| Long distance walking is not an easy thing. Or | | | | enough to cushion every step; but still be strong |
| rather, it is not as easy as people think it is. | | | | enough to survive potentially hundreds of miles of |
| Although, walking per se seems to be an easy | | | | wear and tear. You might wear thick soled socks |
| enough exercise to do, doing this for 10, 20 or | | | | for extra cushioning. |
| more miles without considerably altering your pace | | | | Other gear that you should consider includes: |
| or breaking your stride can be quite a challenge. | | | | comfortable exercise clothes (preferably clothes |
| This exercise can put a lot of strain on the | | | | that do not chafe body parts,) a wristwatch to |
| muscles and bones of your legs and feet, but it | | | | time your walks, a pedometer to gauge how |
| can also affect your other internal organs like | | | | much distance you have covered, and a utility |
| your heart and your lungs. So if you are thinking | | | | belt, pack or backpack so that you do not need |
| about doing some long distance walking, either as | | | | to hold your other possible walking accessories like |
| a form of exercise or as a kind of sport, here | | | | a towel, a bottle of water, etc. |
| are a few things you should know before you | | | | 2. Always start your walking exercises with a |
| start. | | | | good stretch and a round of warm up exercises. |
| 1. Getting the proper gear is always essential. If | | | | These will help limit or prevent painful muscle pulls |
| you were planning on using your flip flops during | | | | and ligament injuries. About 15 minutes of |
| long distance walking, then you're setting yourself | | | | stretching and 30 minutes of warm up exercises |
| up for a lot of trouble. Not only will your choice of | | | | should be fine. Professional walkers usually |
| footwear start breaking apart after your first 10 | | | | increase the duration of these aforementioned |
| miles, but your feet would have to | | | | exercises to up to 45 minutes and 1 hour. |
| overcompensate for this by walking in an | | | | When you embark on long distance walking, |
| unnatural fashion. This may lead to ligament and | | | | whether through the hills, around a town or city |
| tendon injuries. Get proper walking shoes before | | | | or up in the mountains, you'll find that you are |
| you start exercising. The shoes should be | | | | getting excellent exercise while taking the time to |
| comfortable enough and should not hinder your | | | | enjoy your surroundings. |
| movement in any way. The sole should be soft | | | | |