The Spirited Walker

Fitness walking for Body, Mind, and Soul

No matter how fast or far you walk, no matter what you goals or fitness level, whether you walk on a treadmill or in a forest, alone or with companions, this guide will lead you along a path of mental and physical exercise that travels from sole to soul. Author Carolyn Scott Kortge, an award-winning journalist and masters racewalker, offers a wealth of easy-to-do breathing exercises, visualisations, and active affirmations that transform fitness walking into a meditative practice – of awareness, spiritual renewal, and physical vitality. ''Whatever your motivation for walking – relaxation, aerobic fitness, weight loss, a healthy heart, or interaction with nature – a spirited walk can become the first step in a spiritual journey,'' Kortge says. With humour, anecdotes, and practical advice, she shows you how to take the first step and motivates you to walk for life with an approach for fitness that puts care of the soul on equal footing with care of the body.

''If you really want to give your spiritual life a boost, let Kortge show you how the simple act of walking can take you on a trail of self-transformation to destinations inward-bound that you never knew existed. Here is a direct way to knowing yourself and a celebration of being fully alive.''
JERRY LYNCH, Ph.D., co-author of ''Working Out, Working Within''

''This is the walking book I wanted to write! While so many books focus primarily on physical fitness and health, my readers tell me it''s the spiritual connection walking satisfies that keeps them going.''
MAGGIE SPILNER, walking editor, ''Prevention Magazine''

Journalist CAROLYN SCOTT KORTGE holds bronze and silver meals from the USA Track and Field Association''s National Masters Championships and was formerly ranked among the top five women racewalkers in her age group. As a feature writer for daily newspapers in Wisconsin, Kansas, and Oregon, she has captured numerous national awards for excellence.