Help me walk four hours a day and not fall apart!

[AlienGirl]

I have just taken a new job as a political canvasser and grass-roots activist. I'm getting paid to go door to door raising money and educating voters about things like Social Security. This is a great job, and it's awesome to be able to work for a cause instead of just working for the money, but I need help with the walking part of it.

After my first day of training on Friday, I feel like I was just beaten up by a steamroller. My calves are killing me (particularly the backs of the calves), my feet hurt, my ankles are stiff and sore, and my upper back is aching. What can I do to help myself get in shape for this faster, and to keep it from hurting so bad? Are there any supplements I should be taking? What companies make shoes that will help me reduce the stress on my feet?

Thanks in advance!

Tucker

[NMMNG]

1. For shoes I'd recommend New Balance

Both my Chiropractor and my best friends podiatrist highly recommend them. They say NB are the best shoes for your feet. I have two pairs of their walking sneakers and I've been thrilled with them.*

Some nutritional supplements may help with the muscle pain**. You might want to try calcium and magnesium, as well as some of the others listed here. Valerian root, an herbal remedy, is often used as a mild muscle relaxant, and may be helpful. Of course hot baths in the evening can be very soothing.

As for training the only thing I can think of is to do more sessions in shorter bursts when you are not at work, which will help your body adjust better to all of the walking. Other than that you will just end up adjusting to it over time, painful though it may be. x(

Best wishes, both with the new job and with getting over the pain.



*However since I've taken up formal exercising again I've found I'll likely have to get some custom orthotics to address some supination I've had for years, which is a separate issue.

**Standard disclaimer that this is not official medical advice, nor is it intended to prevent, cure or treat any disease, etc.

[Rainbowreflect]

2. I did this kind of work years ago.

When I started, I was horribly out of shape. It did not take long before I had no problems walking 4 hours every night.
Don't push yourself to fast to soon. Walk as slowly as you need to, drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods & take rest breaks.
Good luck, have fun & be careful!

[wildeyed]

3. Stretching, hot baths and ibuprofen before bed will help

with the soreness. Drink lots of water to help reduce the risk of injury- well lubricated tendons and joints function better than sticky, dehydrated ones.

Another hint, change shoes from day to day. I have worked a lot of jobs on my feet, and when my feet felt tired and sore after a long day, it helped to wear different shoes the next day. I guess it changed the pressure points slightly and allowed me to use slightly different muscles. Anyway, it really felt better.

Other than that, you will probably just have to gut it out. Good luck with the new job, sounds like a winner :)