Everything I learned from a year of walking 🗺️ Clothes | Equipment | Motivation | Inspiration

[@Nessa-l8o]

Thank you Ali, for inspiring me to be a part of the US, 1000 mile challenge. Two long hikes this weekend helped my cross the 100 intentional mile mark. 107 completed, as I need to bank some extra miles before the Arizona heat arrives! Happy walking ❤

[@suecoles7824]

Hi Ali, sorry, late visit, have not been well again, but so glad you are feeling better, it’s the fight of the germs 🦠 and other things! As usual you are a ray of inspiration, so proud of you and as others have said it’s not a competition to beat anyone and just do you, do what makes you feel good. Love & Hugs, Suze. 🚶🤗💛 xxx

[@juliemansius9921]

I think I’d like to aim for 500 miles this year. I live in a cold climate where winters are very snowy and cold, sometimes -12 Celsius or colder. If the snow plow hasn’t been by, walking is tricky. In the late spring and summer I can catch up. Just mowing my grass twice a week I can rack up a total of 8 miles. It’s an acre of mowing so very good exercise!

[@OllieandBella]

Thank you Ali for a fab video 💖🫶🏼✨🤗 So excited to be joining in the fun this year, I would love to crochet 🧶 a beanie just like yours! Will look forward to the pattern, when you have time 😂🤪 I know you’re a busy 🐝😘

[@oddknitadventures2671]

Thank you for all of your advice. I have taken notes. I got really into walking a few years ago and have also walked some of the Kent coastline. Me and my partner also started walking sections of the Pilgrams way back in 2020. I got a dog about 18 months ago and oh the irony. I walk so much less now as I know after a big walk I’ll have to come home and walk the dog. Although him being older now does mean he can do about 2 hours now. So hopefully I’ll have the motivation now to get out on longer walks. Good luck for this year. ❤

[@LizSmith292]

Hi Alison, have just discovered your channel and am thrilled to have found someone who loves walking and the outdoors too. Am in my 70s now but do lots of long distance solo walking. Planning for 2025 I came across your Dover to Deal video. Will look forward to seeing how your challenge pans out. Good Luck!

[@diannemassie2169]

I never regret going for a walk, only not taking the opportunity to do it!!

[@miriamcraft3664]

Trying to do the 1000 kilometers in 2025. Started out this year with a sport injury . So preparing is what I can do with tiny walks this month. But the spirit of the challenge is there. Love to see the nice routes you have.my direct surroundings are very urban but that is ok too

[@georgianasstudio]

I have fibromyalgia and have struggled to get moving over the past 13 years. I now have a treadmill so my current walking goal is 5 minutes 3 times a week. The next goal is to do 5 minutes every day then to increase that to 6 minutes, 7 minutes etc until I can do 30 minutes a day. It might take a year to get there, it might take two but the goal is to be able to consistently exercise every day without getting wiped out. With fibromyalgia it's really hard to do, hence the very small, incremental goals :)

[@kleineanna13]

Sounds like a plan! Well done for starting and I'm rooting for you to keep going (like, imagine me cheering you on whenever it gets hard). You can do this!

[@georgianasstudio]

@ thank you, that’s very kind xx

[@kathryndenne1717]

Found your comments re not comparing really helpful. I have always walked for exercise however for a large part of last year walking was painful due to oestoarthritis in my hip. I had a hip replacement in October and now can walk mainly painfree so am getting back into walking. Yesterday I did a 3.5km walk on a bush track with a couple of steep inclines. I was slow but felt really accomplished. I did have sore muscles last night. What is also really nice is my husband and I are trying to walk together most days. My goal is get back to doing 4km 5 or 6 days a week.

