So you're not a lean, mean, fat-burning machine in fluorescent lime-green, full-body spandex perched atop the latest pair of high-tech walking shoes. You're a prime candidate to join the proud ranks of walkers.

Runners may say walking is too slow, bicyclists may say there's not enough equipment, and fans of the treadmill may complain walking is just too stimulating. But walkers can cover more area than anyone else.

In Good Company

When you walk you're in the company of people like:

• Colin Fletcher who, at age 70, continued to cross the country on foot — including a spiritual odyssey of two months when he walked the length of the Grand Canyon
• Robyn Davidson trekked across half of Australia — much on camel, but when things got tough she took to her feet
• Sir Richard Burton roamed the African and Asian continents, bringing back to Western culture knowledge of things both beautiful and disturbing
• John Muir's wanderings helped establish some of our national parks
• Henry David Thoreau was entranced and inspired as he walked and observed details.

Thousands have set out walking to find freedom and opportunity or to escape famine and war. And many walkers have recorded their travels and inspired others to find their own adventures afoot. As walkers we can learn a lot from these people — they share many characteristics — thoughtful, intelligent, curious, and determined.

Jot It Down

We also can learn from them the importance of keeping a journal or diary. The advantages are numerous. As we walk and reflect, many things can become quite clear — big troubles end up being petty, and complex situations can have simple solutions. You don't have to take four years off to walk through some exotic land and make discoveries that will end up in National Geographic to be an observant, practiced walker. Look, listen, and smell — the distractions can help you remember what's important and relieve the blues. Note when birds nest, how slowly the leaves of autumn are falling and how quickly the buds of spring appear, how the sky changes with time and season, how the amber glow of lit windows feels warm, who's cooking dinner, and where the roses are in full bloom. Then capture and record the feelings and contemplations from your walks.

Reviewing these personal insights is a wonderful way to regain your balance — even on a rainy day. So put on your comfortable walking shoes, dress with style (leave the lime-green spandex in the closet), and go out for a ramble.

Books by Inspiring Walkers

• Tracks, by Robyn Davidson
• The Complete Walker and The Man Who Walked Through Time, by Colin Fletcher
• A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf, by John Muir
• The Snow Walker, by Farley Mowat
• A Walk Across America, by Peter Jenkins.