View Full Version : So..... walking
Inspired by Lostkat's thread with a similar name I though I'd post one which is for those of use getting a bit of exercise by walking rather than running.
Realistically I can't do any sensible running at the moment so I've started taking regular walks to get some exercise and help lose some weight.
So for the last few days I've been working out a route around the estate here, I started off doing just over a mile, that went up in pretty quick stages and I've now got a nice two mile walk using a figure of eight route that only overlaps for about twenty five yards in the middle.
I've always found walking to be rather boring so I've sorted out a good playlist for my iPod which holds tunes I've not listened to for a while - I upload a random fill from it to my Shuffle and head off for the walk and I'm rediscovering a lot of my music collection.
I'm going to do the same walk every night for a while and then I'll work out a further increase. At the moment I'm doing the two miles in slightly under half an hour but I'm sure I'll bring this time down a bit.
My only slight issue at the moment is that I'm doing it in jeans so even with a liberal splash of talc, I'm getting a bit of chaffing on my thighs. It's not enough to stop me but I'm getting a bit tender towards the end of the walk. I need to get some tracky type bottoms which I think will help this.
Are you wearing knickers Mr Feek? That might help
Also, I can highly recommend mapping your walk on mapmyrun.com. I've found it to be a fantastic motivator for showing me how far I've gone in a month as well as inspiring me to map new routes. Worth a look :)
Keep up the good work, and stop nicking my effing thread titles :p
Are you wearing knickers Mr Feek? That might help
Also, I can highly recommend mapping your walk on mapmyrun.com. I've found it to be a fantastic motivator for showing me how far I've gone in a month as well as inspiring me to map new routes. Worth a look :)
Keep up the good work, and stop nicking my effing thread titles :p
Well I'm not going commando, I'm wearing boxers, and I have plotted my walk just here (http://www.mapmywalk.com/walk/united-kingdom/frinton-and-walton/975123983378449402). I want to try and not go over the same part twice and I almost managed it apart from that bit in the middle. I shall keep tracking what I'm doing there and see how it builds up.
I had to use your thread title, it's so appealing ;) (*you said 'titles', have I done it elsewhere? :ponder:)
I walked this afternoon again but it wasn't as easy as previous. For the first half, my shins were actually quite sore and on the return leg, I had the sun on my face and I rapidly overheated. But I didn't slow down and actually did half a mile further than I intended because I wanted to have a look at the roadworks by the gates.
Are you stretching after your walk? I know it might seem a bit overkill, but if you're walking much more than you're used to, it's a really good idea, especiall on those shins! They're always the first place you feel it. I'd at least be stretching shins, calves, hamstrings & quads.
Shin stretches (http://www.racewalk.com/Stretching/ShinStretches01.asp) - Go to page 2 as the stretch is much easier to perform.
Might be worth trying tighter fitting lycra type boxer shorts or pants too. It'll keep everything neatly packaged rather than jangling around. Get yourself down Sports Soccer and buy some nice chavvy tracksuit bottoms too :D
AboveTheSalt
19-04-2009, 10:47
...
My only slight issue at the moment is that I'm doing it in jeans so even with a liberal splash of talc, I'm getting a bit of chaffing on my thighs. It's not enough to stop me but I'm getting a bit tender towards the end of the walk. I need to get some tracky type bottoms which I think will help this.In place of boxers, wear Lycra running shorts (http://www.tchibo.eu/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/eu/-/GBP/TdEuDisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=1qzrBK_fkKTrB-Y1JAPhYKxL8FvzcCQUMzs=?ProductID=VfsKZAO6KPMAAAEb9 qThD3w7&BackTo=Search) from Tchibo and whatever you do, don't wear jeans - walking trousers from someone like Craghoppers were designed for a purpose ;)
Also, trainers may not be the best things to "walk" in - I don't know because I don't use them for walking, but it is a thought.
tbh and improbably enough, Blighter is likely to be your best bet for advise.
Ahhh, yes forgot about walking trousers. Good point ATS. They'll wick away any sweat and be much lighter than joggers.
Not sure if you have a Go Outdoors near you, but they have some cheaper walking shoes/boots on offer. These (http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/mens-footwear/salomon-elios-shoes/HEROBMCC440859) for example, I think are a bargain at £30! Socks are also very important as they can prevent nasty blisters and very sore feet.
Just another thought Feek, you'll probably want to get off the road/footpath at some point too if you're not already doing that. Asphalt, tarmac & concrete aren't the best things for your knees. Dirt, grass & gravel are a lot more forgiving and you'll get a more interesting walk out of it too :)
Blighter
19-04-2009, 13:19
For walking clothing there are a few things you may want to bear in mind..