[@GilliBryan]

Lovely inspiring vlog, I am going to build up slowly from a stand still that I am currently challenged by😂

[@gillrimmer4850]

Great video Ali, very encouraging, my walking plan this year is 1025 kilometres set with Map my Walk app, I’m in Australia and it’s hot at the moment so not doing much more than 2klm early mornings, but as you say it’s not a marathon and it’s my goal 😊

[@WhatVictoriaRead]

I’m always so impressed by your walking, it’s amazing! Here’s to another year! ☺️💛

[@auchenshugglegranny]

thank you so much for all the advice, disabled so not looking for huge numbers think I'll start with 100 which is the equivalent of the Kintyre Way I am doing with a local group

[@itscarrotsncashews3481]

Thank you!! This was super helpful. In July 2020 I was diagnosed with a rare illness called Addisons disease. I nearly lost my life to it and was diagnosed just in time. Over February I’m raising money for the Addisons charity by walking 50 miles throughout the month! I’m a bit nervous but before I was diagnosed I couldn’t even walk up the stairs without help. So I’m very proud to come this far. Thank you for all the tips and advice!! Xx

[@clarethwaite7716]

Loved following your walks. I had a knee replacement 17 weeks ago and am just realising I will be able to walk outside again. I then went on Borrowbox (thanks for talking about this previously) and found Country Walking. Glancing through I saw the Birmingham walk which starts about a mile from my son's flat and really enjoyed the read. Bournville is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for a great vlog.

[@irenejackson4193]

Brilliant thank you for the inspiring and encouraging podcast about your walking challenge. I am going to give it a go.

[@stephanieferguson6980]

I'm going to give it a try!

[@LouGreen-vd4ov]

You’ve done awesome on your miles!! Thank you for taking us along! Love these adventures! Thank you so much! You are so motivating and inspiring so I am challenging myself to do the walk this year!!! I am cheering you on and myself!!! I have such bad knee pain so here’s to the walk!!!

[@sandiking1584]

My friend and I walk only once a week and not as far as we used to (10 miles) as she cannot walk as far these days, but we put the world to rights, good for her mental health and we get a bit of exercise. You have done so well walking just over 850 miles x

[@margaretnorth7103]

As age and arthritis have caught up with me I’m unable to walk much and have problems with my balance but I have a treadmill which I try to use most days of the week. It helps to keep the joints moving and gives me a sense of achievement just to walk half a kilometre in less than 20 minutes! Listening to music on my Walkman helps me keep going as I attempt to gradually increase the distance I walk.

[@janchow88]

I’m working on walking more. Harder now as winter temperatures (below 0C) make me want to turn around for home. Thanks for your encouraging words as I keep moving ❤

[@debbieraby]

I, too, have been a walker all of my adult life. I love it! I didn’t walk as much outdoors when we lived in North Texas (just too flipping hot) but here in Portland, Oregon I walk most days. Most Portlanders have beautiful gardens so I enjoy following the gardens through the seasons. And, we have gorgeous hikes not far away. AllTrails is perfect for finding the next hike.

[@alisonevans-vg6ws]

Hi Ali, so great to see you back,love watching your videos. Could you tell me the name of the yarn that you used to make your hat please, if you don't mind? Thankyou. Look forward to watching.xx

[@jilliankonig2759]

People have a tendency to claim that they can do something easily, or if they had the time (as if time is the only constraint preventing them from doing it). Good for you that you don't bother yourself with comparing your goals to their "supposed" achievements!

[@paulareed4173]

Walking is also one of my favourite activities, I love walking and taking my camera too and capturing inspiring images around me that I see. Like you i could walk for miles and think nothing of doing a 6/7 mile walk. Unfortunately I've had a lot of ill health in recent years and I've not been able to get out like I used too. These last 12 months have been especially hard, I had some major surgery and complications from that leading to sepsis twice and repeated infections, im currently waiting for more major surgery to right the wrongs then i should be on the road to recovery 🤞🏻As a consequence I've really struggled with any form of movement I get physically exhausted very quickly. But that being said I am looking forward to starting out slowly again once I'm fully recovered, I'm seriously considering getting a treadmill so I can be at home when I start up again. So if the fatigue strikes I can stop immediately and know I'm at home rather than 2 miles from home. I definitely look forward to getting my strenght back and getting back out in nature. You certainly inspire me to try! ❤

[@fusionwoman]

Lovely to see you back on your feet, Ali! Initially I also wanted to do the 1000 miles with you, but then I realised that it is simply too big a time commitent for me. I work 40 hours and live alone, so all chores are my chores. And I also have other hobbies. The time for a goal needs to come out of something else. So I adjusted to 1000km, which is about 620 miles and still will see me out and about plenty. Looking forward to also explore my local area more on foot and then get into more challenging hikes. I live close to beautiful nature so this is a good motivator.

