to ask for help and advice on a walking commute

[crochetmonkey74]

I can and sometimes do walk to work (40 mIns each way) and I enjoy it and am keen to do it more, maybe even every day yet I am really struggling how to practically do it - this is going to make me sound very stupid but I struggle with - what to wear (even if I check the weather I seem to always have the wrong coat. am too hot, am too cold etc) I walk in trainers but occasionally get blisters/ shin splints/ aching calf muscles etc which then put me out of action for the next few days. My hair-I arrive to work in a humid frizz or with a fringe flick

I know these are all a bit pathetic and first world problems and the physical stuff is probably embarassingly that I am unfit (which is why I want to walk more)
So do any of you with walking commutes have any simple tips to make it easier/ sustainable in the long term etc- I know if I had no car I would have no choice so I would just have to get on with it so maybe I am just a bit lazy and need to push through the discomfort/ inconvenience. Any tips and advice gratefully received.

Ensure get to work 5/10 mins early so pop to bathroom to sort hair and touch up make up

Good ruck sack
And proper winter coat
Sorted

You’ll obviously want to get a decent pair of trainers in the longer term, but for now do you have any normal flat shoes that you can wear comfortably for the time being? I used to walk a 90 minute distance to and from work every day (which I really miss) just in baller pumps and it was completely fine.

Ballet not baller!

Should have read 30 min!

Also some very thin layers - I use silk gloves which are meant to be liners. You can pop them on at the start and then in your pocket with no extra bulk like normal gloves.

Also reading your OP. 80 mins each day is amazing if you're not used to exercising. Any bail out options like a bus if you want to do one way but not both ?

Definitely get fitted with decent walking shoes/trainers/boots. I'd say make sure they're goretex ones too, so your feet will stay dry if it's wet.
Proper layers, a merino jumper or jacket, proper waterproof, gloves etc. And as the others said, proper backpack (with loops or straps you can easily tie your jacket to) if you have to carry stuff.

@20FlowerPower

It sounds like your trainers don't fit you properly - not just the blisters, but the shin splints too. Do you have a sports shop near you where they could help you find a pair that better reflects your gait?

I agree with a backpack but not essential unless you are carrying laptop etc - and light waterproof layers that fold up are really useful. No point in big heavy coats etc as you'll get warmer as you go.

In terms of hair - travel / usb straighteners!!!!! I used to swear by these when I worked in an office quickly sort out all manner of hair issues. Colour wow dream coat spray also helps with humidity.

Also recommend some headphones for radio / tunes / audiobook as you walk, plus a Fitbit or similar to track your progress and motivate you.

I really really miss my walking commute into work now I'm stuck WFH most of the time - it's a great way to get your brain in gear in the morning, and to help you switch off and start to wind down in the evening.

Tell me more about the humidity spray?! My walk to walk is only 10 minutes but enough to totally wreck my carefully groomed fringe if it's even a tiny bit damp outside!!

I have a 55 min walking commute and at first felt like you. You will adapt quickly if you just push through and make sure you’re on top of a few things.

Comfy shoes. Mine are actually what you’d call ‘fashion’ shoes, so not sportswear, but they’re the comfiest I’ve ever had and I can walk hours in them.

Keep the smart pairs at the office if you need to change when you get in.

Layers for clothing. Don’t overdress based on how cold it feels when you get out the door. You need to feel slightly cold at the beginning because walking will warm you up and within 10-15 mins you should be at the optimum temps.

Scarf, wool hat, gloves in the backpack. Those are easy to put on/take off and will immediately make you feel warm.

Hair will depend on humidity levels. If it’s rainy or foggy, not much you can do other than brush and hairspray again when you get to work. Careful you’re not overheating your neck with a scarf and causing unnecessary extra frizz though.

Divide the journey in little sections mentally. Focus on each little section at a time, and the 40 mins will fly by.

Can I just say I'd go for walking trainers or at most low boots rather than full on walking boots if your walk is on side paths rather than countryside.
Reason being is boots are generally heavy and cumbersome to put on and off.

