Getting to 10,000

Making time for a walk isn't always easy.

Now that I work from home, I have to try a little harder to get outside for a walk. The app Pacer, is a big help. There is no wearable device - anytime your phone is with you, even in a purse, it tracks the steps. Just download the app to your phone for free in the iTunes store. The benefits of walking 10,000 steps each day have been widely documented. I've found that Pacer taps into my inner competitor and is easy and fun to track.

Pacer app, from iTunes

Stylish sneakers are having a major comeback, and there are lots of options to aid in the quest for 10,000 steps. While Vans deserves credit for always making cool slip-ons, it was Celine that kick-started the recent trend. I like leather and calf hair sneakers for daytime. Common Projects and Joie both have a good selection of styles.

My long-time favorite lace-up sneaker is by Superga, and that love goes back to my summer abroad in college. All the cool European kids wore them then, and I still think they look great. Right now mine are navy blue, and I might be in the market for another pair.

Fashion writer Alessandra Codinha 's cool red Supergas.

Nike Free lightweight sneakers are great for sporty support on longer walks (and runs) and are a lot of fun to customize.

My dark gray, light gray and yellow custom Nike Free sneakers

So find some cool shoes and start walking! Maybe you'll find that like Kentucky poet Wendell Berry, “There comes . . . a longing never to travel again except on foot.”