May is National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month, and the Wellbeing and Culture Team has set up an 85-mile walking challenge to promote more everyday walking.

All you need to do is to walk approximately 2.74 miles each day which will take about an hour to complete. Alternatively, for those who have less free time, just halve it, and do 1.37 miles a day which is about 30 minutes of walking a day.

If you continued at this pace for an entire year, you would have walked approximately 1000 miles which is equivalent to walking from Lands' End to John O'Groats.

Please note that the first 50 walkers to register completion of the 85-mile walking challenge will receive a free adult general swim voucher to use at either West Park Leisure Centre or Victoria Park Leisure Centre.

If you would like to take part, please register your interest using the link below:

https://online1.snapsurveys.com/lvna1i

There is also a QR code on the attached poster which will also allow you to access the registration page.

My own walking story following completion of a similar challenge:

A few years ago, after a sports related injury to my shoulder I couldn't take part in my sport. I seem to develop other aches and pains and wasn't sure what to do. I signed up to do a challenge to walk 500 miles in a year which I completed and in the second year I did 1000 miles. All my aches and pains disappeared, and I lost some weight too. I would get up and do 1 hour of walking before work and I felt energised for the day. I kept myself active when I was not able to take part in my sport and have now returned to exercise following completion of the walking challenge. Walking offers a great way to build up your fitness and strength gradually.

Rachel