[tibbar]

I also love taking long walks on the weekends! I've ramped up over time to around 35 mile walks. I always take the same route, over the Golden Gate bridge and back. With this distance there is a heightened risk of repetitive stress injury, but you can help by increasing distance slowly and doing simple foot/ankle exercises during the week. Besides the potential for listening to music/podcasts, it's also a great time to call friends who may live in other places.

Unlike the author, I do wear a backpack. I really like having all the stuff I might want with me, from snacks to Gatorade to jackets, etc.

It can be very meditative as well. If you walk quietly for several hours, just focusing on breathing and walking, you can be in (almost) another state of consciousness by the time you get back.