WEEKLY WALKER

By Veralyn Davids, Guest Writer

The Everyday Walk

"The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be

healthy. The best way to lengthen our days is to walk steadily and

with a purpose." --Thomas Jefferson

When I was a child, much of my life could be neatly compartmentalized into one of two categories: "Everyday" or "Sunday Best." Saddle shoes for everyday, patent leather for Sunday; meatloaf and chops for everyday, roast for holidays. We used Fiesta dishes for everyday, good china for company.

The same applies to walking. The walks Tom features in the column are usually walks or hikes we take on weekends or holidays. We both enjoy taking these walks, scoping out the most interesting destinations and figuring out the twists and turns.

But we would probably not relish them if we weren't faithful in taking our "everyday" walk. This is our regular, for-exercise-and-fitness, unremarkable walk that prepares us to take the more adventurous walks that go into the column.

By far the most common reader response goes something like this: "We enjoy reading the column; in fact, we have clipped all the walks since we noticed them. We just haven't gotten around to taking those walks, but we really hope we can someday."

We would tell them their best hope of ever taking and enjoying the "Weekly Walks" would be to begin an "everyday walk." Here are some ideas for starting your own everyday walk.

1) PLOT YOUR ROUTE. Think about a three-mile walk from your house. Which area--east, west, north, or south of your house--appeals to you most? Setting your odometer at zero, drive from your house in your favorite direction, and when you are a mile and a half away, return home by a different route to complete a loop. For example, we live in San Carlos, and our everyday loop goes from home to Alameda de las Pulgas, where we turn left. We next make a left on Brittan Avenue, another left on Laurel Street, and another onto San Carlos Avenue, which brings us home.

We chose our route because we like the view from atop the gentle hill on Alameda Avenue. We also like checking out the downtown activity on and around Laurel Street. This route also makes a tidy, almost rectangular walk.

2) SET A TIME. Make your everyday walk a priority, and schedule it the way you would a class. For many people, walking immediately after waking up works best, before breakfast, carpooling or work schedules interfere, while for others a walk right after work helps them unwind. I try to alternate every other day, walking either right after breakfast or just after dinner. And life happens--you catch a cold, relatives come to visit, you get a better offer--so while it is important to establish a habit, be flexible.

3) KEEP AT IT. Making your walk a habit is the hardest part. It is so easy to get sidetracked or lose interest. Do whatever it takes to stay motivated. For many, a walking partner who will hold you accountable is the answer. If your friend is waiting on the porch at 6:30 in the morning, you will not be as apt to turn off the alarm. Tom and I walk together about three times a week. On the other days, I appreciate the solitude that allows time to reflect, be more observant, or plan my day.

4) KEEP BOREDOM AT BAY. At least once in a while, vary your route. For example, once a week, we walk our route in the opposite direction. Or we walk on different sides of the street. If we need a challenge, we may turn right instead of left on Brittan for a steep climb up to Crestview Drive. And every now and then, I take a completely different route in a new direction. I may just start out and turn right at every corner.

5) GET TO KNOW YOUR ROUTE. Sharpen your senses to notice something new every time you walk. Watch for fresh flowers planted, a "For Sale" sign, a major remodeling project underway. Your neighborhood collage is always changing; make it your responsibility to notice.

6) ENJOY YOUR EVERYDAY WALK! A daily walk at the same time will introduce you to neighbors who may become friends. Greet the regulars who walk at the same time--parents pushing strollers, people walking dogs, workers on their way to buses or the train, children going to school, local merchants opening their shops. Smell the flowers, listen to the birds, feel the breezes: "seize the day!

WALKS COMING UP:

Aug. 26 - Join the seventh annual Peninsula Humane Society's "Mutt Strutt" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coyote Point Park. This is the only day of the year that dogs are welcome at Coyote Point Park. For information, call 650-340-7022, ext. 709, or www.muttstrutt.org

Aug. 25-26 - Join the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" - "Twenty-four hours you'll never forget" at Highlands Park, San Carlos. For information, call Dawn Yalsovac at 650-578-9902.

Sept. 13 and Sept. 23 - American Heart Walks planned at Redwood Shores and Coyote Point to raise funds to benefit American Heart Association. For information, e-mail Pamelaf@heart.org

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

E-mail to: trekertom@aol.com.

Footnote: Check out the Weekly Walker Web at www.weeklywalker.com.