For the most part, then, despite all the physical advantages it brings, I still see walking's chief benefit to be a mental one.
What I remembered this weekend, when I strolled outside for the first time in seven days—after being down with a cold and other annoyances—is how walking helps a body recuperate. The combination of fresh air and footfall working their magic.
The walks were not the fastest I've ever taken, nor did they cover the most ground. But they took me out of the house and into the wide world, and I was grateful for them.