Walk to Work Week 2022- Where footsteps help reduce my carbon footprint.

Finally, the days are getting longer and spring feels like it is springing, or at least its limbering up to whisk us away from the dark, cold grips of winter (yes, I'm being optimistic- I was camping in Sherwood Forest when we had snow THAT Easter!). But I'm looking forward to April with a spring in my step and the lighter nights mean I won't have to cram all my walking training into weekends around LIFE shaped stuff- which invariably means that my walking falls by the way side. The longer days also coincided with National Walk to Work Day 2022 (April 1st) so why not set myself another challenge...?

Since deciding to walk the Camino De Santiago in May, I knew there would be physical changes afoot, but I certainly wasn't expecting the emotional changes that occurred. The challenge has given me a goal, a purpose to aim for and ultimately it has improved my mins-set. I feel so much more positive in my approach to life- and my attitude to opportunities has changed from one of trepidation and uncertainty, to 'why the hell not?" The physical benefits are inevitably huge- with each walk I get fitter and stronger both mentally and physically and the effects of being outdoors and surrounded by nature (both in green spaces and on urban walks) soothes my soul. On more than one occasion, I have found myself pondering on the natural world and whether we are doing enough to protect it... (the answer to which is a resounding NO- but that's another post) So when I discovered that April 1st was National Walk to Work Day, I wanted to get involved, but I wanted more!

I am already mindful of my carbon footprint from my drive to work and I park halfway so I can walk the rest, but I've often thought about walking the whole way ( I just haven't got around to doing it yet, due to my love of the snooze button) So April 1st was the kick up the butt I needed to put my money where my thoughts are... only I'm not at work that Friday. So instead I opted to walk on all the other days I work... the climate crisis, coupled with the rising petrol costs and the 120km in six days getting ever closer, I opted for a Walk to Work Week.

The Monday morning was a bit hectic (as Monday mornings usually are) and as I wasn't sure how long it would take me to get to work, I walked full pelt. I managed three miles in forty minutes and arrived at work red-faced and with blisters on my feet. (Mental note for tomorrow- don't walk in work shoes). The walk home was a much more leisurely pace and the chance to decompress from work, whilst listening to a podcast was a real treat.

Tuesday morning was a slightly slower pace than yesterday and with walking boots and a change of shoes in my bag, I arrived to work in good time, with no blisters and a sense of wellbeing that I don't usually feel as I walk into my office (I was full of the joys of spring, apparently!) The combination of another mini-challenge, the exercise and a clearer conscience that I wasn't impacting the environment definitely boosted my mood. On the walk home, I had arranged to meet a friend (who's house I pass on the way) and I walked and talked all the way home. A great way to connect with both friends and the outdoors.

On Thursday morning I was tempted to press the snooze button (I do this three times on a normal work day) but I don't have the time to sleep in when I'm walking to work. I worked out that I only get to work ten minutes quicker when I drive, and I would rather walk as it means I'm not sitting in the awful morning rush hour traffic. This morning I connected with the world and took time to notice what was going on around me and as its the end of my walking week I did the same on the walk home. I also did some conscious breathing in time with my steps- breathe in for four- hold for two and breathe out for six (this works well with my steps, but the key is to find a natural rhythm).

So how was my Walk to Work week?

• I increased my work walk miles from 9 miles a week to 18 miles a week.

• It didn't cost me a penny in petrol (cheaper way to travel)

• It's an environmentally friendly way to function- reduced pollution and carbon footprint.

• It improved my mood as well as my creativity- I mulled over ideas for a non-fiction proposal I am writing.

• A very easy way to get exercise into my daily routine and get the steps in.

• It's an earth -friendly way to start the day and I LOVED IT!!

If you want to walk to work but it's just too far you can always park your car a little further away from work and walk part of the way, or if you use public transport you could get off a couple of stops earlier. Whichever way you choose to do it, it's worth planning a route, taking a change of shoes/clothes to work with you, carrying an umbrella (good old British weather) and remember to set the alarm clock a little earlier and absolutely, definitely NO SNOOZING!

Why wait till Walk to Work Day 2023, when you can walk to work this week? If you do, please let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear your stories. And if you are a women who walks, please see my Walking Women page as I'd love to hear from you.