Denim and 100% cotton are big no go areas. They both get wet easily, and stay wet. Not only can that be uncomfortable, but can also cause anything from a cold, to death, depending on the situation (obviously light walks will more likely just cause a cold ;D )
The most important parts of clothing are the next-to-skin bits (Shirt, Trousers & Socks). You want to get these right to avoid blisters, colds, and to make it easier on your body to focus on the walking! :)
Tops:
What I normally do in the warmer weather is just wear a wickable shirt such as the Helly Hansen Transporter (http://www.blacks.co.uk/product/070490.html) (£20). This "wicks" the sweat away from the body keeping you cool and dry.
In the colder weather, wear the same, but with a fleece (mild - cold weather) or a down gilet/jacket (very cold weather). These will keep you warm but also allow for breathability meaning you won't get all sweaty. (I also have one of these (http://www.blacks.co.uk/product/041145.html) for the windier days which are fantastic!)
Bottoms:
Bottoms are a bit simpler as you aren't trying to keep any vital organs working :p
THE most popular walking trouser is the Craghopper's Kiwi Convertible. (http://www.craghoppers.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_13552_-1_25753_38351_11051_25287) These are a cotton and polyester mix meaning that they are tough, lightweight, and breathable. These particular trousers also have a few extra bells and whistles like Wash'n'wear (don't need to iron), Solar/Smart dry (VERY quick drying), EIGHT pockets (including 3 x zipped and 1 x cargo).
The zip off part is great too, as in the very warm conditions you can zip em off into shorts :D
Socks:
As above, don't go wearing cheap cotton ones from Primark. Once you start sweating they will absorb the moisture & perspiration and stay wet. This WILL cause blisters and also make your feet very smelly :p
Walking socks do vary a lot but 99% of the time you do get what you pay for. The average price tag of £12 a pair does put some people off, but once you consider that all of mine are still going strong after ~2 years use, it doesn't seem that bad ;)
Out of all the socks I've tried, I find Bridgedale to be the best. They don't have any seams inside the sock (no rubbing), they have additional padding in the key pressure parts (either side of your foot's arch, your toes, and the middle-top of your foot).
The material is a mixture of polyester (comfort + padding), merino wool (wickable, non-smelly), nylon and lycra. These (http://www.bridgedale.com/Products/Product.asp?ProductID=8) are my personal favourites as they aren't too warm, and too cold, and provide just the right amount of padding without being too bulky :)
As for footwear, I could go on all day :p
Sorry for the essay but hope it helps :)
Psymonkee
19-04-2009, 15:47
Mini hijack alert :D
Doctor tells me the massive pain running along the base of my foot is plantar fasciitis :(
Obviously weight loss/stretches are key to fixing this but I know my boss suffered from this and changing shoes sorted it :)
Any ideas what I should be looking for in a shoe? Especially for walking as I could quite easily walk to and from work but don't because I'm a lazy git.
/mini hijack :>
Blighter
19-04-2009, 16:32
Two options..
1 - Get your feet seen by a professional and maybe get some shoes + insoles that are custom made.
2 - Look at getting a normal walking shoe that has a supportive insole. Out of the brands I've seen Merrell come at number one, shortly followed by The North Face and Salomon.
The problem with footwear is that all different brands/models come up differently. EVERY persons foot is different.
Go to a shop, try and good few on. When you think you've found a decent one, wear them around the house for an hour to make sure they fit right and don't rub/cause uncomfort.
Remember, as long as you wear them around the house and not outside, most places will still accept them back for a full refund.
Rusty Shackleford
19-04-2009, 18:29
Bottoms are a bit simpler as you aren't trying to keep any vital organs working :p
THE most popular walking trouser is the Craghopper's Kiwi Convertible. (http://www.craghoppers.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_13552_-1_25753_38351_11051_25287)
The zip off part is great too, as in the very warm conditions you can zip em off into shorts :D
Not a fan of zip offs myself, for the added weight/bulk I don't see the advantage. Not difficult to decide whether to wear shorts or trousers before heading out. If the weather is marginal shorts are probably the better bet as you don't feel the cold through your legs that badly anyway.
Walking socks do vary a lot but 99% of the time you do get what you pay for. The average price tag of £12 a pair does put some people off, but once you consider that all of mine are still going strong after ~2 years use, it doesn't seem that bad ;)
For the other 1%, among other things, Alpkit (http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16436&category_id=248) do a poly/wool sock £15 for 3 pairs!
The problem with footwear is that all different brands/models come up differently. EVERY persons foot is different.
