Simple ways to tempt yourself out – and maximise your on-foot time…
So how can you grab those 2.74 miles per day? Trust us, it’s the small steps that make the giant leaps happen. Here are some simple ideas that can make a huge difference…
1 WALK AT LUNCH
A lunchtime walk can be the bedrock of your 1000-mile quest. A two-mile walk over 40 minutes each working day will easily rack up 500 miles by year end.
2 GRAB A BUDDY
It can be hard to wrench yourself away from the daily demands of your life for a lunchtime walk. But enlist a friend and you’ve instantly got a) mutual support for the big wrench of leaving, and…
b) a conversation to have along the way.
3 START EARLY…
If a lunchtime walk is hard to swing, set your alarm 40 minutes early and get out while the rest of the world is fast asleep. You’ll also boost your chance of seeing something you talk about for the rest of the day, whether it be shy wildlife or a stupendous sunrise.
4 …OR FINISH LATE
An evening walk is the perfect way to wind down, process the day and get your body and brain ready for a sound, healthy sleep.
5 GIVE YOURSELF A THINKING PROJECT
Walking is a great way to switch your brain off. But equally, it makes for great thinking time. That niggly problem that seems impassable from your desk? The financial equation you can’t solve? The lesson plan that isn’t working? Take it for a walk and you’ll be surprised how quickly you come up with a solution. Everyone from Wordsworth to Einstein found inspiration while walking.
6 VARY YOUR ROUTE
Sometimes it’s nice to stick to a route you know backwards, but turning left instead of right can change your world. Check out your local maps (see page 14) and you’ll spot paths and tracks that can help you turn well-worn circuits into new sights and sounds.
7 A PHOTO A DAY
Resolve to come back with one interesting photo each time you go out on your lunchtime walk. It could be the same thing each day (a tree that transforms with the seasons, maybe) or a different sight every time. It tunes you in to the world around you, and lets you build up a gallery of micro-moments from your challenge.
8 PLAN A REWARD
Got a favourite café, pub or sweet shop? Make it part of your daily walk and suddenly you’ve walked the guilt off that slice of cake, half of IPA or Cornetto, and turned them into a reward for doing something you love. Win!
9 GET A DOG!
The very best way to rack up the weekly miles. A canine companion gives you an automatic reason to go walking, and will make every mile magical. Ever seen the joy on a labrador’s face when a walk is in the offing? That. For both of you.
