Each year brings new trends, stories, and gear to the world of walking. These are the stories that got the most interest from walkers in 2005. Updated 12/26/05
Google made it possible for creative programmers to use Google Maps for many purposes, including being able to draw and measure your walking route online. Programmers Simon Buckle and Kevin Callahan worked with me to bring a couple of versions for walkers. Not only can you map, measure, and save your route, you can also calculate how many calories you burn walking it.
Steve Vaught is just like many of us - he gained weight and would like to change his life and health for the better. Being a man of action, he decided to hit the road and walk from San Diego to NYC this year as his Fat Man Walking weight loss program. By the end of the year, he had made it Oklahoma and lost quite a bit of weight and become a national celebrity interviewed by Oprah and the Today show. He's back on the road in 2006.
SportBrain had long been the only option for a pedometer that uploaded and graphed your data on a web site. Now DashTrak has come to the US market, and FitBug is on its way as well. I love them all, but am running out of space on my waist to wear them all.
Nordic walking - walking with fitness walking poles - is big news and big business in Europe. Trails, resorts, and vacation packages are being built for nordic walking. In the USA, small steps forward were taken as the Portland Marathon added a Nordic Walking division to their 10K Mayor's Walk, and other events are following suit. Nordic walking burns more calories per mile while toning the upper body and relieving strain on the joints.
What you eat matters, but how much you move matters just as much. The new USDA Dietary Guidelines issued in January, 2005 emphasized the need for 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity exercise for everyone to maintain health, and 60 minutes a day if you want to lose weight.
Those who think the only worthwhile exercise involves sweating and gasping for breath continue to be shot down by research that shows moderate intensity exercise such as walking is great for health. Many people get scared away from exercise because they think it will be difficult and painful. Walking at an enjoyable speed can add healthy years to their lives and reduce their risks for most major diseases.
Potatoes took a big hit with the low-carb diet craze. The Potato Board has reacted by recrafting the venerable Mr. Potato Head as their mascot, redressing him as a healthy walking potato, complete with athletic shoes and water bottle. He made his debut as a balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Potatoes on the march!
