The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least 150 minutes of exercise every week, and a substantial way to help reach this goal is by walking. For those who want a unique and challenging way to take losing weight through walking to the next level, you can join the ranks of those who have walked completely across the U.S. Before taking on such a feat, there are certain tasks that need to be completed to ensure the success and safety of your trip.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor to ensure you are healthy enough to take part in such a strenuous activity over the allotted time frame. Walking across the U.S. takes miles of walking everyday over the period of several months. Talking to your doctor ensures that you don't have any preexisting health conditions that may make the daily walk dangerous to your health.
Step 2
Purchase appropriate walking clothing and shoes. Invest in several pairs of high quality walking shoes that give your feet plenty of support as well as are comfortable and well ventilated to prevent developing foot problems. Invest also in several outfits of clothing to prepare for everything from hot weather to rain to even snow depending on when you choose to start the walk. Reflective clothing is also important for times you are walking at dusk or early morning.
Step 3
Map out your route using an atlas or detailed map of the U.S. Choose a route that keeps you away from heavy traffic as much as possible and that is the most safe when traveling on foot. Avoid busy freeways or other roads where walking is dangerous or prohibited.
Step 4
Write down how many miles each day you can feasibly walk. Use how long you have to complete the journey as a guiding point and then divide the total amount of day you plan to walk by the distance of the route.
Step 5
Start training by consistently walking every day, increasing the amount you walk each day until you reach your daily goal for the actual event. Measure how tired you feel after you reach your final mileage goal so you can adjust your daily walking goals for the actual event accordingly.
Step 6
Book a hotel stays for the end of each stretch of walking. Plan to also bring camping gear as some stretches may not have a hotel close enough to walk to between daily walking points.
Step 7
Find a spotter to drive behind with the emergency flashers on you while you walk. A spotter helps warn passing vehicles that you are on the roadway, provides a barrier of protection between you and other cars, and also provides a convenient place to store necessary items or for a quick safe place to sleep in areas where hotels are not available or camping is prohibited.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider bringing attention to a cause that is close to you such as a charitable organization or health research organization. Very few people attempt to walk across the U.S., making your attempt a newsworthy feat that can help bring attention and support to important causes.
- Always practice safety when walking. The same rules that apply to runners, such as staying alert, carrying identification and running against traffic so that oncoming traffic can see you, apply for runners and walkers.
Things You'll Need
- Map
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Clothing for all weather conditions
- Camping gear
Member Comments