Tips for walking to work

I walked to work today. It took me 57 minutes. It was about 3 miles. I dropped about 250 feet in elevation. This was a test run, but it looks like it's doable.

Here are some tips:

1. Walk downhill. In order to do this get out Google Earth, exaggerate the elevations via the Google Earth preferences, and look for the most downhill path between your house and work. If going to work is more downhill the other way, take the bus to work and walk the other way.

2. Avoid rif-raffy and industrial areas. Sorry to say -- many parts of your city may be filled with homeless people or garbage -- not to mention, number 1s and 2s from the local inhabitants scattered randomly. Industrial areas are no fun either because of all the funny and otherwise revolting solvent smells emanating from plants, etc. Better to walk around these areas or take the bus through them.

3. Listen to your ipod. Books on tape are nice or just music. The time will pass quickly.

4. Use a heart rate monitor watch. Make sure you don't go over 70% of your maximum heart rate. Doing so will wear you out and make you loath walking. Being at less than 70% of your heart rate will make walking far more pleasant and even easy. When your beats get over 70% slow your self down.

5. Plan your walk via Placemarks with google earth. Update your walk slightly when your planned route takes you through some place that you didn't enjoy.

6. Watch for left and right turners! Never play chicken with distracted drivers!

7. Do it everyday. Make it part of your routine!