Since the knee has been bothering me lately, I’ve been making more of an effort to go for walks. The physical therapist I worked with during my prior knee episode recommended that I walk on a treadmill* at least part of the time because the uniform speed and surface let me walk at a very predictable, steady pace. But, of course, the best place to walk is the place you will walk … and I’d been walking on a treadmill in my employer’s office park’s gym for most of the week.
So when the man of the house suggested an outing to the Pike Place Market on Saturday, I was up for it. We wandered through most of the main arcade, including the open-air portion, gawking at paintings, art glass, dried flowers, woodcarvings, metalworked jewelry, glass jewelry, handknit sweaters, handpainted shirts, fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, honey, jams, jellies, and so on.
It was an almost perfect contrast with a treadmill.
| Treadmill | Market |
| Solitary | Crowded |
| Static environment | Varied environment |
| Uniform pace | Varied pace |
| Flat | Sloped |
I’d forgotten that the main arcade floor was built with deliberate slopes to direct rain and stall-washing runoff. You’re not just walking uphill, but often leaning down to the right or left. Overall I think the hour or so walking was beneficial … but I was glad I had an icepack waiting at home. :)
*Yes, that which makes the treadmill boring also makes it useful.
Living ~400lbs 
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