[@ann7864]

Fantastic vlog. You've inspired me to walk as much as my schedule allows me to without judging myself if the miles are shorter than I would like. I have been a regular walker for years, but in the past 5 months, my job and caregiving responsibilities overwhelmed me, and I found I couldn't get out as much as I would like. I need to get back in the habit of leaving work each day for a 45-minute walk as I could usually walk about 2 - 2.5 miles, and it was a revitalizing break from the day. I wish I had lovely country walks but I'm stuck with walking the streets of Brooklyn. At least I live in the leafy area of Brooklyn! Walking was an absolute comfort when my sister died as we walked together on our travels and when we would visit each other. My ideal vacation would a walking one with a guide and someone to schlep my bags from place to place. It's on my bucket list for when I retire.

[@elainedraper5267]

Hi Ali, It was so lovely to meet you and Sarah Yesterday at the Waltham Abbey Wool Show. You are a true inspiration. Keep up the good work.

[@deniseflaherty372]

I love watching your walks…particularly when we see you wandering off into the distance….I can just picture you scurrying back to retrieve the phone 🤣…I’m hoping you slip up one day and leave that footage in . I’m hoping to be inspired to get off my butt and set myself a walking / fitness challenge as well

[@FibreBound]

Thank you so much dear Ally for inspiring me to start this in 2025! I work full time and have been very inactive the past couple years so it has been great to start the year by doing something good for my body! I am trying to fit in my miles during lunch breaks or by getting off the bus a few stops earlier in the mornings. On the busy days, I am getting on my treadmill. I am averaging 6 days of walking per week at the moment and am also trying to bank some mikes while I can as I imagine there will be weeks where only a day or two will be possible for me. Wishing you a successful 2025 walking season!

[@allthingsthread]

Wonderful! I am a walker but you have given me motivation to set a distance goal and/or a frequency goal, perhaps both. I live in rural Saskatchewan 🇨🇦 and weather is a problem. Today it is minus 34 C , minus 46 with something called windchill. I know why would anyone live here, born here, family, it is home😊. We do have glorious weather too. Just a thought trainers are less functional as they wear and you do not want to injure your feet. Again thanks for the motivation.

[@EvieO1950]

My hiking boots are Merrell and they take me many many happy miles comfortably!! Besides candy I keep an energy bar in my bag and a roll up splint since we are often way out in nature. Also we use our camelbacks (the water bladder thing) and they are brilliant!

[@iamsarahsarahiam5763]

I needed something to motivate me to be more active, so I’ve signed up for the challenge too. I signed up online on the walk 1000 miles website. I couldn't find the magazine in my local shop and needed accountability! Once I signed up, it gave me a link to buy three magazines for £5 with the tracker and badge included. I've not had any emails yet, so I'm not sure its helped with accountability, but I appreciate they're not spamming me 😀 I got out every day last week, though I wore the wrong socks on Friday and shredded my left heel, different boots that dont rub should get me through the first half of this week, before the gale fore winds return! Happy walking :)

[@rosiebill2817]

You've inspired me I'm going to try 500miles+ this year. I do love a goal to get me motivated.

[@TheCatlady63]

We are now living in Cumbria (moved over on Friday) and are looking forward to increasing our walking. We have coastal walks and close to the lakes too.

[@jillfoster6369]

I live in Cumbria too and love being able to step outside my door and just go walking. Enjoy your new chapter in this beautiful part of the country. We absolutely love it here.☃️

[@TheCatlady63]

@@jillfoster6369 Hi what part of Cumbria are you in?

