Annabel Streets - 52 Ways to Walk

After struggling with plantar fasciitis in the past year and a half, I have finally got the condition under control. The solution, which seems to be working so far, is as such. First, I need to wear an extremely specific footwear combination (Skechers shoes, Scholl's plantar insoles, and padded hiking socks). I also have to either go bag-free or carry a small backpack. Finally, and most importantly, I must walk with full engagement of the foot, using a foot-rolling action rather than passively dumping my feet "undifferentiated plate[s] of meat". Neglect any of these 3 and I will be in a world of pain the next day.

It sounds like a hassle, but it's paying off. Recently I've been cautiously falling in love with walking once again, and I borrowed this book as a way to celebrate and indulge in my new passion.

I didn't like how the titular perambulatory conjectures are padded out with lots of Accompanying Science (but that's the expectation people have these days, I guess - books are supposed to fill your head with Facts to make you feel smarter). What matters to me are the walking ideas. Below I compile my favourites.

Week 6: Take a muddy walk

Week 12: Walk in the rain

Week 13: Take a walk-dance
So, dance, skip, or gallop as you walk - even walking with a bit more bounce and more fluid arm movement - to make walking more joyful and fun.

Week 25: Walk with purpose
Not all walking needs to be nature-y and meditative. This is an argument for utilitarian walking. There's a wonderful story about Erik Satie's brisk daily commute from home to his studio, 6 miles on foot across Paris, wielding a hammer to fend off any undesirables as he passed through dangerous streets. Utilitarian walking may not feel very enjoyable, but it is on the other hand extremely easy to incorporate into one's lifestyle - simply walk rather than drive to wherever!

Week 27: Sing as you stride

Week 31: Walk beside the sea (barefoot if possible)

Week 34: Walk beneath a full moon
These take some planning ahead, but full moon walks (or even better, supermoon walks!) are presumably more thrilling than regular night walks. Spring full moons are supposed to best for night walks in coastal or watery areas, especially with the aid of a UV torch, because the tide will be super low and reveal all kinds of creatures.

Week 35: Walk like a nomad
Afghan walking syncs the breath with footsteps, and it's said to be a technique used for extreme long-distance walking. It's quite fun and also, since you are made aware of your breath, quite meditative.

Week 38: Climb hills
I want to try walking with poles.

Week 40: Walk like a pilgrim
Follow an established pilgrim route, like the Camino el Santiago. I definitely want to try this once in my lifetime.

Week 43: Walk with others
Inspired by the historic practice of (e.g. cattle) droving. There is supposedly some kind of magic in walking as part of a huge group - I would love to join a protest/parade/march one day. In the meantime I could look for a local rambling group.

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The end of the book also has a wonderful list of walking literature. I've added a few to my to-read list: Wanderers: A History of Women Walking, Flaneuse: Women Walk the City, Sauntering: Writers Walk Europe, and Wanderlust: A History of Walking.