240 Miles Later

Right before Christmas I started to walk to work on a daily basis. I had grown tired of waiting for the bus, didn’t want to drive and needed exercise. I also wanted to have some personal “me” time every day to compress and think about things (aka daydream).

The first few weeks were harder then I could ever have imagined. Four miles a day is not that far but when you have been driving to work for the past few years it’s quite an adventure to start out every morning with a walk. I turned breathless more often than not over the first few weeks.

The morning walks started out being quite painful for my untrained body but quickly grew into a daily routine that I now look forward to. I get to walk through some of the most notorious neighborhoods in San Francisco and see them wake up: Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, North Beach, Chinatown and the Financial Districts. Tourists pay money to see what I experience every day.

The net-net is very positive:
- I’ve quickly gotten into shape during these 240 miles (386 km)
- I’ve discovered new areas of San Francisco that I never knew of
- Life has slowed down and I no longer feel stressed
- I’m much more patient and realize that things need to take their time
- I’m never stuck in traffic or stuck in a crowded bus
- I’ve saved bus fair and gas money for 3 months
- And I have time everyday to plan my work day with the best views in the world

And even-though we get a few weeks of rain in SF I’ve hardly ever had to ask the Missus for a ride to work. I just grab a rain jacket and charge through the rain like a well trained marine. Give me a who-ha, seargent!