[@tanyawillisanderson]

I got new sneakers in December and they make a world of difference for walking - they’re New Balance and every time I wear them I think why did it take me so long to invest in a good solid pair of them 😂 Great informative video ❤❤

[@suereed3468]

Thank you for telling us about this walking challenge Ali. Has definitely helped with the seasonal SAD.as although quite active do tend to hibernate in the winter, but not this year 👏 x

[@ajdarling4776]

Okay, I’m in. Trying for 250 miles as I’m starting from 0 LOL. Love your hints and equipment advice. Bought a digital copy as I live in the US. I love the idea of setting a goal for time in nature as well. Another great video, thanks so much for the inspiration

[@victoriasmith9334]

Great video, you've inspired me to aim for at least 10 miles a week. Started on Jan 1st. Combination of functional school run walks and walks with the dog for pleasure. Ive found sonfar its made me go just a little bit further than i would have done, a little less likely to get the car out for walking to school and I'm really enjoying it! X

[@vimalaranggasami5894]

Thank you so much Ali. ❤ I enjoyed hearing all about your tips for walking. I hope you reach your goal but at the end of the day it’s about exercise and enjoying the moment. ❤❤. Well done so far. I am trying to walk 42km in a 24hour period so let’s see. You have inspired so many of us. Thank you 🙏🏽 ❤🎉

[@Jerseymimi16]

Hi Ali! I so enjoyed your journeys this year so thank you for taking us along! Merrell makes the best footwear for my fussy feet. I also get a lot of walking done in my Keen hiking boots. They are even more comfortable to me than trainer or sneaker style shoes. It's all about the wool socks inside the shoes! I try and walk 20 minutes every day with my binoculars and when I skip it my brain and my body know the difference. Just that 20 minutes helps my flexibility, strength and mood. Just get all the weather gear and get out there! Thanks for the pep talk!😊

[@Geeguess]

I agree walking outside is my favorite thing to do. I have discovered several things in my little town that I had no idea where here. I have a rechargeable vest for cold days which is wonderful, I need to invest in some winter boots and cleats for walking in this awful snow/ice we have had for the last couple weeks. I did find a spot that was cleared off to walk yesterday, a church parking lot. And the snow is falling again yuck! Thanks for the encouragement

[@bethclawson2573]

@Geeguess, my area is also covered with snow and ice, and more is coming down. Wondering if we are in the same town/city/county…

[@Geeguess]

@ I’m in Kentucky, not a fan of winter especially when it’s like this. Grateful I don’t live where there is really cold weather!

[@thepeculiarcat]

You inspired me- I'm going for 500 miles this year. I've never done a mileage goal before but this feels like the perfect thing to try.

[@pollyg5731]

Thank you for all the tips and motivation Ali. And also thank you for saying it's not a competition because we all have our own limitations. Wishing you all the best with this years challenge. x

[@HandknitBySam]

I’m aiming to achieve 1000 miles this year but have got off to a slow start due to illness and icy weather, however I have a whole year to catch up and will be taking early retirement at the end of July so I think the bulk of my miles will be at the end of the year 😊

[@ericallerton809]

❤❤great chat,,ali🎉 Love your walks with you,,,, ELAINE 🏡💕

[@jop5547]

A great video, really informative. Me and Alfie the Yorkie are aiming for 1000 miles this year too. I also advise if anyone is walking and has medical problems or disabilities they carry a card with information about themselves and emergency contacts. This has been handy for me in the past when I have had seizures on walks. I also use carry a whistle and use bone conducting earphones or just wear one ear bud so I can also hear everything around me x

[@bethclawson2573]

Smart idea about bringing emergency contact info and whistle. I haven’t heard about bone conduction headphones, that is something I will look into

[@jop5547]

​@@bethclawson2573I can definitely recommend. I like to be able to hear the background while I'm walking.

[@sdicato]

I can’t wait to get out walking and running one I get my knee fixed. We are so lucky here in the Carolinas with all the greenways and other trails. Many are part of what is called the Carolina Thread Trail.

[@jessicahay2317]

Very exciting to be joining the challenge...but running rather than walking for me. We took up running in 2020 and my motivation has just fled, so I'm joining in and hoping I'll get my motivation back! Aiming for 1000 miles as well, fingers crossed! Thank you for sharing everything you've learned and making it very accessible. I also really appreciate the conversation around not comparing yourself to others, such good advice!

[@StitchcraftGiftsHarrogate]

Thank you for sharing this. Every time you talk about your walking I think about doing a challenge like this, and I've finally made up my mind to actually do it!! I'm setting a goal of 500 miles in a year (I really don't walk much at all right now, so I want to ease into it a bit), and a second goal of either going out for a walk or doing some other kind of workout every single day. I'm excited!!

