Morning Walk

Published in the Sunday Vijay Karnataka on 06 July 2025

I told the Apple salesman, “I should sue you for not designing these for everyone.” He smirked and said, “These are for normal people.” Sunila teased, “Ina, you’ve got small ears.” I just laughed it off.

"Are you coming for the walk?"
"No yaar, I have to write. There's an 11 a.m. deadline."
"Okay, I’m going. What are you writing about?"
"Morning walk," I said, standing up.
“Sudhir, wait! Writing about the morning walk and skipping the walk itself? That’s not happening! Practice what you preach!” That line struck me. I couldn’t preach from a chair, so I got up and went out sincerely and enthusiastically.

Once you finish a walk, it feels like the strength of an elephant surges through you. Thoughts flow, the day feels upbeat, and by evening you want to say, “Love you, Zindagi!” But despite its obvious benefits, it wasn’t until my forties that I turned it into a habit.

Which time is best — 5 to 6, 6 to 7, or 8 to 9 a.m.? That debate still rages. Then comes the gear — shoes for walking or jogging, color choices, branded pairs, and the hunt for the right fit that even took me overseas.

Same with clothes — cotton or synthetic? Loose or fitted? Ankle-length or shorts? Black and white or colorful? Then hoodies for winter, ponchos or windcheaters for monsoon. Slowly, morning-walk fashion took over an entire section of my wardrobe.

And then came the accessories — wrist bottles, belt bags, headbands, hats, arm bands, earmuffs, headphones, knee supports. I got caught up in the thought: “Shouldn’t I look smart and new-age while walking?”

The first day I wore it all, I felt like an astronaut. Every body part was strapped with something. Instead of feeling light, I felt like heavy cargo. Naturally, the walk stopped. I was exhausted from just prepping for it.

One more problem: I wanted to listen to podcasts but AirPods wouldn’t fit my ears. Sunila and I searched all over the U.S. I told the Apple salesman, “I should sue you for not designing these for everyone.” He smirked and said, “These are for normal people.” Sunila teased, “Ina, you’ve got small ears.” I just laughed it off.

Luckily, two years ago Sudhir brought me Shokz headphones from Germany — perfect for my ears. Now even Bose has introduced clip-on models I hope to try. It felt great to know someone out there was finally considering our “abnormal” ears.

But like most fads, my excitement for tech-filled morning walks didn’t last even nine days. I’d fallen for marketing. It had done its job. Wisdom, as always, came after spending money. I ditched the gear and went back to my simple self — phone and Shokz headphones — and I’ve never missed a walk since.

As a traveller, I live out of a cabin-sized bag. I swear by the mantra, “the less you carry, the more you enjoy.” Travel is my life, and this philosophy works beautifully. Even in that compact bag, you’ll find a tracksuit and swimsuit. I wear my walking shoes and pack just one pair of formal ones.

I don’t expect tourists to follow this minimalism. They should dress up, click countless pictures, post them online, and enjoy every bit. But a medium-sized four-wheel suitcase is enough — no point exhausting yourself hauling heavy luggage.

On group tours, morning walks are nearly impossible. Our days are packed. Unless it’s a customized holiday, finding time for a walk is tough. But if you do manage, walk only in safe, populated areas — not deserted ones. Let your tour manager know.

Today, technology has made the world accessible, but insecurity has grown in many global cities — especially due to homelessness, substance abuse, and refugee crises in European and American countries.

And please, use sidewalks, zebra crossings, and signals. Don’t jaywalk or cross highways mid-way. I’ve done that foolishly before, and though nothing happened, the world was perhaps safer then. I used to head out in U.S. and Europe at 6:30 a.m. for a 90-minute walk. Now, I wouldn’t recommend it.

That doesn’t mean the world is entirely unsafe. Just be cautious. I’ve walked in countless cities and towns around the globe. My favorites? Any Swiss village, Manali in India (especially behind the Hidimba Temple), Kensington Park in London, villages in Scotland and New Zealand, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House area in Australia. When you’re there, walking feels natural — you just wake up, lace up, and go.

A few days ago, Shakumai Churi — our well-wisher and my mother-in-law’s cousin — visited us from Goregaon. She’s 90, but looks just as I remember her 30–40 years ago: straight posture, strong voice, and full of energy. I asked, “What’s your secret? You look exactly the same!”

I expected a long list of diets and routines. She seemed like someone from Japan’s “Blue Zones.” But surprisingly, there was no elaborate plan. She didn’t even eat all veggies. But she did one thing consistently — walk. Morning walk, evening walk, in-between walk — she kept moving. That morning, seeing her, we all felt inspired. The next day, our entire household went out for a walk. We had unlocked a secret to longevity.

To me, morning walks are not just about fitness. They boost our mind, our thoughts, and they strengthen not just the body but the fabric of society. A healthy body leads to a positive mind — and that builds stronger communities, and a stronger nation.

And I believe this too — any place where ordinary citizens can freely go for a morning walk...is a safe place.