Sunday 1 January 2017

Is the Walking Group ready to go?

Hello. Are you ready for the big one? The WALK 1000 MILES CHALLENGE.. It's the 1st of January and this is where we all start. Choose your boots or your trainers depending on the terrain. I use trainers for walking on tarmac around my village, and boots when on tracks and rough footpaths. Make sure you have the right footwear. Note - my home made shoe rack made out of pallets.

So, let's go through the rules. You can walk wherever you like, whenever you like, the aim is to complete the 1000 miles by December 31st 2017. You can break it down to 2.73 miles a day, I have two measured routes of two and three miles, from my front door. This takes me 35 minutes for two miles, and 50 minutes for three miles. I like to do a fairly brisk walk, a saunter or stroll will not do, I aim to work up a bit of a sweat. Sometimes it's cold when I set out but after ten minutes the heart starts pumping a bit harder and I warm up. When I get back I am ready to peel off some clothes.

The monthly total to aim for is 84 miles. If you are somewhere near that figure that will be fine. Some months you will do more, and some less. If over several months you find you are dropping back, you will have to put more effort in to catch up.

You can ignore the daily and monthly totals, and take on some long walks if you like. When on a walking holiday you could walk ten miles a day for eight days and have the rest of the month off.

Of course all this walking will depend on how fit you are, how much you have done in the past, and how much time you can give to it. If you are working full time can you incorporate walking too and from your workplace into your schedule. If not, can you walk during your lunch break.

There will be some people who will not be physically able to 1000 miles. That's ok, it isn't a competition or a race. Set yourself a lower target, even if it is one mile a day. The aim of this is to at least get you doing some exercise. Anyone who has sever mobility problems should consult their doctor first for advice. They may be able to embark on a different exercise routine, eg, swimming, aerobics, or yoga.

You  will be checking your own mileage, it's up to you how you do this. Some people use a pedometer, or a fitbit. I use a web site, Bikehike.co.uk  Toggle map sizes so the larger OS map is on the right hand side and use your mouse to plot out your route either before or after you have walked.

You can count any miles that you walk in the course of a normal day. I don't know how steps convert to distance, you will have to work that out for yourself. I prefer to count only the miles I set out to walk for the challenge. I don't count in shopping or dog walking, unless it's a big dog that's going to pull me along pretty fast.

On the first of every month you can check in with your miles walked over the previous month. Put this in a comment, then it is all on one blog post. It doesn't matter if you don't get it in on time, it can be updated any day in the month, just go back to the post on the 1st and put it in. This is the only record, there won't be a separate page. So, to start you can comment on this post to say you are in, and for the first day of every month after is where you check in. I want to see those numbers rising.

You will be full of enthusiasm when you start, that's how New Year Resolutions work. A few weeks or months into it you will wonder what you let yourself in for. You will then look for excuses not to do it, and start missing days. Haven't got time, got to go shopping, got to pick the kids up, need to get your hair done, etc etc. If you are opting to walk daily, it is better to build that time into your daily routine and find a slot for it. I am thinking now I had better get off my bum and do it now. If you are struggling, tell the rest of the group. Don't just stop and say stuff it, I can't be bothered. You will feel the benefits if you stick at it. Sore feet, try different footwear. Aching leg muscles, hot bath and massage.

Here's a little bit of inspiration to get you started.



Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

PS. I think there are still some mileage totals for December to come in. When I have them I will have a complete list for 2016.

79 comments:

  1. I'm definitely in. I made it to a little over 900 miles so nt quite the 1000. But, I'm going to up my walking and this will be the year to do it!!!

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    1. That's a fantastic achievement, Christina. Well done.

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  2. Hi Ilona, count me in please for 2017. Just done 3.7 miles today so off to a good start despite this morning's wet weather. Have found Bikehike really useful so thanks for telling us about that and also for all the work you put into the blog every day. I think your beach chalets are brilliant - definitely one of your best!
    Wishing you and your furry friends all the best for a happy and healthy 2017. Vicki in East Yorkshire

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    1. Vicki, you're going to romp it again, I can tell.

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  3. Happy New Year, Ilona. I feel out of breath after walking at your pace. I'm with you in spirit on your walks. Have fun everyone.

    Joan (Wales)

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  4. Hi Ilona, I read your blog all the time and it inspires me so can I join in with your walking. I'm not fit at all and a bit overweight so I'm hoping this will lead me to a more active life now I'm retired.
    JaneC

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    1. Just do as much as you can, JaneC. And no eating junk :o)

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    2. Hi, Ilonaor should I say, Fearless Leader?!!! Thanks for getting us up off the chair. Put me down!!!