Go to a shop, try and good few on. When you think you've found a decent one, wear them around the house for an hour to make sure they fit right and don't rub/cause uncomfort.
Sound advice, regardless of size, some brands just won't fit right.
Blighter
19-04-2009, 19:32
Never heard of those Alpkit ones before, will check them out.
Saying that though, Blacks do socks that are two pairs for £14 and I find that you can just about feel the stitching, and they do come apart quicker then my other ones, but they still do their job I guess :)
Some very good info in here, thanks everyone. I suspect I'll have problems getting a lot of those specific clothes to fit me! But I shall try.
Blighter
19-04-2009, 21:30
Without knowing what sizes you are...
Craghoppers trousers go from a 28" waist to a 44" and do leg lengths from 29" to 35" so quite a variety.
Helly Hansen tops go from a 34 chest up to a 50.
Footwear normally comes in anything from a 4 up to a 14. (Some being special orders - no extra charge).
This page (https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/showinfo/templatename/sizing.html/menuname/Sizing) from Cotswold Outdoor's site is very handy as it shows a lot of brands and their size ranges :)
Walking or running bores the tears off me, get on a bike, you can double triple walking speed, see so much and feel every inch and its easier on the joints.
Blighter
20-04-2009, 01:12
Walking or running bores the tears off me, get on a bike, you can double triple walking speed, see so much and feel every inch and its easier on the joints.
Just because it bores you doesn't mean it bores others!
I cycle too, but I prefer walking as I like to sit back and enjoy the sights, rather then race ahead and miss things. ;)
Not only can that be uncomfortable, but can also cause anything from a cold, to death, depending on the situation (obviously light walks will more likely just cause a cold ;D )
Mythbusters! You can't catch the Common Cold from being cold/wet. There is some evidence that being cold/wet may suppress the immune response and thus make you more susceptible to a cold virus, but you won't get the cold just because you're wet. Hypothermia, on the other hand, is very much a problem.
2 - Look at getting a normal walking shoe that has a supportive insole. Out of the brands I've seen Merrell come at number one, shortly followed by The North Face and Salomon.
Or better yet, some decent Orthotic insoles. They're not a substitute for an appointment and fitting with a specialist but they are cheaper and they can help (unlike a lot of insoles which in the long run probably just look pretty).
Or better yet, some decent Orthotic insoles. They're not a substitute for an appointment and fitting with a specialist but they are cheaper and they can help (unlike a lot of insoles which in the long run probably just look pretty).
How do you know you need orthotics without seeing a specialist though? Yes there are some good off-the-shelf orthotics, but you should only wear them if you have a gait/foot/posture etc. problem which means you need orthotics and you can't really self-diagnose that. Why waste your money on something you may not even need?
Anyway Feek, my priority would be the clothing first, because you're not doing marathon distances yet. Get yourself something which you feel comfortable walking in and keeps you dry. Then think about some walking shoes/socks as you start to build your distance up. Oh and think about those stretches, even if it's just whilst your body gets used to regular exercise.
And finally, above all, enjoy yourself! :)
How do you know you need orthotics without seeing a specialist though? Yes there are some good off-the-shelf orthotics, but you should only wear them if you have a gait/foot/posture etc. problem which means you need orthotics and you can't really self-diagnose that. Why waste your money on something you may not even need?
Perhaps surprisingly, I agree. Sometimes it's very obvious though (was with me). What I was suggesting was that if you know you have a problem then better looking for a decent orthotic than something that comes in a pretty box. Even better seeing a specialist though.
And finally, above all, enjoy yourself! :)
This. It was the mistake I made and why I fell off the wagon, though my 'won't go away' hayfever means I'm not enjoying much of anything right now.
Blighter
20-04-2009, 18:40
Or better yet, some decent Orthotic insoles. They're not a substitute for an appointment and fitting with a specialist but they are cheaper and they can help (unlike a lot of insoles which in the long run probably just look pretty).
Most of The North Face, Merrel, and Salomon come with Orthotic insoles ;)
Blighter
20-04-2009, 18:42
This. It was the mistake I made and why I fell off the wagon, though my 'won't go away' hayfever means I'm not enjoying much of anything right now.
Have you tried these (http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=1008&storeId=90&productId=5383&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=18354&top=&top_category=18352&fromPage=&hotspot_prefix=ELECTRICALS)?
I have VERY bad hayfever.. got nose bleeds, clogged up eyes, the lot.. and they work a god damn treat :)
Amazing the stuff that works when you least expect it. Worth a try I guess. :dunno:
Also got new pills from the doctor today to try.
