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 Mary Janes 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. 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. Some people listen to
tapes or CDs.
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!
Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.
E-mail
<tom@tomdavids.com>
Footnote: Check out
the Weekly Walker Web at www.weeklywalker.com.