Going on a walk each day is a surefire way to lose some body weight and stay healthy. Some people do it for the health benefits, some for the relaxation that comes from a long walk, and some people even take part in long walking marathons which can cover a distance of over 20 miles.
If you ever saw any of these full marathons, it is natural to wonder how hard it is to walk such a vast distance. People, on average, tend to walk 2-3 miles daily even when you count a normal routine. But 20 miles is not a cakewalk even if you train for it.
In this article, we will cover the age-old question of is walking 20 miles hard and will also take an in-depth look at how you can improve your walking prowess.
How Hard Is Walking 20 Miles a Day?
If you want a simple answer, it is quite hard. By maintaining a steady pace, it would take you somewhere around 9-10 hours to complete the journey. The thought of walking 10 hours straight in itself is very scary. And if you decide to take breaks in between, the hours will grow longer.
A normal person can easily walk around 6 miles and can cover the distance in around two hours. This includes people who do not take any formal training and do not know the proper techniques to maintain stamina. That is why most charity marathons ask for around 6-8 miles of walking.
However, a trained walker who takes care of their body and hits the gym regularly can hit around 10 miles before noticing any fatigue. Hitting 20 miles of distance is possible for trained walkers if they stay hydrated and can keep a steady pace. Without taking a break, they should be able to cover the distance in around seven hours.
How To Prepare For Longer Walks?
If you want to hit the 20 miles milestone, there are certain tips and tricks that you should know about. These tips will help reduce some of the fatigue that will inevitably come your way when you are walking this long. Remember, pushing your body is fine as long as you understand the safety parameters.
So, before you decide on attempting a 20-mile walk, take a look at the following tips and tricks
1. Get Proper Walking Shoes
The first and probably the most important element you need to take care of when going on long walks is picking out the right shoe. When you are on the road, the last thing you want is blisters on your feet. That is why it is extremely important to wear a comfortable pair of sneakers for long walks.
To better control blisters, you could use cornstarch inside your socks. This neat trick will keep your feet dry and prevent excessive sweating. A little bit of petroleum jelly can also help improve your comfort while walking for long hours. In the socks department, go for synthetic or woolen ones.
2. Select Your Wardrobe With Care
Choosing the right set of clothes is just as important as picking out the right shoe. You do not want to wear anything that will wear you out sooner. Remember, walking 20-miles is no game, and you should treat your comfort with utmost importance.
Ideally, you want to wear inner clothing made of polyester that can absorb sweat efficiently. For cold weather, you could get a good result going with an insulated layer preferably made of wool. For the upper layer, go with a comfortable shirt that is windproof and not too warm.
3. Get A Waist Purse
Carrying a backpack for long walks is generally not a good idea as it can mess with your posture. Walking with the proper posture is extremely important as it can reduce the chances of back-aches or extreme fatigue. With a backpack, you will also have to worry about the extra weight.
That is why you should carry a waist purse or a fanny pack to carry small essential items such as your cellphone and wallet. You can also carry some biscuits or a small water bottle inside the purse. Since this type of packs distributes weight evenly across your body, you will not feel the strain as much.
4. Stay Hydrated And Fed
Since you will be walking for a long time, naturally you would get thirsty and hungry. It is important to understand your body, and starving during a long walk will only make the task more difficult. Before undertaking such a challenge, you need to plan for food and water.
In addition, you should drink a large glass of water 90 minutes before you start walking at least. In terms of food, make sure you take enough protein and carbs to keep your muscles fed and performing well. When walking, you should drink every 30 minutes to make sure your body stays hydrated.
5. Safety Is Always A Priority
Never overlook your safety when you are going on a long walk. If there is a possibility of walking at night, you should always carry a small flashlight with you. Not only will it allow you to see in the dark, but it will also let vehicles nearby know of your presence.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to avoid any bad neighborhood. Carry your cellphone with emergency contacts in case you fall into any trouble. If you have a walking partner, the two of you can look out for each other. And most importantly, know the limits of your body.
How Long Does It Take To Walk 20 Miles
Walking 20 miles is not easy, but it is possible. People walking 20 miles usually set out in the morning and usually return before dinner.
Many people wonder about the difficulty of walking for so long and whether or not it is worth their time. They might wonder if there are alternative methods that take less time to walk 20 miles. There are many different ways to walk a distance of 20 miles, including running, biking, or even swimming!
At first glance, it may seem as though walking is an inefficient way to get around. However, this depends on the perspective of the person who asks this question. There aren’t any other options that allow you to see certain sights on this journey that would allow you to experience different environments such as waterfronts or wildlands.
However, we got here a nice data table thecalculatorsite.com, it shows how many hours to walk 20 miles.
| Miles | Relaxed Pace | Normal Pace | Fast Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 miles | 5 hrs | 3 hrs, 45 mins | 2 hrs, 45 mins |
| 16 miles | 5 hrs, 20 mins | 4 hrs | 2 hrs, 56 mins |
| 17 miles | 5 hrs, 40 mins | 4 hrs, 15 mins | 3 hrs, 7 mins |
| 18 miles | 6 hrs | 4 hrs, 30 mins | 3 hrs, 18 mins |
| 19 miles | 6 hrs, 20 mins | 4 hrs, 45 mins | 3 hrs, 29 mins |
| 20 miles | 6 hrs, 40 mins | 5 hrs | 3 hrs, 40 mins |
| 21 miles | 7 hrs | 5 hrs, 15 mins | 3 hrs, 51 mins |
| 22 miles | 7 hrs, 20 mins | 5 hrs, 30 mins | 4 hrs, 2 mins |
| 23 miles | 7 hrs, 40 mins | 5 hrs, 45 mins | 4 hrs, 13 mins |
| 24 miles | 8 hrs | 6 hrs | 4 hrs, 24 mins |
| 25 miles | 8 hrs, 20 mins | 6 hrs, 15 mins | 4 hrs, 35 mins |
| 26 miles | 8 hrs, 40 mins | 6 hrs, 30 mins | 4 hrs, 46 mins |
| 27 miles | 9 hrs | 6 hrs, 45 mins | 4 hrs, 57 mins |
| 28 miles | 9 hrs, 20 mins | 7 hrs | 5 hrs, 8 mins |
| 29 miles | 9 hrs, 40 mins | 7 hrs, 15 mins | 5 hrs, 19 mins |
| 30 miles | 10 hrs | 7 hrs, 30 mins | 5 hrs, 30 mins |
Final Thoughts
You know some people search –How Long Would It Take To Walk 60 Miles? , that means there are people who target to walk 60 miles too. If you want to be professional like them you can start your practice by taking small initiatives like 20 miles.
Walking 20 miles is hard, but with the proper set of tools and training, it is definitely doable. If you take our helpful tips seriously and keep a fit and healthy lifestyle, you can also hit this milestone.
We hope you found our article to be interesting and gripping enough to give you all the information you were looking for.
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