Generally, a “hike” suggests both longer distances and rougher (or at least unpaved) terrain than a “walk”. But there’s no definitive distinction. (Also, terminology varies in different parts of the world. For example, in New Zealand they go “tramping.”)
Since there’s no clear delineation between walking and hiking, it’s reasonable to suggest that a journey can include some of both, making it a walk/hike or a “wike.”
Walking gets lots of attention as a form of exercise, and for good reason. It doesn’t require any special equipment and you can do it most anywhere.
There has been lots of research into the health benefits of walking for exercise. And lots of people are out there walking for exercise. That's great!
But let's take a look at a few more reasons to walk, 'cause it's more than just exercise!
There's a video making the rounds again lately (despite being circa 2013-14) about an Iowa science teacher who used himself for an "experiment" with his class to eat exclusively at McDonald's. However, there were caveats, and the results surprise some people. As usual there's more to the story.
Back in hilly Pacifica again, and walking. This time, I fired up a pedometer app on my iPod Touch and did some step counting. (6,000 for a morning stroll.) Counting steps is all the rage these days, but this little jaunt got me thinking. And not just about "step by step...inch by inch..."
I've been thinking about this one for a while now, but just saw this:
So You Want to Start Fitness Walking?
Now it's "fitness walking"? Whatever happened to "power walking"? Ah well, no matter. The question for this post: is walking really a fitness activity?
