Back to Basics - Fitness Edition

At the end of May, an awesome thing happened: a new extension of San Antonio Riverwalk opened. A project championed by outgoing Mayor Phil Hardberger, the 1.3-mile Museum Reach boasts art installations throughout, wide walkways, and Texas-conscious landscaping. Plus, the northern terminus is now the rejuvenated Pearl Brewery.

Dave and I skipped the grand opening (yikes the crowds!), but it gave me an idea: why not park at Pearl and walk the river to and from work?

Turns out to be a 15-minute scoot and 45-minute walk (which, as you know, became a great multitask time for me). It took a couple days to get my gear sorted; I need to take my ID, phone, media player, lunch, a change of underclothes (it's 95+ during my "commute"), and an umbrella (fair skin!). I got it all in my hydration pack, and I've been a walking machine ever since.

The best part -- besides the beautiful route, the other walkers I already recognize, and the language learning -- is that it's such a better fitness solution for me than the gym was. Not only am I working fitness into my commute, all I need are my walking shoes. OK, yeah, my pack's full of stuff, but it's all for work, learning, or my well-being.

And the rewards are piling up: toned muscles, glowing skin, and a calm mind among them. I won't lie; I'm looking forward to October for cooler temps, and I predict some marathon-training will become part of the process at that point. For now, though, I'm happy to sweat it out, be part of my gorgeous city, and rely on my feet to get me there.

[image via Prevention.com]
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