So far in our Walking Is Living series we have talked about why walking is a good way to stay healthy, lose weight, boost your mood and save money. All of this is true, but it sounds too much like walking is a chore. Let’s remember how much fun walking can be!
Walking can be a great way to have an adventure and explore the outdoors. Here are some ideas for adventures you can have while walking:
Nature Hike: Hiking is a great way to explore nature and spot wildlife. Check out hiking trails near you and choose one that suits your fitness level and interests. Often there are great hiking opportunities just a short drive away. Look for birds, insects, flowers, and trees that you might not normally see in your daily routine. You may want to pick up a pocket guide that will help you identify birds and plants. For extra fun, keep a log of all the different types of species you found.
Urban Exploration: Walking in a city can be an adventure in itself, as there are always new neighborhoods, parks, and buildings to explore. Take a walk in a different part of town or follow a street you've never been down before. This can be an opportunity to try something new such as: visit a new restaurant or cafe, taking public transportation you’ve never been on before, or meeting new people.
Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt for yourself or with friends, where you have to find certain landmarks, objects, or places while walking. This can be a fun way to discover new things in your community.In addition to well-known sites, look for hidden gems that might be off the beaten path such as street art, quirky shops, unusual architecture, or even interesting sights, sounds, and smells.
Photography Excursion: Take a walk with a camera or smartphone and challenge yourself to take interesting photos of your surroundings. Look for unique angles, patterns, or textures. See if you can snap photos of interesting characters like street performers wearing catchy getups.
Walking Tour: Many cities offer walking tours that focus on specific neighborhoods, themes, or historical events. Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the city and its culture. Some cities schedule art crawls in the summer where you walk to art galleries, boutiques and pubs. Other cities have seasonal walking tours, including ghost tours around Halloween and special routes to see festive lights during Christmas.
Long-Distance Trek: If you're up for a challenge, consider embarking on a long-distance walking adventure. This could involve spending a day walking a section of a long-distance trail, such as the Pacific Crest Trail or the the Appalachian Trail. If you’re really adventurous, plan a trip abroad and go on a pilgrimage along the Camino Santiago in Spain or the Way of St. Francis in Italy.
The possibilities are endless. Once you’ve gone a couple walking adventures, you’ll soon be planning many more.
Remember to bring the right walking gear, especially your Z-CoiLs. The built-in rigid orthotic will give your foot the support it needs, while the spring coil will shield your bones and joints from the shock of impact as your walking on hard surfaces so you can really enjoy the adventure.