Walking Las Vegas
Dateline: 03/09/97
I dropped in on an outdoor trade show this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada to tour the outdoor gear and outdoor wear section for vendors with items of interest to walkers and hikers. I also enjoyed my own version of Las Vegas walking.
I live in the wet Northwest and find the high, dry climate of Las Vegas to be a wonderful change for walking. Each morning I get up with the sun and put on my walking clothes, taking care to put on lots of sunscreen and bring along a hat. Early in the morning the sidewalks of the Strip are sparsely populated, and there are many joggers and exercise walkers out and about. In hot weather, this is the only time of day to walk. This week the temperatures were 50 - 55F at 8 am and went up to a high in the upper sixties - perfect walking temperatures.
My route took me from the new Monte Carlo Hotel on the Strip, over to Koval Lane, then to Paradise to the Best Western Mardi Gras Inn. At the Best Western check-in desk I asked for the volksmarch start box and signed in for the walk. The Las Vegas High Rollers and Strollers Club has maps and directions for two walking routes. I had started one of them "in the middle," as my hotel was along the route, almost at the halfway point of the 7 mile route. This route takes in the Strip and all the glitter of Las Vegas. The second route takes in the University. As I am a tourist and like to play cards, I have never done the University route!
I took the map and bought a bottle of water at the gift shop of the Inn. Then it was a short trip to the Silver City Casino where I enjoy the $1 blackjack tables. After a cool-off and some gambling, I continued to the Strip and added my own segment to the walk to see the Stratosphere Tower. The Strip is in constant change, with new hotels going up and old ones being torn down. It is always fun to take the first walk all the way from Luxor to the Stratosphere and see all the changes.
One obnoxious fact of life in walking in Las Vegas are the pamphleteers who stand along all the sidewalks trying to force you to take their ads for escort services. I was happy to hear that as of this week this activity is banned on the Strip. These pamphleteers block sidewalks and result in tons of litter with their unwanted brochures. I am all for free speech, but they are a nuisance that needs regulation. As an exercise walker, I applaud this new ordinance and hope it succeeds in court challenges.
At the trade show I met vendors for some products that make my walking more enjoyable. Slip-on cleats that can be used as needed when ice hits are perfect for anybody in winter, let alone walkers. The manufacturer was there and has a number to call to locate retailers. Polar fleece head gear/cowls are perfect for cold weather walking to adjust to cover the parts you need covering. Polar fleece mittens with a fabric that is both windproof and waterproof to keep your hands snug while walking. Energy bars to carry along on those longer walks. Walking sticks for hardy hikers or to give city muggers a second thought before targeting you. I will be adding links to the Resource page for products, so stay tuned.
I enjoyed walking fast up and down the Strip each day, especially now that I am at ideal body weight. It also brought home how weight-ist our society is. I had become invisible as a 30-something woman who was a little overweight. Now I was getting appreciative glances, and outright flirtations - while being escorted by my husband. We still have a long way to go to appreciate and notice people for who they are, not what they look like. I am a mediocre athlete and know many gals who weigh far above ideal body weight who can walk my socks off. Don't assume anything about people based on how they look standing still.
Photos and Review of Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon
Las Vegas for Visitors
Casino Gambling
