You know you are going to be feasting. Not only is Thanksgiving coming up next week, but that is just the start of the holiday eating season. If you eat, you must walk. It's hard to get out of the house or onto the treadmill without a plan. Use my Walk Finder pages to find an organized walking event or walk/run race near you. It will help jump start your holiday exercise plan. How much do you need to walk to walk off the Thanksgiving calories? Use my Thanksgiving Calorie Calculator to find out exactly how far you will need to go. Better get started today, because it's a long way for the typical feast!
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner

I walk in a wet climate, but I'm not willing to sacrifice lightweight shoes for waterproof. Luckily, shoe manufacturers are producing more and more models that meet the needs of those of us who want to walk fast or run and still have a waterproof shoe. Keen sent me a pair of Keen Obsidian WP trail shoes to try out. These are lighter in weight and flexible in the forefoot - both excellent for walking. I put them through puddles and wet grass and got nary a drop inside the shoe, plus the gusseted tongue kept out leaves and fir needles.

At first, I thought these shoes just weren't for me because the uppers were so tight. I got a pair a half size larger than usual and that fit much better. Then I removed the insoles and put in a pair from my usual shoes. Voila - I had a snug but not tight fit. The insoles they provide are great if you have a high arch to support, but not for my flatter foot. Now, I need to return their samples and buy a pair for keeps! The toe box had plenty of room for my wide foot.

My remaining quibble is with the lacing system, which is pretty much useless. In order to keep the laces looser over the forefoot but tight at the ankle to prevent heel slippage, I had to tie a knot in the middle of the lacing rather than do my usual bunny-ears lace lock. Still, I managed and I think these shoes will see me through many soggy months.

Keen Obsidian WP Review

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Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

Love your running skirt but want to keep your legs warm? SkirtSports.com has a ToughGirl Hot Legs skirt to keep out the wind on your winter walks and runs. They combine a running skirt with bootleg cut tights. It's made of soft, moisture-wicking nylon and spandex that the manufacturer says will keep you warm for temperatures down to 30F. It has two pockets under the skirt and a port for your headphone cords. I haven't had a chance to see this item in real life, but I have seen how popular running skirts are at marathons and half marathons. They also have skirts with capri-length tights.
Photo courtesy of SkirtSports, Inc.

If you wear running skirts, why do you like them? I've tried samples from several manufacturers and they just aren't for me. While I appreciate covering your buns and feeling feminine, I just don't like having extra flaps of fabric over my shorts, it annoys me. I also see plenty of guys wearing running kilts, so this is a gender-neutral question. If you wear a running skirt or running kilt, why do you like it?

• Running Skirts
• How to Dress for Cold Weather Walking

Does your best walking buddy have four paws? Come tell us about your walking dog and how you keep each other moving. You can upload a photo or two to show the world your dog. Tell us how you started walking together, the best experiences you have had, and advice to other dog walkers.
Your Walking Dog
Walkers' Dog Walking Stories
10 Dog Walking Tips
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner