tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post2880872168812811824..comments2023-12-30T17:31:11.883+00:00Comments on The Solitary Walker: Walking As Escape And Exercise (1)The Solitary Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-30530396767302936482011-01-05T18:55:39.146+00:002011-01-05T18:55:39.146+00:00Thank you for publishing this really interesting p...Thank you for publishing this really interesting post. When i finished The West Highland Way last year i was definitely at my fittest. Both physically and mentally.<br /><br />The most important thing that i get out my walks is the escapism from everyday life. Ridding the body of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I feel a lot happier within when i am out an about in the countryside.Frankiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09498808742869714653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-66774652099701799232010-12-31T12:12:04.330+00:002010-12-31T12:12:04.330+00:00I was gone for a couple of days, so I missed these...I was gone for a couple of days, so I missed these last couple of posts, but I want to catch up, because they are soul-filling. I really like what Rousseau said, and I want to contemplate it some more. The point of getting away into the meadow or the woods is to find the nurturance of solitude, and his reflection gets at that so well.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-12557611894863935502010-12-29T16:26:12.209+00:002010-12-29T16:26:12.209+00:00Thanks, everyone. It seems we all agree that walki...Thanks, everyone. It seems we all agree that walking is brilliant for body and brain, mind and soul.<br /><br />Phoenix! I have this image now of a smart business woman in Tina Turner heels tottering down the Tyne valley ... Never tried it in heels, myself. I think I'll give that one a miss.<br /><br />Rachel - that story - fleeing from the car on the motorway. Don't. Just don't. Stick to the 'C' roads. Please!The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-20874744105146190582010-12-29T13:17:07.046+00:002010-12-29T13:17:07.046+00:00Our bodies not only need movement, but crave it. ...Our bodies not only need movement, but crave it. I've noticed that people who are more introspective - perhaps less extroverted than others - enjoy a solitary walk.<br /><br />Occasionally I walk with a companion and so appreciate it if after a bit of polite chatter, they know how to be quiet and commune with path and sky.<br /><br />Wonderful debut for your series Robert. I look forward to your next submission.Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00282469017360136275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-51349268599024143942010-12-29T06:24:14.031+00:002010-12-29T06:24:14.031+00:00I absolutely agree with you. I am not and never ha...I absolutely agree with you. I am not and never have been a social butterfly. I wilt on pavement and in any gathering over 8 people but let me loose in nature and i thrive like the lilies in the field. I can at best manage 2-3 miles now in one go but I do enjoy my rambles in the wild or down a dusty track.Arijahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-66124893353117030442010-12-29T05:09:34.682+00:002010-12-29T05:09:34.682+00:00Its hard to imagine what it would be like not to b...Its hard to imagine what it would be like not to be able to walk on grass and paths on the earth - its a real gift and knowing that there are some who cannot walk due to disability just makes me appreciate it more. <br /><br />I really enjoyed this post -gleanerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11826401785165112918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-83685747936558436752010-12-28T23:45:37.276+00:002010-12-28T23:45:37.276+00:00So true about the escape valve! One of the many re...So true about the escape valve! One of the many reasons I struggle with driving is that motorways (especially queues on motorways) make me want to abandon the car on the hard shoulder and run away as far as I can into the fields or whatever. This isn't considerate for other drivers though - I am aware of that.<br /><br />xRachel Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11803852725693518924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-8323536000198148612010-12-28T19:17:13.972+00:002010-12-28T19:17:13.972+00:00I can't imagine a life without long walks.
Th...I can't imagine a life without long walks.<br /><br />The worst years of my teaching career were those where I got so caught up in grading papers that I didn't manage to get in my daily walk.<br /><br />It didn't take long to realize that I got much more done when I got away from papers long enough to get some walking in.Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03152302644577926337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-25552473557793355912010-12-28T18:46:51.131+00:002010-12-28T18:46:51.131+00:00It's rather fun to walk in a business suit and...It's rather fun to walk in a business suit and smart shoes - even with 3 inch heels! The benefits of the refreshment of the countryside are worth it, and the amusement of seeing the sidelong glances at one's mud encrusted heels later!<br /><br />One of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned is to have trained myself to cast off all the 'vain ideas of the drawing room' in an instant and immerse myself in the atmosphere of the woods or wherever. And even a glimpse of trees out of a window is enough to trigger that kind of 'altered state of consciousness' that lifts the spirits in the middle of a business meeting. (That and the buffet!) But best of all is the 'proper walk'.Phoenix C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13852678924557075302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-24919742797278234052010-12-28T14:37:57.662+00:002010-12-28T14:37:57.662+00:00My physio says walking is the best possible exerci...My physio says walking is the best possible exercise and as I believe anything she says I go along with that - and it is good for the brain.The Weaver of Grasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13947971556343746883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-71045302357754008632010-12-28T14:29:56.156+00:002010-12-28T14:29:56.156+00:00To follow up on Kiwi Nomad's point, I have nev...To follow up on Kiwi Nomad's point, I have never felt better than I did on June 20 of this year, when I finished my coast-to-coast walk across England. It was more than just a psychological high; my body was functioning better than it had for many years. I have always tried to remain fit, going to the gym on a regular basis four to five times per week. Nothing matches walking, however, for the physical development of the person each of us is designed to be. I recall that the late writer, physician, and runner, George Sheehan, once said that the first obligation of a person if to be a good animal. So much depends on that.<br /><br />While the physical benefits of walking are undeniable, the psychological benefits may be even greater, at least for me. Whenever I embark upon a walk, whether a long-distance walk or simply a walk around the neighborhood, I know that I will be recovering at least some of the sanity that is seemingly lost in the daily tumult of the world.<br /><br />A great opening post for this series, Robert. I loved the quotes, and I look forward to the subsequent postings.Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959953035812596907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-20748835992905025982010-12-28T10:42:21.333+00:002010-12-28T10:42:21.333+00:00When I had finished walking the Camino I felt perh...When I had finished walking the Camino I felt perhaps the healthiest I have ever felt. I think our bodies are 'made' for walking- and we do them great injury with our modern sedentary lifestyle.Kiwi Nomadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13351034705766073667noreply@blogger.com