Btw baby wipes can be great just to run over your face if you are become a bit sweaty on your forehead.

Lots of good advice - one more thing: you’ll be want to be slightly cold when you leave the house because you’ll warm up.

@brittleheadgirl it's worth a try for sure - you use it every 2-3 blowdrys and it does seem to help with the frizz when I remember. I got a small bottle in a beauty box to try out before I committed to the bigger size.

I used to cycle instead. Much quicker and less hit and sweaty.

I still walk an hour a day though I’m retired.

Just get decent trainers with quite thick soles that support the arch and make sure you lace them up properly.

Well done for getting fitter but as a question did you do much sport and or walking as a child or when very young?

Fitness waxes and wanes amongst us all but I was told by a gym instructor that exercise and activity done as a child and when young really helps us long term. I had returned to the gym after a few years absence due to long work hours. She said I would regain fitness levels quickly as had done so much physical stuff when young.

I have always used a backpack as it distributes weight and a handbag just doesn’t do this.

Remember it is exercise so treat it the same way, like warm up, cool down. If your calves are aching and you have shin splits then maybe your hips and glutes aren’t doing the bulk of the work. A little warm up like with this 7min video will likely make it feel very different.

She does a post run 7min too.

Sometimes I cycle but other times I have a similar length walking commute. Walking is great exercise.

I don't use headphones as I want to hear traffic, bicycle bells, approaching runners, etc.

Yes to layers (I always seem to end up stripped down to my short-sleeved shirt partway through the walk, even in winter).

Yes to proper walking shoes, either trainers (I have flat feet so I have to be really picky about which ones I buy) or hiking boots. Going to a running shoe shop to be fitted for trainers may be a wise idea.

Good rucksack and take work shoes to change into (if your walking shoes got muddy) and you can stuff your layers in there.

I found cycling a lot more faff than walking because you had to change clothes and sort out putting the bicycle somewhere.

I do a similar walking commute so I'm just echoing what others have said.
Lighter weight trainers for dry days and waterproof walking shoes for rain or snow.
1000 mile socks prevent any blisters.
If a blister/corn does appear then blister plasters with hydrocolloid help.
Backpack, waterproof not fashion.
Baseball cap, beanie or woolly hat depending on temperature to help prevent the frizzy look along with tying my hair up so I don't get a sweaty neck.
Knee length proper waterproof coat keeps work trousers dry. I prefer a thin coat because I get very warm when walking.
Work shoes are kept in locker at work, various styles depending on what I feel like wearing that day.

Wow so much good advice here - will read through and reply

Initial browse seems like trainers could be the key so I will get a good supportive pair- I had Skechers at one point a few years ago so I will look at those

I am unfit - I have been in a real free fall after 8 months of really difficult life events so at times it's been difficult to even get out of bed and I only want to be at home- so this is a big step forward so I want it to be a success

Is there an option to get public transport? I’d be tempted to bus in then walk home. Then it doesn’t matter if you walk slow or look a bit frazzled when you get home. Once you are fitter you can walk both ways !

I'd agree with @Seasonschange even doing the walk one way or driving partway then walking would still mean you get great health benefits and good to have a less onerous option for when weather gets bad.

If you're getting shin splints, you need orthotics whatever trainers you have. They'll need to be at least a size larger to fit them in as well, usually.

While you're building up to doing this every day, can you do a hybrid commute? E.g. bus half way then walk, or bus one way and walk the other? It's a lot to go from sedentary to suddenly walking 40 minutes twice a day. Try to build up to it more gradually.

For this time of year and spring in the UK you need something like a Seasalt Westerly coat- like a sort of yachting jacket that isn't too heavy, has a hood, keeps the wind and rain off and you can put layers underneath. For winter you'll need a lightweight, long but warm down jacket, and gloves. For the really cold days a scarf and hat as well.

Warm, comfortable, waterproof shoes/boots and good socks.