Walking holiday but I’m unfit

when are you going? Get started NOW- slowly.

In additions to what Kali2 says, good quality clothing and footwear are a must.
Don't be frightened of nipping into an out of sight bush.

Well, I certainly wouldn’t enjoy that holiday, but since your DH seems to like it, I would go but while they enjoy their walking, I’ll sit down with a book and a glass of wine. You certainly dont have to be embarrassed. If they are truly your friends, they will understand. Enjoy the holiday in your own way !

You can ony do what you can do. Would you like to walk a little with them? How far do you think you can walk? Maybe join them for part of the walk? Will here be other people in the group similarly wanting something a bit gentler?

Some years back now, after the last big foot & mouth outbreak when large swathes of the UK countryside had ben out of bounds, I arrived on a walking tour - estimated 10-12 miles of hard walking a day - feeling not that up to it. Only one small group did, those who lived in a part of the country that hadn't been subject to restrictions. We decided to split into two groups. The super fit and the ones needing some time to get up to speed (the larger of the two groups) but by the end of the fortnight we were all back together again.

As for peeing, are you happy to go behind a rock, tree or bush?

pigsmayfly, I've sent a PM about something you might find useful.

If you don't wish to squat behind a bush, I can recommend buying a Shewee which will enable you to urinate discreetly standing up. Practice first in the shower.

That's a hard one. You won't want to restrict their enjoyment, but you're aware you can't manage a 10 mile hike!

Are you visiting somewhere that you would enjoy being by yourself as they go off walking? Making it clear that you really don't mind being left behind. Would that ruin the whole holiday for you or the others.

It really wouldn't be fair on them to have to turn back early if they felt you were struggling. And not fair on you to be made ill by overdoing it.

However, maybe it is a little wake-up call that you need to get a bit fitter. Be honest with your friends and tell them your fears and possible solutions.

Go for it! You will love the fresh air, the connection with nature and the smugness of getting fitter each day.

You've reminded me of a holiday with friends in Ireland, I thought I was fit as I'd been going to the gym regularly! Ended up going through steep muddy woods, I was really huffing and puffing.

I'd tell your friends you are out of practice, and need regular pit stops.

Could they alternate long walks and shorter ones. Join the ones you think you can manage and do your own thing on the other days.
It doesn’t sound as though you enjoy walking much anyway so I wonder why you agreed to go.

I agree with others - explain to your friends (especially your DH!) that you don't feel up to long walks but you would love to come away with them and join them later in the evening, or for days when they aren't doing long walks. You never know, there may be someone else in your position who would be happy to join you for some shorter, more leisurely walks. There is absolutely no point in pushing yourself into doing something that will end up hurting you and making the rest of your holiday miserable.

Ginny I agreed to go because I wanted to be with DH but also they are good fun to be with. Shysal I will buy a shewee thanks. Wildswan16 I definitely need a wake up call! Joining them for part of the walk seems like a good idea. And having the right. Logged and footwear sounds good too. Thanks to all of you. I’ll try to compromise; do some walking and some relaxing.

There may be others in the group who would prefer a couple of miles stroll rather than a 10 mile hike. Perhaps you could be brave and suggest that some of you do part of the walk then return.

Going on long hikes when you are not used to it is not a good idea. If you have time to work up to it, all well and good but if it's imminent then it's not wise to attempt too much.

Make this the start of the "wake-up call"! Go for it, but be sensible as well.

Yep, depending on gap before setting out, I would certainly get some build up practice in. Haven't used a shewee but have heard favourable reports after practice. I would top myself up with some liners. Not ideal but mind relaxing. Enjoy but don't overstretched yourself. These are your fun friends so you've nothing to prove. Good luck. I'm a little envious.

I think the advice on here is sensible. Do not go on 10 mile walks unless you are able to get your fitness levels up.

pigsmayfly.

Ginny I agreed to go because I wanted to be with DH but also they are good fun to be with. Shysal I will buy a shewee thanks. Wildswan16 I definitely need a wake up call! Joining them for part of the walk seems like a good idea. And having the right. Logged and footwear sounds good too. Thanks to all of you. I’ll try to compromise; do some walking and some relaxing.

Practice with the sheewee. I’ve never been able to use one without soaking myself. They do, however, also sell peebols which are plastic bags full of crystals. I keep one in the car. My knees don’t let me crouch down any more behind bushes! I do find that sticking to decaf tea and coffee and wearing a Tena lady means I’m not desperate for the loo on a regular basis. Maybe get some walking poles. I find they help me. I can’t walk anywhere near as far as I used to even though I have walked most days throughout the pandemic.

My advice is speak to your friends, discuss your fears. If the walking is too much for you it will feel dreadful you and you may feel guilty for holding the walking party up ! I was on a long walk in the Yorkshire Dales
a few years ago. I love walking but this was just too much for me ! A friend said at the time " This your wake up call" That was the last thing I wanted to hear! My advice is do not go on the walks ! Take the holiday but if self catering why not have lovely meal ready for when they return?
Your friends will respect your decision. Please do not put on a brave face .

How about a Bog in a Bag.Doubles as a stool as well.

busybeejay

How about a Bog in a Bag.Doubles as a stool as well.

Oh no! I just read that as doubles up for stools (ie poos) as well!
Though perhaps it does?

If they are experienced hikers I would hazard a guess that you won’t be able to keep up with them and may feel self conscious holding them back ? I’d say go with them and enjoy the company and evenings .Take a couple of good books or craft whatever floats your boat to do while they’re walking. Perhaps you can have a nice stroll with them a couple of afternoons or evenings after they’ve done their major walks ?

Funny!Hope it made you chuckle.

I am a regular hill walker. If out in the countryside we go behind handy bushes or trees to pee. If you are walking direct from your hotel/cottage, you could set out with them, then turn round and walk back at your own pace. If you use cars perhaps you could drive back when you’ve had enough.

Good footwear essential for any distance - ask at an outdoor shop for something appropriate. Doesn’t have to be full boots. Get in some walking each day & build up the distance gradually if you have time.

When on the holiday could you visit historic sites? Go shopping? Take books, art/craft items eg sewing, sketch book etc. to amuse you.

On the walk make sure you have a bottle of water and lunch/snacks. Nuts are good. Good breakfast too.

Better to explain & perhaps be a little embarrassed rather than walk too far & feel unable to go on. Enjoy your trip.