to ask if anyone has a LONG walking commute every day

[Consideringparttime]

Right, I just cannot embed exercise at the gym or swimming in my normal day to day life.
It's a combination of very stressful job, not enough headspace etc etc

I absolutely love walking though- I recently read an article that said Martin Lewis walks 25k steps a day and he builds it in to his meetings etc

I'm interested in this - my walk to work would be between 50-60 minutes per day
(and then again at the end of the day)

What do you think?

I know people will say will I want to do it at the end of the day? And to me, that seems easier than then getting in the car, going to the gym, getting changed, blah blah blah. I'm also interested in getting that amount of fresh air/ outside time- am i being stupid?

I used to do nearly 50 minutes each way to work healthcare when I had no car, Im a runner but didn’t want to get sweaty so I’d march there then it was less faff and waiting for bus if I just walked straight home. yep sometimes it’s raining ☔️

In summer? Walking briskly? Mid menopause?

Yes I’d be hot and sweaty.

Really? I have walked for years and have never needed up a stinking sweaty mess after walking for under an hour.

As a non driver I do this and it gives me an enormous sense of wellbeing

I did it for years, 3 and a bit miles each way, almost exactly an hour. I really miss it now that I work from home full time. It might feel long the first couple of times and then it becomes normal although be prepared for colleagues to gasp in shock that you do it.

My tips: keep shoes in work and change into something comfortable and waterproof for walking (leather trainers or flat boots for example); get a waterproof coat with a decent hood but nothing too warm as you'll generate heat even on the coldest days; don't bother with an umbrella if it's windy as a hood is better; don't play games with yourself as to whether you'll do it or not - just accept it's your commute and you'll be fine; know that in even the very worst of rain and wind it gets better after about 5-10 mins of walking so don't be put off; you'll gain fitness really quickly and feel a difference in your leg muscles and the amount you can eat. Most of those tips are for bad weather but a lot of the time it's an absolute joy and you never have that irritation of leaving the office 2 minutes late causing you to miss a bus and have to wait ages for the next one. Such freedom.

On the way to work, my DH gets off the tube far enough away from work to give himself a 40 minute walk to the office. If the going is good at the end of the day he will walk back to the same tube station, but if he’s not feeling it he gets the tube home from the nearest station to work. Knowing that he doesn’t have to do it both ways if he’s had a tough day really helps so is there any way you could get public transport back (or part way) if you needed to? Also, if 60 mins starts to feel like a drag, could you park the car /get public transport part-way and walk the rest?

Also to say that going prepared and dressed for the weather makes all the difference. He keeps work shoes in his locker at work and wears his walking shoes to and from work. He has a full set of waterproofs and spare clothes at work just in case of a soaking.

I didn't drive until dd was 4 and we got a school place in the next village, so I had to. Always picked jobs where I would be able to either commute by train or walk a max of an hour to/from. Hardest in Winter, but lovely in Spring/Autumn plus you can listen to a podcast/music and keep a sense of self going which I missed in the car having to play Elsa (urgh, still makes me shudder!). You always feel slightly pious too which is nice if you like a pastry now and then 🙂

Many years ago, I had a long walk to work
Then I bought a bicycle which was quicker

I did this when I was younger, I loved it! Walked across London, along the river and past some landmarks all while it was quiet, also did it as an hour cycle each way in a different location but both times I was as fit as I have ever been, felt great, lost loads of weight and it was a great way to start the day!

When I lived in London I used to walk as much as I could. As well as a 45/50minute commute. Stout shoes that were waterproof and smart were a priority. Always walked briskly.
I had some home made weights and an exercise routine that I could do at home. Best of all worlds. You will probably enjoy it OP.

I would if I had other options in really bad weather.

I walk to and from train station about 45 mins away. I used to take the bus and started out just before Covid just walking home once a week. First time I got home absolutely drenched in sweat and had to have a long sit down (it is a bugger of a hill).

Once I could do that comfortably, I started increasing my pace and frequency. Then added walking to the station in the morning. My step count is 30k a day and I lost loads of weight.

I do it in the pouring rain (protected species raincoat which is amazing) and in the sun too. Only in the snow do I take the bus because of the hill.

30k a day is awesome . Do you feel really fit?

An hour to and an hour back, mixed in with lunchtime walking.
Either that or an hour on a crowded London bus.

I think its a fantastic idea. I got up to 20k steps a day and I had to increase my food as the weight was dropping off. I also greatly increased my fitness. I never bothered with changes of clothes. A longish waterproof coat with a hood, a backpack and trainers/comfy boots and off you go. Podcasts or tunes to pass the time.

Oh one thing I would add is consider buying a coat with a peaked hood, possibly even one with a wire in it. It means when you put it up you can have it far enough forward that the rain doesn't run down your face. As a glasses wearer this is a massive boon for me.

I could walk to work in about 50 mins but it’s all along fairly busy roads and I worry about breathing in all the traffic pollution.

You are not being stupid. Going for walks is healthy. Not too sure how tired you are after work but it seems like your committed. Just try.

Go for it!

Get some comfortable walking shoes/trainers (can you leave a pair of smarter shoes at work?), and a decent waterproof - though you’ll be surprised at how little rain coincides exactly with your commuting hours.

If you like to listen to music or podcasts as you walk, get over ear headphones - in ear ones aren’t great for 2 hours a day.

I used to have a 5km commute to work, so probably not quite as far as you. I walked to work very quickly, and did the couch to 5k on the way home. It was the only way I could embed exercise in my routine so I embraced it!

I did it for years. One hour there and one hour back. 8hr physical shift in a restaurant. I loved it.

just put music in your ears and take an umbrella.

I don’t do this but I should - one day last summer I walked to work and was surprised to find it was only 5km and took me about an hour. I have bus and train options which make me lazy, but I am trying to do it more if it suits my day.

What's your point?

I used to- done good music and I was set each way! I think it’s a great idea, just make sure a plastic bag in your bag and a change of clothes in work just in case!