16 Steps To 16 Miles
By Lindsay Tasher:
I jumped into the world of Freewalkers in January 2023, committing to walk 3 miles a day for the 15-day Virtual Challenge. Since then, I participated in walks ranging from 7 to just under 16 miles this past September. My goal is to accomplish a 30-miler by the end of 2023 (Zero to Thirty in a year)! When I’m not driving around New Jersey trying to figure out whether getting from Point A to Point B is “walkable,” you can usually find me at a live music event or aerial fitness class, playing piano, or quilting.
1. Some context for first-timers: I’ve always been a pretty active person, but the longest I’d walked “with purpose” in one stretch (pre-Freewalkers) was about 7 miles, and my average distances were 3-5 miles.
2. Ask questions. I asked a lot when I started out (pacing, parking, weather – I was probably pretty annoying), but if more information makes you more comfortable participating, don’t be shy!
3. Scope the route in advance. Before my first walk, I studied the map/directions the coordinators provided, especially notable landmarks and crosswalk locations.
4. Get used to walking on different surfaces (beaches, sidewalks, etc.). They feel different and require different muscles/levels of focus. *This tip is dedicated to anyone who has faceplanted after tripping on an uneven sidewalk.
5. “Change your socks whenever we stop.” - Lt. Dan (Forrest Gump). Sometimes it’s not your shoes. If your socks feel wet or uncomfortable, change them.
6. Take hills with baby steps (almost like you’re marching in place) – not enormous squat-type strides. *Thanks Denise for the best walking tip I’ve ever received!!!
7. Be honest. It’s okay to tell someone they should feel free to go on ahead if you are comfortable with a slower pace. Or vice versa.
8. Ears + fingers will feel the coldest (for gear purposes).
9. Yes, there are days where it is TOO HOT for distance walking.
10. Everyone’s different: I usually drink about 12-16 oz per 5 miles.
11. Ways to help others: (1) wear your bib on your back so folks behind you can follow easily; (2) carry extra band-aids; (3) See #3 re: scoping the route in case you lose sight of the group leader and folks behind you don’t know where to go.
12. My ‘Buds: If you see me wearing earbuds, I’m not being anti-social. Walking with music has always been my one way to completely check out. I struggled with this during my first few walks because everyone is so nice and I didn’t want to come across as unfriendly. But it’s okay to do a little of both (safely).
13. “30 miles is longer than a marathon.” -My friend, Wendy. Your loved ones may not necessarily think you’re crazy, but they will worry about you. Send pictures en route to remind them you’re okay and having fun.
14. Being “Done”: There’s a difference between “I’m getting a little tired” and “I’m done.” You’ll know. And it’s okay to be “done.”
15. I rarely want to “go out on the town” after a long distance walk (8+ miles). Be mindful of this, especially if you have a fun activity that same night. With FW, you can do a portion of the total walk, and still have energy left for evening festivities.
16. Share your joy! When I talk to people about my walks, they are fascinated – by the distance, the locations, the pictures, the whole deal. A lot of times they ask to join me (and have) on my next reasonably-distanced journey!!!