My Story

Walking has been part of my life since I could take my first steps. I grew up in Placitas, New Mexico, a small community in the high desert about 45 minutes north of Albuquerque. From the time I was very young my parents took me on walks through the countryside, and I fell in love with the smell of the desert after a monsoon rain — one of the most beautiful and particular scents in the world. When we moved to Albuquerque my father walked our dog every single day without fail and I would often join him.

Walking was front and center of my study abroad year in Rome during my third year of undergrad. My architecture program toured cities on foot on field trips throughout the country and on weekends I would set off alone for six or eight hours, moving through cities at my own pace stopping at cafes, wandering into churches, and discovering neighborhoods. That year taught me that walking is not just exercise, it is a way of paying attention.

Back in Florida, I have walked the boardwalk at sunrise, explored the older neighborhoods with big, beautiful houses, and committed to ten-mile Saturday walks for nearly a year. I walked to and from the rowing club and to qigong class (sometimes two hours round trip) and found those miles some of the most restorative of my week. My most significant walk was the Camino de Santiago, 800 kilometers across northern Spain. The following summer I walked a portion of the West Highland Way in Scotland with friends I met on the Camino before becoming injured. I need to return and complete the walk.

Walking is also where I do my best thinking. Since learning that the movement of walking is neurologically connected to creative thought, I have leaned into it deliberately. I recorded my memoir on 30-minute morning walks with Bella. I also call friends, listen to podcasts, and let ideas surface.

Where to Begin

1. Step out of your front door and explore!

2. Research long walks around the world and plan a trip.

My Clothing, Equipment, and Supplements

For most walks of less than an hour the only requirements are good shoes, socks, and sunscreen. Over an hour and I add in a hat, Camelbak, electrolytes, and a hydrating snack such as an orange or apple.

1. Shoes. I started wearing zero drop, minimalist shoes around 2012 and wore Vibram 5 fingers and New Balance Minimus before discovering Altra and the Lone Peak style in 2020. Since then I’ve bought over a dozen pairs. The Lone Peak 6 holds a special place in my heart for lasting the entire Camino (500 miles) plus over 100 miles between Rome and Bordeaux before I threw them out. Others on the Camino purchased one or more pairs of shoes from other brands. I’ve also tried VivoBarefoot and the sizing was dramatically different between styles. I ended up sending most back and I haven’t worn the pair I kept. I also think Xero makes great products and wore their sandals on the Camino in the evenings and have since worn them on vacation and around town. Their shoes are great, too.

2. Socks. I am a diehard Darn Tough sock lover. I have most styles and thicknesses, and I usually go up a size from what is recommended. On the Camino I wore two layers of sock to help with sweating and blisters, one ultra-thin sock and one hiking sock over. I learned halfway through the Camino it was more effective to wrap each toe with tape or bandaids to prevent blisters.

3. Sunscreen. I have half a dozen I like. This one for ease of applying while actively walking or hiking, and this one for my face. This one if I have time to take breaks and apply. Another good option for heat and humidity while working out outdoors. I used to purchase the AlphaH face sunscreen and it has been discontinued.

4. Hat. I wear lightweight hats from Adidas and Nike that are easy to throw in the wash.

5. Camelbak. I’ve had this kids version for over 15 years and it’s still going strong.

6. Electrolytes. I’ll mix these up in a Polar bottle. I haven’t added them to my water bladder to avoid cleaning issues.