In the swirling waves of fitness fads and quick fixes, there hails a new champion - churning out a hefty 10 miles a day. Sounds a feat worthy of Hercules, doesn’t it? Strapping on your most comfortable sneakers and hitting the track enough times to make your Fitbit dizzy might take a good chunk of your day - around 3.5 hours if you keep a brisk pace. However, before you embark on this Homo-Sapien-to-Forest-Gump transformation, let's put the brakes on.

Shelby York, an all-knowing physical therapist from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, wants us to be wary. No, she’s not raining on your parade, just trying to prevent you from possibly self-destructing. Jumping from a casual bout of walking a couple of times a week to trekking for 10 miles in one shot might not be your best move.

So you want to brave this new beast? Ready your arsenal: pack snacks (preferably not that leftover pizza from two days ago), slather on sunscreen, and hydrate like it’s a sizzling summer day.

Like a noble warrior, you must train for this quest. Start by managing 1-2 miles several times a week, and have the audacity to add an extra mile each week. Not keen on becoming a human odometer? Go for time instead; start with 20-minute walks and add 10-15 minutes each week.

Reaching the coveted 10-mile mark might take around 2.5 months- think of it as gestating a new fitness routine. York, however, cautions against embracing the 10-mile walks more than once a week, your body needs to recover after such an endeavor.

Before hitting the trail, a warm-up is crucial- think squats, calf raises or even bridges. Nourish yourself with a trail-ready snack, suggests our food guru, Alissa Rumsey - a banana with nut butter or yogurt sprinkled with granola should do the trick.

Once you're burning a thousand calories over a single walk, it's important to refuel wisely and rest adequately. Also, wave goodbye to any post-walk intensive activities; your muscles will be in recovery mode.

So, dare to walk the 10 miles? Sure, but not daily or if you’re already in pain. Bring along your survival kit- water, sun protection, and nourishing bites- before heading out. Always remember folks, we're trying to get healthier, not earn a cardiac arrest and an obituary that reads, "Died trying to out-walk Forrest Gump."