[@kykynestyf7742]

It's more about getting out for a walk every day for me. Even if it is 30 min... I can walk a long time, but there seems to be no time left in the day after work and chores are done. 😅

[@bethclawson2573]

Dearest ali… walker woman -WOW- you inspired me. I have told some friends and loved ones that I am doing the 1000 mile challenge. I have a couple of weekly walks planned with coworkers. Thank you for getting me out and in nature. I appreciated seeing your walking bags and supplies. And your Apps, too.

[@jessicanw]

Thank you so much for sharing this and motivating everyone! I can totally identify with your experience of your walks leading you to areas that you didn't know existed. I have combined the walking challenge with an attempt to walk on every street in my town (at least every one that is possible to walk on), and there are whole neighborhoods that I had no idea were there! I've seen so many interesting things in my community, and I've only seen them because of the walks. I didn't make it to 1000 miles last year, either -- the awful summer heat and months of wildfire smoke made it too difficult be outside. I'll definitely need to do more indoor walking during smoke season to reach my goal this year.

[@jackieleipert1950]

I knew I needed a walk today as it is my mental therapy but I watched you right before I started out and you pushed me to get out. I feel so much better. ❤

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Absolutely loved this Ali. What an inspiring year and thanks for all your tips too 😊

[@GabrielleSaunt-v1r]

That's good achievement regardless. Keep going.

[@wendyluvsbooks1580]

I think you inspired me to get out and walk 🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️…… so thanks for that 💛

[@heathertucker7056]

Love seeing your walks and your challenges. I have two good walks every day and just getting out in the fresh air and nature does me the world of good! Can’t do massive long stretches these days but every little helps! Take care x

[@Fran2324x]

Walking is my favourite thing to do too as you can take in your surroundings properly 😊 I challenged myself to the 2000 miles last year and just about managed it! My cocker spaniel probably did triple that ❤😅 great vlog Ali. I also get theM&S good move clothing - it’s so comfy!

[@sheilabarry5422]

I love this video! I’m looking forward to our one thousand step walking journey. Thanks for the tip on the reflector lights. Just ordered them from Amazon.

[@melaniecaldicott8643]

I really find your walking inspiring. It's an important part of my life too but I am much more limited in how far I can go due to chronic illness. However, on the days where I've been stuck inside I love vicariously living through your walks. This practical guide is great but one thing I wondered. You always wear leggings which you mentioned as Nike but don't your legs get cold? I know how much we warm up on a good walk but I must say the top half of my legs are often freezing in the winter. However, I wear outdoor trousers rather than leggings and I wonder if that's where I'm going wrong. Do you have any suggestions?

[@StitchMeAwkward]

Lovely informative video Ali. You've really inspired me to get out more in nature and get into walking in general ☺️ I really admire your walking challenge (think I definitely need a few years to build up to something like that though haha). Anxiety and depression has kept me at home for a long long time but I'm finally craving a more outdoorsy life in 2025 🌱🌞

[@teresab126]

Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉 on your walking accomplishments! ❤

[@Deanna143]

I’m trying to find a copy of the magazine in USA. I’ll have to do the digital version! Very excited to join along. I resonate with you because I you have SAD in summer so I want to log as many as I can now!!🎉

[@pattidownes5832]

Great video Ali, inspiring and informative - nice rucksacks too! 🤣🥰 xxx

[@jacquelinejones5790]

Looking forward to following on insta! I walk a fair bit but might try the challenges. Great to hear your tips 😊

[@ConcettaPreller]

You have completely inspired me to do this too! ❤

[@hooksstitches9535]

I think it's great your challenging your self always aim for more so in the end you achieve more then you expect great job xxx

[@gordonbrowne8068]

Hi message from Sharon. Congratulations on reaching your steps. I know you didn't reach your target, but you did really well!! Health benefits are so big, and as you say, it's free!! Also it was great to hear you mention your handmade accessories! It makes me so good, when I've made something to wear, and someone admires it. Such a sense of achievement! Good luck for future miles this year. ❤❤

[@McBranagall]

Aiming for 500 miles! Thanks to you and Sarah for the inspo!

