An Endorsement: Walking

Feet may be the new tonsils.

In other words, in the next millennium there's no doubt they’ll turn into vestigial appendages that serve no purpose other than adornment in leather. While that’s a worthy reason to maintain feet ¬– foot massage must persist for purposes of marriage pacificiation – an endorsement of walking remains in order after last week’s trip to New York City.

A stroll down Lexington Ave. from 57th to Union Square (14th-ish) reminded me not only how much I’m locked in a commuter town but the invigoration that comes with an urban stroll. Our Labradors will tell you we don’t walk enough, even in this unseasonably warm February, but the energy that comes from a city march is something to be savored.

The sprint/jog through “Don’t Walk” signals. The threat of oncoming cabs. The Plinko ricochet through stationary pedestrians. Enjoy it, city folk. We country mice have nothing close, unless you count walking the golf course, wheeling the trash can to the curb or working out those needy dogs.

The city walk is a walk with purpose, a walk that means business. The subway is a shortcut; the cab an overpriced convenience. So walk. You’ll feel better for it, and not in some carbon footprint kind of way. And if you walk enough, you’ll work your way toward walking’s older brother: running. Now that’s something truly worthy of an endorsement.