First, you have to understand that prior to moving to Over-the-Rhine, I lived in the suburb of Eastgate. There were sidewalks within subdivisions, but there were few, if any, opportunities to walk to any establishment. In most cases, housing was separated from businesses by a busy thoroughfare such as SR 74 or US 32-- even if you were gutsy, crossing five lanes of traffic would probably give you pause.
Now I'm in Over-the-Rhine, and the difference could hardly be more stark. We've shed one car completely, and our second car spends most of its time in the lot. We're within walking distance to groceries and dining, we've hoofed it to Cyclones games and Fountain Square events, and-- my favorite shift of all-- we walk to work.
The difference between walking and driving to work is incredible. A few of my favorite distinctions:
- The exercise. My walk is 1 mile; Dan walks 1.6. Double that over the course of the day, and you have quite a bit more physical exertion than I usually manage.
- The lack of stress/frustration. When you're driving, you're combating other drivers, stop lights, traffic, and more-- all while maneuvering a two-ton vehicle. The stress can be high, even when your drive is routine. Walking, however, eases most of that. You'll still hit the DO NOT WALKs from time to time, but for the most part, the walk is calming and casual. There's less to process at slower speeds, so you're safer and more alert.
- The city as art. Speaking of "less to process," you're able to use all that extra synaptic energy to process the beautiful city around you. For instance, I walk by the old Enquirer building every morning, with its original features and intricate gilding. I take in the largest collection of Italianate architecture in the U.S. as well as some gorgeous examples of Art Deco style.
- Less gasoline. And thus, less carbon footprint. And less cashola, of course.
The commute-by-foot can be tricky, such as when we experience torrential rain or, more recently, early morning temperatures in the high 70s. I've already learned which shoes give me blisters and I've purchased a stronger deodorant. But I wouldn't trade any of it for my beautiful, relaxing walk to work every morning, and the help that it has given me in exploring my new downtown neighborhood.
9 comments:
It's criminal to me that I live in the shadow of the Kroger building and work in Blue Ash. Two times in my life I have been able to walk to work and I really really loved it. Not in the cards for me these days, sadly.
Though it was a much shorter difference, my walk to school afforded the same benefits. I'm glad you guys are enjoying it.
I ride the bus to work, but you should see the looks on my co-workers faces when I tell them I walk 6 blocks to the bus. You would think it was a trek across Africa. I love that walk, 10 minutes in the morning and afternoon to get my head together.
The most interesting thing I've noticed, when I do get in a car now, I don't have that daily accumilated pent up rage. I can drive totally relaxed. You want to cut me off? Let me take my foot off the loud pedal and let you in. I'm the most non aggressive driver in the world now.
Kudos! And kudos to your honesty regarding deodorant -- on hot, muggy days, just saunter instead of walking, and you'll be fine. The great thing about walking downtown is that the city becomes so much richer when you're on foot -- there's so much life and beauty and personality that you wouldn't otherwise notice.
Just wait until winter, when you get to be your boss' go-to person during snow emergencies. You'll never be able to excuse your lateness because you had to shovel the driveway or got stuck in traffic, or whatever those people get to say.
Guys, I have to comment on how much I enjoy reading your blog. You're making me want to move! and this quite a turn from a girl who has lived all her life in a burb of some sort or another.
thanks for sharing!
classicgrrl
cincyvoices.com
Thank you so much! It wouldn't be the same without all the comments-- good or bad, they keep us going. ;)
(We prefer the good, for what it's worth.)
I am so jealous of your walk commute. I have been downtown a year and half and love it. I really enjoy that so many new restaurants have opened. And staying open later. SoHo Sushi is my new favorite. And of course Just Crepes (The one I stole the FourSquare Mayorship from you ). Now I just need to get a pet so I can take it to the new Vet that opened around the corner. And get a job downtown!
I do have a recommendation to downtowners. If you want an eye opening way to enjoy exercising downtown. Go for an early morning walk/jog to the end of Friendship Park along the river. The sun rising on the river, sparkling through the trees and across the landscapes. Nothing but invigorating to the soul. Bring your camera.
Haha, you were the one who stole the mayorship? I stopped checking into FourSquare a few weeks back because I was tired of doing that awkward-- "One second, gotta check in" thing with my friends (none of whom use it).
Couldn't belong to a better guy, I guess. ;)
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