The History of Walking

Geoff Nicholson, in his book ‘The Art of Walking’ wrote;

“Looked in a certain way, walking is the most ordinary, natural, ubiquitous activity. What could be more commonplace or lacking in eccentricity than the act of walking?”

Here are some important “walking” dates throughout history:

• 4 million years BC or thereabouts: Australopithecus afarensis begins the fad of two-legged walking, the defining trait of family Hominidae. Two-legged walking frees up the hands to use for making tools, tying shoes, etc.

• 8,000 to 10,000: North American natives make and wear sandals.

• 1589: Sir Robert Carey walks 300 miles from London to Berwick on a wager.

• 1864: Black Forest Wanderverien is founded, which is now the world’s oldest walking club.

• 1969: Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon. Makes you feel bad for Michael Collins; he didn’t get out to stretch his legs.

• 1991: The first MS Walk in Canada.

• 2011: We commemorate 20 years of the MS Walk!
• Excerpt from about.com.; http://bit.ly/qBFQvb

Keep those feet moving, and your name might headline the next chapter in the great book of walking!