$$ Fact 2: Walking Gear and Clothes are Cheap or Free
You really don't need any special clothing to enjoy walking. I've walked for miles wearing my office attire. In fact, until I took up racewalking all I ever needed were t-shirts, shorts or comfortable pants, and a jacket.T-shirts are everywhere. I get them free as promotions all the time, as awards for walking events, or buy them as souvenirs.
But since I walk in all weather and at all times of day and night, I have a walking wardrobe that covers all conditions. I have eliminated cotton from my wardrobe, substituting sweat-wicking breathable fabrics such as CoolMax and polypropylene.
Wendy's Walking Wardrobe
Hiking boots $120Waterproof hiking shoes $100
Yaktrax: slip-on cleats for icy streets $20
Racewalking shoes: custom-built $120
Running shoes for walking$80
CoolMax socks $5
Double layer socks $7
Running slacks$60
Running tights - both winter and summer weight $30
CoolMax running shorts $20
Spandex running shorts $20
Gore-tex waterproof pants $80
CoolMax tee-shirts $15
CoolMax tanks/singlets $10
Polypropylene long-sleeved shirts $15
Microfleece vest (also reflective) $60
Gore-Tex waterproof running vest $40
Windproof jogging jacket $30
Gore-tex mountain parka(unlined) $150
Gore-tex/down arctic-expedition weight parka. $150
Dri-lite cap and microfleece cap with earflaps (wicks sweat) $20
CoolMax hat $10
Reflective hat $10
Dri-lite and microfleece earbands $5
Polypropylene stretchy gloves $3
Microfleece mittens $10
CoolMax jogging bras $20
CoolMax underpants $10
Bottle-carrier waistpack$15
Large waistpack $25
Daypack $30
Reflective safety vest$10
Water bottle $5
Platypus water bottle $10
Aluminum, folding hiking stick$50
Total: About $1500. Hmm, maybe I should have just stuck with the cotton t-shirts and jeans.
Gadgets for Walkers: Spending What You Saved
Walkers can find some gadgets and luxuries to spend their money on - or put on their gift wishlist.Heart Rate Monitor: Are you getting a good walking workout? A heart rate monitor can ensure you are in the right heart zone. Various models also time your walks, laps, have programmed workouts, calories burned, and time/date. Cost $39 - $200.
Before You Buy a Heart Monitor
Sports Watch: If you don't care about heart rate, a sports watch can also give you lap time, splits, stopwatch function, etc. Cost $20 - $100
Pedometer/Step Counter: Many people find that pedometers are too inaccurate to really measure their walk, since they depend on you having a constant stride length. But they can be great as a step counter. Set a fitness goal of walking 10,000 steps a day - and you will find by the end of the day how many you need to add in. Costs $20 - $50
Before You Buy a Pedometer
Walking Poles: Walking poles can increase the calories you burn while walking at the same speed and meanwhile you don't feel like you are exerting yourself any more. Cost $59 - $150 per pair.
Before You Buy Walking Poles
Treadmill: If you find yourself not walking due to the weather or lack of a safe walking route, a treadmill may be the answer. Treadmills also have pre-programmed workouts with some models and they are a great way to perfect your walking technique. Cost: $500 - $5000
Before You Buy a Treadmill
GPS: Imagine a gizmo that tells you exactly where in the world you are, helps you chart your trail, etc. That's what a hand-held GPS can do.
Next: Walking Saves Health and Counseling Costs
Walking is Cheap Fun and Cheap Adventure Travel
Find or Make Money Walking
Shoes are Cheaper than Cars
