Usually I walk to stay fit, but today I walked for transportation—to get from point A (my daughter’s school) to point B (the store).

I’m all for making a walk do double duty–a good workout and a way to get an errand done. Just about everyone can walk a mile, and according to the the League of American Bicyclists, about 30% of all trips we make are one mile or less. Unfortunately, most of those trips are made by car–and I’m just as guilty as most. Despite being a big walking advocate, I rarely walk for transportation because it’s not safe where I live. But the school is in a nearby town that has sidewalks and stores within walking distance.

Here was my opportunity to check two things off my to-do list at the same time. I could get my walk in and along the way pick up the prizes that I needed for the kindergarten carnival. So I left my car in the school parking lot and walked the little more than a half mile to the store and back. I walked briskly, but I didn’t push my pace like I do when my goal is a heart-pumping workout. Instead, I enjoyed the cool morning breeze, the rhythm of my footsteps, and the quiet time. It was a good way to wind down from the frantic get-the-kids-off to school routine, which was exacerbated today because I had to transport a 3-foot long game that my daughter made out of cardboard and scotch tape.

If you’re like me and live in an area where a car is needed for most trips, it takes a little more effort to walk to destinations, but it’s worth it. Along with doing something good for your body and your health, you’ll be doing something good for the environment and save a little gas and wear and tear on your car. If walking to places from your home isn’t practical, is it something you can do when you’re at work? Look for lunch spots or places to do errands that are within about a half mile. Or once you get to one location, leave your car parked and walk to your other destinations. Or even park a half mile or so away and walk. We all have errands to run and places to go–see how many of them or parts of those trips you can do on foot.

Happy Walking!

Michele