It's funny you link that, a girl at work has one and was using it today. She always has really bad heyfever but has used that exact item for a few weeks this year and hasn't had to pop a single tablet. She swears by it.
Blighter - I'll be able to find some trousers to fit but the problem is my belly! It's somewhat larger than my chest and even those sizes you mentioned will probably be so snug as to be really uncomfortable.
Shoes won't be a problem, I'm looking at some tomorrow.
Lostkat - I am enjoying what I'm doing. I'm geeking out as well by tweaking iPod playlists and now I've got the iPhone tracking me* (http://www.mapmywalk.com/view_route?r=264124025613341930) that makes it even more interesting :)
Mark - Do I assume that you started doing something similar but had to stop? We can enthuse each other!
* - clicky for today's walk.
Thanks for the tip. I'd never have believed they work, but two recommendations and a half price offer does it for me. Popped down to Lloyds today but they had them at full price and wouldn't price-match. Boo hiss to them.
Meanwhile my new tablets (Fexofenadine, for the medically-inclined) seem to be working, but it's only day one. Also, the £150 I spent on a new air filtration unit at the weekend has already proven invaluable as I found out when I just pulled off the pre-filter. No wonder the bedroom has been the most comfortable room in the house since Sunday. :)
And back on topic, yes Feek, pretty much. My route is to/from work (1.5miles each way). Getting there (nearly all downhill) is easy, getting back (uphill, steep hill at the end) is nasty. I've also done a few miles here and there on a treadmill/cycle/rower too. Quit mid-March. Health-permitting I'm going to try the walk again tomorrow and increase slowly over the next few weeks (avoiding the mistake I made last time).
Blighter
21-04-2009, 22:02
I know how you feel :/
This was what I had to do to and from my house and the train station:
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3660/walk2workpt1.png
(Shameless plug: Done using the new auto map/graph thingy I'm going to be putting on my site soon :D)
Was annoying when it was raining and I forgot my waterproofs :(
If there's a way to pull that data of my GPS I'd be interested in doing one of those. :)
Blighter
21-04-2009, 23:17
If there's a way to pull that data of my GPS I'd be interested in doing one of those. :)
What unit have you got and I'll see what I can do ;)
Garmin GPSmap 60CS. It does have an altimeter and I do have the software needed to pull the track logs from it.
Blighter
22-04-2009, 00:04
Nice ;) I have a GPS 60 (The B&W version).
I'll see if I can do it tonight, if not, send me a PM tomorrow evening to give me a nudge (I am very forgetful :p)
AboveTheSalt
22-04-2009, 00:47
...
Also, the £150 I spent on a new air filtration unit at the weekend has already proven invaluable as I found out when I just pulled off the pre-filter.
...What air filtration unit is that?
I know someone who could probably use one.
Blighter
22-04-2009, 01:34
Mark, try this: http://www.more-outdoors.co.uk/GPX
It's VERY basic and kinda buggy atm. Not got around to doing the speed/elevation data so it only displays the map + route from an uploaded GPX file.
I'm still kinda new to the Google Charts API so I'll try and finish it off tonight (Weds) if I get time :)
What air filtration unit is that?
I know someone who could probably use one.
BAP1550:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bionaire-Purifier-Permanent-Filter-BAP1550/dp/B0017MRVMU
There's a few reconditioned BAP1500s about:
http://www.musthaveit.com/products/details/bionaire-bap1500-hepa-air-purifier/625/
There's also a second-hand one on Amazon going cheap. Is it greedy of me to want a second one? If it works... :)
Shame I didn't spot that before dropping £150 at the weekend - I could in theory return it, but that doesn't feel right. Morning after, it's gone. Saved my pennies.
Blighter
26-04-2009, 00:39
Went on a looovellly walk today.
Was the same one I did before around Boxley, but had my GPS with me today so I can record my speed/etc and link the photos to the route :)
To see the map of it along with the pictures mark on it, click here (http://www.triptracker.net/trip/5558), then click the http://static.triptracker.net/static/images/map.large.png button just under the map :cool:
The awesome thing about this walk HAS to be this:
http://media.triptracker.net/3967/originals/df87f9ba7f000001006948b032d602a6.jpg
;D;D;D
That looks a little too close for comfort. :D
I had a lovely bus ride through the countryside today. Not up to walking quite yet (soon), but better that than stuck at home. So much countryside around here but I know so little of what's 'out there'.
