful difficult years to learn to walk again with no mechanical aids. I absolutely love going for a walk 🙂

user68901 · 24/09/2019 18:19

Best thing about my dog is taking her for walks. Try and make sure daily off lead walk and mix of river walks, hills, heathland. Just love being out getting fresh air and exercise.

EllenMP · 24/09/2019 18:26

I'm with you OP. Walking bores me rigid. I recommend a good podcast - there is an endless supply of them out there now and some of them are really amazing. Audio books are also good -- the lower-brow the better. Do not try to read James Joyce while walking the dog. But put a Dan Brown novel in your ears and set off and you may find the dog gets an extra lap because you need to know how that sexy symbologist survives falling out of a helicopter...

Pharlapwasthebest · 24/09/2019 18:40

I do love walking, but I live rurally so it’s beautiful. Have you tried listening to a book via audible?

winniestone37 · 24/09/2019 18:40

Hold on are you telling me different people like different things!

Inwiththenew · 24/09/2019 19:14

Focus on whatever aspect you like about it, maybe getting some fresh air, moving your body, or if there’s nothing you like think about how good it is for your dog and your health. Try not to think about how boring it is. Or go out at a particular time that it is nice to be outdoors, the times of day might have different aspects that appeal to you. It’s all in the little things!

ilikemethewayiam · 24/09/2019 19:15

I feel the same as you OP! I find nothing more tedious than walking just for the sake of walking! If I’m walking to get somewhere or sightseeing then I’m fine. I too feel guilty because the dog loves his walks and is a bouncing bean full of life when he’s out for walks. DH takes him because he loves walking so no harm done but I just wish I enjoyed it.

GreySheep · 24/09/2019 19:17

I hear you OP. To me walking is to get from A to B. If I’ve no actual need to get to B why go? Likewise I see no point in going from A to A ConfusedGrin

Wizzbangpop · 24/09/2019 19:22

I’m with you. I’m from one of those family’s were you went forced for a walk rain snow or shine after a Sunday lunch. When you just want to veg out and I still hate the pastime now. I don’t mind stretching the dog for a bit on my own when it’s at my own pace and I ensure a tea and cake are involved. But otherwise yuck.

My dps are that breed where they go on walking holidays abroad. And quite frankly I can’t think of anything worse. The only thing I’d go for is the natural looking tan they have in their return

LordRandallXV · 24/09/2019 19:23

Walking is the best way to enjoy music for me. It occupies my body and lets my mind focus on the music. If I'm just sitting on the sofa I get twitch. Music in the car is good too but a much riskier place to drift away.

FelicisNox · 24/09/2019 19:32

YANBU. I love my dog but I have to be in the right frame of mind to really enjoy it.

I usually take my DD and we talk about stuff to pass the time or I put my ipod on.

hairtoss · 24/09/2019 19:33

My current dog is great fun to take for a walk (off-lead) and I listen to music during the walk too. I am very lucky because I used to own a very boring dog to walk!

Idontwanttotalk · 24/09/2019 19:38

How far are you from the countryside? Country walking and country parks make more interesting walks.

simiisme · 24/09/2019 20:12

I can understand that it's not everyone's cup of tea.
Maybe listen to some great music or an audiobook?

MB34 · 24/09/2019 20:18

I hear you OP. To me walking is to get from A to B. If I’ve no actual need to get to B why go? Likewise I see no point in going from A to A

Totally agree. Wish I didn’t as DH walks up mountains for fun 😣

QueSera · 24/09/2019 20:25

Focus on the benefits of walking - brisk walking is an excellent form of exercise! And the brisker you do it, the quicker it's over (if you really still don't like it!). Definitely get an app, I like Active10 but I'm sure there are loads of others.
Are you kitted out for it? I found getting proper fitness clothes (not expensive eg H&M) that I feel good in, trainers, backpack/bumbag etc helped me enjoy it.

Abbifa · 24/09/2019 22:14

I love walking but can get a but boring if going to the same places all the time. If you can't change where you walk could download some Audio books to listen to whilst you walk?

Eva2020 · 24/09/2019 23:12

I hate walking.....its up there with the gym. Detestable. So l took up dancing. Love it.

starduster · 24/09/2019 23:21

I know what you mean, when I lived in the town I found it dull too. Live in the country now and I love it, it's a totally different experience.
Anyhow, suggestions for things that could make it more interesting:
Look for geocaches (gps treasure hunt app)
Try out slightly different routes - even if simply walking the same route in reverse - you'll notice different things
Look out for any wildflowers and trees en route and try to identify them
Look out for any signs of wildlife/birds
Local history - do you pass any interesting buildings, churches etc, curious road or place names?

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