The truest sign of life is when something transforms into a more developed outgrowth — such as when a flower bud opens into a blossom, a chrysalis makes way for a butterfly or a walk evolves into a hike.
The Oxford Dictionary defines walking as “moving at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once.”
On the other hand, hiking is “walking for a long distance, especially across country or in the woods.”
Local hiker and “60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland” author Diane Stresing simplifies it: “Walking is for transportation while hiking is for leisure exploration.” The biggest distinction is the sense of discovery inherent in hiking. You can walk around your block for predictable exercise on predictable terrain over a predictable surface. When hiking, you explore a new trail in a changed environment, and that can make your blood pump stronger even before taking your first step.
STARTING WITH A WALK
H. Michael (Mike) McCormick, 78, of Cleveland’s Brooklyn suburb, took his “first step” in 1991.
“I really began walking when I quit smoking. It started in the neighborhood, then I moved to the APT (All-Purpose Trail) in the Cleveland Metroparks.”
McCormick’s next step came with retirement at age 62 in 2000, after a career as a newspaper pressman at The Plain Dealer. Searching for some new pastime, he began leading hikes for school children at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Soon he was also leading city and park tours at Cleveland Metroparks’ CanalWay Reservation.
Hiking was a great reason for McCormick to get up in the morning. Not only were groups depending on him for leadership, but “the obvious benefit is health and strength,” he says.
“The biggest benefit was when I found out I had colon cancer. Two weeks before my surgery, I began walking and hiking every day so I could be as strong as possible. By the way, that was in 2008 and I am cancer free.”
AN ALL-SEASON ACTIVITY
McCormick usually hikes at least three times a week, even in the winter.
“If it’s 25 degrees or above, you can dress for that. Sometimes if it’s bitter cold or rainy and cold, I would go to a mall just to get some exercise, even though mall walking is boring. Fall hiking, of course, is the best. You can hike on a Tuesday and go out the next day in the same park and the scenery has changed.”
McCormick hikes more than an hour at a time — 3 to 4 miles, depending on terrain — at nearby CVNP and Cleveland Metroparks reservations, especially in Bedford and Brecksville. “I can back out of my driveway and within 10 miles I can find at least five different bike or hike trails to go on.”
Just a few words of wisdom before heading out the door: “If you haven’t exercised in a long while, I would recommend going slow,” McCormick advises. “I started out walking my block, which was a half-mile. I did that for two weeks then started slowly going farther.” He also recommends packing water and a fully charged cell phone, and wearing good shoes. Additionally, add to your daypack snacks such as power bars, dried fruit and nuts, a windbreaker and hat.
Also, as Stresing says, “File a ‘flight plan.’ Let someone know where you are, what trail you’re on and who to contact in case of an emergency. Fit 20-year olds should do that just as much as octogenarians.” Let common sense be your guide.
For McCormick, a walk takes you from point A to point B for exercise, whether on the sidewalk, in the mall or along the trail.
“A hike is more of an exploration. Many times on a hike in the same forest you will come across something you didn’t notice the last time on the same trail.”
A walk or a hike — it’s your choice. Step out with a sense of discovery and expectation. Nurture your own transformation.