Blighter
26-04-2009, 01:57
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=lc&chls=5,0,0&chf=c,ls,90,CCCCCC,0.142857142857,FFFFFF,0.1428571 42857&chxt=x,y&chxl=0:|0%20km|4%20km|8%20km|12%20km|16%20km|1:|25 %20m|50%20m|75%20m|100%20m|125%20m|150%20m|175%20m |200%20m&chd=s:IOOLMNNOQRUYVSQNONSet0223332331lURUXYXaccWUP NIHEHN&chs=500x200&chco=0000FF&chtt=Elevation+Profile&chts=555555,12
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=lc&chls=5,0,0&chf=c,ls,90,CCCCCC,0.125,FFFFFF,0.125&chxt=x,y&chxl=0:|0%20km|4%20km|8%20km|12%20km|16%20km|1:|0% 20km/h|1%20km/h|2%20km/h|3%20km/h|4%20km/h|5%20km/h|6%20km/h|7%20km/h|8%20km/h&chd=s:01v5xx10xt4t3y0xuwvgouoqpropqnpgmxztpuupqtqr oqpomw&chs=500x200&chco=0000FF&chtt=Speed+Profile&chts=555555,12
That's the graphs from the above walk :)
I tell ye, that ascent was one b*stard :p
I did a walk today, first one I've done since I fell down the stairs on Sunday so I'm still a little sore. Did a loop rather than a figure of eight, just under two miles (by 0.01)!
I've also changed the logger I'm using to RunKeeper. Here's (http://bit.ly/pqvRe) the track.
Ouch - take care. Glad to hear you're back at it though.
Better late than never. Walking tomorrow. I'll be dragging an empty suitcase though which is going to be a bit meh. The suitcase will be coming back full which will be even more meh (might try to time it so I meet a bus half way to avoid the worst bit).
Oh no! Hope you're alright Feek. You did the right thing giving it a rest though.
Why do you like runkeeper better than mapmywalk? Just interested because I really like mapmyrun, but if there is better out there then I'm willing to give it a go.
Simply because the mapmywalk tracking app needed me to put my password in each time I entered the application. Somewhat frustrating when one has a 16 character password made of random numbers, letters and symbols.
A major bump to an old thread here.
Over the last couple of months, I've been walking at least five miles a day. I enjoy my walks and I'm sure it's doing me good.
However, over the last few weeks I've noticed that after my lunchtime walk (normally between 2.5 and 3 miles), when I've sat in the office for a while, if I get up, my legs are really stiff and sore and it takes a few steps to loosen up again. It really is just twenty steps or so then I'm fine but until the stiffness wears off, I'm walking like an old arthritic man.
They don't actually hurt, they're just uncomfortable.
I'm walking at just under 4mph, according to mapmywalk I'm doing around 15.5 minutes/mile so it's a 'brisk' walk and if I had a longer lunch break, I could quite easily go much longer. For example, last Sunday I went with Mrs. Feek to work in the morning and walked home which is only 1.5 miles but I took a roundabout route and it took me over six miles :)
I'm wearing Bridgedale Woolfusion trekker socks and my work trousers which are great for walking in. At weekends I've been wearing some really comfortable shorts but I'm going to have to pick something else up for my weekend strolls as shorts really won't be the item of choice in a couple of weeks once the weather really starts changing.
Hi Feek. Sounds quite normal. As you know, I ride to work and try to run regularly. I often feel like an old decrepit man when I get up, my joints click, I'm stiff and stuff aches. It's a side-effect of what is essentially physical training. If you give it a week or so of rest it usually subsides, but I notice a difference after just a day or two of doing nothing.
You could try boosting your diet with a bit of joint-friendly food. Oily fish, anything with a lot of vitamin E and, the best one, eat lots of jelly!
5 miles is quite a long way and you shouldn't underestimate the toll that will take on you. Good effort! Also, given time you do start to harden up and it becomes less effort with fewer of the associated aches and pains. I really struggled at first with my new riding distance (which is about 100 miles a week), but I can now do it week after week without really having to worry about it.
Thanks Jonny!
It's odd, it's actually just the last couple of weeks that I've started to ache like it although today has been a little easier. I've tried to keep more mobile since I got back from my morning walk today.
To give an idea of how I've been doing, take a lookie at this, extracted from the FitBit website. The distance is in miles and it starts on the day I got the FitBit. The very low day in August is the day after the Clacton beer festival :embarrassed:
http://www.feek.co.uk/images/fitbit-stats-20130922-183958.png
I have my FitBit linked to the MyFitnessPal app and as I walk, the calories get added to my daily allowance. I'm logging everything I eat and as a result I'm somewhat lighter than when I first started :)
Not sure I can help much other than say Yowchy and hoping it eases up for you!
I saw a sign for a "Keith Lake" the other day and manically waved my arms about and said "IT'S FEEKS LAKE!!!"... didn't manage to get it on camera though :(
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