[@JenDulinVT]

You've inspired me to shoot for 500 miles this year! My dog and I thank you for all of the great info/tips. 💖

[@jillfoster6369]

Great and highly informative. I like to get out and about daily because it makes me feel so much better. My aim this year is to continue to do so. I like to walk about 4 or 5 miles a day but make myself slow down and take in what nature is doing and the changes I see. ❤

[@thelimeysretreat4976]

I agree with everything you said Ali, I have really enjoyed the challenge and am also doing it again this year and hoping to beat this year’s achievement. I just wish it was helping me lose weight but it hasn’t but I feel fitter xxxx

[@elaineenstone6834]

Good luck with your walking. 🇬🇧

[@Rosie-xk5qj]

Really loved today’s vlog, I’m feeling inspired, I do walk but just when I feel like it but now I’m going to walk everyday. Keep up the good work and look forward to the next vlog 😊🌟

[@nadinestapler3881]

I will be getting out there. 😊 Thank you this was fun.

[@ShastaStitches]

This is so inspiring and informative! Thank you! 🤍

[@suenicholls5446]

💕😀xx thanks Ali. Great video. Really informative 🥰

[@lindagrzyb370]

❤

[@AmoPawfectPastimes]

I always have a couple of £5’s too and some small bags (doggy poo ones) as I never know when they’d be handy 😄 They have the chart, and others, as printable downloads on the website too 😃

[@marymartinick690]

Hi Ali ❤ I love your channel 😊 Thank you for all the walking info . I was able to get the country walking magazine from my library here in update n.y.🎉 It’s going to be -1 F here on Wednesday so will layer😊☃️❄️tee hee

[@creative2716]

Oh gosh, layer up warmly.

[@marymartinick690]

Thank you Creative☃️❄️💨just got a warning on my phone Heavy Lake Effect Snow till Wednesday I won’t be going we get feet’s of snow ⛄️

[@lyndakling901]

Don’t your fingers get cold?! It’s so cold here mine would get frost bite! I love walking too…

[@theresepazell7875]

I use to walk a lot to now i am 77 cant walk as far as i use to..but keep trying.Take care b safe.

[@kathleenstephenson7466]

Thanks for the idea I will commit to walking 30min a day..10000 plus min we yr.. l😅ove😮 walking outside

[@debracubitt6191]

And pretty beanie!

[@michelemarchesani5139]

The Libby app has Country Walking!

[@debracubitt6191]

Your fingerless mittens are very pretty

[@janiceallan2981]

Hi Ali So enjoyed this video. That is an amazing amount of miles! Congratulations. Can I ask have you found your weight or shape has changed? Or both? Thank you xx

[@jeanettegillings7202]

If it makes you feel better, you did walk over 1000 kilometres! ❤

[@MrsBroomeMakes]

We had a German Shepherd puppy over Christmas so my aim is to get plenty of walking in during 2025. I will be happy to just get out once a day for something that is not work related

[@sfrancis2725]

I couldn't see the information in the drop-down for the Nike leggings you have. Did you find out which ones?

[@hebulanebula]

How many miles did you walk? I’ve been curious. I couldn’t hear what you said.

[@mandyjanewilliams107]

Hi I just downloaded the walking app you use you said you don't pay for it . When I set it up they said it was free for the first month . Could you send me a link to the free one please thank you x

[@wheelygoodtravelswithmarks91]

Love this blog It was very interesting about your year walking. Just thought I'd let you know my wife has bought me some men's wild deodorant like you did for Dan. Can't wait to try it then only thing is she hasn't put my name on it. Mark

[@creative2716]

Proud of you, Ali. >I might give it a try. But I'm afraid I would have to carry firearm to be safe. 😧 Who would've thought 2.7 miles a day for a year equals 1000 miles? Useful info.

[@lynnread4898]

Oh my goodness, that's so sad to hear 😔

[@YvonneOakes59]

Thank you Ali, as ‘ I reported on IG’ you have inspired me to take on the challenge and it’s going great so far 🫰Looking forward to your progress reports. x