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  5. I want to join in with this challenge , but I am so unfit and have pains in my legs so i am not going to set myself a big target . I am going to start by walking a mile a day , if that es ok I will increase it . Thank you for doing this it gives me the push I need .

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  6. I shall be looking to do a bit more walking this year, free fresh air and exercise, lovely.

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  7. I'm looking forward to this challenge!---Michelle: Colorado

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    1. Thanks for the tips and motivation, please count me in. Odette

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  8. Hi Ilona, and Happy New Year! Count me in for the 2017 1000 miles challenge. Patricia, Montreal

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  9. I'm like the lovely ladies above, unused to walking, not fit, overweight, but you've given me the encouragement to have a go! Didn't walk today, went to church etc, but will start tomorrow & measure & record all my walking. Happy New Year xx

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  10. Hi Ilona, i would like to join your walking group! Wendy

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  11. I'm in Ilona. Started toady in glorious cold weather and walked just one mile but it's a start. Catriona

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  12. I enjoy walking but just wonder if you are ever concerned about your personal safety when walking alone out in the countryside?

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    1. Hi. No, I'm not. There is more chance that I would get attacked in a town centre than out in the countryside. I keep my eyes and ears open, look all around me. There are not a lot of people about where I walk.

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    2. and I think its sensible not to have earphones blocking your hearing. I see many people walking on tracks who are completely oblivious that cycles are also about and no amount of bell ringing warns them of your approach.

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  13. Count me in this year, Ilona. My aim is to walk an average of 10,000 steps a day but sometimes I'll just do a quick trip to town at around 4000 steps, other times DH and I will go for one of our longer walks and might do 15 - 18000 steps. Mostly it will be somewhere inbetween. I only count the steps I do when out on an actual walk, not those in the house and I track mine through an app on my mobile phone.

    My walking trainers are on their last legs (feet) and I'll be popping in to Sports Direct soon to look for another pair. Unfortunately my big feet make it hard to find charity shop ones.

    Happy New Year, love Helen xx

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  14. Count me in this year please! I have made a good start today with 5 miles.

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  15. Happy new year Ilona and companions. Please count me in for the walking group, i am starting tomorrow.

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  16. Pls count me in

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    1. Yes, but what is your name?

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    2. That would certainly help !

      Emma

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  17. I ended the year on 1082 miles. I will continue with walking or using the exercise bike as much as I can, but I'm in pain despite the steroids this week :(
    Good luck to everyone taking part in 2017!

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  18. Count me in too. I can do 2 miles not the full amount. Will be happy with this. Natalie

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  19. Hi Ilona, have just found your blog and am loving it. Want to get fit for 2017 so keen to join your walking group. Had a lazy day today and didn't go out but will crack on and get out for a walk tomorrow. Sue (Sussex) xx

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  20. I am really looking forward to the challenge and kicking off with 5.6km completed yesterday (01.01.2017). Thank you Ilona. Jane J Robinson

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  21. Happy New Year! Please count me in for the challenge. Thanks. Sarah (Cornwall)

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  22. Hi I would like to rake part in this challenge, my name is Shelly Williams.

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  23. Happy New Year. I'm going to try to do this challenge this year. I plan on taking the dog to a local park here in New Jersey where they have a track that goes around the middle of the park that is exactly one mile. It will definitely be a challenge for me, even with the dog, since he's very large, young and energetic. I think I can do it and I'm certainly going to try.

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  24. Count me in. I will try to walk my dogs to get my miles in. Enjoy your blog. Happy New Year

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  25. Hi Ilona, I'm Kate and I'm taking up the challenge as well! Thank you for the inspiration and also for the link to Bikehike. I was going to get a pedometer but I think the website is easier and also it is giving me ideas for routes as well. Am hoping reporting in each month and interacting with others will give me the impetus to stick with it and get fitter this year!

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  26. Having asked you to repeat the challenge this year I wouldn't dare to miss signing up.
    Please add my name to your list Ilona and thank you for giving us another opportunity.
    To encourage anyone thinking about joining I'd say go for it!
    The worst that can happen is that you don't complete the challenge.
    I dithered until 25th January before joining last year. I'm so glad I did sign up. It's helped me immeasurably both mentally and physically. if I hadn't I doubt if I would have had the self discipline to keep going for the whole year.
    Good luck to everyone. As Ilona says we are not competing but encouraging one another. Sue

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  27. I've been at it since November ten, but will only add my kilometres from day one. Here's to shapely legs.

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  28. You have inspired me so count me in. Did 5.48 miles today. Tested last week and can do around 2 miles in my work lunch break so a top up circuit of the town later in the day will easily get me over the daily target. Looking forward to this!

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  29. Please add me Ilona-thanks!

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  30. I'd like to join in too please.

