This is a story about transformation. And urban hiking.
There is a book titled, “Secret Stairs: A Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles” by Charles Fleming. It is a spanking great read about little-known urban adventures just waiting to be discovered. Mr. Fleming spent hours studying, measuring, mapping and photographing the hidden stairways of Los Angeles. As a mini history lesson, a walk among these hidden stairways gives a glimpse into a more innocent time when people walked more than drove. The stairs helped navigate the endless hills of the City of Angels.
The book is divided up into five sections each representing the geographical landscape of Los Angeles. Each section has between four and 11 various walks that are measured in the number of stairs, the length of walk and the measure of difficulty. These walks are a treasure map to enchantment.
But here is what I really like about this book.
Before discovering these staircases, Mr. Fleming was a broken man. He had undergone two hip surgeries, a hand surgery and a broken leg. He had also endured two spinal surgeries. He was still in constant pain. His doctor recommended yet a third surgery. He declined.
Then he tried something different. He started walking. At first he walked a modest two blocks – about as much as he could tolerate. After doing this for a period of time, he found his pain became more tolerable. It was during these early walks that he discovered the first stairs in the Silver Lake area of LA. As he began to feel better, he worked up to half a mile. And then another. He ended up searching for and discovering a trove of hidden gems throughout the city. He became stronger. And he never had that third back surgery.
To me, the lesson serves as a reminder that physical activity can be an answer to your prayers. Walking can take you away from something crummy toward something better.
Perhaps there are some hidden staircases in your neck of the woods?
Find your own active life and let yourself be taken away.
My first urban experience will be Walk #1 in the book: Pasadena-La Loma Road. Duration: 1 hour; distance: 2.7 miles; steps: 996; difficulty: 3. I can’t wait!
If you need help discovering how an active life can be yours, download my free report. If what you read resonates with you, give me a holler. I’d love to help.
After all, everyone deserves an active life.
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