Walking, Hiking and Canes

[Catrin]

If walking and hiking is the main activity I can do outside of lower body kettlebell work then so be it, it gets me outside :cool:

I am up to about 5ish miles on dirt trails, and less than 2 miles on pavement. For whatever reason more than that on pavement upsets my hip bursitis. My knee is fine in those limits...but sometimes it does want to give out when I'm not in hiking boots and wielding two trekking poles. I suspect that's more due to the poles than the boots but I would never hike without both. I don't use poles for pavement of course.

Considering getting a cool cane for pavement walking for those occasional times, but part of me then says I don't want to look like an old woman before my time. A striking cane that fit me properly might get me over that mental hump. Then again, would it really help? Just pondering. I've torn cartlidge in a couple of places in that knee from the fall.

So I try to do trail hiking on the weekend and park 1.5 miles from work twice a week to get some weekday walking in. Keeps me from overdoing it with my kettlebells.

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[ny biker]

I've been walking for exercise and stress relief since senior year of college*. It doesn't burn as many calories as more strenuous cardio activities but it is weight bearing (good for the bones) and really helps clear my head.

One of my friends bought a cane when she was recovering from a broken femur. It was a folding cane, easy to fit in a tote bag or bike bag or keep on the floor of the car. It was black with something colorful painted on it. Maybe something like that would fit the bill.

[Catrin]

I've been looking at some cool ones that have arthritis friendly handles. Part of me is resistant but even my boss keeps encouraging me to do this

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[Pax]

I have four canes, all in cool colors. Gel handle is a big plus, folding is nice for travel, adjustable is a must since different shoes require different heights for the cane.

[Crankin]

One of my clients has a really cool cane, with dragon designs and a scary looking handle.

[Catrin]

Sounds cool Crankin, and Pax that sounds like a nice collection. Good point about adjustable, indeed shoes would make a difference if I were to have a wooden one cut to my height.

BTW, I was surprised at how good my new Chaco water shoes felt on pavement. I wouldn't want to go for a long walk in them, but they felt good for casual walking and that isn't always the case.

added: I found one with a digital display that includes distance, time, steps, and estimated calories. I might have to have one :)