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  31. Hi Ilona, I want to join the walking challenge! In a couple days I will begin a new job that is located right beside a rail trail (former railroad line converted into a hiking/biking trail) here in the US. I plan to walk every day during the lunch hour. Thanks for coordinating this. I enjoy reading your blog!

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  32. Count me in! This is Donna from Illinois.

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  33. My final for the the year is 1302

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  34. Please add me as well, Ilona. I'll be checking in once a month with my km walked. It will be good, accountability-wise, to be part of a like-minded group. Cheers, Nanny Anny in Canads.

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  35. Count me in, Ilona. I'm overweight and out of shape with two bum knees.
    I'm going to use a combination of walking and the exercise bike.
    My goal is to keep at it and make steady progress.
    Joan in Michigan

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  36. I'm in again,
    Hazel Dxb

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  37. Count me in for the 1000 challenge. Margaret in Maryland

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  38. Hi Ilona,
    I didn't quite make the 2016 total due to illness and sheer laziness. My final total was 988. Please count me in for 2017 and I'm adding the 12 miles from 2016 on to make my 2017 target 1012. I'm also trying to remove 1000 items from my home this year in the form of donations, sales or binning. Happy New Year to you and keep on blogging x

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  39. Joining in too; will be using exercise bike and measuring in kilometres if that's ok. Amanda

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  40. I really should do this ... off for a walk now so will have a chat to Mr S!
    Jane

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  41. Hi Ilona, please add me I will be walking my dog and exploring different places. Thanks Sue

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  42. Hi iiona, lovely to meet you last year at the village fete. I'm in, me and mum did 4.2 miles last night before City of Culture started! Although mum is not in the challenge, she has now her own fitwatch to monitor her steps! Last year I completed 817.5 miles by 31st Dec. I aim to pass 1000 this year!

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  43. Hi Ilona, count me for this year.
    Amanda in Atlanta.

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  44. Seem to of made a mess of joining but iam definitely in just done my first 3 miles bit nippy out today

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  45. Please add me in to the challenge although I may not be able to do much for the next 2 weeks as I have been called by HM courts to do my duty as a citizen!!! But hope I may be able to walk before or during the day if not will adjust the rest of the days in the month to reach 84 miles.
    I have decided this year is "my year" and I am going to do what it takes me to be Happy, Healthy and Wise (plus a little increase in income to help a situation I am working on, (( A happy one I might add!))

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  46. I'm joining the challenge for this year. Cheers! - Lori in Alaska

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  47. Hi Ilona please add me to the list!

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  48. Hi Ilona, if I forgot, please add me to the list for 2017 too!

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  49. Lorraine K
    I would like to join - Lorraine in Washington state

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  50. I would like to sign up for the challenge.
    Nick

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  51. Good start today...Three miles! Felt warm and enjoying it already!

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  52. Amy in Florida is signing up for 2017!! Just sent in my December mileage for 2016. I will only send my walking miles for 2017...I have made a separate challenge for biking at 2500 miles for 2017. It's something to aim for!

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  53. I'm up for it, I had a knee replacement in 2015, and while it's been wonderful I still want to keep the other knee! The challenge is part of a general plan to improve fitness, physical and financial!

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  54. Yep, me too. I can do about 3.5 miles around the block and to the village library and back,some of it on an incline. I do that most days, usually more if I am out with the dog. I will keep a record and put it in monthly.

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  55. Hi Ilona, would like to join challenge. Scared. Have trouble sticking to things. But found I could measure walks on Google maps.
    Becky too.

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  56. I am certainly in for the 2017 walking challenge. I'll be counting in km, though.

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  57. I'm up for the walking challenge this year! Your challenge is giving me new enthusiasm to my workout routine. Accountability helps me stay consistent.

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  58. I will participate in the 1000 mile challenge again in 2017, Sonja, North Carolina. Thx!

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  59. A little late but I would like to join too. Hope I can catch up.
    Lo

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  60. Hi Ilona. I am also a bit late to the party. You have inspired me to do more walking so would like to join. I worked out the one mile distance from my house and walked it there and back for the first time today. I don't think I will reach 1000 miles but I'm looking forward to getting fitter and hopefully dropping a few lbs. Thanks.

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  61. A bit late but I'd like to be counted please. I have walked my dog everyday but one this month so will have my total for this month. Here's to getting fit and losing a few pounds.

    Tricia

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  62. Hello Ilona, I would like to add my husband, Wences, to the group. He retired last year and ever since has taken his daily walk very seriously. He was gifted a FitBit for Christmas so amongst other things, he can track his distances.

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  63. Hi, I'm adding on late--hoping to do 500 miles this year. I started on March 5 in New Hampshire, USA. Thanks for encouraging us!

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