Three years ago, I started walking. Not because I was training for anything or trying to hit some fitness goal — it was more personal than that. I just didn’t feel athletic or disciplined at the time, and I wanted to change that. I wasn’t unfit, but I didn’t feel strong either. I wanted to prove to myself that I could commit to something.
So I walked. It started small. A few blocks after school, maybe a couple of hills here and there — nothing crazy. But the more I did it, the better I felt. And in a city like San Francisco, walking never gets boring. There’s always something to see: steep streets, beautiful views, random alleyways, the smell of different restaurants on every corner.
Now, walking is just part of my life. I average about 30,000 steps a day, which comes out to around 12 miles. I walk to school and back, which gives me about four miles before most people have even started their day. I haven’t taken a rest day in over a year. Even when it’s pouring rain or freezing cold, I’m out there. No excuses.
But over time, walking became more than just about endurance or consistency. It became a way to experience the city — and honestly, a way to experience life.
My favorite place to walk is the Palace of Fine Arts. There’s something peaceful about it. It feels timeless and calm, like the city’s standing still just for a second. I also love walking down to the pier at night. It gets cold — really cold — but I kind of like that. The quiet, the lights reflecting on the water, the way everything slows down… it feels real. Like the city’s letting its guard down for a moment. And sometimes, I’ll head over to Little Italy. That’s one of my favorite spots because you see everything — restaurants packed with people, bars buzzing with energy, friends laughing on the sidewalk. It’s loud, messy, human. You see life in all its forms, and that reminds me why I walk. Being out there, among strangers and sounds and different cultures, feels way better than being cooped up inside.
People always ask, “Why do you walk so much?”
The truth is, it started with wanting discipline. But now, I walk because it reminds me that I’m alive. It’s my time to reflect, to breathe, to observe. When I tell people that, some are surprised. Others think it’s cool or inspiring. A few think it’s a little extreme — especially when they hear I haven’t taken a rest day in over a year. But most people are supportive, even if they don’t totally get it. Their reactions don’t really bother me. I do it for me, not for approval.
Walking has taught me patience, endurance, and presence. It’s not about the step count anymore — it’s about how I feel after I’ve done it. Like I pushed through something. Like I stayed consistent. Like I showed up for myself.
As for what’s next — I don’t plan on stopping. This summer, I want to explore more of the Bay, maybe find new routes or take longer walks just for the sake of wandering. And when I go to college, I know I’ll keep walking.
