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5 tips for getting walking into your day (even when you're not in the mood)

Posted by Tanja Gardner on November 18, 2011 at 03:51 PM

Ever had one of those days when you had a long walk planned, but you just couldn't coax yourself out of the door? Maybe the weather refused to co-operate, maybe your enthusiasm ran away, maybe were just too tired that day. Here are my 5 top ways to get walking into my day when I can’t manage what I had planned.

1. Promise myself I ONLY have to do 15 minutes. Sometimes once I get my walking gear on, the enthusiasm hits again and I just keep going. But even if it doesn't, 15 minutes is better than nothing, and then I head home again as promised.

2. Walk to an errand instead of driving. I'm lucky enough to live a 3km from my library, and half that from a major shopping mall. So unless I'm planning to do a carload full of shopping to do, I can usually walk there and back and call it my day's workout.

3. Remind myself how hardcore it feels to walk in the rain. I know, I know, this won't work for everyone when it's raining... but seriously – getting wet isn't the end of the world (especially if there's a hot shower, dry clothes and tea waiting when I get back), and I get a serious sense of satisfaction from being out in the rain when other people let it stop them.

4. Failing that, find an indoor venue. If I just can't face getting soaked (or there are galeforce winds or lightning), there's the treadmill at my gym, the aforementioned local shopping mall, or possibly a museum or two I can walk around.

5. Take a deep breath and accept that maybe this time, it's OK to let it go. I try not to choose this option too often when I'm training for an event, but the truth is that sometimes we all need our downtime. Sometimes not wanting to head out is our body's way of telling us we need a rest. So sometimes, like I said back in Post #2, it's not a bad idea to listen.

How about you, Wonder walkers? What's your favourite way to get some walking in on the days you really don't want to?